Detroit @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 3, 2013 ) Detroit 2, Minnesota 3

Torii Hunter is off to a strong start with his third team, collecting four hits in the first two games for the Detroit Tigers. Hunter and the Tigers look to take the rubber match in the three-game set at the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Hunter, who played from 1997-2007 with the Twins, has slotted into the second spot of a powerful order, just ahead of 2012 American League MVP Miguel Cabrera. Detroit, coming into the season without an established closer, let a one-run lead get away in the ninth inning of a 3-2 loss Wednesday.

The Twins left 12 on base in the opener and looked to be headed for another defeat before Eduardo Escobar’s walk-off double. Escobar was acquired from the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Francisco Liriano last July. Minnesota will need to get more from their two through six batters, who contributed only one hit.

TV: 1:10 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit, Fox Sports North (Minnesota).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Rick Porcello (2012: 10-12, 4.59 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (0-0, 2.29).

There were rumors about the Tigers dealing Porcello throughout spring training, but the right-hander remains in the rotation for now. He pitched well in the preseason, allowing eight earned runs in 24 innings. Porcello is 6-4 lifetime against the Twins with a 3.24 ERA over 86 innings. The current players on the Minnesota roster are batting a combined .327 against him.

Pelfrey was signed as a free agent in the offseason after Tommy John surgery ended his New York Mets career last May. The 29-year old right-hander logged 18 1/3 innings in the spring, giving up 28 hits and 13 runs. Pelfrey had one appearance against the Tigers in 2011, when he allowed four earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. Omar Infante is 15-for-28 in his career against Pelfrey.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cabrera, who had a career-high 139 RBIs in his Triple Crown season of 2012, has knocked in three in the first two contests.

2. The Twins bullpen has allowed one hit and one run, which came home on a wild pitch, in five innings the first two games.

3. Twins rookie CF Aaron Hicks was the fourth player in club history to lead off in his major league debut Monday and he is 0-for-7 with two walks in two games.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Tigers 5.