Houston @ Minnesota preview

Houston at Minnesota

Last Meeting ( Aug 2, 2013 ) Houston 3, Minnesota 4

With some spirited late-inning play, the Minnesota Twins spoiled the Houston Astros' initial visit to Target Field. The Twins would like to add to the Astros' misery on Saturday as they vie for the series win. Brian Dozier hit a game-tying RBI single in the ninth inning before ripping a walk-off base hit in the 13th as Minnesota snapped a four-game skid with a 4-3 triumph in the series opener.

Houston had been in position to walk away with its fourth win in 14 contests, but its bullpen-by-committee approach let it down on three occasions. Originally scheduled to start on Wednesday, left-hander Erik Bedard was pushed back a couple of days as he dealt with stiffness in his shoulder. Astros manager Bo Porter also has been cautious with second baseman Jose Altuve, who missed his second straight game with a left quadriceps injury.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Erik Bedard (3-8, 4.28 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (2-3, 6.21)

Bedard suffered his fourth straight loss despite yielding just one earned run for the second consecutive outing. The 34-year-old Ontario native last pitched on July 25, scattering three hits over five innings in a loss at Toronto. Despite his less-than-stellar record, Bedard has kept the ball in the park in eight of his last 10 trips to the mound.

Gibson yielded two homers for the second straight outing en route to his third loss of the season. Making just his sixth career start, the 25-year-old permitted five runs on seven hits over five innings in a 6-4 setback to Seattle on Sunday. Gibson has struggled with his control, issuing 11 walks in 33 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dozier is riding a career-best nine-game hitting streak but is 0-for-2 against Bedard.

2. Houston SS Jonathan Villar committed his second error in as many games on Friday.

3. Minnesota LF Josh Willingham took batting practice on Friday as he eyes a return after undergoing knee surgery on June 3. Willingham will head to Triple-A Rochester on Monday for a rehab assignment.

PREDICTION: Twins 3, Astros 2