Minnesota @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2011 ) Cleveland 6, Minnesota 5

THE STORY: The Minnesota Twins, who broke their 11-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over Seattle on Thursday, begin a four-game series against the host Cleveland Indians on Friday night. The Indians lead the Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2 games for second place in the American League Central. Cleveland swept three games at Minnesota last weekend and have won five straight over the Twins. The Indians have taken 8 of 14 in the season series.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Minnesota, STO (Cleveland).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Carl Pavano (8-13, 4.40 ERA) vs. Indians RH Justin Masterson (12-10, 3.15).

Pavano is the only member of the rotation who hasn't been on the disabled list this season. He has made 31 starts and pitched 206 2/3 innings. Pavano took a shutout into the seventh inning against the Indians on Sunday, but gave up a leadoff homer to Shelley Duncan. An error by first baseman Chris Parmelee and bases-loaded walks by the bullpen led to Pavano being charged with four runs and getting the loss. He is 3-3 with a 2.90 ERA in nine career starts against Cleveland. Masterson got the win over Pavano when they met in Minnesota. He allowed three runs (one earned) in six innings for only his second victory in nine starts. The win was the first of his career against the Twins. Masterson is 1-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 12 games (nine starts) versus Minnesota. Masterson and Josh Tomlin, who won't pitch again this season because of a sore elbow, are tied for the team lead in victories.

ABOUT THE TWINS (60-95): Solid defense has been one of the Twins' strong points the last several seasons, but that has drastically changed in 2011. Minnesota has committed 116 errors, the third highest total in the majors. The Twins are on pace to make 122 errors, which would be their most since 1980. Manager Ron Gardenhire has been forced to use several young players because of the injuries his team has suffered.

ABOUT THE INDIANS (77-78): It came too late to stay in the division race, but the Indians have been unleashing the long ball. Cleveland homered three times in Thursday's 11-2 victory over the White Sox. The Indians have hit 34 home runs in their last 25 games and have homered in 12 of their last 14 contests. Cleveland has 151 home runs with seven games to play after hitting 128 last season.

FINAL PITCH: Thursday's win helped the Twins avoid their 15th sweep of the season. Minnesota was swept four times last season in winning its second straight American League Central title.