Baltimore @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 1, 2018 ) Minnesota 7, Baltimore 0

The Minnesota Twins returned to Target Field with their tails between their legs after concluding a disastrous 1-8 road trip with six straight losses. The Twins look to get back on track Thursday, when they begin an 11-game homestand heading into the All-Star break with the opener of a four-game series against the beleaguered Baltimore Orioles, who have dropped nine of 10.

Eduardo Escobar belted a solo homer in Wednesday's 3-2 setback against Milwaukee as he bids to work his way out of a slump that has seen him go 4-for-29 with seven strikeouts over his last eight games. The 29-year-old Venezuelan also went deep among his two extra-base hits in the season-opening series against Baltimore. Tim Beckham continued his torrid stretch with two hits while scoring his team's lone run on Adam Jones' double in the third inning of Wednesday's 4-1 defeat at Philadelphia. Beckham is riding a seven-game hitting streak during which he is 10-for-27 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (2-8, 4.48 ERA) vs. Twins RH Aaron Slegers (0-0, 3.38)

Cashner saw his winless stretch extend to six starts after settling for his third straight no-decision on Saturday despite allowing one run and four hits in six innings against the Los Angeles Angels. A bullpen implosion was to blame as the 31-year-old was in line for the win after delivering his fourth quality start in his last five outings. Cashner owns an 0-2 record, 6.00 ERA and 2.11 WHIP in two career starts versus Minnesota.

Slegers is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to remain on normal rest for his fifth career appearance in the major leagues. The 25-year-old came on in long relief for the Twins on May 30 at Kansas City, against which he surrendered two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings. Slegers, who has posted a 5-6 record with a 3.55 ERA with the Red Wings, owns an 0-1 record and 5.66 ERA over 20 2/3 frames in three starts and two relief appearances in the majors.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore SS Manny Machado has reached base in each of his last seven games.

2. Minnesota RHP Ervin Santana (finger) is scheduled to make his next rehab start on Thursday for Single-A Fort Myers.

3. The Twins are just 5-11 against American League East representatives, while the Orioles' 12-32 road mark is easily the worst in the league.

PREDICTION: Twins 4, Orioles 2