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Twins, White Sox clash in Windy City

Jul 7, 2011 - 2:56 PM (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins try to continue their recent mastery of the Chicago White Sox this evening when the American League Central foes open a four-game series at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Twins have beaten the White Sox all four times the teams have met this season and have won seven straight, including the last six in the Windy City. Going back even further, the Twins have won 26 of the last 32 meetings.

Minnesota was denied a three-game sweep in its series with the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, falling 12-5 in the finale at Target Field. Michael Cuddyer hit a solo homer and knocked in three runs for the Twins, who went 6-3 on a nine-game homestand.

"We got to get out there and try to win every series we can," Cuddyer said.

Minnesota starter Francisco Liriano allowed five runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. Alex Burnett (2-5) gave up four runs on four hits over 1 1/3 frames to suffer the loss.

Heading to the hill for the Twins tonight will be right-hander Carl Pavano, who is 5-6 with a 4.19 ERA. Pavano did not get a decision on Saturday against Milwaukee, as he allowed four runs (three earned) and eight hits in 7 2/3 innings of his team's 8-7 loss.

Pavano went the distance to beat the White Sox the last time he faced them and is 7-3 lifetime against them with a 3.57 ERA in 10 starts.

Chicago will counter with righty Philip Humber, who has won six of his last seven decisions. Humber's latest win came on Saturday against the Cubs, as he scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings to improve to 8-4, while lowering his ERA to 2.69.

This will be Humber's first start against the Twins.

Chicago comes into tonight's series following losses in three of its last four games after a 4-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

Edwin Jackson (5-7) yielded four runs on eight hits over seven innings to take the loss.

"At the end of the day, my job is to keep the game close," Jackson said. "Regardless of how the game starts I have to keep the team within striking distance."