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Twins continue series with Blue Jays

May 12, 2012 - 3:21 PM (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins hope to build on last night's success as they host the Toronto Blue Jays in the third installment of a four-game series Saturday in Minneapolis.

The Twins ended their two-game losing streak on Friday behind Darin Mastroianni's strong performance in which he drove in three runs. Ryan Doumit had two RBI while Denard Span and Joe Mauer scored two runs each in the 7-6 victory.

"It was unbelievable out there tonight," said Mastroianni, who had his first hit and RBI in the game. "Getting that hit was big and it was even more special that it was an important one that helped us win."

Minnesota will look to tie its season high winning streak of two tonight as P.J. Walters makes his debut with the team.

Walters was called up from Triple-A on Thursday after going 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA in six starts for Rochester to take over Francisco Liriano's spot in the rotation. Liriano was recently demoted to the bullpen.

The right-handed Walters will be making his first start since Sept. 29, 2010 in which he pitched seven scoreless innings for St. Louis in the Cardinals 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Although his future with the team is uncertain, Walters has a chance to make an impression with one of the worst pitching staffs of the early season.

"Obviously, I was excited," said Walters of receiving the news from Gene Glynn, the Triple-A manager. "He just kind of told me I was going up and pitching on Saturday, so make the most out of the opportunity."

Walters will have that opportunity against the Blue Jays, who counter with rookie Drew Hutchison (1-1).

Hutchison is coming off of his first career loss in which he surrendered four runs and eight hits while striking out six in a start against the LA Angels of Anaheim.

The Blue Jays' rookie has been limited to a pitch count in the 80's in both of his first two starts. Hutchison will try to erase the sour taste of yesterday's loss in which Kyle Drabek (2-4) gave up three runs on four hits in 4 1/3 innings.

"He didn't have consistent command tonight, especially his first two innings," said Toronto manager John Farrell about Drabek. "I thought we did some good things offensively and gave ourselves every opportunity to win this game. We never roll over and we never pack it in."

Toronto's Jose Bautista hit two home runs in Friday's loss and third baseman Brett Lawrie singled in three of his four plate appearances. Bautista hit more home runs against the Twins than any other player last season.

The Blue Jays won the season series against the Twins, 5-1, last season. They outscored the Twins 44-14.