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Halladay looks to continues success against Twins

Jun 25, 2007 - 1:28 PM Toronto (37-37) at Minnesota (38-35) 8:10 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - Roy Halladay looks to continue his success against the Minnesota Twins when he takes the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener of a four-game series.

Since returning from the disabled list early last month, Halladay (8-2, 4.08 ERA) is 4-0 in five starts, including a 1.84 ERA in the victories. The righthander is 5-0 with a save and a 1.79 ERA in eight appearances - six starts - against the Twins.

Toronto has won three straight and four of five to reach the .500 mark for the first time since May 1 (13-13). Included in those victories was a 5-0 win vs. the Colorado Rockies on Sunday that saw Blue Jays starter Dustin McGowan carry a no-hitter through eight innings before surrendering a leadoff single to Jeff Baker in the ninth.

McGowan was attempting to join Dave Stieb as the only pitchers in club history to throw a no-hitter. Stieb accomplished the feat against the Cleveland Indians on September 2, 1990.

Frank Thomas also is closing in on a milestone for th Blue Jays after he hit his 499th career home run Sunday. Trying to become the 21st player in baseball history to reach the hallowed 500 mark, Thomas has hit 15 career homers at the Metrodome.

Minnesota, which has also won four of five, counters with rookie Kevin Slowey (2-0, 4.43), who will make his first career start against Toronto. In his last start, the righthander allowed four runs, eight hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings while not receiving a decision against Milwaukee.

It is uncertain if the Twins will have reigning MVP Justin Moreneau back in the lineup. The first baseman, who has 20 homers, remained in a Florida hospital Sunday night to have more tests run after coughing up blood following a collision at home plate with Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo on Friday.