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Angels go for third straight win over Twins

Apr 3, 2008 - 4:19 PM LA Angels (2-1) at Minnesota (1-2) 1:10 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - The Minnesota Twins look to gain a split with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim when the clubs conclude a four-game series Thursday.

After the Twins won on Opening Day, the Angels have taken the last two games, allowing just one run over that span.

The pitching success may be a bit surprising for the Angels, who have their top two starters - John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar - on the disabled list.

On Wednesday, Joe Saunders pitched eight scoreless innings, giving up just four hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Howie Kendrick scored the game's only run on a wild pitch in the seventh inning.

Ervin Santana looks to continue the Angels' dominance over the Minnesota hitters when he starts Thursday. The 25-year-old righthander went just 7-14 last season with a 5.76 ERA.

The Twins will counter with a young righthander of their own as Kevin Slowey takes the mound looking to get Minnesota back into the win column.

The 23-year-old made 11 starts in his first season in the majors last year, going 4-1 with a 4.73 ERA. The righthander allowed 16 home runs in 66 2/3 innings.