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Indians putting early struggles behind them

Apr 19, 2008 - 11:58 AM Cleveland (7-10) at Minnesota (7-10) 3:55 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - The Cleveland Indians seek their third straight win on Saturday when they continue a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins.

Casey Blake, who was batting just .152 with seven RBI in his first 14 games this season, had two hits - including his first home run - to lead the Indians to a 4-0 victory against the Twins in the series-opener Friday.

Blake and Cleveland's offense appear to be getting back on track. After losing six of the previous seven games, the Indians have forged back-to-back victories by outscoring their opponents, 15-1.

Conversely, the Twins have been outscored, 11-3, during their last two games - both losses - and have won just once in their last six games.

Rookie Nick Blackburn (0-1, 3.57 ERA) tries to snap Minnesota's losing streak and cool the Indians offense when he takes the mound on Saturday.

The 26-year-old righthander surrendered four runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings and did not factor in the decision for his second straight start as the Twins suffered an 11-9 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Monday.

Jake Westbrook (1-1, 2.38) counters for Cleveland, which has yet to win three straight games this season.

The righthander is coming off a strong performance, allowing just two runs - one earned - and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings on Monday.

Westbrook, however, took a no decision as the Indians suffered a 6-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox.