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Indians, Twins face off in rubber match

Apr 20, 2008 - 1:49 PM Cleveland (7-11) at Minnesota (8-10) 2:10 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - With each team having notched a shutout in the series, the Cleveland Indians visit the Minnesota Twins on Sunday searching for a win in the rubber match.

The Indians took Friday night's contest, 4-0, as Cliff Lee continued his impressive early season with eight scoreless innings. The lefthander struck out eight and walked one while surrendering just two hits.

Rookie Nick Blackburn nearly matched that line for the Twins on Saturday, lasting 7 2/3 scoreless frames to earn his first win of the season. Justin Morneau's two-run homer in the first provided the righthander all the support he would need.

Minnesota could use another strong pitching performance, as their offense ranks 13th in the American League with just 69 runs scored through 18 games. The Twins have combined for just six runs over their last three games.

They will look to get their bats going against righthander Paul Byrd (0-2, 6.08 ERA). The soft-tossing 37-year-old allowed nine earned runs in his first 7 1/3 innings this season, but turned in a solid effort Tuesday against Boston - allowing just an unearned run and six hits in six innings while not factoring in the decision.

Byrd has always had success against Minnesota, owning a 10-3 record and a 3.64 ERA in 16 career starts.

The Twins will counter with righthander Scott Baker (2-0, 4.34). The 26-year-old has been remarkably consistent this season, allowing three runs in each of his three starts.

Baker has had a problem with the home run ball of late, allowing three blasts in each of his last two starts.