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Twins hope to find their offense vs. Rangers

Apr 25, 2008 - 1:22 PM Minnesota (10-12) at Texas (7-16) 8:05 pm EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) - The Minnesota Twins have scored the second fewest runs in the American League so far this season. Lucky for them, they get to play the Texas Rangers next.

The Twins will look to pile up the runs Friday when they visit the Rangers for the start of a three-game series.

Minnesota has scored just 78 runs in 22 games, and 15 in their last seven. The weak attack has led to seven losses in the past 11 games, including an 11-2 thrashing Thursday at Oakland.

The offense will get a boost Friday when right fielder Michael Cuddyer returns to the lineup after sitting out since April 5 with an injured finger.

Texas has by far been the worst pitching staff in the AL, yielding 142 runs this season and owning an AL-worst 5.54 ERA. The Rangers have yielded 67 during their current seven-game slide.

They lost to the Tigers, 19-6, on Wednesday despite owning a 5-0 lead in the early innings.

Ace Kevin Millwood (1-2, 2.53 ERA) will try to stop the bleeding for Texas on Friday. The veteran righthander allowed two runs and 10 hits in six innings against the Boston Red Sox Sunday but did not factor in the decision as the Rangers lost, 6-5.

Millwood has struggled in his career against Minnesota, owning an 0-5 record with a 5.64 ERA in eight starts.

The Twins will counter with rookie Nick Blackburn (1-1, 2.49). The 26-year-old righthander earned his first career win last Saturday against Cleveland, allowing eight hits in 7 2/3 scoreless innings.

Blackburn has walked just three batters in 25 2/3 frames this season.