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Orioles look to push back to .500 vs. Twins

Jun 4, 2008 - 2:05 PM Baltimore (28-29) at Minnesota (30-28) 8:10 p.m. EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Baltimore Orioles will try to bring their record back up to .500 when they visit the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.

After avoiding a sweep against the Boston Red Sox with a late rally on Monday and snapping a nine-game losing streak to the Twins in the series opener, the Orioles seem poised to win two straight at Minnesota for the first time since 2004.

Melvin Mora and Kevin Millar each homered on Tuesday to key a 13-hit attack en route to a 5-3 victory. Rookie righthander Radhames Liz earned his first major league win by allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Baltimore will turn to a pitcher with a little more experience on Wednesday when tall righthander Daniel Cabrera (5-1, 3.60 ERA) takes his turn. The 27-year-old has been sharp all season, reigning in his powerful arsenal by throwing more sinking fastballs and inducing more groundouts.

After leading the American League in losses, earned runs allowed and walks allowed last season, Cabrera has benefited from the tutelage of new pitching coach Rick Kranitz, who has encouraged the righthander to let the natural movement on his fastball work to his advantage.

Cabrera has not absorbed a loss since May 3 at Los Angeles and pitched seven solid innings against the Red Sox last Friday in a no decision.

Minnesota will counter with lefthander Glen Perkins (2-2, 3.90). The 25-year-old had his worst start since being recalled from the minors May 10, allowing five runs and 10 hits in four innings to take a loss against the New York Yankees on Friday.