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Morneau, Twins look to stay on track

Jun 12, 2008 - 1:06 PM Minnesota (32-34) at Cleveland (30-36), 7:05 pm EDT

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- After ending their six-game losing streak, Justin Morneau and the Minnesota Twins will turn their attention to taking the rubber match of their three-game series against the rival Cleveland Indians on Thursday.

The Indians blanked the Twins, 1-0, in the series opener, but Morneau drove in three runs and Jason Kubel hit a two-run homer as Minnesota posted an 8-5 triumph over Cleveland on Wednesday.

"It was a nice a win," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "It has been a long time since we were able to shake hands. That was a good feeling."

The 2006 American League MVP, Morneau is batting .298 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI this season.

Indians rookie starter Aaron Laffey (3-3, 2.98 ERA), who has won each of his last three home starts, will try to contain Morneau and the rest of the Twins offense.

The 23-year-old lefthander yielded two runs and six hits over 6 2/3 frames, but did not receive a decision in Saturday's 8-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

He will be opposed by veteran righthander Livan Hernandez (6-3, 5.32), who was roughed up for seven runs over four innings during Saturday's 11-2 setback to the Chicago White Sox.