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Banks, Padres attempt to stop streaking Twins

Jun 26, 2008 - 1:02 PM Minnesota (42-36) at San Diego (32-47) 3:35 p.m. EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- Surprising rookie Josh Banks takes the mound Thursday when the San Diego Padres host the Minnesota Twins in the finale of an interleague series.

Waived by the Toronto Blue Jays in April, Banks found a spot in the San Diego rotation when Chris Young and Jake Peavy went on the disabled list and the righthander has no intention of relinquishing his spot.

Banks (2-1, 1.62 ERA) has allowed a total of six earned runs in 33 1/3 innings over six games - four starts. The 25-year-old has survived mostly with great command, issuing just six walks.

He suffered the first loss of his career last Thursday at the New York Yankees despite yielding just two runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings while walking one and striking out three. He has allowed three runs or less in each of his six outings.

The Twins could prove to be a tough test, however, as they will be attempting to win their ninth straight game on Thursday.

Minnesota got to closer Trevor Hoffman for a pair of runs in the ninth inning Tuesday to take the series opener, 3-1, and pounded Greg Maddux for seven runs in an eventual 9-3 win on Wednesday.

The Twins will send righthander Scott Baker (3-2, 3.47) to the mound in search of the sweep. The 26-year-old has been strong since coming off the disabled list on June 5, compiling a 2.63 ERA and walking just five batters in 24 innings.

He earned his first win since April 9 his last time out, allowing one run and seven hits in six innings while walking one and striking out seven Friday against Arizona.