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Twins look to keep streaking vs. Indians

Jul 6, 2008 - 1:18 PM Cleveland (37-50) at Minnesota (49-38) 2:10 p.m. EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Twins have been the hottest team in baseball for over two weeks now. The Cleveland Indians have been one of the coldest.

The Twins will be looking to earn a sweep of three-game series when they host the Indians on Sunday.

Minnesota has pulled to within one game of the Chicago White Sox (50-37) in the American League Central due to a blistering pace which has seen it earn wins in 15 of its last 17 games. The Twins have won with dominating pitching, holding their opponents to three runs or less 12 times in the last 17 games.

On Saturday, the offense was on display as Joe Mauer homered and Alexi Casilla, Brendan Harris and Craig Monroe each drove in a pair of runs en route to a 9-6 win.

The Indians are stuck in last place, having dropped seven in a row. They are just 15-28 on the road this season.

One of the few bright spots for the Cleveland this season, lefthander Cliff Lee (11-1, 2.26 ERA), will get the start in the finale. Lee will not only be looking to secure his place on the American league All-Star roster, but is a strong candidate to start the Midsummer Classic.

Lee has allowed one run in each of his last three starts and has not suffered a loss since May 18 at Cincinnati.

The Twins will counter with lefthander Glen Perkins (4-2, 4.31 ERA). The 25-year-old rookie did not factor in the decision in his last outing despite allowing just two runs and seven hits while striking out seven in 6 2'3 innings.