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Twins attempt to carry over success at home to the road

Jul 7, 2008 - 1:26 PM Minnesota (50-38) at Boston (52-39) 7:05 pm ET

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Twins made their climb back into contention in the American League by dominating at home. They won't have to wait long to see if that success travels well.

The Twins begin a stretch of seven road games heading into the All-Star break on Monday when they meet the Boston Red Sox in the first of three games at Fenway Park.

Minnesota has won 16 of its 18 games, going 13-2 at home over that time. However, the team embarks on a long stretch of contests away from the Metrodome, traveling to Boston - which owns the best home record in the American League at 31-10 - before wrapping up the first half of the season with a four-game set in Detroit.

After starting their post-All-Star break schedule with a three-game home set against Texas, the Twins travel to play the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees in three-game series.

In order to win their sixth straight game, Minnesota will need to fare better against Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-1, 3.12 ERA) than they have in the past. The righthander has allowed the Twins to bat just .222 against him, winning both of his starts while sporting a 2.40 ERA.

Matsuzaka did not figure into the decision in Wednesday's 7-6 loss at Tampa Bay after yielding a run and two hits with five walks and five strikeouts over five innings.

The Twins will counter with Scott Baker (5-2, 3.65), who will eye his fourth consecutive win in as many starts. The righthander permitted three runs and seven hits over six innings in Tuesday's 6-4 win over Detroit, striking out five without walking a batter.