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Burnett looks to get back to winnings ways vs. Twins

Sep 3, 2008 - 12:27 PM Minnesota (77-61) at Toronto (71-66) 7:07 p.m. EDT

TORONTO (Ticker) -- When the Minnesota Twins embarked on their current 15-day, 14-game road trip, they sat one game behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central standings.

As the Twins prepare for the middle game of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, they are in a tie atop the division with just two games remaining on the marathon voyage.

With the Republican National Convention in town, Minnesota has stumbled to a 5-7 start to the trip. But with the White Sox losing five of six, the Twins find themselves tied with White Sox at identical 77-61 records as they wind down their four-city trip. The AL Central rivals each have 24 games remaining, including a three-game set September 23-25.

The Twins turn to Nick Blackburn (9-8, 3.75), who will attempt to snap a four-start winless streak.

The righthander has lost four of his last six decisions after starting the season 7-4. With just one win in his last seven road starts, the 26-year-old is coming off a decent performance in Oakland on August 28. He allowed two runs, six hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings as the Twins went on to lose, 3-2.

Toronto counters with A.J. Burnett (16-10, 4.48), who is looking to get back in the win column after having his personal six-game winning streak snapped.

Burnett had not lost since July 18, but was a hardluck loser in a 2-1 defeat against the New York Yankees on August 29. The righthander pitched eight strong innings, allowing two runs, seven hits and a walk, while striking out eight.

The 31-year-old has not lost at home since June 7, a span of nine starts. He is 8-0 over those nine starts with a 3.06 ERA.