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Twins set to square off with Indians

Apr 23, 2009 - 10:18 PM By Matt Becker Stats Senior Writer

Minnesota (7-9) at Cleveland (6-10) 7:05 p.m. EDT

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians know they need to start winning series in order to have success.

So far, that's been a problem for the Twins on the road.

Minnesota looks to break out of its road funk when it opens a three-game series against the Indians on Friday.

After an impressive three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels last weekend, Minnesota (7-9) was swept in a doubleheader at Boston on Wednesday.

The Twins lost the first game - originally scheduled for Tuesday night - 10-1 and the nightcap 7-3. They managed 11 hits in the two games after scoring 23 runs and going 35-for-103 against the Angels.

Minnesota's offense has been virtually nonexistent away from the Metrodome.

The Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 12-5 in their first away game of the season but have been outscored 31-5 in dropping their last four on the road.

"It's important to go into that city and win the series," right fielder Michael Cuddyer told the Twins' official Web site. "We always preach win the series. If we can win two of three, we'll like where we are on the road trip."

Minnesota's trip continues at Cleveland, where it went 3-6 last season.

The Indians (6-10) are coming off Thursday's 5-2 victory over Kansas City to take two of three from the Royals and win their first series of the season. Cleveland has won five of eight after opening 1-7.

"To be effective, you have to win series," said Grady Sizemore, who hit a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the eighth inning Thursday. "And to gain ground on your division, you have to be able to win series against those guys."

Sizemore went 15-for-39 (.385) with three home runs, five RBIs and a .442 on-base percentage in nine home games versus the Twins last season.

Minnesota's Justin Morneau, who hit his third homer Wednesday night, was 13-for-37 (.351) with a home run, five doubles and 10 RBIs in those nine games at Progressive Field. The 2006 AL MVP is one of the few Twins having success on the road this season, batting .368 (7-for-19) with two homers and six RBIs.

Morneau and the Twins open this series against Fausto Carmona (1-2, 7.88 ERA), who after a couple of subpar outings got a good opportunity to settle down his last time out. Backed by 20 runs of support - including 14 in the second inning - the right-hander gave up four runs and six hits in six innings of a 22-4 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday.

In his only start against Minnesota last season, Carmona was tagged for nine runs, seven hits and three walks in 2 1-3 innings of an 11-4 loss July 26.

The Twins counter with Nick Blackburn (0-1, 5.71), who did not receive a decision after giving up four runs and eight hits over 6 1-3 innings in Friday's 11-9 win over the Angels. The right-hander has yielded four runs in each of his first three starts.

Blackburn could have a good chance of notching his first victory of the season against Cleveland - one of his favorite opponents.

In four starts against the Indians last season, Blackburn went 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA, allowing four runs in 27 2-3 innings.