(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins will try to capture their fourth series victory in five attempts, as they wrap up a three-game set with the Cleveland Indians today at Progressive Field.
On Saturday, J.J. Hardy's run-scoring single in the seventh inning proved to be the difference, as the Twins defeated the Indians, 7-2, in the second test of this series.
Jason Kubel and Trevor Plouffe both homered for the Twins, who bounced back from a 7-6 loss in the series opener. Joe Mauer went 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored.
Carl Pavano (14-7) was solid in seven innings against his former club, allowing two runs on seven hits to improve to 9-1 over his last 12 starts. The right-hander is 2-1 in four career starts against Cleveland.
"Nice win for us tonight. Pavano was very good," said Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire.
Jordan Brown had three hits and drove in a run for the Indians, who inducted outfielder Kenny Lofton and former GM Cy Slapnicka into their Hall of Fame prior to the game. Matt LaPorta knocked in the other run.
Fausto Carmona (11-9) went 7 1/3 frames in the start, giving up five runs on 10 hits to take the loss. He had won four of his last five starts.
"Fausto really battled for us. He gave us a chance to win the ballgame. He pitched very well and deserved better," said Indians manager Manny Acta.
Taking the hill for the Indians today will be David Huff, who has dropped four consecutive starts. In his last appearance on Tuesday, Huff surrendered three earned runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 3-1 loss at Boston. He is now winless in his past six starts, last picking up a victory on May 23rd.
The left-hander hasn't had much success against the Twins either, going 0-2 with a 6.55 ERA in two starts versus them this season. Overall, he is 2-4 with a 6.06 ERA in six career meetings with Minnesota.
Brian Duensing will oppose Huff and the Indians, and he is 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA since joining the Twins' rotation. On Tuesday, he allowed three earned runs and four hits over six innings of an eventual 6-4 loss to Tampa Bay. He walked four and fanned three in the no-decision.
The left-hander has thrown three scoreless innings of relief against the Indians this season, but this will be his first career starts versus them.
Minnesota took two of three games from the Indians in Cleveland from April 30- May 2, and have won six of the 11 overall meetings this year.