Fri Sep 5 10:53:43 2008

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After epic road swing, Twins return home to host Tigers

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(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins return home after their lengthy road trip this evening to face the Detroit Tigers in the start of a three-game series at the Metrodome.

The Twins, who will be playing at home for the first time since August 20, were a game back of the Chicago White Sox when they set off on a grueling 14- game road trip -- the team's longest since 1969. But, despite going 5-9 on the trek, Minnesota lost just a half game to the White Sox, who still lead the Central by 1 1/2 games.

Minnesota ended the trip in disappointing fashion on Thursday, as it was blanked 9-0 by the Toronto Blue Jays, who completed a three-game sweep at Rogers Centre. Denard Span had a pair of hits for the Twins, who have lost four of five and nine of 12.

Starter Kevin Slowey (11-9) took the loss for Minnesota, charged with 10 hits and three runs over 5 2/3 innings.

The Twins hope left-hander Francisco Liriano can get them back on track tonight, as he tries to run his unbeaten streak to seven since returning from Triple-A. Liriano hasn't received a decision in either of his last two outings, but has been phenomenal in both, surrendering just two runs and 10 hits in 13 innings.

Liriano, who is 4-0 with a 1.23 earned run average since returning, gave up just a run and five hits over seven innings to the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, but did not factor in the decision of his team's 3-2 loss. He is 4-3 with a 3.45 ERA on the year.

The 24-year-old flame-thrower has faced the Tigers six times (four starts) and is 1-1 with a 5.53 ERA.

Detroit will counter with righty Armando Galarraga, who has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a disappointing campaign. Galarraga, in his first full season, has amassed a 13-4 mark to go along with a 3.17 ERA in 25 games (24 starts).

Galarraga, who is 0-3 lifetime versus the Twins, did not receive a decision on Sunday against Kansas City, as he surrendered a pair of runs and eight hits in seven innings of his team's 4-2 win.

Detroit enters this series after dropping two of three to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, including a 7-1 setback in Thursday's finale at Comerica Park. Curtis Granderson homered for the Tigers, who have dropped eight of their last 11 contests.

It was another rough outing for Kenny Rogers (9-13), who lost for the seventh time in his last eight trips to the bump. The 43-year-old was tagged for six runs on eight hits in just two-plus innings of work. Aquilino Lopez and Nate Robertson combined to allow one run on six hits in seven innings of relief.

Minnesota has won 10 of its 15 matchups with the Tigers this season, including five of the six games played at the Metrodome.