The Cleveland Indians entered the weekend series with the 3rd highest scoring offense in baseball. The Twins entered the series having allowed the 5th most runs in baseball. So far through two games, things have gone exactly opposite of what those numbers indicate.

The Twins have held the Indians to just 1 run in each of the last two games while taking advantage of poor pitching from Fausto Carmona and Carl Pavano. Kevin Slowey nearly pitched a complete game shutout, but ran into trouble in the ninth on Saturday and had to be bailed out by Luis Ayala. Nick Blackburn turned in his best start of the season, allowing just a run in 7 innings.

Game Notes

• Joe Crede has brought his average to .200, with 3 hits, including 1 home run, in the past two games.
• Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Crede, Michael Cuddyer and Delmon Young each had a multiple hit game on Saturday.
• Kubel had an RBI double on Friday and hit his 3rd and 4th homers of the season on Saturday.
• Morneau hit his 4th homer of the season on Friday night.
• Carlos Gomez did not start in either game.

Bullpen rested

The bullpen has had to pitch just 9.2 innings in the past 7 calendar days. That's largely due to off days and a rain shortened game, but was also helped by good starts from Glen Perkins, Blackburn and Slowey. With Jesse Crain expected back on May 2nd, the Twins could use another week of effective starting pitching.

Sunday matchup

Glen Perkins (1-1, 1.50) will try to keep his strong start going against fellow lefty Aaron Laffey (1-0, 2.19), who has pitched well through 2 starts. Game time is 12:05 CT.