Minnesota @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 22, 2012 ) Minnesota 5, Cincinnati 4

The Reds’ lead in the National League Central is down to one game after losing 5-4 to Minnesota in the series opener on Friday. Cincinnati has lost a season-high four straight games, and three of the losses have been by one run. The Reds need to find a way to slow down Twins catcher Ryan Doumit, who went 4-for-4 on Friday and belted his 12th career homer against Cincinnati. Third baseman Scott Rolen had three hits and a home run on Friday in his fourth game since coming off the disabled list.

Twins catcher Joe Mauer walked as a pinch hitter in the series opener after missing the previous three games with a bruised right quadriceps, and the team is hopeful that he’ll be able to start at some point this weekend. Closer Matt Capps was reportedly available for Friday’s game, but instead Glen Perkins worked the ninth for his second save. Capps, who has not pitched since June 15 because of right shoulder inflammation, could return as soon as Saturday.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN (Minnesota), Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Brian Duensing (1-2, 3.12 ERA) vs. Reds RH Johnny Cueto (8-3, 2.38)

With Carl Pavano and P.J. Walters on the disabled list, the Twins are turning to Duensing, a left hander who will be making his first start of the season. Duensing, who has thrown 34 2/3 relief innings this year, will likely be limited to 50-60 pitches.

Cueto gave up one run over seven innings last Sunday against the Mets, giving him 11 quality starts in his last 14 outings. Over the last two seasons, his 2.33 ERA is the best in the majors. Cueto, who has never faced the Twins, has gone at least seven innings in five of his last six starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. At least one home run has been hit in each of the last 60 games at Great American Ball Park dating back to July 29, 2011.

2. Cincinnati CF Drew Stubbs (oblique) went 0-for-2 on Friday in his first rehab game with Single-A Dayton. He’s expected to rejoin the Reds on Monday.

3. Umpire Jerry Layne left Friday’s game after being hit on his head by the barrel of a broken bat. Tests came back negative, but he’ll be replaced by Mark Lollo for the rest of the series.