Minnesota @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 3, 2012 ) Minnesota 8, Detroit 6

Justin Verlander isn't used to seeing opposing players trot around the bases. He'll look to keep the ball in the park Wednesday as he leads the Detroit Tigers into the third game of a four-game series against the surging Minnesota Twins. The defending American League Cy Young Award winner allowed seven home runs in five June starts - the most he has surrendered in one month since September 2007. He may be in tough against a Twins team that is riding a season-best five-game winning streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSNO (Minnesota), FSD (Detroit)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Brian Duensing (1-4, 4.10 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (8-5, 2.69)

Minnesota hasn't been getting much from Duensing, who has surrendered seven runs over seven innings in his first two starts this season. The 29-year-old southpaw was tagged for three runs on eight hits in just four innings last time out, leaving him winless since a two-inning relief appearance June 2 against Cleveland. Duensing is 2-3 with a 4.48 ERA in 18 appearances - including seven starts - against Detroit.

Verlander was lit up for three home runs in his last start, snapping a streak of four straight quality outings. The 29-year-old still managed to put together a 3-2 mark in June, giving him eight consecutive winning months dating back to early in the 2011 campaign. Verlander has been downright stingy at home so far, posting a 3-2 record with a 1.71 ERA while limiting opposing hitters to a minuscule .168 average in seven starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Wednesday's starters were born just two days apart - Verlander's birthday is Feb. 20, 1983, while Duensing's is Feb. 22.

2. Twins C Joe Mauer is hitting .422 (19-for-45) during an 11-game hitting streak, raising his season average to .332.

3. Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera has just two home runs in his previous 64 at-bats.