Minnesota @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( May 7, 2015 ) Oakland 5, Minnesota 6

Winners of three in a row and six of their last seven, the Minnesota Twins look to continue their torrid pace when they open a three-game series versus the host Oakland Athletics on Friday. Offense has been the operative word for Minnesota, which erupted for 24 runs to take the final three contests against Detroit prior to the All-Star break and scored 28 times to win three of four versus Oakland from May 4-7.

The Twins' 49 wins at the break are their most since claiming 53 victories in 2008, and veteran Torii Hunter couldn't be happier. "I tell you what, a lot of those critics can eat their words," Hunter said of the doubters of Minnesota, which boasts the second-best record in the American League and trails only Central-leading Kansas City by 4 1/2 games. Oakland is signing a different tune as it occupies the basement in the AL West, but sends Sonny Gray and his AL-leading 2.04 ERA to the mound on Friday against fellow right-hander Ervin Santana.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (0-0, 6.00 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (10-3, 2.04)

After a sterling effort in his season debut following an 80-game suspension for use of a performance-enhancing drug, Santana recorded his second straight no-decision despite being rocked for six runs on eight hits - including three homers - in four innings against Detroit. The 32-year-old looks to bounce back versus Oakland, against which he owns an impressive 14-6 career mark with a 2.12 ERA. Oakland's Ben Zobrist is 5-for-11 in his last three games, but is just 2-for-16 with four strikeouts in his career against Santana.

Gray yielded just two harmless singles en route to a complete-game gem versus Cleveland on Sunday. The 25-year-old has won both of his career outings against Minnesota, despite permitting four runs on seven hits in five innings in the last meeting. Minnesota's Brian Dozier belted a homer in his first All-Star at-bat on Tuesday, and is 2-for-5 in his career versus Gray.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota rookie Miguel Sano launched a two-run homer in Sunday's 7-1 rout of the Tigers and has hit safely in all but one of his 11 contests this season.

2. Oakland C Stephen Vogt belted a two-run homer on Sunday and is 3-for-7 with three runs scored in his last two games.

3. Twins closer Glen Perkins has converted every save opportunity this season and leads the AL with 28 saves.

PREDICTION: Twins 4, Athletics 2