Toronto @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 7, 2013 ) Toronto 11, Minnesota 2

What began as one of the greatest starts to a pitching career in major-league history has become a major struggle for Minnesota Twins hurler Andrew Albers. The Canada native will try to get back on track Sunday as his Twins look to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. Minnesota has dropped nine straight home games to the Blue Jays, the latest an 11-2 drubbing on Saturday night as Adam Lind homered twice in the rout.

In addition to halting a three-game skid, an Albers victory would restore some of his confidence following a string of poor results. He'll be opposed by Toronto veteran Esmil Rogers, who is coming off his best start of the season against the host Arizona Diamondbacks. Sunday marks the conclusion of a six-game road trip for the Blue Jays, who come into Sunday with a 4-1 mark as they look to finish the season on a positive note.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), FSNO (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Esmil Rogers (4-7, 4.76 ERA) vs. Twins RH Andrew Albers (2-2, 3.96)

Rogers began his stint in the rotation with several strong outings, but the sinkerball specialist fell on hard times last month. He put those behind him against the Diamondbacks, limiting them to one hit and one walk while fanning five over 6 1/3 brilliant innings. Rogers is 3-4 with a 4.55 ERA and .290 opposition batting average in nine starts and 10 relief appearances on the road.

Albers opened his career in style, surrendering just six hits over 17 1/3 innings in his first two major-league starts. Since then, the 27-year-old has been tagged for 18 runs over 21 1/3 innings while surrendering four home runs over that span. Albers has pinpoint control - as evidenced by his three walks through 38 2/3 frames - but doesn't have a reliable out pitch, compiling just 15 strikeouts over his first six outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto has already secured the season series, entering Sunday with a 4-1 advantage. The Blue Jays have won every season series since 2006, going 42-16 over that span.

2. Blue Jays OF Moises Sierra is day-to-day after leaving Saturday's game in the third inning with back tightness.

3. The Twins have dropped nine straight home games, its longest such streak since May 2011.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 8, Twins 4