Minnesota @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 12, 2011 ) Minnesota 2, Cleveland 3

THE STORY: The Twins' make-or-break road trip is off to a bad start. Cleveland rallied in the eighth inning for a 3-2 win Friday, a loss that dropped Minnesota 11 games behind Detroit in the American League Central. The Twins and Indians meet in the second game of the series Saturday in Cleveland. The win, Cleveland's 14th in its last at-bat at home, kept the Indians three games behind the Tigers in the division. Jim Thome sits two home runs shy of 600 for his career after going hitless in two at-bats Friday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Brian Duensing (8-10, 4.56 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (11-5, 4.08).

Duensing is 3-0 in his career against the Indians, including a win in Minnesota on April 23 when he allowed one run in seven innings. He has given up two home runs in each of his last two starts, both losses. Duensing has pitched at least six innings in 16 of his 22 starts. Tomlin looked to be in line for his 12th win Sunday in Texas. He took a 3-0 lead into eighth, but that's when the fun stopped. Tomlin was pulled after a walk and a single. The Rangers scored five runs in the inning so all Tomlin got for his good work was a no-decision. He is 0-1 in two career starts against the Twins, both coming this season.

ABOUT THE TWINS (52-66): Even when the Twins get good news, it's tempered with a sour note. Justin Morneau returned to the lineup after missing two months because of neck surgery. He was hitless in four at-bat Friday night, but will give the Twins a boost in the middle of the order. Since Minnesota has had little luck this season, there had to be some bad news. Michael Cuddyer suffered a neck injury taking early batting practice and was scratched from the lineup. The news got worse when Alexi Casilla, activated before the game, reinjured his hamstring and was forced to leave in the seventh inning.

ABOUT THE INDIANS (59-57): Desperate to find an offensive spark, the Indians rushed Shin-Soo Choo back into action about a week sooner than expected. He had been out with a broken left thumb suffered when he was hit by a Jonathan Sanchez pitch on June 24. Choo was on a minor-league rehab assignment and the plan called for him rejoin the team next week. However, with Michael Brantley sidelined by a wrist injury, the decision to activate Choo was made. He batted leadoff Friday night and was 1-for-4.

FINAL PITCH: "It's a tough loss. We gave it away. It's kind of embarrassing, to tell you the truth.'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, on Friday's setback.