Minnesota @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 16, 2011 ) Minnesota 1, Detroit 7

THE STORY: Detroit hopes to continue its dominance against Minnesota and pad its lead in the American League Central as the teams play the finale of a three-game series at Detroit. The Tigers have won nine of 11 games against the Twins this season and 13 of the last 15 meetings. Minnesota has lost 11 of its last 13 in Detroit. The Tigers lead the American League Central by three games over Cleveland and 3 1/2 over Chicago.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Carl Pavano (6-9, 4.55 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Brad Penny (8-9, 4.99).

Pavano has had back-to-back quality starts, most recently allowing two runs (one earned) in 7 1/3 innings against Cleveland, but failed to win either time. Over his last 15 1/3 innings, he has allowed two earned runs, struck out nine and walked one. Pavano's last victory came July 7 at Chicago. He is 5-3 with a 4.12 ERA in 10 career starts against the Tigers. He lost in his only appearance against Detroit this year when he gave up five runs in six innings on July 21. Penny snapped a three-game losing streak in his last start, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing four runs in a 5-4 win over Baltimore. He has struggled since the All-Star break, going 2-3 with a 6.83 ERA, eight strikeouts and nine walks in those 29 innings. He has made five career starts against the Twins, going 2-1 with a 5.64 ERA. Penny has made two starts against the Twins this year, going 0-1 with a 6.23 ERA, including a 4-1 loss on July 23.

ABOUT THE TWINS (53-68): Nagging injuries continue to trouble the Twins. Denard Span (concussion) continues to have issues from the incident in June - he took batting practice, but was a late scratch from the starting lineup Tuesday. Michael Cuddyer hasn’t started in six games because of a sore neck, but was available to pinch hit. Matt Tolbert isn’t sure how it happened, but felt pain in his left hand during his final plate appearance on Monday. Also, Jim Thome cited fatigue after hitting his 600th home run and requested a night off. Jason Kubel has cooled off - he is 2-for-19 over the last five games.

ABOUT THE TIGERS (65-57): Miguel Cabrera has a 14-game hitting streak, going 25-for-58 (.431) during that stretch. He has a lifetime .305 batting average against the Twins. The acquisition of Delmon Young has turned Magglio Ordonez into a part-time player. Ordonez, slowed all season by an ailing right ankle, is hitting .228 with four homers and 23 RBIs. Brennan Boesch, almost healthy from a bruised left thumb, will likely start in right field, with Young in left, and Austin Jackson in center. Alex Avila has hit safely in 10 of 11 games and is batting .384 since Aug. 2.

FINAL PITCH: The Tigers completed their trade with the Twins by sending pitcher Lester Oliveros as final compensation for Young. Oliveros pitched in nine games for the Tigers and posted a 5.63 ERA. Oliveros will be assigned to Triple A Rochester.