Twins at Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers were swept by one of the teams who languished at the bottom of the standings in 2011. They'll look to avoid a similar indignity when they open a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins on Friday. Milwaukee, which has won just five of 15 games in May, was unable to find the timely hit and suffered a 4-0 setback to Houston on Thursday.
Minnesota swept an abbreviated two-game series against defending American League Central champion Detroit, highlighted by Justin Morneau's two-run homer. Morneau is a perfect 2-for-2 with a double and RBI against Friday's scheduled starter, Marco Estrada. The modest two-game win streak is the Twins' second this season.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSNO (Minnesota), FSWI (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Scott Diamond (2-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Marco Estrada (0-2, 4.20 ERA)
Diamond has been downright dominant in his two starts this season. The 25-year-old Ontario native has yet to yield a run while permitting only nine hits in 14 innings this season. He allowed just five hits and struck out four in seven innings as Minnesota posted a 4-3 win over Toronto on Sunday.
Estrada deserved a better fate in his last outing. After yielding five runs in his previous two starts, the 28-year-old Mexican allowed just two runs on five hits in six innings. He settled for a no-decision as the Chicago Cubs erupted for an 8-2 victory on Sunday. Estrada has not recorded a decision in three career appearances versus the Twins.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Milwaukee's Norichika Aoki collected three hits on Thursday and has seven in his last three starts.
2. Minnesota placed starter Nick Blackburn on the disabled list with a left quad strain. Blackburn struggled in his last start, permitting six runs in two innings on Wednesday.
3. Brewers shortstop Alex Gonzalez underwent surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He will be sidelined for at least six months.