After dropping the first two games of the border battle series in disappointing fashion, the Minnesota Twins (40-31) will look to salvage something in the series finale. Things won't be getting any easier though, as the Milwaukee Brewers (31-40) send their ace to the mound.
Nick Blackburn's month of June hasn't gone well to say the least. With the exception of one seven inning quality start, Blackburn has gone 1.2, 2.2 and 3.2 innings in his three other trips to the mound. Overall, Blackburn has allowed 32 hits and 20 runs in just 15 innings this month for a horrendous 12.00 ERA. He'll look to get back on track against the Brewers, whom he is 1-1 against with a 5.40 ERA in three career starts.
While the Twins hold their breathe and hope for a good outing from Blackburn, Milwaukee is in good position to pick up a sweep and extend their winning streak to four games. With Yovani Gallardo, the Brewers will be sending one of baseball's best pitchers in June to the mound. To this point in the month, Gallardo has allowed just six earned runs in 26 innings for an impressive 2.08 ERA. When the 24-year old righty faced Minnesota at Target Field back in May, he lasted six innings and allowed four runs.
Missed opportunities have been the key for the Twins' offensive in the first two games, as they've left a combined 18 runners on base. With a lineup that likely won't include Joe Mauer, the Twins will look to head to New York on a positive note.
First pitch is at 1:10 CT on FOX Sports North.