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Today is Monday August 18, 2008.

The Twins 70-53 beat the Mariners 46-77 yesterday by a score of 11-8 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. [box]

Winning Pitcher: Perkins (10-3)

Losing Pitcher: Feierabend (0-1)

MIN: Runs 11 Hits 17 Errors 1

SEA: Runs 8 Hits 16 Errors 0

After jumping out to an impressive eight-run lead, including a Morneau home run, Minnesota worked through several bases-loaded scares on its way to completing a three-game sweep of Seattle on Sunday. [wrap]

MIN HR: Morneau (19)

SEA HR: Balentein (7) Beltre (20) Johjima (4)

Time: 3:21

Attendance: 35,478

Tonight the Twins take on the A’s 56-67 in the 1^st game of a 3 game series at the Metrodome in Minneapolis at 7:10 p.m.

MIN: RHP Nick Blackburn (9-6, 3.73 ERA)
Blackburn allowed a leadoff homer to Johnny Damon in his last start against New York and never seemed in sync. The right-hander allowed four earned runs on six hits, while striking out five in 4 2/3 innings, throwing 102 pitches. The Twins lost, 9-6. Blackburn's next start will kick off a three-game set against Oakland. The rookie has never faced the A's.

OAK: RHP Justin Duchscherer (10-8, 2.59 ERA)
Duchscherer gave his club a solid pitching effort in his last start against the Rays, surrendering three runs on six hits through six-plus innings, but he walked away with his third consecutive loss in a 3-2 defeat. He struck out a career-high eight batters in the effort, while throwing 107 pitches. However, he also gave up the long ball twice after having allowed just nine home runs combined through his first 20 starts. This will be Duchscherer's first career start against Minnesota, but he has an 0-2 record with a 4.73 ERA in eight relief appearances against the Twins.

Tidbits:
Gardenhire was asked about Seattle starter Jarrod Washburn, whom Minnesota reportedly claimed off waivers, but couldn't work out a deal for: "If you get a guy you have to make adjustments, [but] to say it would be Glen Perkins going to the 'pen would be totally wrong. To say any of them, that was all hearsay. If we were to get a pitcher in here that we think would be better suited to be in the rotation, then we would try to figure out who could go out there and help us the most in the bullpen. I like them where they're at, though." Nathan needed 29 pitches to get out of the game on Sunday, the second most he has tossed in an appearance this year. Minnesota's sweep over Seattle was the club's seventh sweep of the season. The Twins had seven doubles on Sunday, the most they have had in a game since April 17, 2007, at Seattle.

TV: FSN

Radio: KSTP 1500 AM

Happy Birthday to those of you celebrating birthdays; Emily from Lakeville MN

Welcome to new members; Allen, Elaine, Claire, Nancy, Dennis, Lindsey, Michael, Jack, Jeff, Zachary

And the countdown continues; Joe’s new ballpark will open on Monday April 5th, 2010 in 595 days.

The All – Star Game in Minneapolis on Tuesday July 8th, 2014 in 2150 days.

Official club members: 424.

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