The Twins are expecting a crowd of around 50,000 for the first of the three final contests at the Metrodome. With the Twins still in a pennant chase and needing a win tonight, it should make for a great environment at the ballpark.

As for news, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that Brian Duensing is available out of the bullpen
tonight if needed. If Duensing does pitch, Carl Pavano would probably start
on Sunday.

“We’ve got to win three games,” Gardenhire said. “That’s’ what we’re gonna try to do.”

Royals (65-94)
4th place in AL Central, 20 games back
Willie Bloomquist, LF
Mitch Maier, CF
Billy Butler, 1B
Brayan Pena, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Mark Teahen, RF
Miguel Olivo, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
Pitching: LHP Lenny DiNardo (0-2, 7.52)

Twins (83-76)
2nd place in AL Central, 2 games back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Brendan Harris, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Jeff Manship (0-1, 5.81)

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