By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins and A’s have played a total of four games against each other so far this season and all of the contests have been decided by one run.

Will that trend continue on Saturday night at Target Field?

The Twins have a stiff task ahead of them tonight against Oakland right-hander Trevor Cahill, who is 12-4 with a 2.56 ERA this season. Cahill has held opponents to a .192 batting average, which is the lowest mark in the American League and only once in his last six starts has he given up more than two earned runs in a contest.

In fact, in Cahill’s last three starts he’s pitched at least eight innings and has not allowed a single earned run in any of those outings.

Left-hander Brian Duensing will take the hill for Minnesota. Shortstop J.J. Hardy is out of the lineup for a third consecutive day due to a sore left wrist, but manager Ron Gardenhire said he’s just trying to give Hardy as many days as possible to get all the soreness out. With Alexi Casilla playing well at shortstop, it’s made that move a little easier and Hardy is available off the bench if needed.

Nick Punto (strained left hamstring) took batting practice with the Twins today. The club is now targeting Tuesday as a return date for him.

Gardenhire also said that left-hander Glen Perkins is available out of the bullpen tonight. Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain are two relievers the Twins would like to stay away from using and possibly closer Matt Capps as well. The rest of the relievers should be OK to pitch.

Athletics (57-57)

Coco Crisp, CF
Daric Barton, 1B
Kurt Suzuki, C
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B
Mark Ellis, 2B
Rajai Davis, RF
Jack Cust, DH
Chris Carter, LF
Steve Tolleson, SS

Pitching: RHP Trevor Cahill (12-4, 2.56 ERA)


Twins

(66-50)

Denard Span, CF

Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jim Thome, DH
Delmon Young,
LF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Alexi Casilla, SS

Pitching: LHP Brian Duensing

(5-1, 2.27 ERA)

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