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Twins, Rangers wrap up set at Metrodome

(Sports Network) - Former first-round draft pick Matt Garza tries to snap a three-start winless streak tonight when the Minnesota Twins close out a three- game series with the visiting Texas Rangers at the Metrodome.

The 23-year-old right-hander, the 25th overall selection in 2005, is 0-2 with a no-decision in three starts since an August 25 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles.

He allowed four hits and four runs on September 14, dropping a 4-2 verdict to the Detroit Tigers in Minnesota.

Garza, who is 0-5 in six home starts this season with a 6.07 earned run average, has never faced the Rangers.

Nicaraguan veteran Vicente Padilla is unbeaten since August 21 and will take the ball for the Rangers tonight.

Padilla, who will turn 30 later this month, is 3-0 with two no-decisions since dropping a 6-2 verdict to Baltimore.

He was suspended for seven games after a Tuesday incident in which he hit Oakland's Nick Swisher with a pitch, but appealed the suspension and is eligible to play tonight. He failed to record an out in that start, allowing a hit and two runs before being ejected.

Padilla's last start against the Twins came on May 21 in Texas, where he allowed five hits and two runs over 5 2/3 innings of a 14-4 win.

He is 1-1 in two lifetime starts against Minnesota with a 3.86 ERA.

On Tuesday, Jason Kubel went 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored as the Twins downed the Rangers, 4-2.

Torii Hunter had two hits and two RBI while Joe Mauer also drove in a run for the Twins, who have won two straight after a four-game losing streak.

Carlos Silva (12-14) got the win as he gave up just two runs on seven hits in six innings of work.

Ian Kinsler and Jarrod Saltalamacchia each drove in a run while Kevin Millwood (9-13) was handed the loss as he gave up four runs -- two earned -- on 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings of work for the Rangers, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

Minnesota has won six of eight from the Rangers this season after going 7-11 in the series the previous two seasons.

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