Padres On Deck vs. Twins, Game 1 of 3

Minnesota (40-36) at San Diego (32-45), 7:05 pm, 4SD/1090/105.7

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Twins were a struggling team until this latest round of interleague play. It's safe to say they have taken that frustration out on the National League. The Twins target their seventh straight win on Tuesday when they start a three-game series at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres.

Minnesota - which limped to a 2-8 record before embarking on a 15-game stretch against the NL - has embraced interleague play this season, winning eight of its last nine such games. During the winning stretch, the Twins are averaging 6.8 runs, nearly double the 3.7 they averaged in their earlier 10-game stretch. Overall, the team is 9-3 in interleague play this season.

On Tuesday, Minnesota figures to get tested by Jake Peavy (5-4, 2.88 ERA), who will be searching for his second win in three starts since his return from the disabled list. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner lasted just four innings and took the loss in Wednesday's 8-5 loss to the New York Yankees, allowing four runs and six hits.

The Twins will counter with Kevin Slowey (4-6, 4.37), who will be eyeing a win in his third consecutive start. The righthander allowed one run and seven hits over six innings in Wednesday's 11-2 victory over Washington.