Twins continue to dominate Padres

SAN DIEGO - The Twins should mark these dates on their calendar: Aug. 5-6.

That is when the San Diego Padres visit Target Field in Minneapolis for two games to complete the teams’ interleague series.

The Twins have won eight straight against the Padres dating back to June 2005 and are 11-3 against the Padres (and 7-1 in San Diego) since the start of interleague play.

The victory Wednesday also gave the Twins five series wins in the last six series they have played - including four straight against Detroit, Boston, Seattle and the Padres.

Minnesota starting pitchers have a 2.70 ERA and haven’t allowed a home run over the last six games (5-1).

Notes, quotes

RECORD: 23-21

STREAK: Won two

NEXT: Friday - Twins (RHP Kyle Gibson, 4-4, 4.20 ERA) at Giants (RHP Tim Lincecum, 3-3, 4.74 ERA)

PLAYER NOTES:

n RHP Phil Hughes last issued a walk on April 20 at Kansas City. He has gone five starts, 33 innings and 147 hitters without issuing a walk. The 147 hitters between walks is the third-longest such streak in Twins history behind the 191-hitter walkless streak by Brad Radke in 2005 and the 155-hitter walkless streak by Carlos Silva in 2005. Since April 26, Hughes has a 1.21 ERA with a 27-0 strikeout to walk ratio.

n 3B Trevor Plouffe’s third homer of the season Wednesday night gave him seven RBIs in his last seven games since May 14. He has accounted for 28 percent of the Twins runs during the streak. His 439-foot homer was the longest of the season at Petco Park.

n 2B Brian Dozier was 0-for-4 Wednesday, ending his 10-game hitting streak. He hit .385 during the streak (15-for-39) with two doubles, three home runs, 11 RBIs and nine runs scored.

n LHP Glen Perkins upped his American League-leading save total to 14 with a perfect ninth Wednesday night.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I threw more breaking balls tonight. I wanted to see if they were expecting mostly fastballs. I hadn’t thrown many curves recently and wanted to bring that more into play tonight.” - RHP Phil Hughes, who threw seven shutout innings in a 2-0 win over San Diego on Wednesday.

Roster report

MEDICAL WATCH:

n LF Josh Willingham (left wrist contusion) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 7. He began light rehabilitation April 18. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said April 25 that his wrist feels better. He complained of continued soreness following his cage session May 3 and will continue to rest until the pain dissipates. He took batting practice May 10 and May 13. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester on May 16.

n OF Sam Fuld (concussion) went on the seven-day disabled list May 8. He experienced a setback in mid-May.

n RHP Mike Pelfrey (strained left groin) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 2. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester on May 16.

ROTATION:

RHP Ricky Nolasco

RHP Kevin Correia

RHP Phil Hughes

RHP Kyle Gibson

RHP Sam Deduno

BULLPEN:

LHP Glen Perkins (closer)

LHP Caleb Thielbar

RHP Anthony Swarzak

LHP Brian Duensing

RHP Casey Fien

RHP Jared Burton

RHP Matt Guerrier

CATCHERS:

Kurt Suzuki

Josmil Pinto

INFIELDERS:

1B Joe Mauer

2B Brian Dozier

SS Danny Santana

3B Trevor Plouffe

INF Eduardo Nunez

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Jason Kubel

CF Aaron Hicks

RF Chris Colabello

OF Eduardo Escobar

OF Chris Parmelee

OF/C Chris Herrmann