SCOUTING REPORT: The low-profile, lower-budget Twins have been one of the season's most charming success stories, coming to town tied with Cleveland for the AL Central lead. They have been battling to hang on, however, with a 9-18 record since the All-Star break, sorely missing injured shortstop/catalyst Cristian Guzman. Plus, ace Brad Radke went on the DL Wednesday. The Twins win with a pesky offense, ranking in the top four in the league in average, doubles, triples and on-base percentage.

THE PAST WEEK: The Twins went 3-3 on a weeklong homestand against Kansas City and Cleveland. They lost three straight, then beat the Indians 6-4 on Thursday afternoon.

TAMPA BAY CONNECTION: Pitcher Joe Mays is a product of Bradenton Southeast High and Manatee Community College. ... Radke attended Tampa Jesuit and lives in Largo. ... Former Rays MVP Quinton McCracken is with Triple-A Edmonton.

ALL-TIME SERIES: The Twins lead 16-15, though the Rays have won 11 of the past 17. At the Trop, the Twins hold an 8-7 edge. This is the first meeting this season.

WHO'S HOT: 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, a former Florida State star, is hitting .380 (35-for-92) over his past 25 games.

WHO'S NOT: SS Denny Hocking is hitting .177 (8-for-45) with no RBI in his last 11 games.

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