Twins vs. Rays Series Preview: 3 Things to Consider

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The Twins enter a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays after winning consecutive series against the Dodgers and Brewers.

"We’ve got a whole new team coming in here," says Ron Gardenhire of the Rays, "a really good team that does a lot of good things: a lot of speed, a lot of hit-and-runs, a lot of bunts so we’re going to have to be really sharp defensively."

Minnesota has finished interleague play with a record of 8-8.

Tampa finished interleague play at 11-5.

Both teams played the Brewers in interleague play.

Minnesota was 2-6 against Milwaukee. Tampa went 1-2.

This is a crucial series for the Twins, who are eight games back from AL Central leader Cleveland and have their next four series against the Central.

The following are three things to keep an eye on.

Tom Schreier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand or from official interview materials from the Minnesota Twins.

Difference Maker: DH Jim Thome

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Jim Thome belted career No. 595 against Milwaukee on July 3rd.

After missing most of June due to injury, Thome has hit two home runs in his last three games and is returning to form.

Thome has only played in 36 games (92 at bats) this season.

Last year he had 25 home runs in 108 games played (276 at bats).

The Twins need his production and Thome is starting to deliver.

Player to Watch: DH Johnny Damon

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Thome's counterpart on the Rays, DH Johnny Damon, has a hot bat after tearing up the Cardinals in interleague play.

After going 0-4 in the first game against St. Louis, Damon went 4-4 and 3-5 in the next two games.

The Twins must shut him down if they want to win this series.

Pitching Matchup: Brian Duensing vs. David Price

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The day-one pitching matchup is going to be crucial.

"We’re facing one of the best pitchers in the league," said Gardenhire before Game 1, "so this is a tough series."

Tampa Bay has won six of the last seven meetings between the two teams.

Brian Duensing (5-7, 4.68 ERA) has the lone win.

David Price (8-6, 3.43 ERA), who will make his second-straight All-Star appearance this year, will look to prevent him from getting number two.

Duensing is 2-1 in his last three outings.

Price is 1-1 with a no-decision.