--LHP Jeremy Sowers' last two starts have both been against the Twins and in both starts, Sowers has pitched five perfect innings. However, he hasn't won either game.
--RHP Edward Mujica would have been the Indians' closer had they needed one. Manager Eric Wedge said RHP Masa Kobayashi, who has gotten most of the team's save opportunities since the release of Joe Borowski, was unavailable because he had pitched each of the last three days. --OF Shin-Soo Choo made his first start of the season in the cleanup spot of the order. SS Jhonny Peralta, who has been the club's No. 4 hitter the last month, was given a night off, although he was used as a late-inning pinch hitter.
--C Kelly Shoppach had another double. Of Shoppach's last eight hits, seven of them are either doubles or home runs.
--The Indians, who were 14-4 versus the Twins last year, are 4-9 versus Minnesota this season.
BY THE NUMBERS: 9 -- Players on the Indians' Opening Day roster who were either on the disabled list or no longer in the organization as of July 27.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's the ultimate teammate. His influence on our young players will stand the test of time." -- Manager Eric Wedge, on INF Casey Blake, who was traded to the Dodgers.
