Bodog Beat

If Nick Blackburn can't put together a solid outing the Pirates will win their first road series in interleague play since 2003. (AP Images)

Baseball's worst interleague team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, can win their first road series against an AL opponent since 2003 this afternoon when they conclude a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins.

Pittsburgh has had 16 consecutive losing seasons, but some of its greatest struggles have come in interleague play. Coming into 2009 the Pirates were 63-103 against the AL, a .380 winning percentage that was far and away baseball's worst in interleague play.

The Pirates' solid offensive output Wednesday in an 8-2 win came courtesy of three home runs, which is a rarity for a team that ranks 29th in the majors in that category.

A similar performance won't be easy with Nick Blackburn on the mound for the -155 favored Twins. Blackburn hasn't allowed a homer in 32 1-3 innings at home, where he's 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA in five outings.

Zach Duke will pitch for Pittsburgh.

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