Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn each go 3 innings in Twins’ 5-0 win over Orioles

Slowey, Blackburn help Twins blank Orioles 5-0

SARASOTA, Fla. — Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn each threw three crisp innings and the Minnesota Twins beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-0 on Monday.

Slowey and Blackburn had identical lines, allowing one hit with one walk and two strikeouts.

Slowey was 10-3 with a 4.86 ERA before undergoing season-ending reconstructive wrist surgery in July. The right-hander retired nine of his final 10 batters against Baltimore.

Blackburn also was sharp one day after he signed a $14 million, four-year contract.

Brian Matusz allowed two runs and three hits in 2 2-3 innings for Baltimore. He struck out six and walked one.

Koji Uehara worked a scoreless sixth for the Orioles.

Baltimore had just three hits.