Blackburn’s strong start leads Twins over Pirates

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Coming out of spring training, Nick Blackburn was fourth in the Minnesota Twins’ rotation.

Not anymore.

While other Twins starters have struggled with injuries and inconsistency over the first 21‚Ñ2 months of the season, the 27-year-old right-hander has calmly and quietly asserted himself as the team’s best pitcher.

Blackburn tossed a six-hitter for his first career complete game Thursday, leading Minnesota to a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“He’s basically been the stabilizer,” pitching coach Rick Anderson said.

Blackburn (6-2) struck out two and walked one to become the first Minnesota starter to go the distance since Kevin Slowey on July 28, 2008. Michael Cuddyer and Brian Buscher homered for the Twins, who took two of three from the Pirates.

Zach Duke (7-5) allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings for the Pirates, who lost their 13th straight road series to an AL opponent. The last time Pittsburgh won on the road in interleague play was at Tampa Bay in 2003.

“I thought Zach threw the ball really good,” Pirates manager John Russell said. “Unfortunately, Blackburn was real good.”

Blackburn has not lost since May 5, when he lasted just 3 1/3 innings against Detroit.

Since then, the even-keeled pitcher has gone at least seven innings in eight of nine starts. The only time he didn’t was when he allowed two runs in six innings of a victory over Tampa Bay on May 31.

While Scott Baker and Glen Perkins have missed time because of injuries and Francisco Liriano has struggled in his second full season back from Tommy John surgery, Blackburn has stepped to the forefront.

“Today I was pretty comfortable. I didn’t feel like anything was going wrong,” he said. “Everything was kind of in my control for the most part. It’s a good feeling when you’re out there.”

He allowed only two runners past first base in the first eight innings before Eric Hinske doubled and scored on a single by Adam LaRoche, spoiling the shutout bid.

“That’s a little disappointing, but I’ll take it,” Blackburn said. “That’s the first time I’ve gone all nine, so I was excited about that. Maybe next time.”