(Sports Network) - Two American League Central teams enjoying a early-summer resurgence begin a key three-game series tonight at the Metrodome, where the red-hot Minnesota Twins entertain the streaking Detroit Tigers.

Both clubs have been playing exceptional baseball over the past few weeks. Minnesota has closed within 1 1/2 games of the first-place Chicago White Sox in the Central standings by ripping off 11 victories in its last 12 games. Detroit has also put itself back into contention by going 15-3 over its 18 most recent contests.

The Tigers now stand five games behind the White Sox and enter the Metrodome on a five-game win streak. The last three triumphs came at home against the Colorado Rockies, with Detroit completing the sweep with Sunday's 4-3 decision.

Dane Sardinha put the Tigers ahead with his first major-league hit, a two-run triple in the bottom of the sixth inning that erased a 3-2 deficit. Relievers Freddy Dolsi and Todd Jones held the Rockies scoreless the rest of the way, with Jones earning his 15th save with a perfect ninth.

Kenny Rogers (6-5) worked the first six innings to record the win. The veteran lefty allowed three runs on eight hits.

Miguel Cabrera and Marcus Thames had RBI singles for Detroit, with Thames ending 3-for-4 on the afternoon.

The Twins had a 10-game win streak halted with Saturday's 5-1 home setback to Milwaukee, but Ron Gardenhire's squad rebounded behind a masterful performance by Kevin Slowey on Sunday. The Minnesota right-hander fired a three-hit shutout as the Twins took the series with a 5-0 victory.

Slowey (5-6) struck out a season-high eight Brewers and did not issue a walk to win his third consecutive start. The young hurler has posted a microscopic 0.93 earned run average over his last four outings.

Delmon Young gave Slowey all the support he would need by socking a two-run homer in the sixth inning, while Alexi Casilla finished 2-for-4 with an RBI double for Minnesota.

The Twins have now won eight of their last nine at the Metrodome and are 27-17 at home this season. They'll try to keep their run going behind Glen Perkins, who brings a two-start win streak into tonight's matchup.

Perkins yielded three runs over a career-best eight innings to defeat Washington on June 19, then ran his season record to 4-2 with five decent frames in Wednesday's 9-3 win at San Diego. The left-hander gave up three runs and six hits against the Padres.

The former first-round draft pick beat the Tigers with 7 1/3 innings of one- run ball at Comerica Park back on May 25. That was Perkins' first career start after three relief appearances against Detroit.

The Tigers counter with rookie Armando Galarraga, one of the team's most consistent pitchers throughout this season. The Venezuelan, acquired by Detroit in a seemingly-minor trade with Texas in February, has posted an impressive 7-2 record and a 3.32 ERA in 12 starts and one relief appearance since being promoted to the majors in early May.

Galarraga has won his last four decisions but is coming off a shaky showing on Wednesday. Against St. Louis, the 26-year-old was tagged for five runs (4 earned) and eight hits -- including three homers -- in a 4 2/3-inning no- decision.

The young righty has lost both of his starts against the Twins this season and surrendered nine runs (7 earned) in 12 innings during those games.

Each team will be without one of its top hitters for this series. Detroit placed slugger Magglio Ordonez on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a pulled oblique muscle, while the Twins shelved outfielder Michael Cuddyer yesterday due to a strained left index finger.

Minnesota is 5-3 against Detroit so far this season and swept the Tigers at home in early May. However, the Tigers went 8-1 in their nine games at the Metrodome a year ago.