sentences:  He picked up his first hold on September 10, 2007, in a road win against the Kansas City Royals.Through his first 4 games as a Twins relief pitcher, he posted a 2.70 ERA; however, he gave up 8 earned runs in his last two appearances, raising his season total ERA to 7.71.Blackburn pitched 9 innings in spring training for the Minnesota Twins, posting a 3.00 ERA, earning him a starting spot on the 2008 rotation.