Twins 4, Tigers 2: Ryan Doumit belted a two-run homer in the seventh inning before snapping another tie with a two-run double in the eighth as host Minnesota handed its American League Central rival a pivotal loss.
Omar Infante belted a two-run homer in the eighth inning for the Tigers, who saw their four-game winning streak come to an end with their fourth loss in 17 outings at Target Field. Detroit saw its lead over Chicago atop the AL Central trimmed to one game after the White Sox defeated Tampa Bay 3-1.
Reliever Brayan Villarreal (3-5) entered the game in the eighth inning and promptly issued three walks - one intentional - to load the bases. Doumit then lined a fastball to center to score Denard Span and Joe Mauer as Minnesota claimed a 4-2 lead.
Jared Burton (3-1) relieved starter Scott Diamond and fanned one of his two outs to pick up the victory. Glen Perkins retired the side in the ninth inning for his 16th save.
After Justin Morneau reached on first baseman Prince Fielder's error to lead off the seventh inning, Doumit deposited a fastball from reliever Phil Coke into the seats in left for his 17th homer.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Doumit's four RBIs gave him a career-high 71 for the season. ... With Max Scherzer scratched due to a lingering shoulder problem, Detroit rookie Drew Smyly made a spot start and scattered two hits over 5 1/3 scoreless innings. ... The teams have split the first 16 games of their season series.
Detroit | Minnesota | |
Drew Smyly | Player | Scott Diamond |
No Decision | W/L | No Decision |
5.1 | IP | 7.1 |
5 | Strikeouts | 1 |
2 | Hits | 6 |
0.00 | ERA | 1.23 |
Detroit | Minnesota | |
Miguel Cabrera | Player | Ryan Doumit |
2 | Hits | 2 |
0 | RBI | 4 |
0 | HR | 1 |
2 | TB | 6 |
.500 | Avg | .500 |