Twins 4, Athletics 3: Josh Willingham homered twice - including a go-ahead two-run blast in the eighth inning - as Minnesota won its second straight contest following a 10-game home skid.
Oswaldo Arcia also went deep and Anthony Swarzak (2-2) tossed a scoreless inning of relief for the Twins, who improved to 19-8 against American League West opponents.
Alberto Callaspo belted a two-run homer in the fifth inning and Yoenis Cespedes added an RBI single in the sixth for the Athletics, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end. Oakland holds a two-game lead over Texas in the division.
After launching his first homer since Aug. 13 to open the scoring in the second inning, Willingham greeted Ryan Cook (6-4) by depositing a 2-0 fastball into the second deck in left-center field. Willingham's 14th blast gave Minnesota a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning and Glen Perkins struck out a pair in the ninth for his 34th save.
Callaspo gave Oakland a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning by drilling a 1-0 fastball from Liam Hendriks over the wall in right field for his seventh homer - and second with the Athletics. Cespedes extended the advantage in the sixth by plating Josh Donaldson with an RBI single to left field.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Willingham's second blast denied Oakland RHP Jarrod Parker from winning his 10th consecutive decision. Parker allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings to settle for a no-decision. ... Hendriks also received a no-decision despite permitting three runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. ... Donaldson returned to the starting lineup after missing one game with soreness in his right quad. OF Josh Reddick (wrist) was activated from the disabled list but did not play.
Oakland | Minnesota | |
Jarrod Parker | Player | Liam Hendriks |
No Decision | W/L | No Decision |
6.0 | IP | 5.1 |
4 | Strikeouts | 6 |
7 | Hits | 7 |
3.00 | ERA | 5.06 |
Oakland | Minnesota | |
Eric Sogard | Player | Josh Willingham |
2 | Hits | 2 |
0 | RBI | 3 |
0 | HR | 2 |
2 | TB | 8 |
.667 | Avg | .667 |