Denard Span had three triples as part of his four-hit night and drove in five as the Minnesota Twins responded to falling out of first place with a resounding 11-4 win over Detroit.

Span’s three triples tied a modern day record for most in a game, last done by Atlanta’s Rafael Furcal in 2002. His bases-loaded triple broke the game open in the fifth inning and sent the Twins to just their second win in their last eight games.

The Twins beat around Tigers starter Armando Galarraga (3-2) for six runs in four innings. Joe Mauer had a pair of RBIs, while Span, Jim Thome and Nick Punto each scored a pair of runs.

Nick Blackburn produced his best start in more than two weeks and at just the right time. Pitching perhaps for his spot in the rotation, Blackburn (7-5) allowed four runs in seven innings to win for the first time since May 27. Blackburn entered the night 0-4 with a 12.05 ERA during the month of June.

The win moves Minnesota a half-game ahead of the Tigers in the American League Central.

Johnny Damon singled, doubled and drove in a pair for the Tigers.