Nick Blackburn was brilliant in throwing a two-hitter over 8 2/3 innings and Denard Span drove in the game's only run in the third inning as the Minnesota Twins shut out the Seattle Mariners, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon.

Blackburn (8-8) allowed a double to Russell Branyan and a single to Jose Lopez in the first inning. He recorded 22 consecutive outs before newly acquired reliever Brian Fuentes recorded the final out for his first save with the Twins and 24th overall.

Blackburn had six strikeouts and two walks in coming one out from his first complete game since May 4 against the Detroit Tigers.

The Twins scored in the third inning. Danny Valencia singled and J.J. Hardy moved him to third with a double. Valencia then scored on Span's single to center.

Doug Fister (4-10) took the loss, allowing the run on six hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two.