Twins Beat Cleveland On Valencia’s Game-Winner
The Twins got a walk-off 2-run single from Danny Valencia with the bases loaded in the 9th inning to win the game. Valencia's 2-run single came with 1 out against Cleveland closer Chris Perez, Valencia's college roommate. Michael Cuddyer was 2-4 with a run scored and Joe Mauer was 1-3 with a run scored for Minnesota. Glen Perkins threw 1 scoreless inning of relief to earn the win and Francisco Liriano threw 6 innings with 1 earned run allowed but didn't figure in the final decision.
The Twins are 45-51 and are 6 games back of both Cleveland and Detroit for first place in the American League Central. Minnesota looks to get a split in the 4-game series today when they host Cleveland at 12:10, pregame on WJON at 11:40. Righthander Nick Blackburn (7-6) gets the start on the mound for the Twins and righthander Josh Tomlin (11-4) toes the rubber for the Indians.