Minneapolis, MN (Best E Casino) - Scott Baker combined with two relievers on a five-hit shutout, as Minnesota inched closer to their fifth AL Central title in the last seven years with a 6-0 win over Kansas City.
The Twins continue to lead Chicago, which beat Cleveland 5-1 on Sunday, by one-half game in the division. If the White Sox fall to Detroit in a make-up game at U.S. Cellular Field on Monday, Minnesota will capture the crown. If Chicago wins Monday, a one-game tiebreaker will be held between the White Sox and the Twins on Tuesday in Chicago.
Baker (11-4) allowed just four hits and one walk, with nine strikeouts, over seven innings for the Twins (88-74), who snapped a two-game skid. Joe Mauer had a two-run triple and Denard Span added an RBI double for Minnesota.
"I don't know if there was pressure, but I finally settled into a groove in the third or fourth inning," said Baker. "Sometimes it takes a little bit to get that feeling."
Mike Aviles was 2-for-4 with a double for the Royals (75-87), who ended their season by winning five of their final six games.
Brandon Duckworth (3-3) was the hard-luck loser, allowing just two runs on two hits in six innings.
Minnesota jumped on top with a run in the second. With runners on first and second with two down, Span came through with a run-scoring double.
The Twins added another run in the third thanks to some shoddy Kansas City defense. Justin Morneau drew a one-out walk and advanced to third on a Ryan Shealy error. After Delmon Young was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Brendan Harris hit a ground ball to third. Alex Gordon went home to try and cut down Morneau at the plate, but John Buck dropped the ball and Minnesota led 2-0.
Minnesota added two big insurance runs off the Royals bullpen in the seventh. Alexi Casilla and Mauer opened the frame with consecutive singles off Ron Mahay. After Morneau struck out swinging, Kansas City went to Leo Nunez to match up with pinch-hitter Michael Cuddyer. But, the reliever walked Cuddyer to load the bases before giving up a two-run single to Young.
The Twins really put the game away in the eighth when Mauer accounted for the final margin with a two-run triple.
"That last one, to get those two runs in, was huge," said Mauer.
Game Notes
The Twins finished 12-6 versus the Royals this year...Mauer leads the AL with a .330 batting average.
