Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) – Danny Valencia hit a three-run homer, and the Minnesota Twins beat Oakland, 4-2, in the continuation of a three-game series at Target Field.
Michael Cuddyer had two hits and a scored run for the Twins, whose magic number to clinch their second consecutive American League Central title is now six.
Minnesota starter Kevin Slowey (13-6) gave up two runs on five hits and struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings.
Landon Powell hit a solo home run and Akinori Iwamura added an RBI double for Oakland, which has dropped four of six. Dallas Braden (9-13) permitted four runs on eight hits and walked four over six full frames.