Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) – Jim Thome and Alexi Casilla both clubbed a two-run homer, as the streaking Minnesota Twins beat Seattle, 5-3, in the opener of a three-game series at Target Field.
J.J. Hardy had two hits and scored two runs for the Twins, who have won a season-high six in a row but still remain 1 1/2 games behind first-place Chicago in the AL Central standings.
Minnesota’s Scott Baker (9-9) gave up three runs on seven hits and walked four over 5 1/3 innings. New Twins closer Matt Capps, acquired from Washington on Thursday for two minor leaguers, pitched the ninth to earn the save in his debut.
Josh Wilson had a two-run double for Seattle, which had been swept in a four- game series by the White Sox in Chicago. Doug Fister (3-7) surrendered five runs — two earned — on five hits in five innings to absorb the loss. The towering right-hander hasn’t won since May 14, a span of 10 starts.