Unable to play the role of the spoiler in the American League Central race, the Minnesota Twins came up short against the White Sox for the third consecutive time on Sunday afternoon in a 9-2 defeat.
Twins starter Scott Diamond was knocked around for six earned runs over just five and 1/3 innings to take the loss, while Chicago right-hander Jake Peavy put forth six strong innings of two-run ball to claim his 11th victory of the year.
After a solo home run in the first inning from the bat of Joe Mauer, the Twins could only muster five additional hits for the remainder of the day against Chicago pitching. Mauer's 2-for-3 performance on the afternoon pushed his season average up to .321, and now gives the talented slugger nine RBI during 10 appearances in the month of August.
Next up for Ron Gardenhire's Twins is a three-game set on the road at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Indians. Righty P.J. Walters (2-4, 6.70 ERA) will take the ball to open the series.
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