Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) – Michael Cuddyer hit a three-run double to back Scott Baker’s solid performance on the mound, as the Minnesota Twins took down the Angels, 4-0, in the rubber match of a three-game series at Target Field.
Danny Valencia hit a solo homer for the Twins, who ended a nine-game homestand with a 7-2 record. Minnesota is now five games ahead of the White Sox in the AL Central standings. Chicago lost to the Royals on Sunday.
Baker (11-9) pitched seven scoreless innings to win his fourth straight decision. The right-hander also struck out four and walked two to beat Los Angeles for the first time in his career. He came into the game with an 0-5 mark in eight career starts against them.
Hideki Matsui and Alberto Callaspo each had two hits for the Angels, who finished a six-game road trip with a 2-4 mark.
Jered Weaver (11-9) went six frames in the start, giving up four runs on six hits to suffer his second consecutive loss. He walked four batters and fanned three.
The Angels failed to score after putting men on first and second in the fourth. With two outs, Matsui and Erick Aybar singled. Mike Napoli, though, flied out to end the frame.
Minnesota put four runs on the board in the fifth to break a scoreless tie. Valencia led off the inning with a blast into the second deck in right field. Following two outs, Orlando Hudson tripled in front of a pair of walks to load the bases. Cuddyer then cleared the bases with a double to center. He was thrown out between second and third, but not before the Twins took a 4-0 lead.
Los Angeles stranded a runner on second in the seventh.
Jesse Crain started on the hill for the Twins in the eighth. Callaspo singled and Torii Hunter walked with two outs. Crain, though, struck out Matsui to end the threat.
Matt Capps tossed a 1-2-3 ninth to seal the victory.
Minnesota wins the season series with Los Angeles, 5-2….Weaver fell to 4-2 lifetime versus the Twins…The Angels placed infielder Maicer Izturis on the 15-day disabled list and selected the contract of pitcher Jordan Walden from Triple-A Salt Lake. Walden tossed a scoreless eighth inning.