Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Denard Span tied a franchise record with three triples and finished 4-for-4 with five RBI and two runs scored to lead the Minnesota Twins to an easy 11-4 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Nick Blackburn pitched seven innings and earned the win for the Twins, who rebounded from a 7-5 setback in Monday's opener of this three-games series and moved into sole possession of first place -- one-half gave above Detroit -- in the tight AL Central standings. Blackburn (7-5), who had not won in over a month, allowed four runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks.
Michael Cuddyer added two RBI while Nick Punto scored twice in the victory.
Johnny Damon posted two runs batted in and a run scored for the Tigers, who saw their two-game win streak halted and have lost four of their five games in Minneapolis this season.