Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) – Brandon Inge’s run-scoring triple in the top of the ninth inning proved to be the difference, as the Tigers outlasted the Minnesota Twins, 9-7, to sweep a brief two-game set at Target Field.
Tied at 7-7, Detroit pushed two across in the top of the ninth to take the lead for good. Matt Capps (1-2), on for his second inning of work, allowed a one-out infield single to Ramon Santiago before Inge hit a fly ball to center that Denard Span was unable to come up with. Austin Jackson followed with a bunt to bring in another.
Jose Valverde came on for the bottom half and walked Jason Kubel leading off. The hard-throwing closer then settled down to retire the next three batters and preserve the win, recording his eighth save of the season.
Phil Coke started and was in line for the win for the Tigers, but the bullpen failed to hold a 5-2 lead in the seventh inning. Al Alburquerque walked two of the first three batters he faced in the seventh and then gave up a run-scoring double to Luke Hughes. Daniel Schlereth relieved Alburqureque and promptly gave up a three-run shot to Jason Kubel that gave the Twins a 6-5 lead.
The Tigers quickly responded in the next inning. Jhonny Peralta came on as a pinch-hitter for Don Kelly and roofed a two-run homer into the upper deck at Target Field to give the Tigers the lead back. Matt Tolbert doubled in a run for the Twins in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the game, setting the stage for Inge.