Indians 3, Twins 1
Asdrubal Cabrera hit a three-run homer and Cleveland's pitching turned in another strong performance as the Indians defeated the visiting Minnesota Twins 3-1 on Saturday night.
Josh Tomlin (12-5) and three relievers held the Twins to five hits. Chris Perez retired the side in order in the ninth for his 25th save as the Indians remained three games behind Detroit in the American League Central.
Perez struck out Jim Thome on three pitches to end the game, keeping the Twins' slugger at 598 career home runs.
Minnesota has lost 11 of 13.
Cabrera's home run off Brian Duensing (8-11) in the third inning was the only offense the Indians needed. The rally started with a walk to Shin-Soo Choo and a single by Jason Donald. Cabrera then hit a 1-0 pitch to the porch in left field.
Duensing lost to the Indians for the first time in four career decisions.
Tomlin, who allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings, was pulled with two on in the seventh. Delmon Young's RBI single off Joe Smith cut the lead to 3-1, but Tony Sipp struck out Tsuyoshi Nishioka to end the inning.