Twins 6, Rays 4
MINNEAPOLIS -- A two-run seventh inning helped the Minnesota Twins to a 6-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field on Saturday.
With the game tied at 3-3, the Twins got a single and a walk to start a one-out rally. Third baseman Trevor Plouffe grounded back to pitcher Kevin Jepsen, but his throw to second was wide and loaded the bases for catcher Kurt Suzuki, whose fly to deep right field scored a run.
Shortstop Eduardo Escobar followed with a single to right to make it 5-3.
Twins second baseman Brian Dozier added a solo home run in the eighth inning, his second in as many days and sixth of the season.
The rally made a winner of left-hander Brian Duensing, who threw one pitch in the top of the seventh to get out of the inning after the Rays tied the score against Twins starter Trevor May.
May allowed three runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings, but didn't figure into the decision after allowing a two-run home run to Rays second baseman Tim Beckham in the top of the seventh, which tied the score at 3-3.
Twins closer Glen Perkins allowed a solo home run to Tampa first baseman Logan Forsythe and a single, but closed down the Rays for his 13th save.
Minnesota scored three runs in the second inning, getting three consecutive one-out singles, the third by left fielder Eddie Rosario for a 1-0 lead.
Two batters later, designated hitter Danny Santana plated two more on a bloop single to left.
Forsythe's sacrifice fly in the fourth made it a 3-1 game before Beckham's fourth home run of the season knotted the score in the seventh.
Rays reliever Kevin Jepsen took the loss, allowing two unearned runs on two hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning.
NOTES: Rays 1B James Loney started at designated hitter on Saturday. Manager Kevin Cash indicated on Friday that Loney would get a game there at some point this weekend. It's only the second time this season Loney has been the DH. ... Rays LHP Jake McGee warmed in the bullpen on Friday but did not enter the game. He was available for duty on Saturday. McGee was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday following offseason elbow surgery. ... Twins OF Shane Robinson was activated from the family emergency list. ... Twins OF Jordan Schafer was placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to May 11) because of a right knee injury. ... The Rays and Twins will finish a three-game series at Target Field on Sunday. Rays RHP Chris Archer (3-4, 2.59 ERA) will oppose Twins RHP Kyle Gibson (3-2, 2.70 ERA).