Twins 6, Indians 3

Scott Diamond pitched seven strong innings as Minnesota held on to take two of three at slumping Cleveland.

The Twins won for just the third time in their last 14 games against the Indians. Cleveland has lost seven of nine.

After seeing their early 3-0 lead cut to one, the Twins rebuilt their cushion with two runs in the seventh inning. Josh Willingham doubled in a run and then came home on a two-out RBI single by Ryan Doumit.

That was enough help for Diamond (4-1), who scattered seven hits while striking out two without a walk. All three runs against him were unearned. Glen Perkins and Matt Capps each contributed an inning of scoreless relief, with Capps picking up his 12th save.

Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau put Minnesota in front with RBI hits in the first and third innings, respectively. Alexi Casilla added the first of his two sacrifice flies in the fourth before the Indians got on the board with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame.

Justin Masterson (2-5) went six innings in defeat, allowing seven hits and three walks while striking out three. Nick Hagadone allowed two runs in relief.

Shelley Duncan had an RBI single for Cleveland.

GAME NOTEBOOK:
Minnesota pitchers did not allow a walk ... Cleveland finished its homestand 2-4 ... Indians 1B Matt LaPorta, called up Saturday night when OF Johnny Damon went on paternity leave, reached on an error and scored in the seventh inning.
Final1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9thRHE
Minnesota TwinsTwins1011002106113
Cleveland GuardiansGuardians000200100391
WP:Scott Diamond (MIN)
LP:Justin Masterson (CLE)
Season Series
ClevelandStatsMinnesota
6-12Vs12-6
.237Batting Average.276
4.1Runs / Game6.0
15Home Runs17
11Errors14