Twins 8, White Sox 6
MINNEAPOLIS -- Eduardo Escobar had three hits as the Minnesota Twins scored three eighth-inning runs to erase a late deficit in an 8-6 win over the Chicago White Sox at Target Field on Tuesday.
Minnesota led 4-0 in the early going then coughed up that lead in the middle innings, eventually ceding the lead on a two-run homer by Chicago's Avisail Garcia in the sixth inning.
But Miguel Sano hit a solo homer to tie the score with two outs in the seventh before Escobar's double sparked a three-run rally, lifting Minnesota to its ninth win in its last 11 games.
The Twins added on to their lead, thanks to some help from the White Sox. Catcher Kurt Suzuki sacrificed Escobar to third, but pitcher Zach Duke's throw to first eluded Jose Abreu, allowing Escobar to score what ended up as the winning run.
Another mistake, this one a fielding error on third baseman Tyler Saladino, allowed Byron Buxton to reach safely. An intentional walk to second baseman Brian Dozier loaded the bases with nobody out for first baseman Joe Mauer, who ripped an RBI single to center field. Third baseman Trevor Plouffe followed with a sacrifice fly to center, giving the Twins their three-run cushion.
Twins closer Glen Perkins pitched the ninth, giving up one run, for his 32nd save and first since Aug. 16.
Kevin Jepsen got the win, throwing a spotless eight-pitch eighth inning ahead of the late rally. It was Jepsen's first win since being acquired by the Twins from Tampa Bay on July 31.
The Twins posted a four-run inning off Chris Sale in the second, taking advantage of four singles, the last two by Escobar and Suzuki, to make it 2-0.
Two batters later, Dozier doubled into the left-center field gap, driving in both Esocbar and Suzuki and giving the Twins a 4-0 advantage.
The early support looked like it would be more than enough for Minnesota right-hander Tyler Duffey, who cruised through the first four frames and got two quick outs in the fifth before running into trouble.
First, Dozier couldn't get a good handle on a ground ball deep into the hole between second and first. Duffey then issued three consecutive walks to the 7-8-9 batters, plating one runner.
White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton then followed with a sharp single to right, scoring two more and pulling Chicago to within a run at 4-3.
The base hit was the end of the line for Duffey, who retired the first 11 batters on just 42 pitches, but threw just six of his final 19 pitches for strikes; two of those strikes going for hits.
Duffey allowed three runs on three hits and three walks, fanning two.
NOTES: As part of September roster expansions, the White Sox recalled RHP Erik Johnson, C Rob Brantly and INF Leury Garcia from Triple-A Charlotte and RHP Frankie Montas from Double-A Birmingham. The club said it could also recall more players later this month as minor-league seasons conclude. ... The Twins recalled INF Danny Santana, 1B Kenny Vargas, RHP A.J. Achter and RHP Michael Tonkin from Triple-A Rochester. All four have spent time with the Twins at various points this season. ... The Twins also purchased the contract of C Eric Fryer. To make room for Fryer on the 40-man roster, the Twins outrighted LHP Jason Wheeler to Double-A Chattanooga. ... The White Sox and Twins will continue with the second of their three-game series on Wednesday at Target Field. Chicago left-hander Carlos Rodon (6-5, 4.15 ERA) will oppose Minnesota lefty Tommy Milone (6-4, 3.86 ERA).