Tigers 5, Twins 4
MINNEAPOLIS -- Pitcher Alfredo Simon made his early offensive support hold up as the Detroit Tigers won 5-4 over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Tuesday.
Detroit scored three times in the first two innings then tacked on the game-winner in the sixth as Simon pitched 6 1/3 innings and allowed three runs, winning for the 13th time this season. It was the third quality start for Simon in his last nine outings.
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez had three hits and a pair of RBIs, his first runs batted in since mid-August. It was Martinez's first three-hit night since he had four against the Seattle Mariners on July 6.
Trailing by three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Twins had their best chance to get back into the game.
Center fielder Byron Buxton led off the inning with a double down the left field line. Right fielder Aaron Hicks reached on a bunt single and Simon got second baseman Brian Dozier to strike out swinging before being lifted for left-hander Blaine Hardy.
Hardy walked Mauer, the only man he faced, ahead of rookie designated hitter Miguel Sano, who ripped a two-run single to left off right-hander Drew VerHagen. With a pair of runners still on and the tying run at second, VerHagen got third baseman Trevor Plouffe to ground into a double play for the MLB-leading 27th time this season.
After Detroit tacked on an insurance run in the top of the ninth, Mauer ripped an RBI double to the gap against Tigers closer Bruce Rondon to make it 5-4. But the right-hander got Sano to strike out on three pitches for his fifth save.
Detroit took advantage of a rusty Phil Hughes in the early going, posting three runs in the first two innings against the veteran right-hander, who was pitching for the first time since Aug. 9 because of inflammation in his lower back.
After getting the leadoff batter, gave up a single to second baseman Ian Kinsler. A two-out walk to right fielder J.D. Martinez brought designated hitter Victor Martinez to the plate, who singled up the middle for the first run of the game.
For Victor Martinez, it was his first RBI since Aug. 20 and snapped an 0-for-21 streak at the dish with runners in scoring position.
Third baseman Nick Castellanos followed with a single to right, scoring another run, but Victor was thrown out trying to advance to third, ending the threat.
The Tigers added on in the second, getting a one-out double from catcher James McCann and a two-out single by center fielder Anthony Gose to make it 3-0.
Hughes, who was on a pitch count, pitched a scoreless third inning before being replaced by right-handed reliever A.J. Achter. Hughes was charged with three runs on six hits and a walk with four strikeouts.
NOTES: Tigers RHP Anibal Sanchez has been shut down with a strain in his throwing shoulder. He will be examined by Dr. James Andrews, who performed surgery on Sanchez's shoulder back in 2007. Sanchez, who has been on the disabled list with a shoulder strain since mid-August, was scheduled to start Wednesday's game. ... With Sanchez out, LHP Daniel Norris will get the start. Norris is 1-1 in four starts with the Tigers since being acquired in a trade for LHP David Price on July 30. He has been on the disabled list since Aug. 20 with a strained right oblique. ... Twins RHP Phil Hughes was activated off the disabled list prior to Tuesday's game. Hughes missed a month of action with inflammation in his lower back. ... The Tigers and Twins will wrap up their three-game series at Target Field on Wednesday. Norris (2-2, 4.43 ERA) will oppose Minnesota right-hander Ervin Santana (5-4, 4.73 ERA).