Brewers 4, Twins 2
MINNEAPOLIS -- Carlos Gomez had four hits and right-hander Matt Garza pitched seven strong innings as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-2 at Target Field on Saturday.
The victory assured the Brewers of a series win against the Twins with the finale of the three-game series on Sunday.
Minnesota is 2-4 over its last six games, all against last-place teams.
Gomez, traded from Minnesota to Milwaukee in 2009, knocked in three runs, including the go-ahead runs on a two-RBI single in the seventh inning, breaking a 1-1 tie. Gomez is now 6-for-9 in the series.
Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun hit a solo homer in his first at-bat, giving the Brewers a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
An RBI single by Twins first baseman Joe Mauer in the bottom of the sixth inning tied the score at 1-1 before the Brewers went ahead for good on a two-run single Gomez in the seventh inning.
Gomez's hit made a winner of Garza (4-7), who allowed one run on six hits while striking out three. The outing tied the longest of the season for Garza, who also went seven innings and allowed one run against the Chicago Cubs on May 10.
Twins righty Ryan Pressly (3-2) took the loss, allowing one run in two innings of relief. Reliever J.R. Graham got the spot start, allowing one run on six hits in four innings.
Braun's solo homer over the wall in center was his 13th of the year.
Twins second baseman Brian Dozier had a pair of hits, including a solo home run in the eighth inning, pulling Minnesota to within one run at 3-2. But Gomez added an RBI double in the ninth to re-establish the two-run lead.
Brewers closer Francisco Rodriguez worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth for his 10th save.
NOTES: Brewers RF Ryan Braun was back in the lineup Saturday after missing two games following a cryotherapy procedure on his ailing right thumb. ... Twins RHP Ricky Nolasco had a cortisone shot in his right ankle on Saturday morning. The club will give it a few days before seeing if he can resume a throwing program. ... Twins OF Jordan Schafer, on the 15-day disabled list since May 16 with a sore right knee, caught fly balls on Friday. He is still a couple of weeks away from returning. ... The Brewers and Twins will play the final game of a three-game series at Target Field on Sunday. Milwaukee RHP Mike Fiers (2-5, 4.06 ERA) will oppose Minnesota RHP Mike Pelfrey (4-2, 2.59 ERA).