CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Minnesota Twins scored seven late runs to record a 9-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday and increase their lead over their American League Central rival.
Minnesota outfielder Denard Span capped the scoring with a bases-clearing double and finished 2-for-5 with four RBIs.
"To come in here and take this game, I think mentally it's got to hurt them a little bit," Twins reliever Jesse Crain told reporters. "It's a huge win, probably one of the biggest of the season for sure."
Left-hander Francisco Liriano pitched six innings and allowed three runs for the Twins to improve to a career-best 14-7.
Liriano allowed a game-tying two-run single to Alexei Ramirez in the fifth and the White Sox took the lead with a run in the sixth before the Twins rallied when Chicago starter John Danks (13-11) turned the game over to the White Sox bullpen.
Joe Mauer finished with three hits and Delmon Young added a home run for the Twins.
"Before the series, you know it's tough and you have to probably sweep," said White Sox slugger Paul Konerko after they slumped to 79-65.
"But you just continue to play hard and who knows, we get the next two and keep battling until they tell you that you can't battle anymore."
(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Frank Pingue/Greg Stutchbury)
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.