Joe Mauer is hitting the ball like he wants to win a fourth career batting title.
The former MVP — for a second straight game — collected four hits and drove in three runs as the Twins rolled over the Angels, 8-6 Tuesday night at Target Field.
Mauer is now 8-10 with 2 doubles, a homer and 6 RBI in the last two games. It’s the second time he’s had back-to-back four hit games in his career — the last came in 2006 against the Dodgers.
Aaron Hicks was moved down in the batting order from first to eighth. The move paid off as Brian Dozier, who was inserted into the leadoff spot, finished 2-4 with 2 RBI. Hicks went hitless, but walked twice and scored a pair of runs in four plate appearances.
The Twins finished with 15 hits.
Mike Pelfrey allowed four runs on on seven hits to earn the win. He worked just five innings because his pitch count reached 96.
Anthony Swarzak pitched three scoreless innings in relief before getting into trouble in the ninth. Glen Perkins relieved him and gave up a two-run double to reigning American League rookie of the year, Mike Trout. Both runs were charged to Swarzak. Perkins finished off the game for this third save of the season.
Note: Twins outfielder Wilkin Ramirez left the game after being hit in the back by a pick-off throw to first base.
