The Twins and White Sox exploded with four runs apiece in the first inning before settling into a groove that led to a 6-6 tie entering the ninth inning. That’s when a throwing error by A.J. Pierzynski put runners at second and third with nobody out, and allowed Jamey Carroll to drive in the winning run with walk-off sacrifice fly.
Danny Valencia played well filling in for the injured Trevor Plouffe. He went 2-3 with 2 RBI. Ryan Doumit also drove in a pair of runs for the Twins.
Cole De Vries settled down after allowing four runs in the first inning — three of which came on a home run by Pierzynski. De Vries finished the game allowing just one more run, which was unearned. He threw five innings, allowing seven hits while striking out three and walking one.
Denard Span, Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham each had two hits. Morneau has seven hits in his last four games.
Tuesday night should be a blockbuster at Target Field as the Twins prepare to face Francisco Liriano, who was traded to Chicago for a couple of minor leaguers on Saturday night.
