Hannah Fosllen/AssociatedPress
Minnesota Twins’ Justin Morneau (33) and Delmon Young celebrate at home plate after Young hit a three-run home run against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning Friday.
Small-market Rays, Twins are rolling
Move over, Yankees and Red Sox. Out of the way, White Sox. A couple of small-market clubs are showing the big boys how to play.
Edwin Jackson took a two-hitter into the eighth inning and Carlos Pena homered and drove in five runs Friday night, helping the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 11-2 for their fifth straight victory.
Not to be outdone, Delmon Young hit a three-run homer and had a season-high four RBIs, and Nick Punto homered and drove in four runs to help the Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Indians 12-3 for their 14th win in 16 games.
The surprising Rays remained three games ahead of the Boston Red Sox in the division, after their newfound rivals beat the New York Yankees 6-4. The Twins climbed within a game of the AL Central-leading White Sox, who have dropped two in a row after a 7-1 loss to Oakland.
Young’s blast, combined with Punto’s solo homer in the first inning — his first since June 6 of last season — provided enough support for Livan Hernandez (9-5) and the Minnesota bullpen.
Punto added a three-run double in the eighth for the finishing blow.
Hernandez allowed home runs to Kelly Shoppach and Ben Francisco, but held the Indians to three runs on five hits over six innings.
Local articles in today's paper:
- Cortland YMCA plans golf tourney