Tigers Stunned By Twins In 9th Losing 4-3
By ADAM CZECH/Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Aaron Hicks hit a two-out RBI single in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins rallied for a 4-3 win over the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night.
After J.D. Martinez hit a three-run home run to give Detroit a 3-2 lead in the top of the ninth, Trevor Plouffe drew a one-out walk against Joe Nathan (4-4) and was replaced by pinch-runner Doug Bernier.
Bernier scored when center fielder Ezequiel Carrera dived for a line drive off the bat of Kurt Suzuki and missed it, allowing the ball to roll to the wall.
Chris Herrmann ran for Suzuki and scored when Hicks battled Nathan to full count and beat out a bouncer fielded by shortstop Andrew Romine near second base.
After Martinez's homer off Glen Perkins (4-3), it looked as if the Tigers had another big ninth-inning win as they try to maintain a slim lead over the Royals in the AL Central.
Torii Hunter and Miguel Cabrera hit back-to-back homers in the ninth to rally the Tigers to a win in Monday's series opener.
Minnesota rookie slugger Kennys Vargas was a double away from the cycle and hit a home run in the sixth that made it 2-0.
Twins starter Ricky Nolasco held the Tigers scoreless over eight innings and only allowed two runners to reach second base.
Rick Porcello struck out five and allowed two runs in eight innings.
TRAINER'S ROOM
TIGERS: C Alex Avila became light-headed during a pregame workout and missed his second straight game with concussion-like symptoms. He remains day to day.
3B Nick Castellanos was scratched from the lineup about an hour before first pitch with left foot soreness. Don Kelly moved to third and Rajai Davis took over in center field.
Anibal Sanchez (strained muscle) hopes to throw another bullpen session before pitching in a simulated game. He could pitch out of the bullpen when he returns.
TWINS: SS Eduardo Escobar left the game in the fourth after jamming his right shoulder diving for a Torii Hunter grounder.
OF Oswaldo Arcia told manager Ron Gardenhire he could play, but the manager gave him the night off with a strained back.
UP NEXT
David Price (14-11, 3.26) has lasted at least seven innings in six of his eight starts since being traded to the Tigers. He faces Kyle Gibson (11-11, 4.58) in Wednesday's series finale.
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