Rays/MLB

Stellar D helps Twins move one back

By TIMES WIRES
Published September 18, 2006

Twins 6

Indians 1

CLEVELAND - While trying to catch first-place Detroit, Minnesota is catching everything hit its way, too.

The Twins turned five double plays for the first time in 11 years and Scott Baker pitched six strong innings as Minnesota moved within one game of the Tigers in the Central.

"Guys made good plays behind me all day," Baker said. "It gives you a lot of confidence knowing guys will make the plays."

The Twins won for the eighth time in 10 games. They are 41-21 since a 6-4 loss to Cleveland dropped them 12 games back July 13.

Baker had been 0-3 with a 6.64 ERA in four career starts against the Indians.

"I can't tell you how good it feels to pitch well in this kind of situation," Baker said.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said Baker has been a different pitcher in three September starts since returning from a one-month stay at Triple-A Rochester.

"He made a lot of good pitches to get double plays," Gardenhire said. "That's the one thing we've been preaching to him, If you pitch to contact, we'll catch it. We're good at that. We made a lot of good plays in the infield."

Matt Guerrier earned his first career save. Kevin Kouzmanoff grounded into his second double play of the game to end it.

QUOTABLE: "Go ask them if you think they should make plays. I'm not pleased and it will be addressed." - Eric Wedge, Indians manager after his team made three errors and several other misplays

[Last modified September 18, 2006, 02:25:31]