MLB

• Twins cool off Tigers

  
  

  Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Craig Monroe hit a three-run homer and Mike Redmond finished with two RBI, as the Minnesota Twins downed the Detroit Tigers, 6-4, in the second installment on a three-game series between the AL Central rivals at the Metrodome.

  Scott Baker (5-2) earned the win after he allowed three runs on seven hits with five strikeouts for the surging Twins, who rebounded from Monday's 5-4 loss in the series opener and have won 12 of their last 14 games. In the process, Minnesota also halted the Tigers' six-game win streak. Alexi Casilla added three hits, an RBI and a run scored in the win.

  "This was big, especially within our division," said Baker. "These games hold the same amount of value as wins late in the season. We want to continue to win these games and end the first half (of the season) on a good note." Marcus Thames homered for the Tigers, who lost for only the second time in their last 10 games overall. Carlos Guillen posted three hits and three runs scored in the losing effort.

  Nate Robertson (6-7) suffered the loss after a poor outing in which he allowed six runs and 11 hits over four-plus innings of work.

  The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the fourth when Guillen crossed the plate on a wild pitch by Baker, but the Twins took the lead in the home portion of the frame.

  Consecutive singles by Redmond and Justin Morneau preceded a three-run blast by Monroe that cleared the wall in center field. It was Monroe's eighth homer of the season.

  Three more Minnesota runs in the fifth made it 6-1. Denard Span led off with a double and Carlos Gomez bunted his way onto first to put runners on the corners.

  Casilla's RBI double followed and with runners still on second and third, Redmond's two-run single created the five-run advantage.

  Morneau's subsequent single chased Robertson from the mound in favor of Zach Miner, who got three straight outs to stop the bleeding.

  "We were fortunate that they didn't get (more) runs," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "We didn't pitch well." In the top of the sixth, the Tigers climbed within 6-3. Guillen singled before Thames belted his 16th home run.

  Minnesota reliever Brian Bass pitched a scoreless seventh but surrendered a run in the eighth on an RBI double by Gary Sheffield.

  The Tigers, trailing 6-4, faced closer Joe Nathan in the ninth. Edgar Renteria flied out, Ivan Rodriguez struck out and Curtis Granderson lined out on a nice catch by Casilla. The 1-2-3 inning increased Nathan's 2008 save total to 23.

  Game Notes Baker improved his overall record to 3-3 in 10 career contests against the Tigers...Robertsonhadwonthreestraightdecisionsenteringthe game...Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera, who left Monday's game in the third inning with a left hip flexor strain, did not start but appeared as a pinch- hitter in the eighth...The scheduled pitching matchup for Wednesday's series finale (1:10 p.m.

  et) will feature Nick Blackburn against Detroit's Eddie Bonine...The Twins outhit the Tigers, 14-10...Attendance was 23,754.

  07/02 08:57:59 ET