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Cabrera's three-run homer lifts Tigers over Twins

Jun 2, 2011 - 4:07 AM Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Miguel Cabrera ripped a three-run homer in the third inning to help the Detroit Tigers continue their recent dominance of the Minnesota Twins with a 4-2 victory over their Central Division rival.

Alex Avila drove in the other run for the Tigers, who swept the three-game series and have won nine straight over the Twins dating back to last season. It's Detroit's longest such streak since nine straight wins during July 27, 1949-May 6, 1950 when the Twins were the Washington Senators.

Rick Porcello (5-3) tossed 6 2/3 strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits. He also had three walks and four strikeouts in the win, Detroit's fourth overall.

Drew Butera hit a two-run shot for the spiraling Twins, who have lost four straight contests and 10 of the last 12 overall.

"I would never imagine we would be 20 under (.500)," Twins designated hitter Jim Thome said. "It's sure not fun and it's frustrating to be where we're at."

Scott Baker (2-4) gave up all four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts over six innings.

Minnesota made it interesting in the ninth when Tigers closer Jose Valverde came in to preserve the win with a two-run lead.

Matt Tolbert drew a lead off walk before Denard Span grounded out to push Tolbert to second. Alexi Casilla tried to catch the Tigers off guard with a bunt attempt with two strikes, but he fouled it straight back for the second out.

Valverde was forced to walk the dangerous Justin Morneau to put the go-ahead run at the plate. However, Michael Cuddyer ground out to end the game and give Valverde his 14th save of the season.

Detroit got the first run in during the second inning. Victor Martinez ripped a one-out single through the right side. After Jason Repko robbed Andy Dirks of a home run with a leaping catch before slamming into the fence in right, Jhonny Peralta singled to move Martinez to second.

Avila then lined an opposite field single to push across Martinez and give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.

Baker set the table for Cabrera, walking Ramon Santaigo and Brennan Boesch in the third. Cabrera then ripped a line drive shot that sailed into the bullpen past the left fence to go up 4-0.

"He really came through tonight," Tigers manger Jim Leyland said of Cabrera. "He really turned on a ball. He's so strong that he can get the ball out of the park."

Drew Butera hit his first home run of the season on a ball that barely cleared the left fence in the seventh. The shot also brought in Delmon Young, who started the inning with a single, to slice the deficit in half, 4-2.

Game Notes

Thome, who is tied with Ernie Banks for 28th on the all-time RBI list with 1,636 RBI, left the game with a mild strain of his left quadriceps. He is listed as day-to-day...The Twins have been swept in six series this season...Peralta extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single in the second inning.