Aug 20, 2006, 21:35 GMT
Minneapolis, MN - Johan Santana continued to dominate at the Metrodome as Minnesota bested Chicago, 7-3, in the rubber match of a three- game set.
Santana (15-5) allowed just one run on six hits in seven innings of work to win his 13th consecutive decision in Minneapolis. The former American League Cy Young winner hasn't tasted defeat at home since a setback to Oakland on August 1, 2005, a span of 20 starts. In 14 home games this year, Santana is 9-0.
'We are playing good baseball,' said Santana.'I don't think about my stats. I think about winning and getting to a World Series.'
Torii Hunter blasted a two-run homer for the Twins, who have won five of their past seven games and moved to within a game of Chicago in the American League wild card race. Mike Redmond and Michael Cuddyer each drove in a pair of runs while Luis Castillo was 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Tadahito Iguchi was 2-for-4 with an RBI for the White Sox, who have lost four of their past six games. Jermaine Dye and Joe Crede also drove in a run apiece for Chicago.
Javier Vazquez (11-8) started on the hill for Chicago and surrendered five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits in seven innings en route to the loss.
'I gave them seven innings but that was about it,' said Vazquez. 'We lost and a loss is a loss.'
Down 1-0, the Twins quickly took over with a four-spot in the third inning. With the bases loaded and one down, Redmond lined a two-run single to center. Cuddyer followed with another RBI single and Justin Morneau sliced a double down the left field line to plate Redmond and make it 4-1.
Minnesota extended its advantage in the fifth with a pair of doubles. Castillo led off the frame with a two-bagger and came around to score when Cuddyer rapped a two-out double of his own past Jermaine Dye in right.
The White Sox tried to climb back in it off Juan Rincon in the eighth. Jim Thome drew a one-out walk, moved to third on Paul Konerko's line drive double to left and scored when Dye lifted a sacrifice fly to center. Crede then knocked in Konerko with a single to center to draw Chicago within two, 5-3.
Hunter sealed the game in the home half of the eighth with a two-run home run. After Morneau got on with a one-out single, Hunter hit a laser into the left field stands to make it 7-3.
Chicago went on top in the third thanks to Iguchi's RBI double. Pablo Ozuna got on with a soft single to right and came around to score when Iguchi drilled the first pitch he saw into the left-center gap.
Game Notes
In 23 career games (17 starts) versus Chicago, Santana owns a 10-5 record. Vazquez is just 1-4 in six lifetime starts against the Twins.Chicago fell to 6-13 in their last 19 games at the Metrodome. Minnesota leads the season series 7-6.
In 23 career games (17 starts) versus Chicago, Santana owns a 10-5 record.
Vazquez is just 1-4 in six lifetime starts against the Twins.
Chicago fell to 6-13 in their last 19 games at the Metrodome. Minnesota leads the season series 7-6.
© 2006 The Sports Network
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