Monroe’s Hit Gives Tigers Another Win

Craig Monroe’s sharp single down the third base line in the 10th inning lifted the Detroit Tigers to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.

The Metrodome looked and sounded like the postseason, but the Twins lost for only the ninth time in their last 43 games and fell 9 1/2 games behind the Tigers in the AL Central. They’re now 1 1/2 games back of the Yankees and one game behind the White Sox in the wild-card race.

Chris Shelton singled off Juan Rincon (3-1) and took second on a sacrifice bunt by Vance Wilson. After Curtis Granderson struck out, Placido Polanco reached on a high-bouncing single to shortstop. Then came the hit by Monroe, who hurt himself running to first and was pulled for pinch-runner Marcus Thames.

Todd Jones pitched the 10th for his 28th save, preserving a victory for Fernando Rodney (5-3). Detroit’s Zach Miner stayed even with fellow rookie Francisco Liriano but got a no-decision.

The Tigers won seven of nine against the Twins earlier this year, including a three-game sweep in April at home by a combined score of 33-1.

“When you’ve got that guy pitching, they’re as good as anybody. I believe that,” Tigers Manager Jim Leyland said. “But you know? We’ve got a good team too. We hung in there and got the win.”