Twins keep gaining by blanking Indians

MINNEAPOLIS -- A week and a half ago, the Minnesota Twins were 9 1/2 games back in the AL Central race and reeling after an embarrassing three-game sweep in Toronto.

Things have changed dramatically in 11 days. With division leader Cleveland and second-place Detroit slumping, the Twins are again within reach of a playoff berth.

“We smell blood right now,” Torii Hunter said after Minnesota’s 1-0 win against the Indians on Sunday. “We’re ready to go.”

Scott Baker (6-4) allowed four hits in eight innings and Alexi Casilla hit a run-scoring double in the fourth to help the Twins get within 4 1/2 games of the division lead for the first time since May 10.

The Twins have struggled offensively, scoring more than three runs only three times in their last 11 games and batting .230 in August. But Baker helped send the Indians to their sixth shutout.

“We didn’t do anything offensively,” Indians Manager Eric Wedge said. “When we had opportunities, we just weren’t able to take advantage of them. . . . We’re a much better offensive ballclub than what we’ve been showing lately.”

From the Associated Press