Bonderman prevails in a duel with Baker

Jeremy Bonderman began his All-Star campaign in style Sunday night.

Bonderman beat Scott Baker in an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel, and Marcus Thames homered with two out in the eighth inning to send the Detroit Tigers to a 1-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Bonderman (9-1) gave up six hits in eight innings, striking out seven and walking one. The right-hander is among five AL players on the Internet ballot for the final roster spot on the All-Star team, and voting will take place this week.

“I’m either going to go home or get voted in by the fans,” Bonderman said. “I’m looking forward to whatever happens. I’ll go home and enjoy my family.”

Detroit’s Jim Leyland, who will manage the AL squad, joked that Bonderman cares more than he lets on.

“It looked like he was mad at me for not picking him,” Leyland said. “I hope he got some votes tonight.”

It certainly sounded as though Bonderman had earned Torii Hunter’s vote.

“He was nasty,” the Twins center fielder said. “That boy is some good pitcher. ... The Tigers have a great one there. He made the pitches when he needed to.”

Baker (2-3) nearly matched Bonderman, giving up three hits and throwing only 79 pitches for his first complete game in 33 major league starts.