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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 26, 2008

Twins grab AL Central lead

 •  Dodgers clinch NL West title before losing to Padres, 7-5

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Minnesota's Nick Punto scored in the 10th to beat Chicago, 7-6, for a half-game lead over the White Sox in the AL Central.

PAUL BATTAGLIA | Associated Press

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MINNEAPOLIS — The winning run reached home plate to put the Minnesota Twins back in first place, and Carlos Gomez and Denard Span still had plenty of energy to burn.

They raced from the dugout toward Alexi Casilla and tackled their teammate, in celebration of his 10th-inning single that capped a 7-6 comeback victory over the Chicago White Sox last night to complete a three-game sweep and give Minnesota a half-game lead in the AL Central.

"They play their heart out, they show up to play against us this week, and the result was what you saw," Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said.

The White Sox led 6-1 after a six-run fourth in which Minnesota starter Kevin Slowey was knocked out with a bruised wrist and the Twins made three costly defensive mistakes.

The Twins host Kansas City for a three-game weekend series to finish their schedule, while the White Sox head home for a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians. If these teams are still within a half-game of each other after play is completed Sunday, Chicago must make up a rainout against the Detroit Tigers on Monday. Then, if they're tied, the Twins will have to travel to the South Side for a one-game playoff Tuesday to determine the division champion.

TIGERS 7, RAYS 5

Ramon Santiago hit two of his team's four homers as host Detroit delayed Tampa Bay's AL East title clinching celebration for at least a day. The Rays can clinched the division with a victory or with a loss by second-place Boston.

RED SOX 6, INDIANS 1

Jon Lester (16-6) gave up a run on two hits over six innings and Kevin Youkilis hit his 28th homer for host Boston, which ends the regular season by hosting New York for three games.

BLUE JAYS 8, YANKEES 2

Roy Halladay (20-11) pitched his major league-leading ninth complete game and Vernon Wells homered and drove in four runs as host Toronto snapped New York's seven-game winning streak.

ANGELS 6, MARINERS 4

Vladimir Guerrero hit two home runs - including a two-run shot in the top of the ninth for a 6-4 lead - and Los Angeles moved closer to securing home field throughout the playoffs.

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