MINNEAPOLIS — Brian Duensing left the mound to a rousing ovation for his performance that helped push Minnesota within three games of Detroit for the AL Central lead.

Showing his age, Duensing wasn't sure about protocol. Tip his cap to acknowledge the crowd, or just keep walking?

That was the only sign of his rookie status as he pitched with the poise of a seasoned pro.

Michael Cuddyer's two-run homer was all Duensing needed, energizing the Twins in a 3-0 victory over the Tigers last night.

"He wasn't scared of any of those guys," Cuddyer said. "He went out there, pounded the strike zone. That was huge, and hopefully he can continue to be huge for us."

This is the closest the Twins (75-72) have been to first place since Aug. 2. They're 6-1 at home this year against Detroit.

The 26-year-old Duensing (4-1) gave up two infield singles among just four hits and only one walk over 6 1/3 innings, before yielding to the bullpen to finish Minnesota's fifth straight victory.

RED SOX 3, ORIOLES 1

Jason Bay hit a solo homer for his team-high 34th and visiting Boston extended its winning streak against Baltimore to six games.

ROYALS 11, WHITE SOX 0

Luke Hochevar (7-10) pitched a three-hitter for his first career shutout and Miguel Olivo hit a pair of two-run shots and drove in six runs for visiting Kansas City.

RAYS 11, BLUE JAYS 4

Evan Longoria hit his 31st homer and had three RBIs, and eight straight batters reached base to start a six-run third inning that helped host Tampa Bay beat Toronto.

ANGELS 2, RANGERS 0

Scott Kazmir (9-8) scattered six hits over six innings and Vladimir Guerrero homered in leading visiting Los Angeles over Texas, which was shut out for the fourth time in a five-game losing streak.

ATHLETICS 2, INDIANS 1

Brett Anderson pitched six shutout innings and had a career-high 10 strikeouts, and Nomar Garciaparra had two hits and an RBI as host Oakland won its fifth straight.

MARINERS 3, YANKEES 2

Pinch-hitter Mike Sweeney doubled with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and Ichiro Suzuki followed with a first-pitch, two-run homer off New York closer Mariano Rivera to lift Seattle.