--DH Randy Ruiz walloped a sixth-inning pitch from Ryan Rowland-Smith a dozen rows into the right-field stands, his first career home run. That came on the same day the rookie learned he had been named International League Rookie of the Year for his league-leading .320 season at Class AAA Rochester.
--RHP Scott Baker has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 17 of his 22 starts this season. But despite posting his 13th quality start, he failed to win for the sixth straight start, picking up a loss after five no-decisions. --RHP Matt Guerrier, who allowed at least one run seven times in nine appearances, pitched a scoreless inning, his second straight successful outing. Guerrier has gone three innings without a run, lowering his ERA to 4.68.
--1B Justin Morneau doubled leading off the fourth inning, his 17th in his last 43 games, but considered it an unsuccessful night. Twice Morneau came to the plate with runners in scoring position, and both times he failed to drive in a run.
--LF Delmon Young fouled a pitch off his right knee Monday and nearly came out of the game. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he considered giving Young the night off Tuesday, but the outfielder insisted that he was not bothered by his bruised knee. He went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Twins who have driven in 100 runs in three consecutive seasons. Justin Morneau on Aug. 24 joined Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew (1969-71) with that distinction.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He gets in the batter's box when he's ready, one foot in and then a pause to gather himself, and he takes command. But he does it very discreetly. Elegantly. It's like he's playing a different game, where the pitcher isn't in control." -- Twins batting coach Joe Vavra, on star pupil Joe Mauer.
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