Watch CBS News

Buxton's First Big League RBI Lifts Twins Past Orioles 3-2

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Byron Buxton picked up his first major league RBI with a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning, and the Minnesota Twins extended their dominance of the Baltimore Orioles with a 3-2 victory Saturday night.

After overcoming a two-run deficit in the eighth inning on Friday night, Minnesota handed Chris Tillman (9-8) his first loss since May 31, after trailing 1-0 in the sixth and 2-1 in the seventh.

The Twins have won seven straight over Baltimore dating to last season. They are 6-0 against the Orioles this season, outscoring them 39-15. With a victory Sunday, Minnesota will complete its first four-game sweep of Baltimore since August 2007.

The Orioles had won five of six before running into the Twins, who have enhanced their own position in the AL wild-card chase while stalling the Orioles' momentum.

After Baltimore went ahead 2-1 in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by J.J. Hardy, Minnesota took the lead for the first time in the seventh.

Tillman issued a one-out walk to Eddie Rosario, who advanced to third on a hit-and-run single by Torii Hunter. Kurt Suzuki followed with a squeeze bunt down the first-base line that left Tillman no choice but to throw to first as Rosario crossed the plate.

Brad Brach entered and walked Eduardo Escobar intentionally before Buxton lined a single to left. The 21-year-old rookie, who was picked second overall in the 2012 draft, came in hitting .208 (10 for 48) in 13 games in his first major league season.

Casey Fien (4-5) pitched 1 1-3 innings of relief to earn his second win in two nights. He entered in the sixth and struck out Manny Machado with the bases loaded and two outs.

Kevin Jepsen got three straight outs for his eighth save.

Baltimore went up 1-0 in the second inning when Steve Clevenger singled and came home on a double by Henry Urrutia.

After giving up a walk and bunt single in the first, Tillman retired 14 straight batters before Escobar led off the sixth with a double. Escobar advanced on a bunt and scored when Brian Dozier bounced a single up the middle.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Twins: Closer Glen Perkins, who's been sidelined since Aug. 17 with a neck injury, threw on the side Saturday and will have a bullpen session Sunday. He hopes to return Tuesday. ... RHP Phil Hughes (lower back inflammation) is still experiencing pain. Manager Paul Molitor said it's "not turning around as fast as we had hoped."

Orioles: Steve Pearce (left oblique) was slated to begin his rehabilitation assignment by playing 1B and batting third for Double-A Bowie.

ON DECK

Twins: Mike Pelfrey (6-7, 3.62 ERA) makes his 24th start in the series finale. The Twins are 12-11 in his starts, and he's 2-0 lifetime against Baltimore.

Orioles: Kevin Gausman (2-5, 4.48 ERA) seeks to snap a run of three straight losing starts. He's 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in his career versus the Twins.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.