Twins Slip By Tigers 2-1

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 2-1 in the opening game of a weekend series at Comerica Park Friday night. It was the Tigers' (20-11) second straight loss after going on an eight game winning streak. Kurt Suzuki hit a single with the bases loaded in the 7th innning to score two and break up a scoreless tie for Minnesota (16-18). Phil Hughes (4-1) pitched seven shutout innings striking out three for the win and Glen Perkins pitched a perfect ninth to preserve the shutout and earn his ninth save. Alex Avila hit an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth to cut the lead in half but then Perkins struck out Rajai Davis to end the game. Justin Verlander (4-2) took the loss for Detroit despite striking out five. The two teams continue their series Saturday afternoon. Kyle Gibson (3-2) takes the hill for the Twins while Max Scherzer (4-1) gets the start for the Tigers. Pregame coverage beings at 12:40pm on Lansing's Big Talker 1240 WJIM.