Detroit 2, Minnesota 1

Tigers 2, Twins 1: Prince Fielder hit a two-run homer in the top of the eighth inning and Detroit moved closer to the American League Central title by defeating host Minnesota.

Austin Jackson singled off Jared Burton (3-2) to start the eighth and Fielder smashed his 30th homer of the season over the left-center field wall with two outs to give the Tigers a three-game lead over the Chicago White Sox. Chicago fell to Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Jose Valverde worked a flawless ninth for his 34th save in 39 opportunities. Phil Coke (2-3) recorded two outs in the seventh for the victory.

Minnesota starter Liam Hendriks pitched seven strong innings before exiting. He gave up five hits and two walks.

The Twins broke a scoreless tie in the seventh on a run-scoring single to right field by Pedro Florimon. Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez allowed one run and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Minnesota’s Joe Mauer went 3-for-4 for his third three-hit game over his last eight outings. … Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera was hitless in three at-bats to drop his average to .325. Cabrera is vying to become the first American League Triple Crown winner since 1967. … Twins 1B Justin Morneau went 0-for-4 and left six runners on base.

• Minnesota will play their next game on the road against Toronto. The Twins have a W/L % of .409 after a win and .419 after a loss.
• Detroit will play their next game on the road against Kansas City. The Tigers have a W/L % of .518 after a win and .568 after a loss.