Recap: Minnesota vs. Chicago WSox
Sports Network | September 26, 2008
Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Alexi Casilla delivered the winning RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, as Minnesota rallied from a five-run deficit to shock Chicago, 7-6, and move into first place in the AL Central by a half-game over the White Sox.
Carlos Gomez went 4-for-5 with a pair of runs batted in and three runs scored for the Twins, who swept the three-game set and head into the weekend trying to wrap up their fifth division title in seven years. Denard Span had three hits and three RBI.
Gomez had an RBI single in the eighth and scored the tying run on Span's triple down the right field line, sending the Metrodome crowd into a frenzy.
In the 10th, Nick Punto walked with one out, advanced to second on a Gomez groundout and moved to third when the ball eluded catcher A.J. Pierzynski in the dirt. Span was intentionally walked before Casilla laced a single off Bobby Jenks (3-1) to center to set off the on-field celebration.
The Twins, who went 8-1 this season at home against the White Sox, will host Kansas City this weekend for three games to end their season. Chicago has a trio of home games against Cleveland.
If a half-game difference looms after Sunday, the White Sox would have to play a make-up contest at home against Detroit on Monday.
Joe Nathan (1-2), the seventh pitcher used for the Twins, received the victory after throwing two scoreless innings.
Minnesota's bullpen allowed just two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings after starter Kevin Slowey departed with a wrist injury when he was hit by a line drive.
