With a two-run, pinch-hit double by Mitch Garver , the Twins overtook Oakland on their way to a 6-4 victory Thursday night that gave the Athletics consecutive losses for only the second time in more than two months.
Garver gave the Twins a 4-2 lead with his big hit after catcher Bobby Wilson sprained his right ankle backing up first base in the top of the inning.
Joe Mauer drove in Garver with a single that tied him with Rod Carew for second on the club’s career hits list. Mauer, who has 2,085 career hits, trails all-time Twins leader Kirby Puckett by 219.
Khris Davis moved into the major league lead with his 39th home run , a no-doubt drive to start the second inning against Twins starter Kohl Stewart, who lasted until the fifth.
Alan Busenitz (4-0), the first of five Twins relievers, got the win.
Trevor Hildenberger shook off Jed Lowrie’s two-out homer in the ninth to finish his fourth save in as many opportunities since closer Fernando Rodney was traded to the A’s two weeks ago.
