Ervin Santana pitched strong into the eighth inning and the Twins beat the Cleveland Indians 3-1 Tuesday to start a critical series for the American League wild card chasers.
Aaron Hicks and Brian Dozier each has two hits and an RBI from the top two spots in the Minnesota lineup.
Santana (6-4) turned in his fifth straight stellar start, surrendering five hits, one run and one walk while striking out seven. He gave up two singles to start the eighth, but Glen Perkins got three straight outs.
Kevin Jepsen struck out two in the ninth inning for his eighth save in nine tries since replacing Perkins as the closer.
