Emergency starter Tommy Milone replaced an ill Phil Hughes and pitched the Minnesota Twins past the Cleveland Indians 4-2 on Monday night in a game crucial to the wild-card chances of both clubs.

Hughes, one of several Twins players hit with a virus that has spread throughout the team, was scratched from his scheduled start about 4 hours before the game. Milone (9-5), removed from the rotation two weeks ago, stepped in an allowed two runs in 5 2-3 innings.

Minnesota (81-75) remains trailing Houston by 1 1/2 games in the race for the second AL wild card. The Astros and Angels both won their games to stay ahead of the Twins.