Joe Mauer and Jorge Polanco had three hits each, and the Minnesota Twins extended their lead for the American League’s second wild card by beating the Detroit Tigers 12-1 on Thursday night.
The Twins are 2 ½ games ahead of the Angels and Rangers in the race for the AL’s final postseason spot.
Minnesota scored three runs apiece in the fourth and sixth innings, then added four more in the eighth. The Twins rebounded from a three-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees, routing a depleted Detroit team that is 4-17 in September after trading Justin Verlander and Justin Upton.
Adalberto Mejia fell one out short of a win, allowing a run and four hits in 4 2/3 innings. Dillon Gee (3-2) was credited with a victory in relief.
Jordan Zimmermann (8-13) yielded three runs and five hits in four innings.
