Marwin Gonzalez and Jonathan Schoop hit solo homers in the second inning while Michael Pineda pitched five sharp innings to help the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Tuesday night.
Eddie Rosario knocked in an insurance run in the eighth as the AL Central-leading Twins won their third straight to remain 3 1/2 games ahead of Cleveland. Minnesota (80-51) moved to 29 games above .500 for the first time since Sept. 26, 2010.
Tim Anderson’s 14th homer accounted for the only run off Pineda (10-5), who won his third straight start and fourth straight decision. The right-hander allowed four hits and walked one while striking out eight, but was replaced by Sam Dyson to start the sixth after 89 pitches.
Tyler Duffey, Sergio Romo and Taylor Rogers followed as Minnesota’s bullpen finished with four scoreless innings. Rogers pitched a perfect ninth for his 21st save.
