Hardy's plays helped Twins edge Tigers

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MINNEAPOLIS - J.J. Hardy tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth to give the Twins a thrilling 4-3 win over the Detroit Tigers last night at Target Field.

Hardy made the defensive play of the game in the top of the ninth, diving to stop a grounder by Ramon Santiago then throwing Nick Punto to catch Alex Avila, who had over-run third base.

Twins starter Nick Blackburn pitched the Twins' second complete game of the season, despite surrendering the game-tying home run to Brennan Boesch in the top of the ninth. It was Blackburn's first appearance since coming off family emergency leave, allowing 11 hits and three runs while striking out six.

Jim Thome, Michael Cuddyer and Delmon Young all drove in runs for the Twins, who've won three in a row and close out their series with the Tigers this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Twins catcher Joe Mauer won't be going on the disabled list. An MRI performed yesterday revealed a soft tissue bruise in his left heel. Had it been a bone bruise, it would have taken longer to heal. Mauer was hurt in last Friday's win at Cleveland when he jammed his heel into first base trying to beat out a grounder.

Tags: mn sports, proam, baseball, twins