Damon's game-winning homer sinks Twins

• Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins

Talk about it

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Johnny Damon hit a two-run, game-winning homer in the 10th inning as the Rays topped the Twins 4-3 last night in St. Petersburg.

Matt Joyce put the game into extras with a two-run double in the ninth off Twins closer Joe Nathan. Joyce finished 3-for-4 as Tampa Bay wins its third straight. Twins starter Carl Pavano worked eight shutout innings before giving way to Nathan, who was the first of two Twins pitchers to blow saves Minnesota scored in the top of the tenth on a Danny Valencia single to go up 3-2. Then, Matt Capps tried to close out the game, but instead gave up Damon's long ball. Minnesota has lost four-of-five. Nick Blackburn will be looking for his second win of the season tonight against the Rays' Wade Davis.

____________________________________________________________

The Twins have placed catcher Joe Mauer on the disabled list with bilateral leg weakness. Mauer did not play in Thursday's loss to Tampa Bay with what was described only as soreness. It is the first time Mauer has landed on the DL since the start of the 2009 season. In nine games this year he is 8-for-34 with four runs batted in. To replace Mauer on the roster, the Twins will select the contract of catcher Steve Holm from Triple-A Rochester. The 31-year-old has spent most of his career in the minor leagues, though he did play in 53 games for San Francisco in 2008 and 2009.

_____________________________________________________________

In other AL Central action, the Detroit Tigers shut out the A’s in Oakland, 3-0. Phil Coke gave up three hits in seven innings, as the Tigers won their third straight.

Tags: minnesota sports, proam, baseball, twins