Mauer's first homer helps Twins beat Texas

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ARLINGTON, Tex. -- Brian Duensing pitched six-plus innings of one-run ball as the Twins defeated the Rangers 7-2 last night in Texas.

Joe Mauer homered for the first time this season, Michael Cuddyer added a solo shot in the fourth inning and Jason Kubel blasted a three-run double in the ninth. Danny Valencia and Alexi Casilla each had a pair of hits for Minnesota. Rangers losing pitcher Colby Lewis allowed four earned runs and eight hits over six-and-two-thirds innings. Lewis has given up a league-high 26 home runs.

The Twins moved within six games of the first-place Tigers -who dropped a 2-1 decision to the White Sox. Minnesota goes for the series win at Texas tonight.

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Twins second baseman Alexi Casilla left last night's game in the ninth inning after sliding into second base. He felt tightness in his left hamstring while legging out a two-out double. Casilla is expected to undergo an MRI today. Manager Ron Gardenhire says whether it's a pull or a cramp, we don't know, at first look it didn't seem that bad. Casilla says he knew something was wrong as soon as he started running out of the batter's box. He was replaced in the bottom of the ninth by Trevor Plouffe.

Tags: minnesota sports, proam, baseball, twins