Cleveland edges Minnesota 3-2

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Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Matt LaPorta's RBI-double in the eighth inning proved to be the difference, as Cleveland rallied past Minnesota, 3-2, in the opener of a three-game set.

Carlos Santana added two hits, including a run-scoring double, for the Indians, who have won three of four and kept pace in the race for the AL Central crown.

Rafael Perez (5-2) recorded the final out in the eighth to earn the win, and Chris Perez turned in a perfect ninth to record his 24th save as Cleveland won for the 14th time this season in its final turn at the plate.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka collected a pair of hits and drove in both runs for the Twins, losers in seven of their last eight.

Glen Perkins (4-3) allowed the winning run over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss.

The Indians tallied twice in their last at-bat to claim victory.

Twins starter Carl Pavano remained on the mound for the eighth, but allowed a one-out single to Travis Hafner before Perkins got the call. Santana promptly blasted a double off the wall in right-center to score the tying run, then after moving up on a groundout, Santana came home when LaPorta blooped his hit to short left.

Cleveland's closer Perez retired the side in order to lock up the win.

Minnesota picked up a run in the third as Ben Revere reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and came in on a base hit by Nishioka.

Tags: minnesota sports, proam, baseball, twins