Twins go extras to defeat Cleveland

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CLEVELAND -- Minnesota's Alexi Casilla knocked in a run and scored in the top of the 12th inning to send the Twins to a 6-5 win over the Indians in the first of a three-game set in Ohio.

Joe Mauer went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the Twins, who stopped a three-game skid. Tyler Robertson earned his second win and Glen Perkins notched his 12th save. Lonnie Chisenhall hit a solo homer and Carlos Santana added a solo blast of his own in the 12th for Cleveland.

The Twins and Indians are now tied for last place in the American League Central Division with identical 61-87 season records. The same two teams play tonight in Cleveland.

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Voting is underway for the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award. The Twins are represented by first baseman Justin Morneau. The award is presented annually to the player who best represents Clemente's spirit of giving. Fans can vote online at MLB.com through October 14th.

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Kudos at the White House yesterday for the 2011 WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx. President Obama called Lynx team members role models, saying "you don't see them on Sportscenter doing stupid stuff. They play the game the right way. They compete fiercely but they're good, great sports women." The president says the Minnesota Lynx are wonderful examples for his daughters and his niece, and for so many parents. WNBA Finals MVP Seimone Augustus presented President Obama with a Number 11 Minnesota Lynx jersey.

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The Vikings made some minor roster moves yesterday. The Vikings signed tackle Troy Kropog to the practice squad. Minnesota also released wide receiver Tori Gurley. Minnesota will be back on the practice today, getting ready for Sunday's matchup against undefeated San Francisco at the Metrodome.

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Golden Gopher football coach Jerry Kill says if injured quarterback MarQueis Gray is healthy enough to play that he will likely be the backup quarterback this weekend against Syracuse. Gray is doubtful for this Saturday night's encounter against the Orange. Gray has a high ankle sprain and will likely not practice this week. Kill says that means No. 2 signal-caller Max Shortell, who relieved Gray last week and played well, will be the starter this weekend. If Gray is not healthy enough to be the backup, then Kill says true freshman Phillip Nelson of Mankato becomes the No. 2 QB. Kickoff on Saturday night is 7 p.m.

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Single game tickets to University of Minnesota women's basketball games go on sale this morning at 9 a.m. Golden Gopher fans can purchase single-game reserved chair back seating, reserved bench seating, and advance group sales. Minnesota opens the regular season on November 10th with the Best Buy Classic at Williams Arena. For information, go to the Gopher athletics webpage.

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The preseason USA Hockey Magazine women's college hockey poll is out and the defending national champion University of Minnesota is a unanimous No. 1. The Golden Gophers received all 19 first place votes in the survey and are followed by second-ranked Wisconsin, the team they beat in last year's national title game. North Dakota is fifth and Minnesota-Duluth is seventh.

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