Twins Make Final, Headlong Dash Toward AL Central Title

With the Twins' most crucial three-game series of the season looming on Monday night, the Minneapolis Pioneer Press ran a column with the following headline: It's Not Likely That The Twins Can Sweep Their Final Two Series. That's the spirit, Twin Cities! But despite themselves, Minnesota fans find themselves one step closer to the AL Central title after a 9-3 win over Chicago on Tuesday pulled them to with 1 1/2 games of the White Sox in the American League's most compelling race. Two games remain between the Sox and Twins at the Metrodome, and then each team has three more to close out the regular season. It was all too much for this footwear-challenged fan to withstand on Tuesday. Oh my, you'll catch yer death of cold, dontcha know. Javier Vazquez lasted only four innings for the White Sox on Tuesday, as Jason Kubel went 3-for-4 with two homers for the Twins. Also please note that Ken Griffey Jr. passed Sammy Sosa for sole possession of fifth place on the career homer list at 610; an otherwise meaningless two-run shot in the ninth. More inspirational fuel for Twins fans: "If we lost tonight, that's almost the season right there,'' Kubel said. "It's one we really needed to have and it just sets up the rest of the series and gives us extra confidence after tonight.'' Scott Baker (10-4) got the win. Minnesota ends the regular season by welcoming the Royals for three, while the White Sox play host to the Indians. Place your bets. Twins 9, White Sox 3 [NBCSports]