MINNEAPOLIS, July 4 (UPI) -- Delmon Young put Minnesota in front with a three-run homer in the third Friday and the streaking Twins went on to hammer Cleveland 12-3.

Since the middle of June, the Twins have put together a 16-3 record and have moved within a game of division-leading Chicago in the American League Central.

Minnesota has captured 11 of its last 13 home games. Cleveland has dropped six in a row.

Young's homer gave the Twins a 5-2 lead and they poured it on with seven runs over their final three innings. They roughed up Cleveland pitching for 15 hits.

Nick Punto drove in four runs -- one with a homer in the first and three more with a double in the eighth.

Livan Hernandez (9-5) took advantage of the assault to get the win, allowing three runs on five hits in six innings.

Minnesota got to starter Paul Byrd (3-10) for eight hits and six runs over 5 1/3.