Thomas, who also doubled, hit his first major league home run in the second inning, a two-run shot over the right field fence. Joyce smacked a solo homer in the eighth.

Verlander (7-9) struck out eight Twins, allowing two runs and four hits in seven innings.

Brendan Harris drove in a Minnesota run with a single. A wild pitch sent home the other run for the Twins, who had won the first three games of a four-game series.

Starter Nick Blackburn (7-5) took the loss, allowing three runs and five hits in seven innings.