The catcher hit RBI singles in the bottom of the third and sixth innings, raising his batting average to .286 this season.

First baseman Justin Morneau had two hits and one RBI, while Nick Punto added two hits for the Twins, who won twice in the three-game series.

Winner Francisco Liriano (4-3) yielded one hit in five scoreless innings with three walks and five strikeouts. He is now 4-0 since returning to the majors after being demoted following an 0-3 start to the year, his first since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2006.

Closer Joe Nathan followed three other relievers with a 1-2-3 ninth to record his 34th save.

Oakland's Jack Cust hit an RBI single in the top of the first. Emil Brown had two of the five hits in the Athletics' sixth loss in their last eight games.

Losing pitcher Dallas Braden (3-3) surrendered three earned runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings with three walks and seven strikeouts.