MLB: Minnesota 9, Los Angeles Angels 0

ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Glen Perkins pitched eight shutout innings for Minnesota, which took the American League Central lead Friday with a 9-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Perkins (11-3) scattered five hits. Reliever Denny Reyes pitched the ninth.

The win moved the Twins a half-game ahead of the Chicago White Sox, who lost 9-4 to Tampa Bay.

Denard Span hit a three-run home run and Delmon Young had a two-run homer for Minnesota.

Joe Saunders (14-6) gave up six runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings, taking the loss.