MLB: Minnesota 12, Oakland 4

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Justin Morneau's three-run homer was part of five-run eighth inning Sunday, helping the Minnesota Twins rout the Oakland Athletics 12-4.

Morneau finished with two hits and four RBI.

Alexi Casilla hit a second-inning two-run homer and had three RBI. Two runs scored on an eighth-inning error, two other Minnesota players had one RBI and Nick Punto and Brian Buscher had two hits for the Twins, who gained a four-game split to remain 1 ½ games back of the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox.

Winning pitcher Scott Baker (8-4) yielded an earned run and six hits in six innings.

Reliever Eddie Guardado gave up three runs in the eighth.

Oakland's Aaron Cunningham had two hits and two RBI. Two others had one RBI, while two others had two hits for the Athletics, who had won three of four.

Losing pitcher Greg Smith (6-14) yielded eight earned runs and seven hits in five innings.