MLB: Minnesota 4, Chicago White Sox 1

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel homered Monday to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Nick Blackburn (9-9) allowed six his and one run with seven strikeouts in seven innings for his first win since July 10 after losing his previous five decisions.

Michael Cuddyer added an RBI single for Minnesota, which won for the eighth time in 10 games and climbed within 3 1/2 games of Detroit for the lead in the AL Central.

A.J. Pierzynski had two hits and drove in the lone run for the White Sox, who have lost eight of their last nine games.

Gavin Floyd (10-9) allowed three runs and nine hits over six innings to take the loss.