MLB: Minnesota 9, Kansas City 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Joe Mauer drew the first of three straight bases-loaded walks in a four-run fifth inning Friday and Minnesota went on to down Kansas City 9-4.

Minnesota won its fourth in a row and moved within two games of division-leading Detroit in the American League Central, adding further drama to a four-game series between the Twins and Tigers next week. Detroit will host the series beginning Monday.

Minnesota held a 2-1 lead going into the fourth before loading the bases against Robinson Tejeda (2-4).

Orlando Cabrera then drove in a run with a single, after which Mauer, Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer worked consecutive walks. Tejada walked seven batters overall in 4 1/3 innings.

Kansas City closed its deficit to 6-4 through six innings, but Minnesota's Delmon Young tripled in a run in the seventh, then scored on a single by Matt Tolbert. Young added a solo homer in the ninth.

Carl Pavano (13-11) worked six innings to pick up the victory. He allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out five.