MLB: Minnesota 10, Kansas City 7

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Delmon Young's grand slam helped Minnesota build a big advantage Friday and the Twins moved closer to the division lead by holding off Kansas City 10-7.

Detroit's loss to the Chicago White Sox earlier in the evening, combined with Minnesota's triumph, left the Twins just one game behind the Tigers in the American League Central. Both have two contests remaining

If Detroit and Minnesota finish the regular season tied, they will have a one-game playoff to determine which club meets the New York Yankees next week in the American League Division Series.

Young's home run came in a five-run first inning. Minnesota then added two in the second and Jason Kubel hit a solo homer during a three-run fourth.

After building a 10-0 lead, the Twins watched much of the advantage disappear while the Royals putt together 14 hits against seven Minnesota pitchers.

Joe Nathan came on in the ninth to protect a three-run lead, and a fielding error by shortstop Orlando Cabrera with one out allowed the Royals to bring the potential tying run into the on-deck circle.

Nathan, however, got Miguel Olivo on strikes and Alex Gordon popped out to third base to end the game.

Jeff Manship (1-1) got his first major league win in his fifth start. He survived 5 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on five hits. Nathan collected his 46th save.

The loss went to Lenny DiNardo (0-2), who allowed five runs on six hits in just one inning.