MINNEAPOLIS, July 3 (UPI) -- Scott Baker baffled Tampa Bay for seven innings and Danny Valencia singled home the go-ahead run Friday in the Minnesota Twins' 2-1 victory.
Baker (7-7) turned in his best start of the year for Minnesota, rebounding after two straight poor outings to hold the Rays to one run on six hits over seven innings, walking none and striking out eight.
Jon Rauch, who blew a lead in Thursday's loss to Tampa Bay, closed the door Friday, collecting his 18th save as the Twins maintained a half-game lead over Detroit in the American League Central.
Minnesota staged a two-run rally in the seventh inning. Former Ray Delmon Young doubled home the tying run, moved to third on an error and scored on Valencia's single.
David Price (11-4) failed in his bid to become the AL's first 12-game winner. He surrendered two runs on four hits in a complete-game loss.
