CHICAGO, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Jason Kubel hit a three-run homer Thursday and the Minnesota Twins took the lead in the American League Central with a 6-1 win over the Chicago White Sox.
Jim Thome broke a 1-1 tie in the second with a sacrifice fly, Minnesota scratched out a run courtesy of a balk in the third and Kubel provided insurance in the seventh with a two-out blast to left-center after Joe Mauer had been intentionally walked in front of him.
The Twins won two out of three in the series to take a one-game lead over the White Sox in the division race. Minnesota and Chicago will meet three more times next week in Minneapolis.
Francisco Liriano (11-7) picked up the win, allowing a lone run on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. Three relievers combined for 3 1/3 shutout innings with two hits and two strikeouts.
The loss went to Gavin Floyd (8-9), who surrendered six runs on 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings.
Not only did the White Sox lose the game, they had some concerns at the end of the contest because closer Bobby Jenks had to leave in the ninth inning with back spasms.
Jenks retired the first batter of the inning before giving up a single and a walk. After Jenks summoned a trainer to the mound, he was replaced by Scott Linebrink. Minnesota was unable to score in the inning.
