MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Justin Morneau hit a three-run homer Monday to lead the Minnesota Twins to an 8-1 win over Kansas City and their fourth postseason berth in five years.
Minnesota's win, coupled with Chicago's 14-1 loss at Cleveland, eliminated the defending World Series champion White Sox from playoff contention. The Twins stand one game behind first-place Detroit in the AL Central.
Boof Bonser (7-5) retired Kansas City's first 12 batters before Emil Browns' double to lead off the fifth. A home run by Angel Berroa in the sixth accounted for the only other hit allowed by Bonser. The rookie right-hander walked two and struck out five over 6 2/3 innings to earn the win.
The Twins limited the Royals to three hits. Torii Hunter hit a two-run homer and scored twice for the Twins, who have won seven of their last nine games.
