CLEVELAND, June 11 (UPI) -- Jason Kubel hit a two-run homer in a five-run third inning Wednesday and Minnesota held on to defeat Cleveland 8-5.
The Twins halted a six-game losing streak after building an early 6-1 lead.
Grady Sizemore's three-run blast in the seventh brought the Indians within a run, but the Twins added two insurance tallies in the ninth on an RBI single by Alexi Casilla and a run-scoring double from Justin Morneau.
Nick Blackburn (5-4) picked up the win by allowing two runs on seven hits over six innings. Joe Nathan, the Twins' fifth pitcher, came on in the ninth to record his 17th save.
Paul Byrd (3-6) was belted for six runs in four innings to take the loss.
Carlos Gomez opened Minnesota's big third inning with a bunt single and he was sacrificed to second by Casilla. Joe Mauer then drew a four-pitch walk and Morneau doubled both runners home.
Michael Cuddyer followed with another double to drive in Morneau and Cuddyer scored in front of Kubel's homer to center.
