MLB: MInnesota 2, LA Angels 1 (12 innings)

ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Minnesota's Denard Span singled in Nick Punto in the top of the 12th inning Thursday and the Twins edged the Los Angeles Angels 2-1.

Punto tripled to start the winning rally that moved the Twins to within a half-game of the first-place Chicago White Sox in the American League Central.

Joe Nathan put the Angels down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 12th, recording his 35th save of the season.

Minnesota starter Scott Baker pitched eight innings, allowing four hits and a run, but the win went to reliever Jesse Crain (5-2) who came on in the 11th.

Mark Teixeira hit a first-inning home run for the Angels.

Justin Speier (1-7), who gave up the Twins' 12th-inning run, was the loser.