MINNEAPOLIS, April 29 (UPI) -- Denard Span and Jason Kubel both scored on wild pitches during a four-run first inning Wednesday and Minnesota went on to thump Tampa Bay 8-3.
The Twins built an 8-1 lead through four innings en route to their fourth victory in six games.
Nick Blackburn (2-1) took advantage of the early lead to pick up the win, giving up two runs on eight hits over seven innings.
Scott Kazmir (3-2) struggled while allowing nine hits and four walks in four innings. Two of the eight runs he surrendered were unearned.
Minnesota batted around in the first inning to take quick control of the game.
Span led off with a single, Brendan Harris reached on an infield hit and Justin Morneau drew a walk to load the bases.
With Kubel at the plate, Kazmir uncorked a wild pitch that brought home Span. Kubel then drove in Harris with an infield single.
One out later, another infield hit from Michael Cuddyer scored Morneau and Kubel came in from third moments later on another wild pitch.
Harris and Morneau also drove in a run each during a three-run fourth inning.
Tampa Bay lost for the fourth time in five games.
