MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Brian Duensing turned in his second straight excellent outing in an eight-inning effort Friday, leading Minnesota to a 7-2 decision over the Los Angeles Angels.
Duensing (7-1) gave up a run on seven hits while striking out six. That followed his first complete game and shutout Aug. 14 against Oakland.
In 15 career starts, Duensing has a 9-1 record. He threw 78 of 103 pitches for strikes Friday.
Jason Kubel hit a three-run homer in the third to give the Twins a 4-0 lead and Minnesota went on to boost its advantage over second-place Chicago in the American League Central to 4 1/2 games. The White Sox were rained out Friday in Kansas City.
The Twins have won seven out of eight and 10 of their last 11 home games.
Dan Haren (1-4) allowed seven runs on 11 hits in seven innings to take the loss, the fourth for the Angels in five contests. They dropped eight games behind Texas in the American League West.
