SEATTLE, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Joe Mauer and Danny Valencia had two RBI each Friday and the Minnesota Twins survived a major threat in the eighth inning to down Seattle 6-3.
The Twins maintained their 3 1/2-game lead over the second-place Chicago White Sox in the American League Central. Chicago downed the New York Yankees earlier in the evening.
Mauer had an RBI single in the first and doubled home a run in the seventh to give Minnesota a 6-1 lead. Valencia highlighted a three-run sixth with a two-run double.
The Twins were enjoying a 6-2 advantage heading into the bottom of the eighth but reliever Randy Flores loaded the bases with no one out.
Matt Guerrier came in to replace Flores and escaped the inning when Franklin Gutierrez popped out and Adam Moore grounded into a double play.
Scott Baker (12-9) gave up two runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings to get the victory. He has won his last five decisions.
Jason Vargas (9-7) suffered the loss, surrendering four runs on nine hits in six innings.
The Twins acquired reliever Brian Fuentes for a player to be named in a trade Friday with the Los Angeles Angels.
