MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Danny Valencia and Chris Parmelee both had two RBI to put Minnesota ahead in the third inning Wednesday and the Twins fought off the Chicago White Sox 5-4.
The loss dropped the White Sox nine games back of Detroit in the American League Central.
Minnesota avoided a four-game sweep by striking early and then holding on despite starter Carl Pavano giving up 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings. The Twins had lost five in a row.
Valencia drove in two runs with a single during Minnesota's big inning and Parmelee had a two-run double.
Chicago fought back within 4-3 in the sixth, but Minnesota added a run in the bottom half of the inning thanks to a throwing error by first baseman Paul Konerko.
Juan Pierre again brought the White Sox within one by scoring on a groundout in the eighth, after which Joe Nathan struck out two in a perfect ninth to earn his 13th save.
Pavano (8-1) gave up three runs, only one of which was earned. John Danks (6-11) suffered the loss, surrendering five runs on six hits in six innings.
