Scott Baker had a strong start and got plenty of support, helping the Twins beat the host Tigers, 8-3, to avoid elimination from playoff contention.
“We just didn’t want to see them celebrating,’’ Twins outfielder Denard Span said.
The AL Central-leading Tigers had a chance to clinch their first division title since 1987 in the finale of the four-game series, but their bats were quieted and their pitchers got roughed up in a three-run third inning and a four-run eighth.
Detroit started the series with a two-game lead and ended it with the same tenuous cushion.
If Detroit beats the White Sox twice at home, it would win the division. If not, the Tigers would need help from the Royals, who end the season at Minnesota.
“We’re going to the Dome for the last weekend, and we’ve still got a shot,’’ Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “We’ve got to beat the Royals and, ‘Come on, Ozzie!’ I’m going to leave him a note.’’
Baker (15-9) gave up an unearned run and five hits over five innings.
Jon Rauch, Ron Mahay, and Matt Guerrier combined to pitch 2 2/3 scoreless innings until Minnesota matched its season high with a fourth error, allowing Detroit to score a pair of two-out runs that made it 8-3.
Rockies 9, Brewers 2 - The Rockies are back in the playoffs after a one-year hiatus.
Aaron Cook pitched four-hit ball over eight spectacular innings in his second start since missing a month with a sore shoulder and Garrett Atkins drove in three runs in a home win over the Brewers.
The Rockies’ fourth straight victory eliminated Atlanta, their final pursuer, from the NL wild-card race. Colorado can still catch the Dodgers for the NL West title if the Rockies sweep a series in Los Angeles starting tonight.
At 91-58, the Rockies set a franchise mark for wins in a season and moved 23 games over .500 for the first time in their 17-year history.
The Rockies took a 1-0 lead when Atkins’s first-inning blooper fell in front of left fielder Ryan Braun for a single, allowing Todd Helton to score from second.
They chased left-hander Manny Parra (11-11) with a four-run third.
Atkins, who lost his starting third base job at midseason, followed Troy Tulowitzki’s run-scoring single with an RBI double into the right-field corner, and Parra walked Cook and Dexter Fowler with two outs and the bases loaded to make it 5-0.
Cook (11-6), who walked three times, allowed one run and four hits. He walked one, struck out two, and hit a batter in his longest outing since June 28 at Oakland.
Cardinals 13, Reds 0 - Pitcher Chris Carpenter hit a grand slam and set a team record for pitchers by driving in six runs as the Cardinals rolled over the Reds on the road.