Justin Verlander tallied 13 strikeouts as he cruised through 6 1/3 innings of scoreless ball on Thursday afternoon. After a Brian Buscher single and a Nick Punto walk, the game was handed over to the Detroit bullpen, who proceeded to blow it all in that one inning.

Jason Kubel delivered a double that, if it hadn't bounced over the OF wall, would have tied the game at five. Instead it left Justin Morneau trapped at 3rd base. Joe Crede, who started off the inning as Verlander's 13th strikeout victim, delivered the game winning 2-RBI single.

Scott Baker, who pitched 5 scoreless innings, hit a wall of his own in the sixth inning, allowing all of Detroit's 5 runs. Fortunately for him, the bullpen, including Craig Breslow, Matt Guerrier and Joe Nathan pitched 3 scoreless innings to seal the victory, and the sweep.

The Twins improved to 18-17 on the season, which marks their first time above .500 since April 10th when they sat at 3-2. The sweep of the Tigers and the 6-game losing streak for the Kansas City Royals, helped the Twins into a 3-way logjam atop the AL Central.

To Yankee Stadium

The Twins will get to visit the new Yankee stadium for a 4-game series starting tonight. Tonight will feature Phil Hughes (1-2, 8.49 ERA) against Francisco Liriano (2-4, 5.75 ERA).

Morales to return

Delmon Young has left to deal with a family Emergency, and the Twins have recalled Jose Morales to fill the roster spot. By MLB rules, Young will be gone for at least 3 games, but no more than 7.