The Twins offense had been in a two-week funk that left them playing about .500 ball. They finally seemed to have gotten the offense going again. They've scored 9+ runs in three of the past four games. Nick Punto has 6 hits in the past two games, Joe Mauer is on a 6-game hitting streak, and Michael Cuddyer's 4 RBI on Monday moved his season total to 98. In addition, Carlos Silva put together his second straight good peformance and this time didn't leave early with a tummy ache.

Everything seems to be clicking for the Twins right now; they seem poised to pull away from the pack in the wild card and/or Central division races. Not only are their bats heating up, but they've got Francisco Liriano returning on Wednesday. There's also speculation that Brad Radke could return for one or two more starts before the end of the season.

Game Notes

• The Twins put together 14 hits. Three Oakland errors also helped.
• Punto, Cuddyer, Justin Morneau, Torii Hunter, Rondell White and Jason Bartlett had 2 hits.
• Carlos Silva allowed 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walk in 7 IP.
• Joe Nathan came on in the eighth to work the Twins out of some trouble. In the ninth he walked the first three batters he faced. He had control problems early and as a result home plate umpire Randy Marsh seemed to narrow his strike zone on Nathan. Nathan worked out of the jam for his 31st save.

The Tigers were off Monday which moved the Twins to within 1 1/2 games in the AL Central. The Tigers have a fairly easy schedule in the coming week with three games against the Rangers and three against the Orioles.