MINNEAPOLIS — Nick Gordon's third-inning homer was the only run the Twins needed Thursday as they avoided a three-game sweep and regained a share of first place in the AL Central with a 1-0 victory over Cleveland.
The Twins improved to 39-32 in front of an announced 24,929 fans at Target Field, while the Guardians dropped to 36-29. Although the teams are tied atop the Central, Cleveland technically leads with a .554 win percentage to the Twins' .549.
The Twins had blown late-inning leads in losing 6-5 in 11 innings on Tuesday and 11-10 on Wednesday. The teams will meet again in Cleveland for five games in four days starting Monday.