The Minnesota Twins came into their game against the Cleveland Indians knowing that they essentially needed to win the game, and hope for the Los Angeles Angels to lose to keep pace in the hunt for the final Wild Card spot. The Twins took care of their end of things.

The Twins sent rookie pitcher Tyler Duffey to the mound in what had to be his biggest start in his young career. The Indians countered with Trevor Bauer, who was removed from the starting rotation in mid-September.

The Twins got on the board in the fourth inning when Joe Mauer and Trevor Plouffe each hit a double, with Plouffe's being an RBI ground rule double that scored Mauer to give the Twins the lead.

The Twins held that slim one run lead until the seventh inning when Roberto Perez hit a home run to center field to score Abraham Almonte, putting the Indians in front 2-1. That would also spell the end of the night for Duffey, who ended up going 6.1 innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits while striking out six.

The Twins tied the game in the eighth inning when Eduardo Escobar doubled to left field to score Danny Santana, who scored all the way from first base. Minnesota then added insurance runs in the ninth when Eduardo Nunez scored on a wild pitch by Cody Allen and Torii Hunter hit a sacrifice fly to right field.

The Indians stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning down two runs, with the Twins bringing Kevin Jepsen in to close the game. The first batter he faced was Carlos Santana, who struck out on a foul tip for the first out of the inning. Lonnie Chisenhall then popped out to Eduardo Escobar for the second out. Abraham Almonte then dropped a surprising bunt down the first base line that extended the game for Roberto Perez. Jepsen was able to get Perez to strike out looking to end the game, giving the Twins the 4-2 win over their division rivals.

The win puts the Twins just one game back of Houston for the final wild card spot, and, if the Angels lose to Texas, the Twins will be tied with the Angels at one game back.

The Twins now will return home to face the Kansas City Royals in what will be a key series for the Twins. The Royals will not roll over, however, as they are still battling for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. In the first game, the Twins will send Ervin Santana to the mound, while the Royals will send Chris Young to oppose him.

Win- Glen Perkins (3-5)

Loss- Cody Allen (2-5)

Save- Kevin Jepsen (15)