MLB: Detroit 7, Minnesota 2

Ramon Santiago singled in the go-ahead run in the second inning Wednesday and Detroit took a giant step toward a division crown by downing Minnesota 7-2.

The Tigers moved three games in front of the Twins with four games to play and can clinch the American League Central pennant on Thursday with another victory over Minnesota. Detroit’s last division title came 22 years ago.

The Twins closed to within one game of the division lead with a victory in the opening game of a doubleheader Tuesday, but then lost in the second game and appeared to finally run out of steam Wednesday after taking an early 2-0 lead.

Detroit loaded the bases with nobody out in the second against Carl Pavano (13-12) and Brandon Inge doubled home two runs to tie it. One out later, Santiago singled to center, bringing home the third and fourth runs of the inning.

Magglio Ordonez broke things open with a three-run double in the fifth.

Eddie Bonine (1-1) made his fourth start of the season and won for the third time in his two-year major league career. He allowed two runs on seven hits in five innings, before three Detroit relievers gave up two hits in four scoreless innings.