Minnesota, powered by Jason Kubel's six RBI, ripped Kansas City 13-4 Sunday, setting up a playoff with Detroit for the American League Central Division title. Kubel hit two three-run home runs, Michael Cuddyer clubbed a two-run homer and Delmon Young smacked two solo shots for the Twins. Minnesota will take on the Tigers, who earlier Sunday had beaten the Chicago White Sox 5-3, in the Metrodome in Minneapolis at 5 p.m.

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.

Joe Mauer drew the first of three straight bases-loaded walks in a four-run fifth inning Friday and Minnesota went on to down Kansas City 9-4. Minnesota won its fourth in a row and moved within two games of division-leading Detroit in the American League Central, adding further drama to a four-game series between the Twins and Tigers next week.

The Minnesota Twins used a six-run eighth inning fueled by Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel home runs Monday to rally past Cleveland 6-3. The victory kept the Twins within 5 1/2 games of American League Central-leading Detroit. Cuddyer cranked a three-run blast and Kubel provided a two-run shot.

Justin Morneau broke an eighth-inning tie with a home run Wednesday and Carl Pavano outpitched Roy Halladay to bring Minnesota a 4-1 decision over Toronto. Pavano (12-11) allowed a run on six hits and struck out five in 7 1/3 innings to get the best of the ace of the Toronto staff. Halladay (14-9) pitched his seventh complete game of the season, striking out nine.