MLB: Minnesota 4, Detroit 3

Minneapolis, July 4: Nick Punto's second hit Saturday, a single with one out in the eighth inning, boosted the Minnesota Twins to a 4-3 win over Detroit.

The hit came off losing pitcher Brandon Lyon (3-4).

Justin Morneau had four hits including a fifth-inning solo homer and an RBI single that tied the score at 3-3 in the seventh. Michael Cuddyer hit a fourth-inning solo homer for the Twins, who have won three of four.

The winner was reliever Matt Guerrier (4-0).

Closer Joe Nathan earned his 22nd save with two strikeouts in the top of the ninth.

Minnesota starter Francisco Liriano yielded three runs and five hits in seven innings with two walks and eight strikeouts.

Detroit's Magglio Ordonez had two hits -- one a three-run seventh-inning homer -- for the Tigers, who have lost five of seven.

Detroit's Edwin Jackson yielded three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings with four walks and nine strikeouts.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.

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