Joe Mauer went 2-for-3 to drive in a run and raise his batting average to .373, the best in the majors.
Joe Rauch (3-1) picked up the win in relief of starter Scott Baker, who lasted 5 1/3 innings. Joe Nathan earned his 40th save.
Fausto Carmona (3-11) took the loss after giving up five runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Matt La Porta had two RBI for Cleveland, including a solo home run in the ninth inning. Jamey Carroll had two hits and an RBI.
Minnesota took the lead for good in the sixth inning on an RBI base hit by Brian Buscher that drove Delmon Young in from second. Buscher later scored from second on a single by Punto.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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