Santana, Twins Top Cleveland 3-1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ervin Santana pitched strong into the eighth inning, Aaron Hicks and Brian Dozier each had two hits and an RBI from the top two spots in Minnesota's lineup, and the Twins beat the Cleveland Indians 3-1 Tuesday to start a critical series for the American League wild card chasers.

Santana (6-4) turned in his fifth straight stellar start, surrendering five hits, one run and one walk while striking out seven. He gave up two singles to start the eighth, but Glen Perkins got three straight outs.

Kevin Jepsen struck out two in the ninth inning for his eighth save in nine tries since replacing Perkins as the closer.

Danny Salazar (13-9) struck out 21 batters over 13 innings in his first two turns against the Twins this season, beating them April 18 and May 10 with just seven hits and three runs allowed.