Struggling Mariners Smoke the Twins

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Robinson Cano had four hits and two RBIs, and Nelson Cruz added a towering two-run homer among his four RBIs as the struggling Seattle Mariners' offense got back on track in a 10-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night to stay on pace in the American League wild card race.

James Paxton pitched seven strong innings and finally received a boost from the offense, which broke out with a six-run seventh inning. Paxton (5-7) struck out nine and allowed one run on five hits. Seattle entered Friday averaging just 2.88 runs per game while Paxton was on the mound.

The Mariners (81-72) passed Houston — which lost to the Los Angeles Angels — in the standings but still trail Detroit by two games for the second wild card.

Kyle Gibson (6-10) gave up two runs, five hits and four walks for Minnesota, which lost its seventh straight and fell to 99 losses, matching the 99 in 2011.