Twins Come back But Lose To Pirates 8-7

Minneapolis, MN (MNN Sports)  -- Jung Ho-Kang hit a tiebreaking home run off the facing off the second deck in left center-field in the ninth inning, lifting the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Minnesota Twins 8-7 Tuesday night.

Kang's sixth home run of the season, a drive off All-Star closer Glen Perkins (0-3), sent Pittsburgh to its fourth win in five games. Perkins has allowed runs in three of four post-All-Star break appearances, blowing a pair of saves.

Pittsburgh All-Star closer Mark Melancon (2-1) retired five batters after the Twins tied the game with a four-run rally in the eighth. Gregory Polanco hit a three-run double in the eighth and scored on Neil Walker's single for a 7-3 lead, but Minnesota tied the score in the bottom half.

Plouffe out; Twins Recall Polanco
Minnesota Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe was  placed on the paternity leave list following Tuesday night's loss.

Minnesota announced it was recalling shortstop Jorge Polanco from Triple-A Rochester. Plouffe is hitting .257 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs in 95 games this season. Polanco made his major league debut earlier this season, going 1 for 3 in one. He is hitting .284 in 22 games with Rochester.

Twins/Pirates Finale
It’s a marquee matchup coming up this afternoon at Target Field as the Twins look to salvage a split in their two game series against Pittsburgh. Earvin Santana will take the mound to face off against former Twins pitcher Francisco Lariano as the home team looks to get things back in order.

After dropping last nights decision to the Pirates the Twins have now lost seven of nine since the All-Star break. First pitch this afternoon is 12:10 p-m.  Pre-game coverage begins at 11:30 on 1340 KROC AM.