MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Tyler Duffey pitched six effective innings and Minnesota took advantage of two misplays by center fielder Carlos Gomez in a three-run fifth that sent the Twins past the Houston Astros 3-1 on Monday night.
Gomez, the former Twins outfielder, let Jorge Polanco's single skip by him for a two-base error that allowed one run to score. Then he lost a fly ball off Juan Centeno's bat, turning it into an RBI triple.
Danny Santana followed with a run-scoring single, and Minnesota won for the seventh time in nine games.
Duffey (7-8) permitted one run on four hits and struck out eight. Three relievers combined for three hitless innings, and Brandon Kintzler finished for his 10th save in 11 chances.
Collin McHugh (7-9) gave up three runs and 10 hits in seven innings, losing his third straight start.