Twins, Duensing Blank Rays 7-0

The Twins won the first game of a 3-game series against Tampa Bay at Target Field 7-0 Monday afternoon.  Brian Duensing threw a complete-game 6-hit shutout to get the win.  Danny Valencia went 3-4 with 2 runs scored and a 3-run homerun and Tsuyoshi Nishioka had a 2-run  bases loaded double for the Twins.  Michael Cuddyer hit a solo homerun for the Twins, his 12th.

Minnesota is 37-46 overall and 19-18 at home this season.  The Twins are 8 games back of Cleveland for first place in the American League Central.  Minnesota will host Tampa Bay at 7:10 tonight, pregame on WJON at 6:40.

Righthander Scott Baker (6-5) gets the start on the mound for the Twins and righthander James Shields (8-5) toes the rubber for the Rays.