Willingham clubs 30th home run in loss to Detroit

A three-run homer from Josh Willingham, his 30th of the season, tied the game in the third inning, but the Tigers pulled away to double up the Twins, 8-4 at Target Field Tuesday night. Miguel Cabrera drove in two runs for Detroit, becoming the first player this season with 100 RBI.

The Twins managed just six hits, and if it wasn’t for the Tigers’ three errors in the third inning, they may have been blown out. Minnesota’s defense was suspect as well. Trailing 6-4 in the ninth inning, Trevor Plouffe and Jamey Carroll committed errors, which allowed Detroit to score their final two runs.

It’s possible that Willingham wins two-thirds of the American League triple crown (AVG., HR, RBI). The Twins’ slugger is just three homers behind Chicago’s Adam Dunn for the AL lead, and 12 RBI behind Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera (100).

The series wraps up Wednesday with a matinee game starting at 12:10 p.m. Cole De Vries starts for the Twins. He’ll be opposed by right-hander Max Scherzer.