Minnesota scores three runs in eighth in come-from-behind win over Texas

Twins rally for 5-3 victory over Texas

MINNEAPOLIS — Pinch-runner Carlos Gomez scored the go-ahead run as the Minnesota Twins scored three times in the eighth inning Sunday to beat the Texas Rangers 5-3.

Trailing 3-2 in the eighth, the Twins used a walk, three singles, Nelson Cruz’s error, and a fielder’s choice to rally against Texas reliever C.J. Wilson (4-6). Gomez, who was running for Jason Kubel, scored on Mike Redmon’s fielder’s choice. Texas first baseman Hank Blalock tried to get Gomez out at the plate on the grounder, but the throw was high.

The Twins scored a fifth run when Nick Punto bunted down the first-base line and Brendan Harris beat the flip to the plate by Wilson.

The rally allowed Minnesota reliever Jon Rauch (1-0) to pick up the victory in his first appearance for the Twins after being acquired from Arizona on Friday.

Joe Nathan was able to work out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth for his 34th save.

The victory allowed the Twins to remain 4 1-2 games back of Detroit in the American League Central. The Twins have also now won three consecutive series for the first time since before the All-Star Break. The loss dropped Texas three games behind Boston in the AL wild-card race.

Trailling 2-1, Cruz hit a two-run homer in the seventh off Scott Baker to give Texas a 3-2 lead.

Wilson started the eighth by walking Justin Morneau and gave up a single to Kubel. With one out, Harris singled to left field. When Cruz misplayed the ball, Gomez and Harris were able to move up a base and would eventually score.

Kevin Millwood gave up two runs and six hits in six innings. He was bidding for his first win against Minnesota in 12 career appearances.

Baker gave up three runs and six hits in seven innings.

Kubel gave Minnesota a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning with his 21st homer of the season.

Texas opened the scoring in the top of the third when Ivan Rodriguez doubled to right field and scored one batter later on Elvis Andrus’ single.

NOTES: Texas manager Ron Washington said he is expecting pitcher Brandon McCarthy to start one of Texas’ doubleheader games Tuesday against Toronto. McCarthy hasn’t pitched since June 4 because of a stress fracture in his right shoulder blade. Over the first two months of the season, McCarthy started 11 games for the Rangers, going 5-2 with a 4.92 earned run average. McCarthy is currently scheduled to pitch the second game against the Blue Jays, but that could change. … Texas third baseman Michael Young extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a third-inning single.