MINNEAPOLIS -- Max Kepler was not in the Twins' starting lineup for Thursday's nightcap of a twin bill against the Indians. An injury forced him into the mix and Kepler's late go-ahead home run fueled a 4-2 victory, which ended Cleveland's six-game winning streak and run of 10 straight wins at Target Field.
The Indians lead the American League Central by 5 1/2 games over the Royals and six over the third-place Twins, who earned a split of the doubleheader after dropping a 9-3 decision in Game 1.
Kepler entered in third as a pinch-hitter for Robbie Grossman -- who sustained a fractured left thumb early in the game -- and launched a solo shot off Tribe right-hander Mike Clevinger in the seventh inning.