White Sox right-hander Mike Pelfrey, also pitching against his former club, couldn't hold the lead, allowing three runs in the fourth. Max Kepler brought home the first run on an RBI single before Vargas delivered a two-run homer that gave a Minnesota a lead it wouldn't relinquish. Pelfrey lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk.
Minnesota broke the game open with four runs in the sixth against relievers Dan Jennings and Chris Beck.