Charlie Morton gave up two hits and struck out five over six innings and the Detroit Tigers scored five runs in the first inning of a 7-0 win over the Minnesota Twins.

The Detroit Tigers had a definitive 7-0 victory against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night, allowing them to maintain a steady lead in the American League Central. The franchise appears to be holding a comfortable position in the standings at this time after things started to get dicey.

The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins entered a rain delay Friday, Aug. 15, before starting the second of four games at Target Field in Minneapolis.

Minnesota almost avoided a shutout, placing runners on base in the ninth to threaten at least something. Naturally, with one out, Edouard Julien lined a pitch up the middle... into shortstop Trey Sweeney 's glove, leading him to catch the ball and step on second to end the game and secure the shutout. So it goes.

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was ejected for the fourth time this season in a heated clash with the Tigers on Thursday.

Casey Mize has won both of his August starts, though neither would be classified as a dominant outing. The Detroit Tigers right-hander will aim for his third straight victory during the third contest of a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday in Minneapolis.

Thursday marked the first Twins game at Target Field since the Pohlad family announced it is no longer selling the team.