MINNEAPOLIS _ Corey Kluber pitched like he's in a pennant race on Sunday. Jose Berrios pitched like that's the last place he wants to be.
Kluber, the Indians' ace and former Cy Young winner, allowed only three singles and a double over seven innings and improved to 8-1 since the All-Star break by pitching Cleveland past the Twins, 7-1, at Target Field.
Berrios, meanwhile, faced 15 batters, and constantly fell behind in the count, walking four of them. The rookie right-hander gave up a three-run homer to Carlos Santana, and lost his fifth consecutive decision. Berrios extended his streak to 14 consecutive innings, and 24 of his last 26, without retiring the side in order.
The Twins finished their 10-game homestand with a 4-6 record, and lost the season series to Cleveland, 10-9. The Indians widened their lead in the AL Central to seven games over Detroit, which lost to Baltimore, 3-1.
Santana's three-run blast in the second inning landed on the right-field plaza, giving the Indians a lead they never relinquished. It was Santana's 12th career home run in Target Field; only Toronto's Jose Bautista, with 14, has more among visiting players.
The Twins committed four errors, tying their season high, during the game, which Cleveland cashed in for two unearned runs.
Seven Twins relievers also pitched, but only Trevor May, making his first appearance since Aug. 6, allowed a run; he gave up a run-scoring triple to Roberto Perez and an RBI single to Michael Martinez before Michael Tonkin finished the inning for him.
The Twins, who have lost 10 straight road games, now embark on a seven-game trip to Detroit and New York, where they will face the Mets next weekend.
