Twins Extend Wildcard Lead To 3½ Games

DETROIT - Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kyle Gibson overcame early struggles and helped the team beat the Detroit Tigers 7-3 Friday night.

The win coupled with the Rangers and Angels losses helped extend Minnesota's American League Wildcard lead to 3.5 games with only eight games remaining.

Gibson's early struggles could have been worse. After giving up a home run in the second inning, he gave up a couple hits and walked a batter in the third inning. With runners on 1st and 2nd the inning was close to getting out of hand, until Gibson was able to force a double-play to end the inning.

Minnesota offensively was lead by break-out star Byron Buxton. The Twins center-fielder finished with three hits, two RBI's and two runs scored. Since the beginning of August Buxton is batting over .300.