Tigers rally past playoff-chasing Twins 6-4

DETROIT (AP) - This could be the final home series for Brad Ausmus as Detroit's manager, and he's handling the speculation about his status with poise and even some humor.

"I'll worry about the future when the past is done. That sounds like a Yogi-ism," Ausmus said before Friday night's game against Minnesota. "I know there's probably a lot of 'hashtag Fire Ausmus' but it's a good group of (players). The underlying pride in Detroit for the Tigers, it's really unmatched. You see it here that you don't see in most other cities. So I've enjoyed it. I've said all along, despite what's written, people around town are great to me."

As the Tigers close out their dismal season, they can still play the role of spoilers, and they did that Friday when they rallied to beat the Twins 6-4. Rajai Davis hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning to provide the winning margin.

It was the type of loss Minnesota may look back on if it doesn't make the postseason. The Twins trail Houston by 1 1/2 games for the second wild card in the American League, and they were up 4-1 in the seventh against the sub-.500 Tigers before the bullpen gave away the lead.

"I'm at a loss for words," said Glen Perkins, who allowed the homer to Davis. "The whole second half of the season has been torture for me, because I know that if I pitch the way I'm capable of pitching, we've either clinched a playoff spot or we're in a much better position."

Victor Martinez tied it with a two-run double off Perkins in the seventh, and Perkins (2-5) also allowed Davis' opposite-field homer to right an inning later. Since July 18, Perkins is 2-4 with a 7.79 ERA. He missed time earlier this month with a bad back.

The Tigers outhit Minnesota 13-2. Alex Wilson (3-3) got the win in relief, and Neftali Feliz pitched the ninth for his ninth save.

The Twins took the lead in the fifth on their first hit of the game. After Minnesota loaded the bases on two walks and an error, Eddie Rosario hit a drive to right that hit a young fan's glove at the top of the high wall in right-center. The glove fell all the way to the ground, and the ball stayed in play. All three runners scored and Rosario ended up on third.

After a review, umpires called fan interference, but ruled that Rosario should stay on third. He became the first rookie to hit 15 triples in a season since Ray Lankford of St. Louis in 1991.

Rosario eventually scored from third on an unusual sacrifice fly to make it 4-0. He tagged up and came home on a popup to second baseman Ian Kinsler, who made the catch on the outfield grass. Kinsler's throw was in time but bounced past catcher James McCann.

With two out in the seventh and the Tigers down by three, Kinsler hit a drive to center that bounced over the wall for an RBI double. With men on second and third, Perkins came on and walked Miguel Cabrera before allowing Martinez's tying double.

Detroit starter Matt Boyd allowed two earned runs and one hit in six innings. Minnesota's Mike Pelfrey gave up one run and six hits in five innings, striking out seven.

UNFRIENDLY HOSTS

The Twins are now 1-6 at Detroit this season. That includes a three-game sweep to start the season in which Minnesota was outscored 22-1.

SHOWING PROMISE

The Tigers acquired Boyd when they traded David Price to Toronto shortly before the deadline. The 24-year-old left-hander has allowed three hits or fewer in three straight starts.

"I felt great today," Boyd said. "I wish I had two batters back - the first two of the fifth inning. That's what it came down to. That's completely on me. That started the big inning."

TRAINER'S ROOM

Twins: RHP Ricky Nolasco was reinstated from the 60-day DL after a nearly four-month stint following an ankle injury. Manager Paul Molitor said he's not sure how the 32-year-old Nolasco will be used.

Tigers: SS Andrew Romine left the game in the fifth inning with right groin soreness. ... Ausmus said he'd hold out hope that SS Jose Iglesias (right middle finger) might be able to swing a bat in the next couple days, but he'd be shocked if that happens.

UP NEXT

Minnesota sends Tyler Duffey (4-1) to the mound Saturday night against Detroit's Alfredo Simon (13-10).