MINNEAPOLIS - Joe Nathan came to the Minnesota Twins in 2004 as an unknown middle reliever with one career save on his resume.
Seven years, four All-Star appearances, 255 saves and one Tommy John surgery later, Nathan is the best closer the Twins have ever had.
Nathan set the franchise record for saves and Jim Thome hit a tiebreaking RBI double during Minnesota's three-run eighth inning to help the Twins beat the Boston Red Sox 5-2 on Wednesday night.
NOTES: The Twins got some good news earlier in the day when Gardenhire announced Justin Morneau will be activated from the disabled list on Friday in Cleveland. Morneau has been out since June 9 after having neck surgery. ... Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia was given the day off. "He was fighting me on it the last two days," manager Terry Francona said. "Last night after the game, he's like, 'I'm tired.' This will be really good for him." ... Francona disputed a call in the sixth when umpire Ted Barrett gave the speedy Ben Revere home on a double by Mauer that was caught by a fan. ... Perkins has given up five runs — four earned — in his last three appearances. He had an 11 appearance scoreless streak before that. ... The Twins are off Thursday and will begin a three-game series against the Indians in Cleveland on Friday. Carl Pavano (6-9, 4.71) will take the mound for the Twins against Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.71). Thome will continue his pursuit of career homer No. 600 in the place where his career began. He is two away from becoming the eighth player to reach the mark. ... The Red Sox are off Thursday as well and will head to Seattle for a three-game set against the Mariners starting on Friday. John Lackey (10-8, 6.14 ERA) will start Game 1 for Boston against Blake Beavan (3-2, 2.83 ERA). Lackey has been improving lately after a dreadful start. He allowed three runs in six innings in his previous start against the New York Yankees.
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