CHICAGO (AP) The Minnesota Twins have continued their late surge with a 7-0 victory over the White Sox in Chicago. Nick Blackburn pitched seven innings yesterday, and Orlando Cabrera led the offense. The Twins have won five of six and moved within 2 1/2 games of first-place Detroit in the AL Central.

CHICAGO (AP) The Minnesota Twins say center fielder Denard Span was taken out of the game against the Chicago White Sox as a precaution. He left in the sixth inning after being beaned in the helmet by reliever Randy Williams.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Minnesota Wild are 2-2 with a pre-season loss on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Columbus beat Minnesota 5-1 last night. Kyle Brodziak broke Steve Mason's shutout bid by scoring in the third on the Wild's 13th shot.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have been starting slow but finishing strong. They're 2-0 for the first time since 2006. They've been dominant in the third quarter, and they beat both the Browns and the Lions by 14 points. Next up is a visit from San Francisco this weekend.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-22-09 0136CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list