Ordonez provides big blow for Tigers

DETROIT — Magglio Ordonez hit a three-run double and the Detroit Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins, 7-2, Wednesday night to move closer to the American League Central title.

Detroit increased its lead to three games over second-place Minnesota. The Tigers can clinch their first division title since 1987 with a victory today in the series finale.

Ordonez’s second key hit in consecutive days broke open the game in the fifth inning. Detroit loaded the bases with one out against Carl Pavano (13-12), who responded by getting Miguel Cabrera to pop up. Ordonez then hit a drive to center field to give the Tigers a 7-2 lead.

Ordonez had a two-run double in the Tigers’ 6-5 victory Tuesday that salvaged a split of a day-night doubleheader.

Pavano gave up seven runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. He was 4-0 with a 1.69 earned-run average in five previous starts against Detroit this year.

Eddie Bonine (1-1), making the ninth start of his career, gave up two runs in the first inning but settled down. He gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out three.