MINNEAPOLIS - Matt Joyce hit a two-run homer and a two-run double, Jose Molina drove in three runs and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 12-6 on Friday night to keep pace in the crowded American League wild card race with their ninth win in their last 12 games.

Jeremy Hellickson (7-7) won for the third time in his last four starts despite lasting only five innings. He had an 8-1 lead after a six-run second by the Rays, who batted around twice and won their fourth straight. This is their longest streak since June 7-10. They won six in a row two separate times earlier in the season.

The Twins had won nine of their previous 13 games.

 

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)