Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Joe Mauer hit a two-run homer and Nick Blackburn was solid on the hill, as the Minnesota Twins edged the Cleveland Indians, 4-1, in the opener of a three-game set from the Metrodome.

Blackburn (8-6) threw seven frames and gave up just one run on six hits. Joe Nathan recorded his 30th save with a scoreless ninth.

Brendan Harris had two doubles, an RBI and scored for the Twins, who have won two straight and 6-of-7. Randy Ruiz, whose contract was selected prior to the game, went 1-for-3 and scored.

Jeremy Sowers (1-6) took the loss as he gave up four runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

"I made good pitches, I don't want to sound like an (expletive) here," Sowers said. "I just kept them off base, but they found a way to get runs."

Jhonny Peralta recorded the only RBI for the Indians, who have lost 7-of-10. Kelly Shoppach and Ryan Garko both had two hits in defeat.

Nick Punto led the home seventh off with a single and Mauer followed with his seventh home run of the season to break a 1-1 tie. Justin Morneau then grounded out and Delmon Young went down swinging, but Ruiz singled and came around as Harris followed with a double.

"I've been seeing a lot of lefties this year," Mauer said. "The more you see them, the more comfortable you get."

The Twins broke a scoreless tie in the sixth inning. Harris led off with a double and moved to third on Adam Everett's sac bunt. A Carlos Gomez single scored Harris.

Cleveland answered back in the seventh. Shoppach led off with a double, moved to second on Garko's single and scored as pinch-hitter Peralta singled to left.