Twins closer Glen Perkins said he rarely shows emotion after closing out games, but he let out a fist pump following his 19th save this season.

"With everything that's been going on and not doing well [Friday], I was excited today to get that one done, win this series and give us a chance to sweep them [Sunday]," Perkins said.

He recorded his third blown save on Friday, allowing two runs on four hits while still receiving the win. With a two run lead on Saturday, Perkins' outing wasn't pretty but got the job done.

He allowed a leadoff triple to center fielder Adam Eaton, who scored on a sacrifice fly in the next at-bat. Then pinch hitter Paul Konerko recorded a single right over Perkins' head with first baseman Jose Abreu and designated hitter Adam Dunn due.

Perkins struck out both swinging – Abreu with a breaking ball and Dunn with a fastball. Dunn has not recorded a hit against Perkins in 10 career at-bats with seven strikeouts and one walk.

"I've had some good success against Dunn, knock on wood," Perkins said. "It's never a comfortable at-bat because if he hits it, he's going to hit it far."

Perkins now has a win and two saves over the last three games. He hasn't had a chance to pitch since June 13 against the Tigers prior to the four game series against the White Sox.

"It got a little hairy there at the end, but he was pumping it about 94-95 miles an hour against the big boy [Dunn], and it was pretty exciting to tell you the truth," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We end up winning the bout, a nice win for us."

-- MASTER TESFATSION