Pennant races make games better, because these two games with Detroit have been thrillers. A few leftovers:

"SOMETHING'S WORKING HERE": Ron Gardenhire see progress, and not just the kind that wins one game. He sees a team that's growing closer together, that's playing for each other. "These guys are a pretty special group here. We haven't won a lot, but god-dang, they're in the dugout standing up, rooting for each other," the manager said after Tuesday's ninth-inning rally. "We've got a little something working here, and you hope you can keep it, because it's going to get better. It's going to get a lot better around here. It's going to get better in a hurry because of that. And they're holding each other accountable, too. They're going to each other, they talk to each other. That's where you start making headway."

TRIPLE FOR A DUMP TRUCK: Which is more impressive, that Kennys Vargas hit a triple Tuesday night, or that he has eight infield hits this season? Either way, it's remarkable for such a large (and slow) man. "I don't hit a triple every day," Vargas understated after the game. He did this time thanks to that new padding on the outfield wall, which sprung his long drive past the Tigers' outfielders. Even so, Vargas might have been out had Rajai Davis not had difficultly picking up the ball when he finally reached it. "It's like going to a strip pit and watching dump trucks go all over the place, unload dirt and go back up the hill," Gardenhire said. "Long process." The dugout, Gardenhire said, was screaming "No!" when Vargas turned toward third, and "I'm just glad he didn't dive. ... But you know that's heart. ... It was fun, he had a huge smile."

EARLY WORK, LATE RESULTS: Speaking of Vargas, the rookie was at Target Field early on Tuesday to seek help with his 5-for-32 slump. "I came in early this afternoon to talk to Bruno [hitting coach Tom Brunansky] about that. I want to go back a little bit to my first games in major leagues -- quiet hands. Everything is because I try to do too much. ... I see the ball longer tonight, and I see the ball better." Guess so. He had three hits, including that triple off the wall and his eighth home run of the year."

WILL CLOSER MAKE IT TO CLOSING? Glen Perkins didn't speak to reporters after the game, but it will be interesting to see if he pitches again this year. The Twins are clearly concerned about his health, and with good reason. The closer has been awful in September, with a 13.50 ERA this month, and after giving up two home runs in his first 55 1/3 innings this season, he's given up five in the last 6 1/3 innings he's pitched. Gardenhire admitted he's worried about Perkins, and said "We just want him to be honest with us and not hurt himself." If he's shut down, it might be a chance for rookie Michael Tonkin to audition for a future late-inning role.