on the spot

A pair of pitchers with Mississippi connections played key roles in the frantic American League Central race on Saturday. Delta State alumnus Dusty Hughes, a rookie with the Kansas City Royals, served up Michael Cuddyer's go-ahead home run in the eighth inning of Minnesota's 5-4 win over Kansas City. The Twins, winners of 15 of their last 19, moved into a tie for first later that night when former Jackson Generals ace Freddy Garcia, now with the Chicago White Sox, beat Detroit, scattering six hits over seven innings with seven strikeouts in one of his best outings in a while. The Tigers are one of Garcia's many former employers. The big right-hander has had a hard time finding a spot in the majors the last couple years. If that was his last start, what a way to go out.