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Suzuki a good example to Twins' young players

CHICAGO -- Kurt Suzuki knocked in three RBIs and lined two hits in the Twins' 10-8 losing effort to the White Sox on Friday night, continuing his torrid pace against the American League Central foe.

Entering play Saturday night, Suzuki had played 10 games against the White Sox, second to only the Royals, and boasted a line of .447/.452/.579 with 10 of his 43 RBIs.

Manager Ron Gardenhire downplayed Suzuki's success against the South Siders, and noted the All-Star's overall catapult in 2014.

"I don't know about that. I haven't looked at his history," Gardenhire said. "He stays within himself and puts a nice swing out there and has a very good idea of the strike zone. He barrels most of the balls. I just think he stays within himself, and that's pretty much what he's done for us all year."

Suzuki, who went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday night's 8-6 victory, signed with the Twins in December and inked a two-year extension on Thursday, ensuring stability at the position once occupied by converted first baseman Joe Mauer.

In addition to Suzuki's offensive prowess, including a .338 average with runners in scoring position, Gardenhire praised the catcher's guidance through disposition.

"All of the things our young hitters watch and pay attention to is what he does," Gardenhire said. "He doesn't even try to goose up. ... He's good anticipating when guys are trying to come in on him and he'll, every once in a while, turn on a ball here and there. But for the most part in those RBI situations, he thinks center of the field, and you work from there. And that's what young hitters need to learn."

Daniel Kramer is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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