Gardy hoping Twins can match Tribe's intensity

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins have long been out of contention this year, but manager Ron Gardenhire said he's hoping his team can play the role of spoiler against the Indians this weekend.

The Indians enter the four-game series at Target Field with a one-game lead over the Rangers in the chase for the second American League Wild Card spot.

"We're playing a team in the pennant race here," Gardenhire said. "They're one game up. So there's going to be a lot of intensity coming from their dugout. Hopefully we can join in with it. There's a lot to play for because all of baseball is watching this series. I'm hoping our guys are going to want to get after it and play the game the right way and give these guys a run for their money and make them earn it."

Gardenhire, who is in the last year of his contract, remains just two wins shy of 1,000 for his career. But he's maintained that he's kept the thought of reaching the milestone out of his head.

The Twins have also had success against the Indians in recent years, as they are 18-12 against Cleveland over their past 30 meetings dating back to 2012.