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Kang Jung-ho blasts game-winning home run to second deck

July 29, 2015
Pittsburgh Pirates' Jung Ho Kang hits a solo home run off Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Minneapolis, Tuesday, July 28, 2015. The Pirates won 8-7. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jung Ho Kang hits a solo home run off Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Minneapolis, Tuesday, July 28, 2015. The Pirates won 8-7. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jung-ho Kang hit a tiebreaking home run off the facing off the second deck in left center-field in the ninth inning, lifting the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Minnesota Twins 8-7 Tuesday night.

Kang’s sixth home run of the season, a drive off All-Star closer Glen Perkins (0-3), sent Pittsburgh to its fourth win five games.

Perkins has allowed runs in three of four post-All-Star break appearances, blowing a pair of saves after coverting his first 28 chances.

Pittsburgh All-Star closer Mark Melancon (2-1) retired five batters after the Twins tied the game with a four-run rally in the eighth.

Kang had two hits, scored two runs and was hit by a pitch. He has hit .441 in his last nine games in helping Pittsburgh overcome injuries to third baseman Josh Harrison and shortstop Jordy Mercer.