Stage familiar to Twins

The Minnesota Twins seem to think that 162 regular-season games aren’t enough.

The Twins host the Detroit Tigers today in a tiebreaker for the American League Central title and a trip to the playoffs. It’s the second straight year the Twins have needed a 163rd game to finish the season, a first in league history.

One year after losing a 1-0 heartbreaker in Chicago to the White Sox in a one-game playoff, the Twins will get the homefield advantage this time.

“It’s like deja vu,” second baseman Nick Punto said. “Last year, same thing. A lot of these guys have been through this, though. I think that’s the best part about it. That breeds confidence just knowing you’ve been in a position like this before. We’re having fun.”

Detroit manager Jim Leyland is putting 20-year-old rookie Rick Porcello (14-9) on the mound for the start in front of more than 50,000 fans who will make it deafening inside the Metrodome.

He’ll face Twins’ right-hander Scott Baker (15-9).

The Tigers had another concern: Slugger, first baseman Miguel Cabrera, was taken to a police station early Saturday after what police said was a fight with his wife. Cabrera’s blood-alcohol content was three times the legal limit for Michigan drivers.

The Tigers have declined comment and Cabrera simply apologized to his teammates and fans for the “distraction.”