SEATTLE – Justin Morneau hit two home runs to awaken Minnesota’s offense, and the Twins snapped a four-game losing streak with a 6-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Johan Santana (12-6) pitched seven sharp innings and Joe Nathan closed for his 33rd save.

The Twins now head to Cleveland for a weekend series. Minnesota began the day with a three-game lead over the Indians in the AL Central.

Minnesota took an early edge when Lew Ford lined a two-out double in the first inning and Morneau hit his ninth home run of the year.

Ford and Morneau teamed up again in the fifth. Ford doubled off the left-field fence and Morneau homered again off Ryan Franklin (3-11). Franklin lost his career-high seventh straight decision.

Morneau’s four RBIs were a good omen for the Twins. They had averaged three runs in their previous seven games.

Consistently throwing in the mid-90s mph, Santana scattered seven hits. He struck out seven, increasing his AL-leading total to 190.

Nathan struck out the side in the ninth. He has not allowed a run in his last 26 appearances.

Hiram Bocachica hit his second home run, connecting in the third inning for Seattle. In the fourth, with the Twins leading 4-1, Santana coaxed Bocachica into grounding out with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Shannon Stewart’s two-out, two-run triple in the second gave Minnesota a 4-0 lead. Franklin walked two runners before Stewart’s drive.

Bret Boone hit a two-run homer in Mariners’ eighth off reliever Jesse Crain. Boone’s 15th home run extended his hitting streak to a career-high 16 games.

Notes: The victory gave the Twins a 5-4 series win over Seattle for 2004. … Morneau, in his 73rd major league game, enjoyed his best offensive output in his short career. It was his first multihomer game, as well as his top RBI total. Since being recalled from Rochester on July 16, Morneau has eight home runs and 25 RBIs.

AP-ES-08-12-04 1920EDT