MINNEAPOLIS  — Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura was asked if there’s such a thing as a defensive drought. The former Gold Glove-winning third baseman paused and acknowledged that it’s possible before quickly making a point.

“But you’ve got to stop it,” Ventura said. “We’ve got to work at it and make sure we get better at it.”

The White Sox got off to a fast start offensively Monday night at Minnesota, but the defense faltered as the game went along in a 7-6 loss to the Twins. The White Sox committed three errors that led to three unearned runs.

None were as costly as the final run of the game.

With the game tied 6-6, Minnesota’s Danny Valencia led off of the ninth with a single off reliever Brett Myers (0-1). Brian Dozier bunted in an attempt to move Valencia into scoring position but A.J. Pierzynski’s throw to first sailed into right field, giving the Twins runners on second and third.

Minnesota’s Jamey Carroll followed with a fly ball to right, allowing pinch runner Alexi Casilla to slide in with the winning run ahead of Alex Rios’ throw. The loss was Chicago’s second in a row, but a Detroit loss allowed the White Sox to remain 1 1/2 games ahead of the Tigers in the AL Central.