CHICAGO (AP) — As they chase their sixth AL Central title in the last 10 seasons, the formula has not changed for Joe Mauer and the Minnesota Twins.

Mauer had three hits, including a three-run homer, and the Twins took a commanding eight-game lead in the division with a 9-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.

With 17 games left for both teams, Minnesota has basically secured the division barring an epic collapse. The Twins’ magic number to win the Central is 10.

“It’s great when you’re winning. It’s even better when different people are doing it every night,” Mauer said. “That’s what it takes to win. Tonight was my night but tomorrow could be someone else. That’s how you win ballgames.”

Twins starter Brian Duensing (9-2) pitched six innings, allowing two runs while scattering nine hits. He struck out four and walked one. The left-hander, who was promoted to the rotation in late July, is 6-1 as a starter.

The Twins have won 10 of 11 and have baseball’s best record since the All-Star break at 41-16. They improved to 6-2 in Chicago.