A tight game throughout, Boston provided some separation with two runs in the seventh on an RBI single by Dustin Pedroia and a sacrifice fly by Mitch Moreland.
Up until that point, Twins starter Jose Berrios held his own in the matchup with Sale. The righty (7-2, 2.98 ERA) wound up allowing eight hits and four runs over 6 1/3 innings.
The insurance came right after Heath Hembree helped get Sale out of a two-on, one-out jam in the top of the seventh.
Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel continued his season-long dominance in the ninth and picked up his 21st save in 22 opportunities.