DETROIT -- Joe Mays joked before Saturday's game that he would need a paper bag in case he started to hyperventilate from the excitement of returning to the mound.

He didn't mention extra bags for teammates, coaches, front-office staff and everyone else in the Twins organization who has waited more than three months for Mays' return from inflammation near his precious right elbow.

Pitching on the 97th day since he reported soreness following an April 14 start, Mays went six effective innings as the Twins trounced the Tigers 14-4 at Comerica Park. The victory increased the Twins' lead in the American League Central to 13 games over the White Sox, who lost to Baltimore.

"It's important for me to get back out there to help these guys out," Mays said. "I was nervous at first . . . I didn't know what to expect.

"I threw a lot of strikes, and that was my main goal. I got ahead of most hitters, and I was able to throw everything for strikes."

In six innings, Mays gave up three earned runs on seven hits and two strikeouts. He did not walk a batter.

Teammates welcomed him back by clubbing four homers and have 18 over their past seven games.

"We took some pressure off of him with our bats," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

The power parade included Bobby Kielty, who was 4-for-4 and a double away from hitting for the cycle in his first game subbing for the suspended Torii Hunter.

David Ortiz, who warned the media a week ago that he was coming out of his slump, belted two home runs. That gives him six homers since the All-Star break.

Michael Cuddyer added his first career homer, a three-run shot in the fifth.

Cuddyer's homer came as part of a five-run fifth in which the Twins took a 9-3 lead. They added four runs in the seventh.

"We have a number of guys who, at the same time, are getting hot," Gardenhire said.

Of course, a hot offense does not mean much without good pitching and that's why the Twins were so happy to see Mays back on the mound.

His fastball ranged from 88 to 92 miles per hour. His one big mistake came in the second inning when he gave up a two-run homer to Carlos Pena in the second innings.

Mays' changeup kept hitters off balance. He used his curveball more frequently after his first time through the order, and 67 of his 91 pitches were strikes, proving his command is there.

"He threw the ball hard," catcher A.J. Pierzynski said, "and it had life."

Mays was able to improve his career record against Detroit to 8-3 with a 2.38 ERA.

"I didn't think he threw enough fastballs in the middle part of the game," Gardenhire said. "I thought he was throwing a lot of breaking balls and a lot of changeups. The last couple of innings I thought he started throwing his fastball a lot more and using his sinker.

"It's going to be a thing out there when he gets a feel for what he can and can't do. He has to believe in his fastball because it sinks, it runs and it is nasty."

Mays' 91st pitch of the game resulted in a half-swing strikeout from Brandon Inge. Mays walked to the dugout, where third base coach Al Newman, first base coach Jerry White and trainer Jim Kahmann were among the first to pound fists with him and pat him on the back.

Kahmann has taken special delight in Mays' return, for he has spent more time with him over the past 97 days than most Twins, experiencing Mays' reactions to the ups and downs of recovery.

"He did great," Kahmann said of Mays' dealing with rehab. "He worked hard and never missed a day."

Mays wanted to pitch the seventh, but will have to wait until Friday at home against Toronto to take the mound again.

Six days are nothing compared to 97.

"I'm sure they know I'm the type of guy who can be counted on," Mays said. "All I have to do is go out there and have a good half year, and I think I'm capable of doing that."