BOSTON - It wasn’t an easy play. And Julio Lugo came within an inch or two of turning a dazzling double play despite the unusual spin-a-rama turn he made on it.

But the Sox’ inability to turn a double play last night in the third ultimately led to three runs and a 3-1 Minnesota lead.

The pivotal play started with a runner on first and one out. Craig Monroe smoked a shot just to the left of Dustin Pedroia.

Pedroia went into a slide and snagged the ball. He quickly righted himself and made a throw to Lugo at second base.

The throw seemed to take Lugo a tad to his left and was a little behind him, forcing him to reach back. That sent his momentum to his left, toward the outfield.

Rather than try to stop, plant himself and throw against his body, Lugo let his body twirl around in an attempt at a 360-degree pivot.

That type of pivot makes it more difficult to uncork a strong, accurate throw to first. And Lugo has his difficulties throwing, anyway.

This relay throw was a little high and wide, forcing Youkilis’ foot to come off the bag just a few inches, but long enough for Monroe to beat the relay. So instead of an inning-ending double play, the Twins still had life, with Monroe at first and two outs.

Minnesota cashed in the chance on a single by Delmon Young, a two-run triple by Brendan Harris and an RBI single by Nick Punto.

skrasner@projo.com