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Schafer drives in four, Twins top Royals in extras

Aug 29, 2014 - 7:08 AM Kansas City, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Jordan Schafer and Brian Dozier each knocked in two runs during a six-run 10th inning, as the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals, 11-5, to avoid a three-game sweep.

Schafer went 3-for-5 with four RBI and two runs scored for the Twins, who snapped a four-game skid. Dozier also had three hits with three RBI and two runs scored.

"Anytime you can help your team, it's a great feeling, whether it's with defense or stolen bases or scoring runs," Schafer said.

Anthony Swarzak (3-1) recorded the final two outs in the ninth to pick up the win. Tommy Milone got the start for Minnesota and gave up four runs on nine hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Alex Gordon hit a solo homer and ended with two RBI for the Royals, who lead the Tigers by 1 1/2 games for first place in the AL Central. Detroit beat the Yankees earlier Thursday.

Kansas City starter Jeremy Guthrie allowed five runs on nine hits over six innings. Bruce Chen (2-4) gave up six runs on five hits in the 10th to take the loss.

Chen entered the game with the score tied 5-5. Oswaldo Arcia tripled to left- center field, Trevor Plouffe intentionally walked and pinch-hitter Joe Mauer walked to load the bases with one out. Eduardo Nunez's RBI single up the middle and Schafer's two-run single to left made it 8-5.

After Danny Santana popped out, Dozier hit a two-run double to right. Kurt Suzuki followed with an RBI double to left to account for the final margin.

"I should have just pitched better," Chen said. "Maybe if we put up a zero in that inning, we can win."

The Twins jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Dozier singled, moved to third on Suzuki's double and crossed the plate on Kennys Vargas' groundout. Arcia's infield single scored Suzuki.

Kansas City tied things up in the bottom half. Alcides Escobar reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and raced home on Gordon's single to right. After Billy Butler walked, Salvador Perez hit an RBI single to left.

Minnesota tacked on two more runs in the fourth. Chris Parmelee doubled and scored on Schafer's single to right. Schafer stole second and crossed the plate on Dozier's single to left-center field.

The Royals got RBI singles from Christian Colon and Butler in the fourth and fifth frames to make it 4-4.

The Twins took the lead back in the sixth. Parmelee led off with a walk, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and raced home on Schafer's double to right.

Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain made a great leaping catch against the wall in the top of the seventh. With a runner on first and one out, Arcia hit a deep fly ball to center that Cain caught.

Gordon led off the home half with a blast to right-center field, making it a 5-5 game.

Game Notes

The Royals went 11-8 versus the Twins this season ... Schafer extended his hitting streak to eight games ... Prior to the game, Kansas City activated pitcher Scott Downs from the 15-day disabled list ... The Royals went 4-for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11.