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Twins, Royals wrap quick set in Minnesota

Apr 13, 2011 - 2:37 PM (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins try to continue their recent mastery of the Kansas City Royals this afternoon when the American League Central foes close a two-game series at Target Field.

The Twins won 13 of their 18 matchups with the Royals last season and are 26-11 against them since the start of the 2009 campaign, with 13 of those wins coming in Minnesota.

That trend continued in Tuesday's opener of this abbreviated set, as Danny Valencia's single scored the winning run in the bottom of the 10th frame, lifting Minnesota to a 4-3 win.

"You have to battle in that situation," said Valencia. "I probably went up there a little too jumpy. I'd like to see a couple pitches. I got in a quick hole, but was able to get a fast ball up in the zone and get a hit."

Valencia's game-winning single into right-center field followed Jason Kubel's towering drive with two runners on that took Jeff Francoeur to the right- center field wall. The ball went into Francoeur's glove but fell out as he turned his body, resulting in a long single to load the bases.

Robinson Tejeda (0-1) took the loss, while Dusty Hughes (1-0) pitched a scoreless 10th for the win.

Wilson Betemit went 2-for-4 with an RBI and Mike Aviles drove in a run for Kansas City, which saw its two-game winning streak come to an end. The Royals have also lost their last four at Target Field by one run.

Getting the call for the Twins today will be lefty Francisco Liriano, who is hoping for his first decent outing of the season. Liriano couldn't get out of the fifth inning in his season debut, then on Thursday was rocked by the New York Yankees to the tune of four runs in five innings. He has also walked eight batters in 9 1/3 innings this season.

"I've been walking too many guys, and I've been getting behind in the count too much," Liriano said.

Liriano is 5-3 lifetime against the Royals with a 3.83 ERA in 11 games (eight starts).

Kansas City, meanwhile, will rely on right-hander Kyle Davies, who was hit hard by the Detroit Tigers his last time out. Following a no-decision to start the year, Davies allowed five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings to get the loss against the Tigers, as his ERA ballooned to 9.00.

Davies has faced the Twins 11 times and is 4-6 against them with a 5.73 ERA.