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Royals seek rare win streak over Twins

Jun 2, 2011 - 2:42 PM (Sports Network) - Usually, a series against the Kansas City Royals would be just what the Minnesota Twins needed to get on track. However, 2011 has been a different story in this rivalry.

The Royals look to win five straight over the Twins for the first time in 12 years in the opener of a four-game series tonight at Kauffman Stadium.

Minnesota compiled a 37-17 record versus Kansas City from 2008-10, going 20-7 at Kauffman Stadium in that time. The Twins then won the first meeting between these clubs this season, but the Royals have taken the last four, including their first three-game sweep of Minnesota at home since 1994.

Another victory for the Royals tonight would give them five in a row over the Twins for the first time since April 21-May 10, 1999 and also give them three wins overall this season for the first time since a four-game run from April 29-May 3.

Kansas City had dropped eight of nine before taking the final two contests of a three-game set with the Angels on Wednesday. The game was scoreless until Billy Butler hit what looked to be a one-out double off the top of the left- field fence that moved Jeff Francoeur to third base. However, the umpires decided to review the play and ruled it a walk-off homer for Butler in a 2-0 win.

"It feels good to win a series that way, especially a tight ballgame like that," said Butler.

Kansas City opened an 11-game homestand with the win and improved to 19-14 as the guest this season. Now coming to town are the Twins, who have lost four straight and 10 of their last 12 games. Wednesday's 4-2 loss dropped the club to 17-37 on the season and 16 1/2 games back of first place in the American League Central.

"I would never imagine we would be 20 under [.500]. It's sure not fun and it's frustrating to be where we're at," said Twins designated hitter Jim Thome, who left Wednesday's loss with a mild strain of his left quadriceps.

Thome is day-to-day, while Jason Kubel sat out a second game in a row because of a sprained left foot and could be placed on the disabled list today.

Scott Baker took the loss in yesterday's game, giving up all four runs over six innings. Drew Butera hit a two-run homer for Minnesota, which is 0-3 to begin a 10-game road trip.

The Twins will try to get their offense going tonight for starter Anthony Swarzak, who is coming off the best start of his career that netted a no- decision due to zero run support.

Versus the Angels on Saturday, Swarzak carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning until giving up a one-out double to Peter Bourjos. It was the only hit the right-hander allowed over his eight scoreless innings and he also walked two and struck out four in his team's 1-0 victory in 10 innings.

"I knew [Bourjos] was going to be up there looking for something to hit and he got a good pitch to hit," said Swarzak, who had retired 15 straight before Bourjos' double. "If I could have it back, I would take it back."

The 25-year-old is pitching in place of the injured Francisco Liriano (left shoulder inflammation) and is 4-2 with a 3.60 earned run average in four games this year, including two starts. He faces the Royals for the first time tonight.

While Swarzak is coming off a gem, Royals starter Sean O'Sullivan is coming off a brutal outing in Texas on Saturday. The righty was blasted for career highs of 10 runs and 15 hits, including five homers, over 5 2/3 innings of a 10-1 loss, dropping him to 0-2 over his last three outings with a 13.80 ERA.

"I tried to get as many outs as I could knowing how deep our bullpen had to go recently," O'Sullivan said. "It was about as fun as it looked."

O'Sullivan, who also said he was battling a bit of biceps tendinitis, is 2-4 with a 6.75 ERA in 10 games, including eight starts this year. That includes an outing versus the Twins on April 30 when the 23-year-old allowed two runs -- one earned -- on two hits and a season-high seven walks in a no-decision. He is 1-1 with a 3.78 ERA in three career starts versus Minnesota.