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Twins eye sweep in Kansas City

Jun 5, 2011 - 2:34 PM (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins are a long way away from the top spot in the American League Central, but they are starting to string together victories, and will try to continue their recent success this afternoon against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

The Twins were supposed to battle for the division crown this season, but instead find themselves 13 1/2 games behind the surprising Cleveland Indians. However, Ron Gardenhire is a veteran coach and these Twins are a veteran ball club, one that has just claimed three straight wins over the Royals on the road.

The most recent victory came on Saturday when Michael Cuddyer homered and drove in two runs to help Minnesota take down Kansas City, 7-2. Alexi Casilla tied a career high with four hits and posted two RBI, while Ben Revere added two hits and knocked in a run for the Twins, who have not claimed a four-game sweep of KC since August 3-6, 2006.

Nick Blackburn (5-4) worked five innings before departing with an apparent back injury, but yielded only seven hits and two runs for the win.

Eric Hosmer and Jeff Francoeur notched an RBI each for the Royals, who have dropped six of eight. Luke Hochevar (3-6) was tagged in defeat for 11 hits and six runs over six-plus frames.

For the Twins to complete the sweep they will need Brian Duensing to do something he has not done since April, and that is win a ball game. Since defeating Cleveland on April 23rd, the lefty is 0-5 in his last seven starts.

The last time Duensing was in action he was punished by Detroit, as the Tigers ripped him for six runs on nine hits in less than five innings of work. However, despite the poor showing, Duensing did not factor in the decision.

The young hurler has enjoyed some success against the Royals in his career, posting a 4-1 ledger with a 3.15 earned run average. However, his lone loss against KC came earlier this season when he allowed three runs -- two earned -- in seven innings.

The Royals will counter with Jeff Francis, who has won two of his last three starts after going winless through his first seven outings. His last victory came at home against Anaheim, as the southpaw held the Angels to just three runs on eight hits in seven innings of duty.

Earlier this season Francis held the Twins to just three runs in seven innings and struck out five batters. He is 1-0 lifetime against the divisional foe with a 3.38 earned run average in two starts.