Royals 3 - 4 Twins
Final
  for this game

Twins, Royals close out set at Target Field

Jul 17, 2011 - 3:01 PM

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(Sports Network) - A four-game set between Minnesota and Kansas City will come to an end this afternoon when the Twins host the Royals at Target Field.

Wins have been hard to come by for KC starter Felipe Paulino. In his last 50 appearances Paulino has collected just five total wins, and one of them came in his last start.

In a victory over Chicago back on July 5th, the right-hander held the White Sox to just three runs on nine hits in six innings of work. Paulino also struck out nine batters in the rare decision.

The Twins will turn to Brian Duensing, who is in search of his seventh victory. The last time the southpaw was in action he tossed seven strong innings against Chicago, allowing just two runs on five hits. However, because of a lack of run support he did not factor into the decision.

One of Duensing's best starts this season came against Kansas City, as the crafty lefty held the division rivals scoreless through eight innings, while scattering six hits.

Duensing has enjoyed success in his career against Kansas City, posting a 5-1 ledger with a 2.63 earned run average.

Last night, Michael Cuddyer singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning to lift the Twins over the Royals, 4-3.

Joe Nathan, named the new closer by Twins manager Ron Gardenhire before the game, shut the door in the ninth for his fourth save of the season and first since April 8.

Drew Butera homered in the win, which was credited to Glen Perkins (1-1) for tossing a scoreless eighth. The Twins have won three of four overall.

Alcides Escobar hit a two-run homer for the Royals, while starter Jeff Francis (3-11) suffered his fifth straight losing decision.

Minnesota swept a four-game set against the Royals from June 2-5 at Kauffman Stadium and is 7-5 in the 2011 season series.






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