Twins at Royals
The Minnesota Twins found their offense in the series opener and hope to build off their clutch-hitting effort when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night in second of three games between American League Central rivals. The Twins managed just six runs during a four-game losing streak before going 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position and recording five extra-base hits en route to an 8-5 victory over the Royals on Monday night.
Miguel Sano continued his assault on Kansas City pitching with a two-run homer in the series opener to push his total to 26 RBIs versus the Royals in the last 15 times he has suited up against them. Kyle Gibson gets the nod on the mound in the middle contest of the series for Minnesota and looks to give manager Paul Molitor his 250th career win, while Kansas City goes with left-hander Danny Duffy, who is coming off one of his best outings of the season. The Royals had won four of six before losing Monday and must improve their play at home where they are just 7-19 - worst in the major leagues - and have dropped six of the last seven. Outfielder Jon Jay recorded three doubles and a single in five at-bats during the series opener for Kansas City to extend his hitting streak to 10 games and has hit safely in 24 of 26 contests in May.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (1-3, 4.02 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (2-6, 6.14)
Gibson is winless in his last nine outings despite posting quality starts in four of his last six trips to the mound. The 30-year-old Indiana native gave up three runs on six hits across six innings in a 4-1 loss versus Detroit on Wednesday. Mike Moustakas is 10-for-30 and Drew Butera 6-for-9 - including a homer for each - versus Gibson, who is 6-4 with a 3.46 ERA in 15 career starts against the Royals.
Duffy permitted one run on four hits and two walks over a season-high 7 2/3 innings at Texas on Thursday to earn his second victory of the season. The 29-year-old Californian has notched both of his wins this month but owns a 7.00 ERA in May while yielding at least five runs in three of five starts. Robbie Grossman is 6-for-13 with a homer against Duffy, who is 5-1 with a 2.49 ERA versus the Twins.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kansas City C Salvador Perez had two hits in the series opener and is batting .313 with 63 RBIs in 105 career games against the Twins.
2. Minnesota RHP Fernando Rodney notched his 311th career save Monday, tying Tom Henke for 22nd in major-league history.
3. Royals LF Alex Gordon registered three hits Monday and is 10-for-20 with a homer during a five-game hitting streak.