Kansas City @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 6, 2012 ) Minnesota 4, Kansas City 2
The Kansas City Royals attempt to extend their winning streak as they kick off a season-high 11-game road trip Friday with the opener of a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins. After allowing 30 runs while being swept by St. Louis, Kansas City took out its frustrations on Tampa Bay, outscoring the Rays 21-6 as it won all three meetings. The Royals, who have won 10 of 15, have climbed within five games under .500 (34-39) after enduring a 12-game losing streak in mid-April.
Minnesota, which is an American League-worst 30-44, has lost six of its last eight home games. The Twins are coming off a 12-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, a contest that marked the AL-high 34th time they have allowed six or more runs this season. Minnesota has won three of five against Kansas City in 2012.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN (Kansas City, Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Luis Mendoza (2-4, 4.95 ERA) vs. Twins LH Brian Duensing (1-3, 3.82)
Mendoza is seeking his first win as a starter since April 26, when he yielded two runs and four hits over five innings at Cleveland. The 28-year-old, who will be making his ninth start of the season, is 1-3 as a member of Kansas City's rotation. Mendoza took the loss in his only career appearance against Minnesota on June 6, when he came out of the bullpen and allowed two runs over five innings.
Duensing made his first start of the year on Saturday, surrendering four runs and four hits over just three innings in a loss at Cincinnati. The 29-year-old made 30 relief appearances prior to the start, giving up 13 runs over 34 2/3 frames. Duensing has a 6-2 record and 2.98 ERA in 17 career games, including seven starts, against Kansas City.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Royals have lost 17 of their last 23 games at Minnesota.
2. Twins OF Ben Revere is tied for fifth in the AL with 15 stolen bases.
3. Duensing's six wins against Kansas City are his most versus any major-league club.