Minnesota @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 31, 2012 ) Minnesota 0, Kansas City 0

The Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins have spent much of the season jockeying for last place in the American League Central, but the clubs veered off in opposition directions last month. Despite a rugged schedule in August that included 19 consecutive games against postseason contenders, the Royals have won 17 of 28 games this month and picked up nine games on the visiting Twins entering Saturday's doubleheader. Friday's series opener was rained out.

While the Royals are firmly entrenched in third place in the division, the Twins have dropped 17 of their last 21 games to drop into the cellar. Minnesota lost three of four to Seattle to plummet to a major league-worst 25-40 at home. A lack of offense has been the biggest culprit for the Twins, who have been held to three runs or fewer 13 times during the 21-game skid. Josh Willingham has been a bright spot, hitting 33 homers and going deep in back-to-back games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Liam Hendriks (0-7, 6.02 ERA) vs. Royals RH Luke Hochevar (7-12, 4.93)

Hendriks pitched brilliantly in his last outing, tossing the first complete game of his career against Seattle, but was a hard-luck 1-0 loser to remain winless in 14 major-league starts. Hendriks' bloated ERA speaks to his general ineffectiveness, but his teammates haven't offered much support, scoring two runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts.

Hochevar is winless (0-3) in his last five starts, yielding five runs - four earned - in eight innings last time out against Boston. He deserved a better fate in his previous start after striking out 10 and allowing one hit in eight innings of a 1-0 loss at Tampa Bay. Hochevar got a no-decision against the Twins on July 20 despite giving up one run on five hits in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals lost their first 10 home games this season, but have turned things around by going 9-1 in the last 10 at Kauffman Stadium.

2. Minnesota has not won consecutive games since Aug. 6-7.

3. The Twins have won eight of 12 meetings with the Royals, including four of six in Kansas City.