Kansas City @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 5, 2011 ) Minnesota 6, Kansas City 0

THE STORY: The bottom two teams in the American League Central look to begin the second half on an upswing when Kansas City opens a four-game series at Minnesota on Thursday. The Twins came into the All-Star break in fourth place in the division, just a game and a half back of the third-place Chicago White Sox, while the Royals are bringing up the rear, a full five games behind Minnesota. The Twins are 5-4 against Kansas City this season, including a four-game road sweep June 2-5.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS-N, FSKC

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Francisco Liriano (5-7, 5.06) vs. Royals LH Bruce Chen (5-2, 3.26) --

Liriano had been riding a wave of confidence after his May 3 no-hitter against Chicago, but the momentum has faded. In 15 innings over his last three starts, Liriano has allowed 13 runs (12 earned), 18 hits and eight walks. He had an even worse time of it against Kansas City on April 13, giving up seven runs in five innings of a 10-5 loss. Liriano is 5-4 with a 4.64 ERA lifetime against the Royals.

Chen has gotten progressively stronger in three starts since returning from the disabled list in late June, allowing just one earned run in his last 12 innings. He got a no-decision in his last start against Minnesota on April 29, surrendering three runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings of work. Chen is 1-3 with a 6.51 ERA in 14 career games (four starts) against the Twins, who are a combined 22-for-69 (.319) against him.

ABOUT THE TWINS (41-48): After a roller-coaster first half, Minnesota went into the All-Star break on the rise, winning nine of its last 12 to climb back within 6 1/2 games of the AL Central-leading Tigers. The Twins have struggled offensively all season, ranking 25th in the majors with 347 runs scored, but at least some of the trouble can be attributed to injuries — C Joe Mauer, 1B Justin Morneau, RF Jason Kubel and DH Jim Thome are among those who have spent time on the disabled list. The Minnesota bullpen has been a problem as well, blowing 14 of 35 save opportunities.

ABOUT THE ROYALS (37-54): Kansas City hasn't had a problem generating offense — it ranks fourth in the majors with a .265 batting average, and it has used its speed to compile an MLB-best 92 stolen bases. Pitching, on the other hand, has been a disaster. The Royals rank among the worst teams in baseball in ERA (4.55, 27th), WHIP (1.43, 27th) and opponent batting average (.273, 29th), and Chen is the only starter with an ERA under 4.60. As a result, the club has won just 17 of 54 games since May 12, when it stood second in the division at 20-17.

FINAL PITCH: Since blowing three consecutive saves at the end of May, Kansas City closer Joakim Soria has been masterful, converting eight straight chances and allowing just one run in his last 14 appearances (16 innings). He has lowered his ERA from 6.55 to 4.03 in the last six weeks.