Kansas City @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 3, 2019 ) Minnesota 7, Kansas City 6

The Minnesota Twins began their nine-game homestand by taking two of three from Seattle for their second straight series win. They will try to make it three in a row this weekend as they host a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals that begins Friday.

Nelson Cruz went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs while C.J. Cron also went deep on Thursday for the Twins, who increased their league-leading total to 132 blasts en route to a 10-5 victory over the Mariners. Ehire Adrianza collected three hits to improve to 5-for-8 over his last two contests and extend his on-base streak to 17 games. Whit Merrifield, who has hit safely in seven of his last eight contests, recorded two doubles and two RBIs on Thursday as the Royals rolled to a 7-3 triumph over visiting Detroit. Rookie Nicky Lopez registered a two-hit performance that included his first major-league home run as Kansas City won for just the third time in 11 games this month.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (3-8, 4.29 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (6-3, 4.14)

Keller was a hard-luck loser against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday as he allowed only two runs and five hits in a season-high eight innings. It was the third consecutive setback and fifth in six turns for the 23-year-old native of Georgia, who has issued just two walks over 21 frames in his last three outings. Keller is 1-0 with a 3.94 ERA in three career starts versus Minnesota, including a no-decision on April 2 in which he gave up three runs over six innings.

Gibson was unable to win a third straight start on Saturday as he was tagged for five runs and eight hits over five innings in a loss at Detroit. The 31-year-old native of Indiana won four of his previous five turns, allowing only one run in three of the victories. Gibson is 7-5 with one complete game and a 3.84 ERA in 19 career starts against Kansas City as he escaped with a no-decision in his season debut on April 3 after surrendering six runs in 4 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals OF Alex Gordon was held out of Thursday's starting lineup due to a compressed nerve in his shoulder.

2. Minnesota recalled Fernando Romero, who yielded two runs on two hits and a pair of walks without recording an out on Thursday, from Triple-A Rochester and optioned fellow RHP Ryan Eades to the Red Wings.

3. Kansas City activated 1B Lucas Duda (back) from the 10-day injured list on Thursday and optioned 3B Kelvin Gutierrez to Triple-A Omaha.

PREDICTION: Twins 8, Royals 4