Kansas City @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 14, 2019 ) Kansas City 0, Minnesota 2

The Minnesota Twins attempt to clinch their third consecutive series victory when they host the Kansas City Royals on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Minnesota improved to 3-1 on its nine-game homestand with a 2-0 triumph in Friday's series opener.

Kyle Gibson worked eight superb innings, allowing two hits while registering six strikeouts, and Mitch Garver belted a two-run homer as the Twins improved to 9-2 in their last 11 at home. Garver is riding five-game hitting and RBI streaks during which he has gone 8-for-23 while driving in eight runs, and Ehire Adrianza registered half of Minnesota's four hits as he extended his on-base streak to 18 games. Whit Merrifield has hit safely in eight of his last nine contests after accounting for half of Kansas City's total on Friday with a single. Billy Hamilton recorded the other hit as the Royals suffered their 13th loss in 17 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Glenn Sparkman (1-2, 3.58 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (9-2, 1.92)

Sparkman will be making his fourth consecutive start and fifth overall this season after giving up three runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings in a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. The 27-year-old Texan posted his first career victory in his initial start of 2019, scattering three hits over seven scoreless frames versus Tampa Bay on May 1, but returned to the bullpen for five appearances before rejoining the rotation. Sparkman has allowed six runs over seven innings while going 0-2 in four career relief outings against Minnesota.

After losing his first two decisions of the season, Odorizzi has won nine straight - including a triumph at Detroit on Sunday in which he permitted one run and five hits over six innings. The 29-year-old native of Illinois has recorded three consecutive scoreless outings twice since April 29 and has allowed a total of four runs over 47 2/3 frames in his last eight turns. Odorizzi owns a 2-4 record and 4.37 ERA in eight starts and one relief appearance against Kansas City in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins CF Byron Buxton could miss some time after leaving Friday's contest with a bruised right wrist suffered when hit by a pitch.

2. Kansas City recalled OF Jorge Bonifacio from Triple-A Omaha prior to the series opener and optioned 1B Ryan O'Hearn to the Storm Chasers.

3. Minnesota recalled Zack Littell from Triple-A Rochester on Friday and optioned fellow RHP Fernando Romero to the Red Wings.

PREDICTION: Twins 11, Royals 3