Joe Mauer started the 11th inning with a double and scored the winning run on Josh Willingham’s single to right field, giving the Twins a 2-1 victory in Kansas City. Mauer finished 3-4, upping his average to .334.
In his first start since being demoted to the minor leagues, Nick Blackburn was outstanding, allowing one run in 6.2 innings. He wasn’t a factor in the decision, but it’s a good sign that he’s headed in the right direction. Statistically speaking, it was his best start of the season. He allowed seven hits and struck out two.
The Twins bullpen got back on track a night after blowing a lead against the Orioles. Tyler Robertson, Jared Burton, Casey Fien and Glen Perkins limited the Royals to just two hits over the final 4.1 innings. Perkins earned the save.
Trevor Plouffe’s 17 game hitting streak came to an end. He left the game with an apparent hand injury. His status is unknown.
