The Minnesota Twins should be really encouraged by Francisco Liriano's second straight quality start (6 IP, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K), but despite the lefty only allowing one run over six innings on Tuesday, it wasn't enough to beat Bruce Chen and the Royals.

Chen countered Liriano's six strong with seven shutout; he struck out five and walked none while allowing only four Twins to reach. Greg Holland and Jonathan Broxton finished the job.

The Twins threatened in the ninth with a one-out double from Josh Willingham, but Broxton was able to escape and complete the shutout, picking up his 14th save in the process.

The rubber match will be Wednesday at the same time, 8:10 p.m. ET.

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