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Three-Run Fifth Leads Twins To 4-3 Win, Sweep Of Royals

Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Denard Span punctuated a three-run fifth inning with a two-run triple, and the Minnesota Twins held on to beat Kansas City, 4-3, to complete a three-game sweep at Target Field.

J.J. Hardy had two hits, including a solo home run, and scored twice for the Twins, who have won six games in a row and finished 8-1 on their nine-game homestand.

Brian Duensing (8-2) pitched eight solid innings for Minnesota, giving up one run on six hits with seven strikeouts.

Matt Capps picked up his 37th save of the season despite yielding two runs in the ninth. It was his 11th save with the Twins.

Minnesota increased its lead in the AL Central over Chicago to 5 1/2 games after the White Sox lost to Detroit earlier Wednesday.

Zack Greinke (8-12), who entered with an 0-3 record and a 10.29 ERA in three starts against the Twins this year, allowed four runs and five hits in a complete-game performance.

Brayan Pena knocked in two runs for the Royals.

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.