No Mauer, no Morneau, no Kubel, no Thome, no Span. . .no problem?
It appeared so for the Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon, in any case, and Brian Duensing put together eight solid innings as the Minnesota Twins won their season-best fourth consecutive game as the Twins defeated the Royals 6-0 to complete a four-game sweep at Kauffman Stadium.
In his eight innings of work, Duensing scattered six hits, all of which were singles, while walking only one and striking out four. The victory for him today snapped a winless streak that stretched nearly six weeks. His last victory prior to today came back on April 23 against the Cleveland Indians. His record for the year is now 3-5.
The Twins got things going early in this one, loading the bases with one out thanks to a single by Ben Revere, an error on Royals' first baseman Eric Hosmer, and a walk to Danny Valencia, with a pop out my Michael Cuddyer happening between the error and the walk. Delmon Young then grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Revere to score as Valencia was forced out at second base. After a walk to Luke Hughes loaded the bases again with two out, Jason Repko singled to center to bring home both Alexi Casilla and Young to make the score 3-0.
The score remained that way until the sixth, when Repko struck again. His singled to center again, bringing Hughes home to score and giving the Twins a 4-0 lead. Repko had three RBI on the day, and snapped the 0-for-14 streak that he had been riding prior to today's action.
Minnesota's scoring concluded in the sixth inning, as Matt Tolbert ripped a one-out single to right center off of Royals' reliever Jesse Chavez to score Hughes and Drew Butera to give the Twins their final margin of victory of 6-0.
Jeff Francis took the loss for the Royals after going seven innings and allowing four runs. . .only one of which was earned. . .on six hits. His record on the season drops to 2-6.
Again, no days off for the Twins, as they continue their road trip on Monday night with a trip to Cleveland to take on the Indians. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM, and the Twins will be sending right-hander Scott Baker (2-4, 3.86 ERA) to the mound. The Indians will counter with right-hander Josh Tomlin (7-2, 3.27 ERA).