Livan Hernandez and two relievers from the Minnesota Twins’ bullpen beat the Royals, 5-0, with 16,000 plus fans bundled up Friday night at Kauffman Stadium where the game time temperature was 41, but with the wind made it feel below freezing.

Despite the loss, the Royals maintained first place in the American League Central with a 6-4 record.

Gil Meche, the Royals’ No. 1 starter, got nailed for all five runs plus a line drive off the bat of Brendan Harris. Meche was struck on his left hamstring but recovered the ball and threw out Harris to end the third inning. Meche remained in the game for three more innings and shut down the Twins nicely.

The Royals had a bases-loaded chance with one out in the fifth after singles by Alberto Callaspo, Joey Gathright and Mark Teahen. Jose Guillen, struck out swinging and Hernandez got Billy Butler on a tap out to end the threat.

Gil Meche and manager Trey Hillman spoke after the game.

Download/listen to Gil Meche and Trey Hillman (MP3)