Jonathan Broxton recorded the final two outs of the game with the tying run in scoring position Friday, allowing the Kansas City Royals to edge Minnesota 4-3.

The Royals took a three-run lead into the ninth before Broxton ran into trouble on his way to his 20th save.

Broxton put the first two batters on base and Joe Mauer then doubled home a run. Josh Willingham grounded out, but that brought home another score.

The Kansas City closer got Justin Morneau on a fly to center that sent Mauer to third and Trevor Plouffe popped up to third base to end the threat.

Luis Mendoza (3-4) claimed the win after working eight innings in a game for the first time in his career. He gave up five hits and a run without walking a batter. He had not won since May 13.

Kansas City won its fourth in a row, with Salvador Perez hitting a solo homer in the second and Yuniesky Betancourt posting two hits and an RBI.

Brian Duensing (1-4) surrendered three runs on eight hits in four-plus innings to take the loss, the Twins’ third straight.