John Buck smacked a bases loaded two-run double in the seventh sending the Royals to a 6-3 win over the Twins. Reggie Sanders broke a 3-all tie earlier in Buck’s at bat scoring on a passed ball that got behind Twins catcher Joe Mauer.
The rally started on back-to-back one-out singles by Sanders and Esteban German – pinch-hitting for Matt Stairs. Angel Berroa was intentionally walked to load the bases after a Mark Teahen groundout moved runners to second and third.
Buck and Sanders both had two hits in the game and two RBIs. Mark Grudzielanek earned his paycheck with three hits in the ballgame.
Royals starter Brandon Duckworth three runs on six hits in six innings but didn’t factor into the decision. Reliever Jeremy Affeldt retired just one batter to get the win. Ambiorix Burgos earned his 14th save.
Minnesota had their 11-game win streak snapped the night before and lost a series for the first time since June 8.