Brian Bannister pitched well enough to get a win, the problem was the Royals lacked a big hit and another defensive lapse led to a 2-1 loss against Minnesota.
The Royals jumped on top early in the first when Mike Jacobs drove in David DeJesus for a 1-0 lead. The Royals had a chance to really put Twins’ starter Scott Baker away, but couldn’t come up with the big hit when needed.
In the fourth, with the bases loaded, the Royals came away empty handed after Mitch Maier popped up and Tony Pena Jr. struck out. That could have put the Royals back on top after Justin Morneau tied the game in the top of the inning with his 19 th homer of the year.
The Twins went up 2-1 in the sixth when, with Joe Mauer on first, Morneau hit a smash to Billy Butler who threw the ball into left field trying to get a force at second. Mauer went to the third and later scored on a sac fly.
The Royals came back again in the bottom of the inning with runners on first and second, Jose Guillen on as a pinch hitter was robbed up the middle by shortstop Brendan Harris saving a run.
Bannister went seven innings giving up just those two runs, with one earned while giving up just six hits and a walk while striking out six.
Guillen did not start for the second game in a row as he battles soreness and tightness in his hip and groin something he says he’s been dealing with for awhile.