Kyle Gibson delivers a pitch against the Royals. (photo/MLB)

Kyle Gibson delivers a pitch against the Royals. (photo/MLB)

Minnesota starting pitcher Kyle Gibson gave up a single toAlcides Escobar in the third inning and another basehit to Nori Aoki in the sixth and ended his night on a four-pitch seventh inning as he improved to 9-8 and shut down the Royals in a 2-1 victory for the Twins on Tuesday night.

James Shields, seeking his 10th win of the season, ended up on the losing end.  Josh Willingham hit a sacrifice fly in the third inning and Brian Dozier added a run-scoring single in the fifth as Shields threw 124 pitches while walking four in only six innings.

The Royals put together a rally late.  Glen Perkins gave up a leadoff double to Omar Infante and an RBI single to Eric Hosmer. Perkins came back to get three straight pop outs and record his 26th save of the season.