Apr 07, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Billy Butler (16) hits a grand slam home run during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The 4-2 Twins wrap up a six game road trip with three games at Kansas City beginning at 3:10 today. Kevin Correia will face Royals off-season trade acquisition Ervin Santana in Kansas City’s home opener; the Royals (3-3) lost their first 10 home games of 2012, and have posted nine consecutive losing seasons.
The Kansas City bullpen blew a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning of Saturday’s loss to Philadelphia, and gave up four more runs in the ninth inning of Sunday’s 9-8 victory over the Phillies. Billy Butler racked up a team record-tying seven RBI in Sunday’s game.
The Twins won the season series last year, 11-7. Aaron Hicks hit a game-winning RBI single in the seventh inning of Sunday’s 4-3 victory over the Orioles, but is 2-26 to start his MLB career. Joe Mauer is a career .462 hitter against Santana.
Feb 19, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kevin Correia (30) poses for a portrait during photo day at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) poses for a picture during photo day at the Royals Spring Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Game 2 and 3 Pitching Matchups
Tuesday, 7:10:
Mike Pelfrey vs. Jeremy Guthrie
Wednesday, 7:10:
Game 1 Lineups TBA
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