Shields Leads Royals Over Twins

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — James Shields was sharp for 7 1-3 innings, Alex Gordon had three RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals scored five runs in the eighth inning to beat the Minnesota Twins 6-1 on Tuesday.

Shields — the key part in the deal that sent top prospect Wil Myers to Tampa Bay in the offseason — struck out seven and notched his American-League best 22nd quality start.

Shields (9-8) only allowed one hit through seven innings before running into trouble and leaving in the eighth inning.

Kevin Correia struck out a season-high seven over seven shutout innings, but ended up with a no-decision. Brian Dozier had the Twins’ RBI.

The first seven Royals hitters reached base in a five-run eighth that broke open a scoreless game and handed reliever Jared Burton (2-8) his third loss to Kansas City this season.

The first two runs scored on a bloop single from Chris Getz and a Jarrod Dyson suicide squeeze.

Gordon followed with a bases-clearing double down the right-field line that made it 5-0 and sent most of the fans at a steamy Target Field heading for the exits.

Billy Butler hit his 14th home run in the ninth.

After losing seven straight and damaging their playoff chances, the Royals have won three in a row.

While his record isn’t impressive, Shields has pitched pretty well for the Royals.

After walking Ryan Doumit in the second, Shields retired 14 of the next 15 batters and held the Twins until the offense got him some support.

Wade Davis, the other pitcher Kansas City acquired in the Myers’ deal, hasn’t been nearly as effective and was demoted to the bullpen on Tuesday.

Danny Duffy will be called up on Wednesday from Triple-A Omaha and take Davis’ slot in the rotation.

The Twins have struggled to score since All-Star Joe Mauer went on the disabled list a week ago with a concussion.

Minnesota had a chance to cut into the lead after Dozier’s double chased Shields and made it 5-1 in the eighth. But Will Smith struck out Chris Herrmann and Justin Morneau to end the threat.

The Twins struck out 11 times and were 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

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