Morneau homers, Twins win third straight, 2-1 over struggling Royals

Morneau’s homer helps Twins beat Royals 2-1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Justin Morneau homered for the third straight game and Scott Baker labored through five tough innings, lifting the Minnesota Twins to a 2-1 victory over the hapless Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Baker (6-6) fought through a high pitch count to keep Minnesota in a tight game early and the Twins took advantage of another defensive miscue by the Royals for the go-ahead run in the sixth inning.

Morneau provided what little offense the Twins could muster against Brian Bannister (5-6), splashing a solo homer into the fountains in right-center in the fourth inning. The 2006 AL MVP hit a three-run homer against St. Louis on Sunday and had a two-run shot to open the Kansas City series.

Baker fought through a 28-pitch first inning, giving up a run on Mike Jacobs’ run-scoring flare single to center. The right-hander worked out of a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning, getting Mitch Maier on a weak pop up and striking out Tony Pena Jr.

The inning took its toll, though.

Baker was hit on the backside by Miguel Olivo’s infield single to load the bases and needed 11 pitches — after starting 0-2 — to strike out Pena, a .103 hitter. He made it through the fifth inning despite a 15-pitch at-bat by Willie Bloomquist, but didn’t come out for the sixth after giving up a run and five hits.

Twins shortstop Brendan Harris saved a run in the sixth with a diving stop up the middle with two on and Joe Nathan worked a perfect ninth for his 15th straight save and 20th in 22 chances.

Bannister was sharp after a shaky outing against Houston last week, allowing Morneau’s 19th homer in the fourth and not much else.

As usual, his teammates let him down. Normally, it’s the offense. This time, the defense let him down, too.

After giving up Joe Mauer’s squib single just inside third base in the sixth inning, Bannister induced Morneau into what should have been a double play ball. Instead, Jacobs’ throw from first sailed into left for Kansas City’s 57th error of the season. Michael Cuddyer followed with a one-out sacrifice fly that put the Twins up 2-1.

Bannister gave up six hits, two runs — one earned — with six strikeouts in seven innings.

Normally, that’s good enough to win anywhere. Just not in Kansas City. The Royals are among the AL’s worst in hitting, runs, slugging percentage and on-base percentage. They’ve been particularly inept with Bannister on the mound, scoring 10 runs in his six losses.

NOTES: Royals RF Jose Guillen didn’t start for the second straight game because of a stiff left side. He pinch-hit in the sixth and stayed in the game. He was 0 for 2. … Mauer was 1 for 4 and is 10 for 45 the past 12 games with his average dropping from .429 to .383.