Who said the Twins wouldn’t play meaningful games in September? If Minnesota wants to avoid finishing in last place in the AL Central, they have to beat the team in front of them: Kansas City. The Twins start a two game series against the Royals tonight in K.C.

The Twins are now three games behind the Royals in the battle for the basement after losing in Kansas City, 4-0 Tuesday night. In eight innings of work, Royals starter Bruce Chen shut down the Twins allowing only two hits, and he retired 24 of the final 26 batters he faced.

Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano will get a chance to improve his 2-7 record when he's back on the mound at Target Field Sunday afternoon. Minnesota is going for their third consecutive win over the Kansas City Royals after sweeping Saturday's doubleheader. Kansas City will try to split the four-game set with lefty Bruce Chen on the hill.

The Twins took two from the Kansas City Royals Saturday in a doubleheader at Target Field. Solid pitching by Scott Diamond and a home run by Trevor Plouffe helped the Twins beat the Royals 7-2 in the daytime opener, while Cole De Vries scattered five hits over six innings and Josh Willingham hit a homer in the Twins' 5-1 win the nightcap.

Right-hander Jason Marquis will now start for Minnesota Sunday. He'll try to remain perfect and help turn things around for the Twins Saturday afternoon at Target Field. The Royals extended Minnesota's losing streak to six games Friday night at Target Field with a 7-6 victory. Bruce Chen will try to lead Kansas City to their fourth straight victory.

Right-hander Esmerling Vasquez will make his debut with the Twins as he heads to the hill Sunday afternoon. The Twins will try to complete the three-game sweep in Kansas City, but without Josh Willingham. Twins General Manager Terry Ryan tells the Star Tribune the team wants to keep the outfielder off his left leg because of a slightly sore hamstring. The Twins will face Royals righty Luis Mendoza.