MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Melky Cabrera became the first Kansas City player in 11 years to get 200 hits and Mike Moustakas hit the go-ahead home run in a four-run sixth inning as the Royals topped the Minnesota Twins 7-3 on Monday night.
Cabrera, who hit an infield single and scored the game's opening run in the first inning and added another infield single in the sixth, became the sixth player in Kansas City history to eclipse 200 hits and the first since Johnny Damon and Mike Sweeney both did it in 2000. His previous career best for hits in a season was 149 in 2007 while with the New York Yankees.
Cabrera's single led off the four-run sixth inning that saw the Royals send nine batters to the plate. Moustakas' two-out solo shot broke a 3-3 tie to give Kansas City a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
Felipe Paulino (4-6) gave up three runs and six hits in six innings, striking out nine. The right-hander has 17 strikeouts in his last two outings and at least eight in three of his last four starts.
The victory was the Royals' third straight against Minnesota, pushing the Twins to 99 losses with two games left in the season. Minnesota needs to win both contests against Kansas City to avoid its second 100-loss season since moving to the Twin Cities in 1961.
Kevin Slowey (0-8) allowed five runs and 10 hits in 52â„3 innings, becoming the first major-league pitcher to make at least eight starts and lose them all since the St. Louis Browns' Lou Sleater went 0-8 in 1951, according to STATS LLC. Minnesota fell to 0-14 in games Slowey pitched in this season.
Michael Cuddyer hit his 20th home run of the year for the Twins, reaching the plateau for the third time in his career.
Notes: Twins assistant trainer Dave Pruemer said CF Denard Span was feeling good, five days after returning from post-concussion and migraine symptoms. He wasn't in Monday's lineup after playing in back-to-back games for the first time Saturday and Sunday, but was available and is expected to start today and Wednesday in attempt to finish the season on a strong note. ... The announced attendance of 34,847 was the smallest crowd in Target Field's two-year history. ... Royals manager Ned Yost said before Monday's contest RHP Sean O'Sullivan will start today's game against Minnesota's Anthony Swarzak. O'Sullivan will make his first appearance with Kansas City since June 2, when he allowed seven runs - three earned - in 22â„3 innings against the Twins. O'Sullivan was placed on the disabled list with right biceps tendinitis the next day. He last pitched Tuesday for the Omaha Storm Chasers, taking the loss in the Triple-A championship game against the Columbus Clippers. ... Swarzak will try to win for the first time in six tries since being inserted into the starting rotation Aug. 30.