Minnesota @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 6, 2013 ) Minnesota 7, Kansas City 0

The Minnesota Twins have struggled against Kansas City this season but can win the current three-game series if they're able to beat the host Royals for the second straight night in Wednesday’s finale. Minnesota rebounded from its worst loss of the campaign – a 13-0 defeat on Monday – to register a 7-0 win on Tuesday as rookie left-hander Andrew Albers came within two outs of a complete game in his major-league debut. The Royals are 11-4 against Minnesota this season.

Danny Duffy will be recalled by Kansas City to start as Wade Davis is unavailable after the recent death of his step-brother. Tuesday’s loss was only the second in 14 contests for Kansas City, which fell five games behind the Texas Rangers in the battle for the American League’s second wild-card spot. Minnesota's Justin Morneau has regained his power stroke, belting four home runs in his last 10 games to raise his season count to 11.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN (Kansas City)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Samuel Deduno (7-4, 3.17 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (NR)

Deduno has won three consecutive starts and given up just five runs over his last four outings. He has pitched at least six innings in each of his last nine turns. Deduno has beaten Kansas City twice this season and is 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA in three career starts against the Royals.

Duffy is making his first major-league appearance in 15 months after undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery. He is expected to be sent back to Triple-A Omaha, where he is 3-0 with a 4.21 ERA in 10 appearances (eight starts). The 24-year-old Duffy, who is 6-10 in 26 career big-league starts, lost to the Twins in 2011 as he gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier had a homer and three RBIs in Tuesday’s win and has driven in six runs in his last five games.

2. Royals 1B Eric Hosmer is 5-for-8 in the series and batting .350 against the Twins in 60 at-bats this season.

3. Twins C Joe Mauer is 2-for-18 over his last five games after going hitless in four at-bats on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Royals 6, Twins 4