Twins Post Season Hopes Suffer Setback

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ben Zobrist put a major dent in Minnesota's postseason bid with an RBI double in the eighth inning against struggling All-Star Glen Perkins, and the Kansas City Royals topped the Twins 3-1 on Friday night.

Perkins, hampered by neck and back trouble that led to him losing the closer role, spoiled a stellar start by Ervin Santana (7-5) with a first-pitch fastball that Zobrist drove off the wall in right-center field. Zobrist then scored when right fielder Torii Hunter fumbled a single by Mike Moustakas.

The Twins entered the night trailing Houston by one game and tied with Los Angeles in the AL wild-card race. The Angels beat Texas and the Rangers’ magic number stayed at one after the Astros destroyed the Diamondbacks, 21-5. Dallas Keuchel had no trouble picking up his 20th victory, giving up two runs in six innings. Carlos Correa hit one of the Astros’ four homers and was 3-for-4 with four RBIs and four runs scored. Colby Rasmus also homered and scored four times.

Houston continues to lead the second AL wild-card race by one game over Los Angeles, with the Twins now two games back.