KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ Danny Duffy won his 10th straight decision, and Eric Hosmer recorded a two-out RBI double in the bottom of the sixth as the Royals edged the Minnesota Twins, 2-1, on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.
Kansas City completed a four-game sweep of the Twins while stretching its own winning streak to eight games. The Royals, 64-60, have won 13 of 15 since Aug. 6.
Duffy continued his recent string of excellence, allowing one earned run over 6 2/3 innings. He improved to 11-1 while lowering his ERA from 2.73 to 2.66, which ranks second in the American League behind Detroit rookie Michael Fulmer.
For once, Duffy was not quite dominant, scattering eight hits across the outing. But when he needed to make crucial pitches, he did. He also received some vital help from the Royals' defense.
The Royals opened the scoring in the bottom of the second after Hosmer started the inning with a single and designated hitter Kendrys Morales deposited a double to left field.
Left fielder Alex Gordon, who had entered with five homers in his last five games, followed by striking out. But shortstop Alcides Escobar came through with an RBI ground-out.
Duffy wobbled for a moment in the top of the second, loading the bases with nobody out. The inning began with a double from first baseman Trevor Plouffe and an infield single from Jorge Polanco. Duffy exacerbated the problem with a four-pitch walk to Eduardo Escobar.
With little room to maneuver, Duffy responded by striking out Eddie Rosario on five pitches. And then the Royals' defense took over. Gordon made a sliding catch on a tricky fly ball into shallow left field. Third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert ranged to his left and ended the inning on a 5-4 force-out at second base.
Duffy allowed his only run in the third. After he departed, the bullpen took over, stretching its streak of scoreless innings to 29.
Reliever Joakim Soria worked through a clean eighth, completing his eighth straight scoreless appearance while retiring his 15th batter in a row. Kelvin Herrera picked up the save in the ninth.
