MLB: Minnesota 5, Kansas City 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 1 (UPI) -- Glen Perkins gave up just one run despite 10 Kansas City hits Wednesday, leading the Minnesota Twins to a 5-1 win over the Royals.

The run against Perkins (4-4) scored on Jose Guillen's one-out, sixth-inning single.

Michael Cuddyer had two RBI with a second-inning solo homer and a bases-loaded walk in the eighth. Joe Mauer had three hits and one RBI.

A run scored on Alberto Callaspo's third-inning error, while Denard Span added a run and two hits for the Twins, who have won five of seven overall.

The Twins helped themselves by turning three double plays.

Closer Joe Nathan recorded his 21st save with a 1-2-3 ninth that secured Minnesota's fourth road series win in a row and lifted the Twins two games above .500 for the first time this season heading into key pre-All Star Game series against Detroit, New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.

Kansas City's Billy Butler had four of its 12 hits.

Brayan Pena and David DeJesus had two hits apiece for the Royals, who have lost five of seven.

Losing pitcher Gil Meche (4-8) surrendered three runs -- two earned -- and six hits in six innings with five walks and five strikeouts.