MINNEAPOLIS, April 16 (UPI) -- Lew Ford had three hits, including an RBI triple, and drove in three runs Friday night as Minnesota held on for a 9-7 win over Kansas City.
Ford has taken over center field with Torii Hunter on the disabled list with a strained hamstring. The 27-year-old rookie is nine for 22 this season after recording three hits for the second straight game.
The Royals, who rallied in losses to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday and Thursday, came back from a five-run hole to forge a 7-7 tie on Carlos Beltran's three-run homer in the seventh.
Jose Offerman and Corey Koskie opened the bottom half with consecutive singles off Jamie Cerda (0-1) and Jacque Jones gave the Twins the lead with a single against Jason Grimsley two batters later.
Ford followed with a triple into right-center field to plate Jones for a 9-7 edge.
