MINNEAPOLIS, July 16 (UPI) -- Michael Cuddyer's run-scoring hit in the eighth inning proved decisive Saturday in the Minnesota Twins' 4-3 victory over Kansas City.
With the score tied 3-3 in the eighth, Alexi Casilla stroked a one-out single and went to third on Joe Mauer's single, chasing Kansas City starter Jeff Francis (3-11).
Aaron Crow came in to pitch and Cuddyer greeted him with a solid liner to right-center field, driving in the go-ahead run.
Joe Nathan, reinstated as closer over the struggling Matt Capps before the game, made the advantage hold up with a scoreless ninth, notching his fourth save.
The win went to Glen Perkins (1-1), who hurled a 1-2-3 top of the eighth in relief of starter Carl Pavano, who surrendered three runs six hits over seven frames.
Drew Butera smacked a solo homer for Minnesota, which improved to 9-4 in July.
Francis yielded four runs on seven hits over 7 1/3 innings for Kansas City.
Alcides Escobar belted a two-run homer for the Royals.
