KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 7 (UPI) -- Nick Blackburn gave up only a two-run homer in his return from the disabled list Wednesday, boosting the Minnesota Twins to a 4-2 win over Kansas City.
Blackburn (2-4) had not appeared since May 16 due to a strained leg muscle. Yuniesky Betancourt launched a two-run homer in the first off Blackburn that gave the Royals a 2-1 lead, but the Twins rallied for their fourth victory in five games.
Justin Morneau put Minnesota in front with a two-out single in the fifth that capped off a two-out rally and Jamey Carroll added an RBI single in the seventh.
Kansas City starter Felipe Paulino had to leave the game in the first inning after being hit in the leg with a hard hit ball off the bat of leadoff man Ben Revere.
Paulino recovered to throw out Revere at first and stayed in the game for three more batters before being removed.
The loss went to Luis Mendoza (2-3), who pitched five innings in relief of Paulino. Matt Capps worked the ninth for Minnesota and recorded his 14th save.
