The Twins host the first-place Kansas City Royals at Target Field for a four game series beginning Friday night.

The Royals are 66-54 and fresh off of a series win over Oakland in Kansas City. The team currently holds a half-game advantage over second place Detroit.

The Twins continue to languish in the American League Central’s basement with a 54-65 record, 11.5 games behind the Royals.

Friday’s pitching matchup features KC’s Danny Duffy (7-10, 2.57 ERA) against Minnesota’s Ricky Nolasco (5-7, 5.90 ERA). Nolasco will be making his first start since July 6th when he left his start against the Yankees with elbow soreness.

On Saturday Phil Hughes will start for the Twins against the Royals’ Yordani Ventura, while Sunday’s matchup pits Kansas City’s Jeremy Guthrie against Minnesota’s Tommy Milone.

First pitch on Friday night is scheduled for 7:10 on WJON.

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