(AP) -- Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run homer and Delmon Young had three hits in his return to the lineup to lead the Minnesota Twins to an 8-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.
Francisco Liriano (6-7) gave up three runs - one earned - on seven hits with four strikeouts in seven innings and Joe Mauer had two hits and two RBIs for the Twins.
Melky Cabrera had two hits, an RBI and threw a runner out at home from center field for the Royals, who watched their bullpen let a close game get out of hand.
Right-hander Blake Wood walked three and hit another batter while being charged with four runs in a disastrous seventh inning in relief of Bruce Chen (5-3).
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