Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Wilson Betemit hit two homers in a game for the first time in his career, as the Kansas City Royals held off the Minnesota Twins, 9-8, to avoid a three-game sweep at Target Field.
Mitch Maier hit a two-run homer for the Royals, who had lost three of four coming in. Jose Guillen went 3-for-5 with an RBI and run scored for the victors.
Bruce Chen (3-0) went 6 1/3 innings in the start, allowing five runs on 10 hits. He also fanned a season-best seven batters and walked one to pick up the win. Joakim Soria recorded his 14th save of the year despite giving up two runs in the ninth.
Jason Kubel hit a solo homer for the Twins, who saw a six-game home win streak halted. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau each knocked in two runs while Denard Span went 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored in defeat.
Scott Baker (5-5) gave up five runs on eight hits in a five-inning start and took the loss.