MINNEAPOLIS (AP Aug 1, 2013) – The Kansas City Royals won their ninth straight game, stretching their longest winning streak in more than a decade by beating Minnesota 7-2 Thursday behind Billy Butler’s hitting and Lorenzo Cain’s highlight reel catch in center field.
The Royals last won nine straight when they opened the 2003 season at 9-0. The last time Kansas City won more in a row was a 10-game string in 1994, STATS said.
Butler had two hits and drove in two runs. Justin Maxwell had a hit and an RBI a day after being acquired in a trade with Houston.
James Shields (6-7) gave up two runs on five hits and five walks in six innings for the Royals, who swept the three-game series and are showing potential to be a factor late in the season.
The Minnesota Twins have optioned left-hander Scott Diamond and center fielder Aaron Hicks to Triple-A Rochester.
The Twins made the moves on Thursday after both players struggled in a 7-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Diamond (5-10) gave up seven runs – six earned – on nine hits in five innings. He has failed to pitch at least six innings in four of his last five starts.
Hicks went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts to drop his batting average to .192. Since the All-Star break, he is hitting .162 (7 for 43).
The Twins recalled outfielder Oswaldo Arcia to take one of the roster spots. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire says they will wait until Saturday to make a pitching move.
