Twins 4, Royals 2: Nick Blackburn pitched five effective innings in his first start since May 16 and Justin Morneau delivered the go-ahead two-run single as visiting Minnesota won for the seventh time in nine games.

Blackburn (2-4), who returned from the disabled list after recovering from a strained left quad, allowed two runs and five hits as the Twins won their third straight series. Ben Revere went 2-for-5 and scored twice while Jamey Carroll had an RBI single and scored two runs.

Yuniesky Betancourt hit a two-run homer in the first inning for Kansas City, which is a major league-worst 8-20 at home.

Royals starter Felipe Paulino left the game with a strained right groin after facing four batters. Paulino appeared to suffer the injury while fielding leadoff hitter Ben Revere’s grounder.

Three Twins relievers bridged the gap to Matt Capps, who pitched a perfect ninth for his 14th save in 15 opportunities.

Luis Mendoza (2-3) took over for Paulino and allowed two runs and five hits in five innings. Minnesota took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Ryan Doumit greeted Mendoza with an RBI double. With two outs in the fifth inning, Revere singled, Carroll walked and Josh Willingham was hit by a pitch before Morneau sent Mendoza’s first pitch into left-center field.

Carroll’s single in the seventh followed Revere’s leadoff triple.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Minnesota’s Joe Mauer missed his third straight game with a sprained right thumb suffered Sunday in Cleveland, but said he might play Friday when the Twins open a nine-home homestand with a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. … Paulino (3-1, 1.70 ERA) missed all of April with a forearm strain before turning in four scoreless starts in six outings prior to Wednesday. ... Carroll was 5-for-10 with a triple, four runs scored, three RBIs and a stolen base in the series. ... Mourneau and Doumit also had two hits apiece.