Delmon Young went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and Jim Thome homered for the third straight game as the Minnesota Twins coasted to their fifth straight victory, a 10-3 triumph over the Kansas City Royals.

J.J. Hardy drove in three runs and Francisco Liriano pitched seven solid innings for the Twins, who improved to 18-3 in their last 21 at home and increased their lead in the American League Central over the Chicago White Sox to 4 1/2 games.

Hardy opened the scoring in the second with a sacrifice fly and then Minnesota exploded for six runs in the third to take control. Young and Hardy each delivered a two-run single in the frame while Jason Kubel and Matt Tolbert drove in a run apiece.

Young expanded the lead to 9-1 with a two-run double in the fourth and Thome, who scored three times, belted his fourth homer in three games - a solo shot in the sixth - to cap the scoring for the Twins, who are 7-1 on their nine-game homestand.

Liriano (13-7) remained unbeaten since the All-Star break, allowing just two runs and seven hits. The left-hander, who is 7-0 over his last 10 starts, walked two and struck out four.

Brian Bannister (7-12) lasted just 2 2/3 innings in his first start since Aug. 2 due to right shoulder tendinitis. The 29-year old, who has lost nine of his last 10 decisions, was pounded for seven runs and eight hits during his 55-pitch outing.

Josh Fields homered for the Royals, who have lost 19 of their last 24 road games.