Royals 7, Twins 6: Alex Gordon and Billy Butler swatted two-run homers and visiting Kansas City sent Minnesota to its sixth consecutive loss.

Mike Moustakas and Alcides Escobar had RBI singles to snap a tie game in the eighth and Butler added a run-scoring single to give the Royals their third straight win following a 12-game losing streak.

Jose Mijares (1-1), the third Kansas City pitcher, worked one inning for the win and Jonathan Broxton finished up for his third save.

Despite every batter in the lineup collecting at least one hit, the Twins dropped their seventh consecutive home game.

Trevor Plouffe homered and Alexi Casilla had two hits and two RBIs for Minnesota, which fell to a major league-worst 5-15 -- one game behind the Royals. Joe Mauer and Denard Span each had two hits and an RBI.

Brian Duensing (0-2) gave up two runs in an inning to take the loss in relief of ace Carl Pavano, who was charged with five runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Butler extended his hitting streak to four and is now 23-for-52 with three homers and 12 RBIs against Pavano, who has allowed six home runs in five starts. ... Span ran his hitting streak to nine games and boosted his batting average to .341. ... Minnesota's pitching staff has been punished for 31 runs over the past four games. ... The Royals recalled outfielder Jarrod Dyson from Triple-A Omaha on Friday. Dyson spent two games with the Royals earlier this month. Outfielder Jason Bourgeois was optioned to Omaha to make room for Dyson.