Minneapolis ? Kevin Slowey allowed four hits over seven innings and kept the Twins in step with the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central, pitching Minnesota past the Kansas City Royals, 7-1, on Wednesday night.

The Twins, who stayed one game behind Chicago in the division, notched consecutive wins for the first time in nearly three weeks. They had three hits and two RBIs from Jason Kubel and three singles by catalyst Alexi Casilla.

Four of Minnesota’s five RBIs came with two outs, and the Twins (80-65) surpassed last year’s victory total behind another strong start from Slowey (12-9). The Royals fell to 3-11 this season against Minnesota and have lost 13 of their last 15 road games.

Kyle Davies (6-7) gave up four runs and eight hits over 52â3 innings for Kansas City, while Delmon Young, Nick Punto and Carlos Gomez also drove in runs for the Twins. Slowey retired 17 of his last 19 batters, surrendering only a walk and a double during that stretch.