Minneapolis ? Jim Thome hit another towering homer, Delmon Young drove in four runs, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals, 10-3, on Tuesday night to take their largest AL Central lead in 10 days.

Francisco Liriano (13-7) raised his second-half record to 7-0 in 10 starts, giving up seven hits and two runs in seven easy innings. J.J. Hardy had three RBIs for the Twins, who scored six times in the third against Brian Bannister (7-12) and moved 41/2 games ahead of Chicago in the division race.

The White Sox lost to Detroit, 9-1, ending their seven-game winning streak. The Twins have won five straight, 10 of their last 12 and 33 of 45.

After one-run decisions in eight of their last nine games, winning six of those tight ones, the Twins were eager for a breather. That’s exactly what they got, thanks to Young and Hardy at the bottom of the lineup.

Manager Ron Gardenhire was able to take some of his regulars out early, and newly recalled relievers Glen Perkins and Pat Neshek worked an inning apiece.

Bannister lasted only 22/3 innings. All seven runs against him scored with two outs, with Jason Kubel, Young and Hardy delivering the RBIs in the third.

Royals first baseman Billy Butler left in the third due to a bruised right hand.