(My Sportsbook) - The Minnesota Twins hope to reverse their fortunes of late when they open a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals at the Metrodome.

After going 5-9 on their longest road trip since 1969, the Twins returned home this past weekend to drop two of three to the Detroit Tigers, including a 7-5 loss in Sunday's finale.

Justin Morneau drove in four runs in Sunday's loss for the Twins, who have dropped five of six overall and have fallen 2 1/2 games back of the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

Glen Perkins (12-4) took the loss and was charged with nine hits and five runs -- three earned -- over 5 2/3 innings.

Minnesota will pin its hopes tonight on rookie right-hander Nick Blackburn, who is 9-8 with a 3.71 ERA. Blackburn did not get a decision on Wednesday in Toronto, as the Blue Jays managed three runs (two earned) and six hits in 6 2/3 innings of his team's 5-4 loss.

Blackburn has faced the Royals twice (one start) in his young career and has yet to record a decision, despite pitching to a 1.64 ERA in those outings.

Kansas City, meanwhile, will hand the ball to right-hander Brian Bannister, who is 0-8 in his last 12 starts. Bannister did not get a decision on Thursday against Oakland, as he surrendered four runs (one earned) and seven hits in seven innings.

Bannister, who is 7-14 with a 5.56 ERA, hasn't won since June 23 and hasn't beaten an American League team since topping the Cleveland Indians back on June 1.

The 27-year-old hurler, though, has never lost to the Twins, going 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts.

Kansas City dropped two of three over the weekend to the Indians, falling 3-1 to Cliff Lee in Sunday's rubber match at Kauffman Stadium. Jose Guillen went 2-for-3 and scored the Royals' lone run, while Mark Teahen added two hits and Alberto Callaspo had a hit and an RBI.

Zack Greinke (10-10) pitched well for six innings but received the loss, giving up three runs on five hits, with eight strikeouts and two walks.

The Royals, who will be starting a seven-game road trip this evening, have dropped 10 of their last 12 away from home.

Minnesota has won nine of its 12 meetings with the Royals this season, including two of the three matchups at the Metrodome.