=== Minnesota Twins Team Report - July 16 ===

(My Sportsbook) - The Twins resume a four-game series versus the Royals tonight in Kansas City.

Minnesota lost 3-1 last night.

Matthew LeCroy drove in the only run for the Twins, who lost their fourth straight and remained a half game behind the White Sox for first place in the AL Central.

Kyle Lohse (3-7) absorbed the loss as he permitted three runs on eight hits through five innings of work. He struck out two and yielded two walks.

Brad Radke gets the starting assignment tonight for Minnesota. The Righthander has lost two of his last three decisions and is coming off a loss to the Detroit Tigers in his last trip to the hill on Saturday.

In that contest the 31-year-old hurler allowed three runs on five hits over six innings, but fell to 5-5 on the year, while raising his ERA to 3.47. He also struck out eight in the setback without walking a batter.

Radke blanked the Royals earlier this month and is 9-8 lifetime against them with a 4.03 ERA in 26 starts.

Also on Thursday, the Twins placed first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz on the 15- day disabled list due to soreness in his left wrist. However, the club witnessed the return of outfielder Shannon Stewart, who had been out since mid-May with a right foot injury. Stewart finished 2-for-4 last night.

These teams hooked up in a three-game set last week at the Metrodome, as the Twins walked away with three consecutive shutouts. It was the first time in Minnesota's 44-year history that it had shutout an opponent in three straight games. The Twins outscored the Royals 25-0 in the sweep.

Minnesota is 9-4 against the Royals on the year.