(My Sportsbook) - Despite dealing with some back trouble during the week, Gil Meche will still take the hill this afternoon for the Kansas City Royals, who close out a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome.

Meche is coming off his worst outing of the season, as the right-hander lasted just 3 2/3 innings Tuesday against Toronto, allowing five runs on seven hits and five walks en route to the setback. It was the second straight loss for Meche, who is now just 1-2 with a 3.77 earned run average on the year.

In 16 career starts against Minnesota, Meche has been mediocre at best, having posted a 7-5 mark with a 4.53 ERA.

Taking the hill for Minnesota will be Scott Baker, who has struggled tremendously to start the new year. In just 14 2/3 innings of work this season, the right-hander has been pounded for 16 runs on 21 hits, seven of which have been home runs.

Baker was no match for the bats of Tampa Bay in his last start, as the 27- year-old surrendered four runs on six hits in six innings this past Monday. Baker did strike out seven batters, but still fell to 0-3 on the year with the 7-1 setback.

The Twins are hoping Baker can turn his season around this afternoon against Kansas City, a team he has enjoyed some success against in his career. In nine previous outings versus the Royals, the young hurler has posted a 5-2 ledger with an impressive 2.60 earned run average.

On Saturday, Alberto Callaspo went 3-for-6 and drove in a run during Kansas City's three-run 11th inning, as the Royals topped Minnesota, 10-7, to even this series.

Craig Breslow (0-1) started the 11th for Minnesota but was ineffective, walking Coco Crisp and Willie Bloomquist to start the frame. After a fielder's choice left runners at the corners, pinch-hitter Mark Teahen walked to load the bases and end Breslow's day.

Knuckleballer R. A. Dickey came in and walked John Buck, who batted 0-for-5 in Saturday's game, to force in a run. Callaspo followed with a run-scoring groundout to second, and David DeJesus then singled to left to bring home Teahen for a 10-7 Royals lead.

Dickey got out of the inning without further damage, but Royals closer Joakim Soria (1-0), who got the final two outs of the 10th inning, finished out the game in the bottom half.

Callaspo had two doubles while Bloomquist also finished with three hits, including a solo homer, for the Royals. Miguel Olivo finished 2-for-4 with three runs batted in for Kansas City, which rebounded from a 7-5 loss in Friday's series opener.

Royals starter Brian Bannister allowed six runs -- three earned -- on eight hits and two walks in 5 1/3 innings, and didn't factor into the decision.

Joe Mauer went 4-for-6 with a double and RBI for the Twins, his second game this season after missing the Twins' first 22 with lower back inflammation. He is now 6-for-9 to start the season.

Michael Cuddyer went 2-for-4 with a homer and walk for Minnesota, which had a three-game win streak snapped. Delmon Young ended 3-for-4 with a pair of runs driven in.

Twins starter Glen Perkins gave up five runs on 10 hits in six innings of work.

The Royals have won four of their last six against the Twins, but Minnesota won 12 of the 18 meetings a season ago.