The Twins head to KC after an off-day to take on the first place Royals (!!?!) with the following matchups scheduled

Ricky Nolasco v Danny Duffy (8-11, 2.53 ERA)

Phil Hughes v Yordano Ventura (10-9, 3.40 ERA)

Tommy Milone v Jeremy Guthrie (10-10, 4.32 ERA)

Do the Twins have a chance to take the series? They face Duffy, Ventura and Guthrie for the 2nd time in the last 2 weeks, a combination that resulted in 2 wins and a loss for the Royals when they visited Minnesota.

Nolasco has been a wreck all season, all I want from him is pain-free innings so he can come back next year and perform. I don't think he can keep KC in check, nor do I expect the Twins offense to continue scoring a million billion runs every night.

Phil Hughes represents a real chance at a victory every time he takes the mound, he walks no one and even misses some bats, something other Twins pitchers should take note of (it's allowed, even encouraged fellas!). If the Twins bats can muster a couple of runs Hughes may very well be able to quiet the fans in KC and allow the Twins a chance at a series victory.

Tommy Milone, who gave up 6 runs in 1.1 to these same Royals a short 10 days ago, will try to redeem himself under considerably dryer conditions. Guthrie hasn't been great and strugged in his last outing against the Twins, giving up 5 runs but still earned a victory thanks to a rain-soaked 7 run 2nd inning. I think Tommy pitches considerably better in KC, but that the Royals keep on Royalsing and take the series 2-1.

How's that for optomism?

What are your keys to the series?