MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals on Thursday evening at Target Field in a matchup of pitchers who faced each other just two days earlier, with the Twins aiming to build on a narrow victory and the Royals seeking to snap a three-game skid in the series. First pitch is scheduled for a clear afternoon and evening, with temperatures forecast at 91 degrees. Right-hander Taj Bradley (seven wins, two losses in his last eight starts) is on the mound for Minnesota (54-54). Bradley earned a win in Tuesday’s 3-2 decision against these same Royals, allowing two earned runs on three hits striking out 10 over six innings. In his previous four outings, he posted a 2.88 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 25 innings. Kansas City (45-63) counters with right-hander Seth Lugo (eight wins, nine losses). Lugo took the loss in that Tuesday game, yielding one earned run on six hits with two strikeouts over six innings. Over his last five starts, Lugo has a 4.98 ERA but has completed at least six innings in three of those outings. The Twins took two of the three games in this series earlier this week, improving to 5-4 against the Royals this season. In Tuesday’s win, designated hitter Royce Lewis delivered a two-run single off reliever John Schreiber in the seventh inning. Minnesota enters the game having won four of its last five, while Kansas City has won three of its last four but lost the series opener Tuesday. The game features contrasting recent trajectories. The Twins are at .500 and fighting for positioning in the American League Central, while the Royals are in last place, 18 games under .500. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Royals victory, but oddsmakers have installed Minnesota as a 1.5-run favorite. The over/under is set at 9.5 runs. Following Thursday’s game, the Twins travel to Seattle for a three-game series beginning Friday, while the Royals head to Colorado for a three-game set. The two teams meet again Aug. 4-6 in Kansas City. NOTES: The Twins are 29-23 at Target Field this season; the Royals are 20-33 on the road. … Kansas City has lost six of its last eight games against Minnesota.