MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Trevor Plouffe’s RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning gave Carl Pavano and the Twins a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, helpingMinnesota stave off a 100-loss season.

Pavano (9-13) went the distance, pitching nine scoreless innings for the first time since July 22, 2010. He gave up five hits and struck out three to help the Twins finish with two straight wins, their first consecutive victories since Aug. 31 and Sept. 2.

Bruce Chen pitched eight shutout innings against the Twins for the second time this month, and the Royals turned to Blake Wood for the ninth. Pinch-hitter Denard Span hit a one-out double, took third on a groundout and trotted home on Plouffe’s sharp single to left.

The Royals finish the seaon 71-91.