Joe Mauer went 3-for-3, raising his average to .392 and backing pitcher Glen Perkins in the Minnesota Twins' 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

After walking in the first inning, Mauer stroked three consecutive singles, driving in one run and scoring another as the Twins completed a 6-3 trip. Mauer was walked intentionally in the eighth.

His average would lead the major leagues but his 240 plate appearances are eight shy of the 3.1 per game he needs to qualify.

Perkins (4-4) allowed one run for the second straight start, scattering 10 hits in seven innings.