KANSAS CITY -- Right-hander Mike Pelfrey threw seven shutout innings, while Brian Dozier and Kennys Vargas each delivered RBI singles in a three-run first as the Twins cruised to a 3-0 win over the Royals on Wednesday night.

The Royals’ three-game winning streak was snapped in the finale after taking the first two games of the series at Kauffman Stadium.

Pelfrey, who entered 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA, handcuffed the Royals on five hits. He walked two and struck out four.

“Mike really picked us up,” manager Paul Molitor said. “A tough loss last night and we’ve had trouble on the road, even though it’s early. He seemed to get a little stronger. We let him ride through seven and he got through it.”

Right-hander Jeremy Guthrie took the loss, going just five innings while giving up six hits and three runs. He matched a career high with six walks.

Asked what he turns to when he doesn’t have much command, Guthrie grinned and said, “I turn to luck. Or guys trying to steal bases with the bases loaded.”

“He did a phenomenal job of getting us through five innings, though,” Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Dozier, Joe Mauer, Danny Santana and Torii Hunter all had two hits for the Twins.