KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Jeremy Guthrie won his career-best seventh straight decision, dating to last season, and Alcides Escobar had three hits and an RBI as the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 Tuesday night.
The Royals, who had not scored in the first two innings in their first seven games, sent nine to the plate in a five-run first. Mike Pelfrey (1-1) gave up hits to the first five batters he faced.
Joe Mauer, Josh Willingham and Eduardo Escobar each hit solo homers to keep the Twins close.
Guthrie (2-0) improved to 7-0 in his past 13 starts dating to last Aug. 8. Guthrie, who has a 2.37 ERA during the stretch, allowed four runs on six hits, including the three home runs, in 6 2/3 innings.