Eduardo Escobar had four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the seventh, while Miguel Sano connected on a three-run triple earlier in the inning to lead the Twins to a 9-1 win over the Royals this afternoon at Target Field.
According to the Associated Press, Twins lefty Hector Santiago was solid, limiting the Royals to one run on four hits and two walks over five-plus innings. He was lifted after 88 pitches.
Ian Kennedy, who also went five frames, surrendering three runs on three hits and five walks. Walks were an issue again for the Royals, as they issued nine free pases with five of those coming around to score.
Kansas City scored its lone run in the fourth on a two-out RBI single to left from Paulo Orlando to score Lorenzo Cain. But the Twins broke it open in with a six-run seventh, keyed by Sano’s triple off Nathan Karns and Escobar’s homer off Matt Strahm.
The Royals’ opening series wraps up Thursday afternoon from Target Field. Jason Hammel makes his Royals debut vs. Kyle Gibson. First pitch at 12:10 on KMAN.
