The Kansas City Royals scored three runs in the 3rd inning, then proceeded to put up crooked numbers until the eighth. They had 10 runs in total while shutting out the Minnesota Twins behind Ian Kennedy’s eight-inning, four-hit performance.
“We got everything going for us — starting pitching, the bullpen has been spectacular, our defense has been good and we’re starting to swing the bats well,” Royals manager Ned Yost told the Star Tribune. “That’s a good combination.”
Kansas City has won seven consecutive games and 12 of their last 14. They have won five series in a row and have gone 10-2 against the Twins this year, outscoring them 81-38.
“They have a well-built team,” Trevor Plouffe told the Star Tribune. “And they have had a taste of winning and success.”
Alex Gordon went 3-for-4 with two home runs and Lorenzo Cain was 3-for-4 with three RBI. Twins starter Hector Santiago gave up 11 hits and eight runs, including three home runs, in 4.2 innings pitched.
Adalberto Mejia, who was acquired via trade with the San Francisco Giants, gave up five hits and two runs in 2.1 innings of relief.
“Tonight the offense was just rolling,” Gordon told the Associated Press. “Like we talked about last year, just keep the line moving. That’s kind of what we had tonight.”
“I know they have played well against us, but it is a tough league,” Twins manager Paul Molitor told the Star Tribune. “They are finding ways to hold on to their hope here as we head down the stretch. I’m still impressed by what they do and how they play, how they make us work and the pressure they put on us.’’
[Star Tribune, Associated Press]
