(Minneapolis, MN) — The Twins got off to a fast start during their 9-3 win over the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Max Kepler drove in four runs over the first three innings to give Minnesota an early 4-0 lead. After Kansas City scored twice in the top of the fourth, the Twins scored the next five runs in the contest to put the game away.
Donovan Solano and Byron Buxton went deep in the victory, and Kenta Maeda struck out nine and gave up one earned run and one unearned run in seven innings to earn his second win. The Twins have won four of their last five games and are in first place in the AL Central at 44-and-43. Pablo Lopez starts for Minnesota against Kansas City tonight.
The Twins are also getting an All-Star reliever back in the bullpen. The team activated Jorge Lopez from the 15-day injured list yesterday. Lopez was placed on the injured list last month due to mental health issues. Lopez pitched in yesterday’s game and gave up a run and two hits in one inning.
In a corresponding move, reliever Brent Headrick was sent down to Triple-A St. Paul.