Twins 7, Royals 5: Twins bend but don't break

This was a bit of a roller coaster ride. The Twins jumped out to an early lead against the Royals, but with how this season has gone, it wasn't that surprising to see Tyler Duffey give up five runs and the lead in the 4th inning. However, the Twins clawed their way back, taking the lead back in the 5th inning and Kevin Jepsen earned the save as the Twins won 7-5.

Initially the game started a little late due to a brief rain delay, but the offense showed no signs of rust. Eduardo Nunez and Brian Dozier hit back-to-back home runs to lead off the bottom of the 1st and the Twins quickly jumped to a 2-0 lead over Dillon Gee. Danny Santana added an RBI single in the 2nd and it appeared as though the Twins would be in control of this game.

However, the 4th inning was a disaster. It started with a 2-run double from Lorenzo Cain and following a balk from Duffey, Eric Hosmer doubled home Cain to tie the game at 3. Duffey managed to get the first two outs of the inning and it appeared as though the Twins would escape, but then Omar Infante hit an RBI triple to give Kansas City the lead. Infante then scored on a wild pitch from Duffey and suddenly the Twins were staring at yet another deficit.

This time, though, the Twins were not going to be defeated. Nunez continued his hot hitting with an RBI double to cut the margin to a single run and the Twins retook the lead for good the very next inning. Following a leadoff single from Joe Mauer, Miguel Sano blasted a two-run homer into the upper deck to give the Twins a 6-5 lead. Byung Ho Park added an insurance run with a single in the 7th and the bullpen cobbled together 2 1/3 scoreless innings to seal the victory.

W: Tyler Duffey (2-3)

L: Dillon Gee (1-2)

S: Kevin Jepsen (4)

Studs

Eduardo Nunez (3-for-5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI), Brian Dozier (1-for-4, HR, RBI), Miguel Sano (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI), Robbie Grossman (2-for-3, BB)

Duds

Kurt Suzuki (0-for-4, 3 K)

Roll Call