KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals celebrated a victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night with a standout performance from Kyle Isbel and a strong showing on the mound from Michael Lorenzen. Isbel, in fine form, contributed significantly by going 3 for 4, including a home run and two RBIs. Lorenzen, who was the winning pitcher, delivered a commendable six-inning outing, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out three without issuing any walks.
Vinnie Pasquantino helped the Royals take an early lead with an RBI double in the opening inning. He hit a lofty fly ball down the left-field line that landed in front of outfielder Harrison Bader, which brought in Jonathan India, who had doubled to lead off the inning. Pitching for the Royals, Carlos Estévez secured his third save of the season despite allowing a two-out RBI single to Bader before inducing a groundball out from pinch-hitter Edouard Julien to seal the 4-2 win.
For the Twins, Willi Castro managed to drive in a run with a two-out RBI double during the second inning, narrowing the Royals’ lead. However, Kansas City responded quickly. Isbel increased the margin by scoring a run with an infield single, and Maikel Garcia added to the tally when Bobby Witt Jr. grounded out, bringing the Royals to a 3-1 advantage. Isbel further extended the lead by hitting his first home run of the season in the sixth inning.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli faced an ejection in the sixth inning, following a dispute over a pitch-clock violation. The violation, occurring on a full-count pitch that resulted in a walk to Jonathan India, was charged to Twins’ starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson, who saw his record drop to 0-1 after allowing four runs on eight hits and four walks over 5 2/3 innings.
A pivotal moment came in the second inning when MJ Melendez doubled, advanced to third on a Garcia single, and then scored on an Isbel infield single, ensuring the Royals maintained their lead. In terms of statistics, Minnesota’s scarcity of quality starts was highlighted, as Richardson’s struggle continued. Only the New York Yankees have fewer quality starts than the Twins this season, with Minnesota tallying just one.
Looking ahead, the Twins aim to bounce back as right-hander Pablo López is set to make his third start of the season, opposing Royals left-hander Cole Ragans on Tuesday night. López, carrying a 1-1 record with a 2.25 ERA, will be eager to provide a solid outing for the Twins.