Kansas City, MO – Kyle Isbel powered the Kansas City Royals to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night at Kauffman Stadium, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Michael Lorenzen delivered a quality start for the Royals, allowing just one run over six solid innings.
The Royals jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Vinnie Pasquantino laced an RBI double down the left-field line, scoring Jonathan India, who had led off the frame with a double.
Minnesota responded in the top of the second with a two-out RBI double from Willi Castro, tying the game at 1-1. However, the Royals quickly regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Isbel drove in a run with an infield single, and Maikel Garcia came home to score on a Bobby Witt Jr. groundout, putting Kansas City ahead 3-1.
Isbel continued his stellar performance in the sixth inning, launching a solo home run, his first of the season, to extend the Royals’ lead to 4-1.
Meanwhile, Lorenzen (1-1) was in command on the mound for Kansas City. The right-hander allowed just five hits and no walks while striking out three through his six innings of work.
The game saw some late drama in the ninth inning. Royals closer Carlos Estévez recorded the first two outs before Harrison Bader hit a two-out RBI single for the Twins, bringing the score to 4-2. However, Estévez composed himself and induced a groundout from pinch-hitter Edouard Julien with two runners on base to secure his third save of the season.
The sixth inning also featured an ejection of Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, who was tossed for arguing a pitch-clock violation that resulted in a walk to India against Minnesota starter Simeon Woods Richardson (0-1).
Looking ahead, the series continues on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium. Twins right-hander Pablo López (1-1, 2.25 ERA) is scheduled to make his third start of the season, while the Royals will counter with left-hander Cole Ragans (0-0, 3.60). Pregame coverage on SuperStar Country 102.5 FM & 1530 AM begins at 6:00 PM CT, with the first pitch slated for 6:40 PM CT.
