Twins Roughed up by Royals to Open Road Trip

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Edinson Volquez dodged trouble for seven innings, and the Kansas City Royals scored a pair of runs on wild pitches before pounding the bumbling Minnesota Twins, 7-1 on Monday night.

Alcides Escobar returned from a sprained knee to score a run, and Kendrys Morales and Paulo Orlando drove in a pair each as the Royals finally figured out Twins nemesis Kyle Gibson.

The right-hander gave up four runs in five-plus innings. Gibson (1-2) had earned the win in his first four starts against Kansas City, including a dominant performance in a 3-1 victory last week at Target Field.

Volquez (2-1) was more than his match Monday night at Kauffman Stadium. He allowed five hits while striking out five with only one walk, wiggling out of jams whenever he got into them.

The Royals' defense, featuring three Gold Glove winners, sure helped him out.