The Minnesota Twins lost the first game of a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, 9-1.
The Twins welcomed the Royals to Target Field following three consecutive wins over the Cleveland Indians, but the offense that fueled the winning streak ran out of gas against Kansas City.
In a battle of rookie starting pitchers, Kansas City left-hander Will Smith (5-7) outdueled Minnesota left-hander Scott Diamond (11-7) to earn the win. Smith scattered seven hits in seven innings, striking out seven while not allowing a run.
Diamond gave up 10 hits and four runs in six innings, with Kansas City centerfielder Lorenzo Cain delivering a two-run triple as part of a three-run third inning for the Royals.The bullpen was not able to slow down the Royals either as the visitors scored four runs in the eighth inning. Once again, a two-run triple highlighted the rally for the Royals, this time shortstop Alcides Escobar did the damage off of reliever Alex Burnett.
The two teams resume the series on Wednesday night at 7:10 p.m. CT.
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