Royals 4, Twins 3
Pinch-runner Jarrod Dyson scored on Alcides Escobar’s short flyout in the eighth inning as the host Kansas City Royals rallied for a 4-3 victory over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Friday.
Dyson was on third when shortstop Alexi Casilla caught Escobar's fly ball in shallow left field and easily beat the throw home as the Royals snapped a six-game losing streak.
Blake Wood (1-0) got the win with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and Joakim Soria pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save to send the Twins to their fourth straight loss.
Dyson’s baserunning skills also led to the tying run. Wilson Betemit doubled off Alex Burnett (0-1) with one out and moved to third on Kila Ka’aihue’s single. Dyson entered the game and stole second as Betemit scored on catcher Drew Butera’s wild throw into center field.
Danny Valencia had a two-run double and Luke Hughes homered for the Twins.
Minnesota starter Scott Baker gave up two runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings, while Kansas City’s Bruce Chen allowed three runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.