Twins 8, Royals 7 (Game 2)
Joe Mauer belted a grand slam as Minnesota scored eight runs in the first two innings to cap a doubleheader sweep at Kansas City.
Minnesota, which is ranked next-to-last in the American League in homers, received a three-run shot from Chris Parmelee in the first inning and Mauer’s third career grand slam in the second. Anthony Swarzak (3-4) got the victory in relief, as starter Liam Hendriks lasted just 3 2/3 innings.
Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar (7-13) was removed after allowing eight runs, six hits and four walks in 1 2/3 innings.
Justin Morneau drove in a run on a double play in the first inning. Parmelee hit his third homer of the season, a three-run shot to right to give the Twins a 4-0 lead.
After Kansas City scored twice in the first, the Twins jumped ahead 8-2 on Mauer’s ninth homer.
The Royals rallied with one in the third, two in the fourth and two more in the seventh. Eric Hosmer’s single to left-center in the seventh scored Billy Butler and Salvador Perez, bringing Kansas City within a run at 8-7.
Butler and Perez finished with three hits apiece for the Royals.
Minnesota's Glen Perkins pitched the ninth for his 10th save - and second in two nights.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Everett Teaford pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings out of the Kansas City bullpen. ... All seven of Kansas City’s runs were scored with two outs. … Mauer’s previous two grand slams came in 2007 and 2009. His grand slam on Saturday was Minnesota's first of the season. … Hendriks allowed 10 hits and five runs (three earned). … Butler scored three times.