Royals 3, Twins 1
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Kansas City Royals got just enough early offense and six shutout innings from starter Jason Vargas in a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Monday.
The victory pulled the Royals into a tie for first place with the Twins in the American League Central race, 3 1/2 games clear of the third-place Detroit Tigers.
Vargas was superb, allowing just five hits while striking out two and walking none to improve to 5-2 this season. It was Vargas' third crack at the Twins lineup this season and by far his best. He entered the game 0-1 with a 9.88 ERA in his previous two outings against Minnesota.
The six-inning start tied the longest of the season for Vargas, who has allowed two runs or less in each of his last five starts overall.
Twins right-hander Phil Hughes took the loss, allowing three runs over 7 2/3 innings and dropping to 4-6. Hughes allowed seven hits and walked one while striking out two.
Trailing 2-0 in the seventh inning, the Twins attempted a two-out rally against the Royals' stellar bullpen. Left fielder Eddie Rosario blasted a solo homer to the opposite field, just clearing the wall in left field to make it a one-run game at 2-1. Shortstop Eduardo Escobar and center fielder Aaron Hicks each singled against Royals right-hander Ryan Madson, rolling over the lineup. But second baseman Brian Dozier struck out swinging to end the threat.
Kansas City strung together a pair of two-out singles by third baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Lorenzo Cain to drive Hughes from the game. First baseman Eric Hosmer followed with a single to right off Twins left-hander Aaron Thompson, scoring Moustakas and handing a two-run lead to Royals right-hander Wade Davis.
Royals closer Greg Holland followed with a scoreless ninth for his 10th save.
Kansas City took the early lead, getting a two-run blast from designated hitter Kendrys Morales in the second inning. For Morales, a former Twin, it was his seventh homer of the season and first since he hit two against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 22.
The Twins had a chance to match that in the bottom of the third, loading the bases against Vargas with just one out. But right fielder Torii Hunter bounced the first pitch he saw to shortstop Alcides Escobar, who started a 6-4-3 double play, quickly ending the threat.
Minnesota advanced a runner into scoring position again in the fifth inning, but Dozier flew out to left field. Through five innings, the Twins stranded four runners, including three in scoring position.
NOTES: Royals C Erik Kratz's rehabilitation assignment is due to end on Tuesday. It is believed the Royals will keep Kratz in Triple-A while Drew Butera remains with the Royals as the primary backup to Salvador Perez. ... Twins DH Kennys Vargas was recalled Sunday and was in the lineup and batted fifth on Monday. ... The Royals and Twins will play the second game of a three-game series on Tuesday at Target Field. Kansas City RHP Chris Young (4-2, 2.56 ERA) will oppose Minnesota RHP Trevor May (4-3, 4.45 ERA).