Minnesota Twins beat Kansas City Royals 5-1 on April 2, 2026

How the game turned

The Royals trailed 2-0 when Vinnie Pasquantino hit a sacrifice fly that scored Maikel Garcia in the 8th, cutting the Twins' lead to 2-1.

The Minnesota Twins scored in 3 of 9 innings. Their largest inning was the 9th, when they scored 3 runs. The staff held the Kansas City Royals scoreless in 8 of 9 innings. The Minnesota Twins finished with 5 runs and a 4-run margin.

The first turn for the Minnesota Twins

The Twins led 4-1 when Josh Bell hit a home run in the 9th, extending the Twins' lead to 5-1.

The lineup

Royce Lewis finished 1-for-4 with 1 double. Kody Clemens had 2 hits in 3 at-bats with 2 runs, 1 home run, 1 RBI, and 1 walk. Josh Bell collected 1 hit across 3 at-bats with 2 runs, 1 home run, 1 RBI, and 1 walk. Matt Wallner went 1-for-4 with 1 run, 1 home run, and 1 RBI. 6 batters combined for the Minnesota Twins' 8 hits. They also drew 3 walks. 4 hits went for extra bases.

The game left Lewis at .211 with 2 home runs and 3 RBIs on the season. Royals hitter Vinnie Pasquantino finished 1-for-3 with 1 RBI.

Pitching support

In 6 innings, Taj Bradley threw 100 pitches, allowing 5 hits and no runs, walking 1 and striking out 3. 5 pitchers combined for the Minnesota Twins' 9 innings on 143 pitches, allowing 7 hits and 2 walks with 6 strikeouts.

Royals starter Cole Ragans worked 6 innings on 89 pitches, allowing 4 hits and 1 run, walking 1 and striking out 8.

Standings

At the close of April 2, 2026, the Minnesota Twins were 2-4, 3rd in the division and 1.5 games back. The Twins ranked 10th in the league with a .333 winning percentage.