Twins defeat Royals thanks to 6-run 2nd inning as key series kicks off

A six-run second inning was enough for the Minnesota Twins to defeat the Kansas City Royals at Target Field 8-3 Monday night.

Minnesota improved to 6-2 against Kansas City this season, with the help of a Willi Castro three-run homer — his ninth of the year — and Royce Lewis added a two-run shot to highlight the Twins' offense.

Starter Pablo López notched his 11th win of the season, going six innings while allowing two earned runs. It was his third win in his past four starts as he finds momentum heading into the regular season's final weeks. López fell behind early after Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. hit a solo homer in the top of the first but settled in the rest of the way.

The Twins (66-52) still occupy the second American Wild Card spot while the Royals (65-54) are settled in the third spot.

Minnesota had six consecutive batters reach in the second inning against Royals starter Brady Singer. Austin Martin started the inning off with an RBI single, followed by a Castro homer and then Lewis' 15h home run to left.

Twins center fielder Byron Buxton left the game prematurely after striking out in the fifth inning with right hip discomfort. After missing three games last week due to back tightness, Buxton's latest injury comes on the heels of the team dealing with injuries to other key players such as Brooks Lee and Carlos Correa.

The Twins will send out Zebby Matthews to make his MLB debut on the mound Tuesday night against Kansas City. The fast-rising prospect has climbed through the ranks this season as he started in High-A three months ago. The Royals will send right-hander Seth Lugo (13-6, 2.72 ERA) to the mound to face him.