Twins crush Royals on Fourth of July

(Minneapolis, MN) --The Minnesota Twins got off to a fast start during their 9-3 win over the Kansas City Royals at Target Field.

Max Kepler drove in four runs over the first three innings to give Minnesota an early 4-0 lead. After Kansas City scored twice in the top of the fourth, the Twins scored the next five runs in the contest to put the game away. Donovan Solano and Byron Buxton went deep in the victory, and Kenta Maeda struck out nine in seven innings to earn his second win. The Twins have won four of their last five games.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run in the losing effort. Zack Greinke was charged with his ninth loss after surrendering six runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Kansas City has dropped three of five.

The Twins and Royals will square off in their series finale on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. Pablo Lopez will get the nod for Minnesota.