MINNEAPOLIS — Max Kepler hit a two-run homer to support another strong start from Randy Dobnak, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals, 4-2.
Dobnak, the surprise right-hander who was promoted four levels last season before making a postseason start, continued his impressive run in 2020 with two runs allowed, both on solo homers, in 5 1/3 innings.
Dobnak gave up just three hits, while his ERA rose from a majors-best 0.90 to 1.42. Alex Avila doubled, walked twice and scored a pair of runs for Minnesota, which has won four of six after being swept in Kansas City last week.
It's the fourth straight game the Royals and Twins have played to a 4-2 score. Each team has won two.
Hunter Dozier and Alex Gordon both hit solo home runs for Kansas City. Rookie Brady Singer took the loss.
Prior to the game, the Royals placed pitcher Jakob Junis on the injured list with back spasms, and catcher Salvador Perez was scratched from the lineup with blurry vision in his left eye.
