Royals Secure Series Win Against Twins in High-Scoring Affair
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 7:40 PM ET · Kauffman Stadium
Kansas City Royals 13, Minnesota Twins 9, final. Our MLB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals?
Kansas City Royals beat Minnesota Twins 13-9 at Kauffman Stadium on April 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals?
Minnesota Twins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -113 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.
In an exciting matchup at Kauffman Stadium, the Kansas City Royals triumphed over the Minnesota Twins with a final score of 13-9, clinching the series 2-1. This game showcased the Royals' offensive prowess, particularly in the sixth and seventh innings, where they scored a combined total of eight runs, effectively sealing their victory.
The Royals entered this game with a home record of 3-2 and had shown a balanced performance recently, going 5-5 in their last ten games. They were on a two-game winning streak, averaging 4.0 runs scored while allowing 3.9 runs per game. Their recent form included a win against the Twins just a day earlier, where they secured a 3-1 victory. On the other hand, the Twins struggled with an away record of 1-4, having lost their last two games and averaging only 3.1 runs scored while allowing 2.6 runs per game in their last ten outings.
In terms of home versus away performance, the Royals were 1-1 at home in their last two games, while the Twins had a disappointing away record of 3-6. The Royals' ability to capitalize on their home advantage was evident as they built a significant lead during the game.
Historically, the Royals have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Twins, holding a 7-5 record against them. In their last encounter on March 30, 2026, the Royals won decisively with a score of 3-1, further adding to their confidence heading into this game.
Injury concerns affected both teams, particularly the Royals, who were missing several key players, including Maikel Garcia (10-Day IL, hamstring), Connor Seabold (60-Day IL, lat), Tony Gonsolin (15-Day IL, elbow), James McArthur (60-Day IL, elbow), and Beck Way (15-Day IL, shoulder). The Twins also faced challenges with Byron Buxton (10-Day IL, hip), Austin Martin (10-Day IL, hamstring), Joe Ryan (15-Day IL, lower body), Mike Paredes (60-Day IL, oblique), and Mick Abel (60-Day IL, elbow) all sidelined.
The betting market reflected a competitive matchup, with DraftKings listing the Twins at -113 and the Royals at -107 on the money line. The spread was set at 1.5, with a total of 8.0 runs for the game, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
The conditions at Kauffman Stadium were conducive to scoring, and the game delivered on that front. The Royals took control of the game early, with significant contributions from their lineup. In the sixth inning, India hit a home run that brought in three runs, while a fielder's choice error allowed another run to score, pushing the Royals' lead to 12-1. The Twins attempted a comeback in the later innings, scoring eight runs, but it was not enough to overcome the Royals' substantial lead.
Fans watching the game witnessed a remarkable display of hitting, with key moments including Isbel's homer in the seventh inning and Bell's late-game home run that brought the Twins closer. The Royals' ability to respond to the Twins' runs with their own scoring bursts was a critical factor in their victory.
Overall, this game highlighted the Royals' offensive capabilities and their resilience despite injury setbacks, while the Twins continued to struggle on the road. The Royals will look to build on this momentum, while the Twins will need to regroup as they head into their next series.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -113 | 8 o -102 / u -118 | Minnesota Twins -113 · Kansas City Royals -107 |
Injury report
- Maikel Garcia10-Day-ILHamstringKansas City Royals
- Connor Seabold60-Day-ILLatKansas City Royals
- Tony Gonsolin15-Day-ILElbowKansas City Royals
- James McArthur60-Day-ILElbowKansas City Royals
- Beck Way15-Day-ILShoulderKansas City Royals
- Byron Buxton10-Day-ILHipMinnesota Twins
- Austin Martin10-Day-ILHamstringMinnesota Twins
- Joe Ryan15-Day-ILLower BodyMinnesota Twins
- Mike Paredes60-Day-ILObliqueMinnesota Twins
- Mick Abel60-Day-ILElbowMinnesota Twins
Recent form
Kansas City Royals
Last 10: 5-5Streak W24 scored · 3.9 allowed per game1-1 at home
- W3-1vs Minnesota TwinsMar 30
- W4-1at Atlanta BravesMar 29
- L2-6at Atlanta BravesMar 28
- L0-6at Atlanta BravesMar 27
- W4-2at AthleticsSep 28
- L3-4at AthleticsSep 27
- W9-4at Los Angeles AngelsSep 26
- L2-3at Los Angeles AngelsSep 25
- W8-4at Los Angeles AngelsSep 24
- L5-8vs Toronto Blue JaysSep 21
Minnesota Twins
Last 10: 4-6Streak L23.1 scored · 2.6 allowed per game3-6 away
- L1-3at Kansas City RoyalsMar 30
- L6-8at Baltimore OriolesMar 29
- W4-1at Baltimore OriolesMar 28
- L1-2at Baltimore OriolesMar 26
- L1-2at Philadelphia PhilliesSep 28
- W5-0at Philadelphia PhilliesSep 27
- L1-3at Philadelphia PhilliesSep 26
- L2-4at Texas RangersSep 25
- W4-1at Texas RangersSep 24
- W6-2vs Cleveland GuardiansSep 21
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | - | 66 | L1 | .525 | 73 |
| Cleveland | 3 | 69 | L1 | .504 | 70 |
| Minnesota | 6.5 | 73 | L1 | .479 | 67 |
| Detroit | 9 | 75 | W1 | .460 | 64 |
| Kansas City | 11.5 | 78 | L3 | .443 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Inning0-1Collins doubled to right, Caglianone scored.
- 2nd Inning0-2Isbel singled to left, Collins scored.
- 2nd Inning0-3Garcia singled to left, Isbel scored.
- 3rd Inning0-4India reached on infield single to third, Pasquantino scored, India out stretching at second.
- 4th Inning0-5Garcia hit sacrifice fly to center, Caglianone scored, Collins to third.
- 5th Inning1-5Lee singled to center, Lewis scored.
- 6th Inning1-6Garcia walked, Caglianone scored, Isbel to second, Collins to third.
- 6th Inning1-7Witt Jr. hit sacrifice fly to right, Collins scored, Isbel to third.
- 6th Inning1-8Pasquantino grounded into fielder's choice to first, Isbel scored on error, Garcia safe at second on throwing error by first baseman Caratini.
- 6th Inning1-12India homered to left (397 feet), Garcia scored, Pasquantino scored and Perez scored.
- 7th Inning2-12Martin walked, Bell scored, Lee to second, Lewis to third.
- 7th Inning4-12Keaschall doubled to left, Lewis scored and Lee scored, Martin to third.
- 7th Inning4-13Isbel homered to right (360 feet).
- 8th Inning5-13Caratini singled to center, Jeffers scored, Bell to second.
- 8th Inning6-13Martin hit by pitch, Bell scored, Gray to second, Caratini to third.
- 9th Inning9-13Bell homered to left (383 feet), Wallner scored and Jeffers scored.
Win probability
Above the line favours Kansas City Royals, below favours Minnesota Twins.
Venue
- Kauffman StadiumKansas City, Missouri
- Attendance10870
- OfficialsAndy Fletcher, Cory Blaser, Jansen Visconti, Alex Tosi
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