Royce Lewis hit a two-out, two-run triple in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure a 3-2 walk-off victory for the Minnesota Twins against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night at Target Field.
The rally lifted Minnesota to its third consecutive win and fifth victory in six games, improving the team's record to 54-54.
Kansas City reliever Alex Lange suffered a blown save after issuing a walk and allowing a single before Lewis's game-winning hit.
Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo took a no-decision despite allowing just one run over six innings. Kansas City's defense turned five double plays behind him.
Minnesota took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when Kody Clemens doubled and scored on an RBI single from Josh Bell.
The Twins suffered a setback in the fifth inning when center fielder Byron Buxton exited the game with right hip soreness after running to first base.
Kansas City responded in the sixth inning. Josh Rojas stole home on the front end of a double steal to tie the game.
Salvador Perez then drove in Lane Thomas with an RBI single to give the Royals a 2-1 lead.
Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley struck out 10 batters while allowing two runs over six innings. Minnesota's bullpen kept the score within reach.
Kansas City's record fell to 45-63 following the loss. Minnesota moved within two games of the first-place Chicago White Sox in the AL Central division standings.
The series continues Wednesday at Target Field. Minnesota is scheduled to start right-hander Joe Ryan against an unannounced Kansas City starter.
