The Minnesota Twins opened their season on a high note with a shutout victory against the Kansas City Royals. Pitcher Pablo López led the team to victory by striking out eight of the opposing batters, allowing only three hits in six innings.
The game was played at Target Field in Minneapolis and marked the first time fans were allowed back in attendance since 2019. The crowd of over 10,000 fans cheered loudly as López showed off his impressive pitching skills.
The Twins took an early lead in the second inning when Byron Buxton hit a home run off Royals pitcher Brady Singer. The team added another run later in the sixth inning when Max Kepler scored on a single from Jorge Polanco.
López's strong performance kept Kansas City from making any major comeback attempts throughout the game. He was supported by solid defense from his teammates, including multiple diving catches made by center fielder Buxton.
After López left the game, relievers Tyler Duffey and Alex Colomé continued to keep Kansas City scoreless through two more innings before closer Taylor Rogers finished off the win with a one-two-three ninth inning.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised López's performance after the game, stating that "it was great to see him come out and set such a positive tone for us."
The Twins will look to continue their winning ways as they face off against division rivals Detroit Tigers tomorrow night at Target Field.