Josh Rojas’ Ninth-Inning Pinch-Hit Single Secures Royals’ 8-6 Victory Over Twins

Pinch hitter Josh Rojas delivered a decisive two‑run single up the middle in the ninth inning, securing an 8‑6 victory for the Kansas City Royals over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday in Minneapolis.

Carter Jensen launched a two‑run double for Kansas City in the series opener. Michael Massey went 2‑for‑4, adding a solo home run to his performance.

Kody Clemens homered twice to lead Minnesota’s offense. Victor Caratini went 3‑for‑4, recording a double, a home run, and two RBIs.

Royals left‑hander Matt Strahm (2‑1) earned the win with a scoreless relief appearance. Alex Lange recorded his second save, delivering a shutout ninth inning.

Twins left‑hander Taylor Rogers (1‑3) surrendered two runs in two‑thirds of an inning.

With the game tied 6‑all and the bases loaded, Rojas entered as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning and delivered a single up the middle, driving in Lane Thomas and Tyler Tolbert.

The score was 2‑all entering the bottom of the third when Clemens hit a home run to center, putting Minnesota ahead 3‑2.

Massey responded to the first pitch of the fourth inning, tying the game at 3‑all for Kansas City.

The Twins narrowed the deficit to 4‑3 in the bottom of the inning as Ryan Kreidler belted a two‑out triple to center, scoring Trevor Larnach from first.

Clemens subsequently launched a home run just inside the right‑field foul pole in the fifth, extending the lead to 5‑3.

Kansas City added three runs in the sixth inning to take a 6‑5 lead.

Jensen opened the scoring in the inning with a two‑run double down the third‑base line. Shortly thereafter, Bobby Witt Jr. popped up; shortstop Ryan Kreidler collided with second baseman Luke Keaschall, causing the ball to drop and allowing an additional run to score.

Caratini answered with a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth, tying the game at 6‑all.

The contest experienced a 67‑minute rain delay.

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