The Kansas City Royals scored 5 runs in the 2 nd inning for all the runs they would need as they cruised to an 8-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins Sunday afternoon at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The win gave the Royals a split in their four game series with the Twinkies.

Alex Gordon belted a pair of home runs for the Royals, his 13 th and 14 th of the season, both solo shots. John Buck, who went 3 for 5 on the day with a couple of RBIs, hit his 17 th homer of the season, a two run blast. Shane Costa had 3 hits, as well. David DeJesus had a hit and a run batted in.

Brian Bannister (12-7) sparkled on the mound, giving up only 1 earned run while scattering 6 hits in 8 innings to get the win. Minnesota starter Boof Bonser (6-12) lasted only 1 2/3 innings, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits to take the loss.

The Royals (61-75) now head to Arlington, Texas, to open a three game series with the Rangers on Monday. In the opening contest Zack Greinke (5-5) takes the mound for K.C. against Ranger right hander Kameron Loe (6-10).