Cruz Homers Twice; Twins Beat Royals 4-1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nelson Cruz continued his climb up the all-time leaderboard with two home runs and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1.

Devin Smeltzer (2-0) picked up the win in relief of opener Matt Wisler for Minnesota.

Cruz tied Mark Teixeira for 55th on the all-time home run list.

Rookie Kris Bubic (0-3) surrendered two runs on four hits and four walks in 4 1/3 innings for the Royals.

Hunter Dozier homered in the ninth inning to end Minnesota’s shutout bid.

The Twins open a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday night at Target Field.