KANSAS CITY,— Whit Merrifield capped a nine-run first inning with a three-run homer and Royals beat the Twins 14-5 Friday night for their fifth straight win.
Merrifield started the big burst with a leadoff single and his home run ended the evening for Matt Shoemaker. He retired just one batter, allowing six hits and two walks.
Kansas City made it 13-0 in the second. All nine Royals in batting order had already scored with no outs in the inning.
Michael A. Taylor drove in three runs for the Royals.
Brad Keller got his third straight win and hasn't allowed more than three runs in an outing since April. He went five innings, giving up two earned runs.
Minnesota lost its fourth in a row.