KANSAS CITY — Two runs — one on an RBI bunt single from Adalberto Mondesi in the fifth inning — was all the offense the Royals needed on Wednesday night, pitching their way to a 2-0 victory over the Twins at Kauffman Stadium.
Daniel Lynch delivered five-plus scoreless innings in his second start of the season, a far cry from the six runs he allowed in his first start, while the bullpen locked down the rest of the game in the shutout, giving the Royals a series victory ahead of Thursday afternoon’s finale.
The Royals’ bullpen has not allowed a run since the seventh inning last Thursday against Detroit, marking 17 1/3 scoreless innings over five games. Seven different pitchers have contributed to the scoreless streak, but Wednesday’s effort was handled by manager Mike Matheny’s go-to relievers.
Right-hander Collin Snider, who has yet to allow a run in his first 5 1/3 innings in the Majors, rescued Lynch in the sixth with one runner on and no outs, using his sinker to get a double play and then a ground-ball force out to keep the Royals’ lead intact.
Lefty Jake Brentz followed with a scoreless seventh, right-hander Josh Staumont handled the eighth and righty Scott Barlow earned his first save of the season in the ninth.