Josh Rojas made his Kansas City debut count Thursday, driving a go-ahead, two-run single in the ninth inning to lift the Royals to an 8-6 win over the Minnesota Twins in the opener of a four-game series at Target Field.

What happened

The game took a winding path before Kansas City finally closed it out. A 67-minute rain delay interrupted the contest, and the teams traded control through multiple lead changes before the Royals mounted the decisive rally in the ninth.

Rojas supplied the final swing that mattered, putting Kansas City ahead with a two-run single in the top of the ninth. Alex Lange then finished the game for his second save, securing a road win in a matchup between two American League Central clubs trying to build traction.

Minnesota had power in the loss, with Byron Buxton and Kody Clemens each homering. The Twins still could not protect the late position they needed, falling after Kansas City pushed across the deciding runs.

Why it matters

The victory gives the Kansas City Royals a lift to open the series as they continue trying to improve on a 24-37 record. For a club sitting fourth in the AL Central, winning a back-and-forth game on the road offers immediate momentum in a long weekend set.

For Minnesota, the result adds to a difficult position in the division. The Twins dropped to 28-34 and remain at the bottom of the AL Central despite getting home runs from Buxton and Clemens.

The late inning was the dividing line. Kansas City turned the ninth into the game’s defining moment, while Minnesota was left with a missed chance to take the opener at home.

By the numbers

Kansas City improved to 24-37 and remains fourth in the AL Central. Minnesota fell to 28-34 and sits fifth in the division.

The game ended 8-6 after a 67-minute rain delay and several momentum swings. Lange recorded his second save, preserving the Royals’ late lead after Rojas put Kansas City in front.

What to watch next

The four-game series continues Friday at Target Field. Michael Wacha is scheduled to start for Kansas City, with Zebby Matthews set to take the mound for Minnesota.

The next matchup gives the Royals a chance to build on Thursday’s late rally, while the Twins will look to answer quickly after letting the opener slip away. With both clubs trying to gain ground in the AL Central, the response Friday will shape the rest of the series.