Twins lose home opener to Royals, 12-3
The Minnesota Twins lost their home opener Monday in front of a sold-out crowd at Target Field against the Kansas City Royals.
The defending American League champion Royals are undefeated so far this season. It's the second-best start in Kansas City's history, behind the 2003 club that won nine in a row to begin the season.
The Twins lost their fourth straight opener, but on a sunny 61-degree day Target Field was packed with an over-capacity crowd of 40,123. Minnesota Timberwolves icon Kevin Garnett threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his longtime friend Torii Hunter.
This season marks the return of outfielder Hunter, who spent 11 seasons with the Twins before leaving the team in 2007.
Another familiar face has replaced Ron Gardenhire as manager after 13 years. St. Paul native and Hall of Famer Paul Molitor's task is to turn around a team that has lost at least 90 games in each of its last four seasons.
So far this season, the Twins have struggled. The team is now 1-6.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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