Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Luis Mendoza tossed a career-high eight innings of one-run ball and Jonathan Broxton escaped a jam in the ninth as the Kansas City Royals edged the Minnesota Twins, 4-3, in the opener of a four- game series at Target Field.

Mendoza (3-4) scattered five hits, did not walk a batter and struck out five to earn his first win since May 13, snapping a span of seven winless appearances (four starts).

Broxton gave up two runs in the ninth, but left the tying run on third base to record his 20th save of the year.

Salvador Perez homered while Yuniesky Betancourt had two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Royals, who stretched their win streak up to four games.

Brian Duensing (1-4) allowed three runs on eight hits over four-plus innings to take the loss for Minnesota, which dropped its third straight.

The Sports Network