Full Breakdown
Royce Lewis Debuts at First Base as Twins Fall 6-5 to Royals
6/8/2026, 1:23:44 PM
Game Summary: Twins Lose 6-5 at Target Field
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the Minnesota Twins hosted the Kansas City Royals at Target Field and lost 6–5. The Royals secured the win after a two-run ninth-inning homer by Josh Bell cut the lead to 6-4, and a Victor Caratini RBI single completed the final rally. The loss ended a four-game series, giving Kansas City three straight victories in Minnesota.
Position Shift: Royce Lewis Takes First Base
Royce Lewis, who went 0-3 on Saturday, moved to first base Sunday and recorded a 1-4 line, reflecting the club’s ongoing defensive experimentation.
Pitching Performances
Starter Connor Prielipp delivered his most productive outing since May 16, working 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs with four strikeouts. He received limited run support as the Twins managed only three hits. Royals left-hander Noah Cameron dominated six innings with seven strikeouts. Reliever Andrew Morris entered in the fifth, surrendering three hits and three earned runs in 1.2 innings, marking his second straight outing with multiple earned runs. Cody Laweryson and Justin Lawrence combined for three innings, allowing two hits.
Key Offensive Highlights
Ryan Kreidler drove in Minnesota’s lone run in the third inning. In the ninth, Josh Bell’s two-run homer cut the Royals’ lead to 6-4, and Victor Caratini added an RBI single that fell short of completing the comeback.
Background & Context
The Twins entered with a 30-37 record. Outfielder Byron Buxton missed his second straight game after colliding with the wall on a highlight catch Friday, sustaining a shoulder injury. Team reports say Buxton is close to returning, possibly for the upcoming series against the Detroit Tigers. Lewis’s move to first base follows a broader effort to address defensive and offensive deficiencies. The series loss also left the Twins trailing the division leader by several games as of now.
Data & Statistics
Final score: Royals 6, Twins 5. Twins recorded three hits. Prielipp: 4.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 K. Cameron: 6 IP, 7 K. Twins’ record after loss: 30-37.
Why It Matters
The defeat extends Kansas City’s winning streak in Minnesota and highlights the Twins’ offensive struggles. Lewis’s shift may signal a longer-term defensive reconfiguration. Buxton’s anticipated return could bolster the lineup for the Detroit series.
Official Statements & Responses
Team officials said Buxton is expected to rejoin soon, with no further comments.
What’s Next
The Twins have an off-day Monday before a three-game series in Detroit Tuesday, with Buxton’s return possible.
