Minnesota 7, Kansas City 2

Twins 7, Royals 2 (Game 1): Scott Diamond pitched eight strong innings, and Alexi Casilla had three hits and two RBIs as host Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak in winning the opener of a day-night doubleheader at Target Field.

The Twins jumped all over Kansas City starter Jonathan Sanchez (1-4) for 10 hits and six runs in the first five innings, ending the Royals’ four-game winning streak.

Diamond (7-3) allowed six hits and two runs, walking two and striking out four. He threw 65 of his 101 pitches for strikes.

Minnesota opened the scoring with two runs in the third. Trevor Plouffe doubled to left, scoring Joe Mauer to give the Twins a 1-0 advantage. Ryan Doumit hit a sacrifice fly later in the inning, scoring Josh Willingham to make it 2-0.

Minnesota broke it open in the fifth. Brian Dozier’s infield single scored Doumit, Casilla’s double scored Darin Mastroianni and Dozier, and Denard Span’s single plated Casilla to push the lead to 6-0.

Sanchez did not help matters, walking six while striking out four.

Kansas City scored in the sixth on Yuniesky Betancourt’s groundout, scoring Jason Bourgeois. Betancourt singled home Bourgeois in the eighth to bring the Royals within 6-2.

Plouffe added his 16th homer of the season in the eighth, a solo shot. He finished with two RBIs.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Twins finished with 14 hits and drew eight walks. ... Taking advantage of a new rule that allows rosters to expand for a doubleheader, Kansas City called up left-handed reliever Tommy Hottovy. … Minnesota added right-handed pitcher Cole De Vries, who was slated to start the nightcap. … Doumit signed a two-year contract extension Friday.

• Minnesota will play their next game at home against Kansas City. The Twins have a W/L % of .367 after a win and .435 after a loss.
• Kansas City will play their next game on the road against Minnesota. The Royals have a W/L % of .500 after a win and .436 after a loss.