Royals try to make it 8-0 in Minnesota

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Kansas City Royals try to remain Major League Baseball's lone unbeaten team on Wednesday when they resume their three-game series with the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

Kansas City improved to 7-0 in Monday's opener, as Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer and Alcides Escobar all knocked in two runs in a 12-3 rout.

It's the best start for the defending American League champs since the 2003 squad opened with a franchise-best nine straight wins.

"They're just a real confident group," said Kansas City manager Ned Yost. "Feel like they're capable of accomplishing great things."

The victory came at a price, though, as outfielder Alex Rios was hit by a pitch and will be sidelined indefinitely with a fracture in his left hand.

Minnesota, meanwhile, continued to struggle and has dropped six of seven to begin the 2015 season. The Twins crossed the plate an AL-low 16 times this season.

"We're trying to find a way to put an offense together that's a little more consistent," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said. "So far it really hasn't clicked too well."

Hoping to continue the Royals' run on Wednesday will be righty Edinson Volquez, who dazzled in his Kansas City debut on Thursday. Volquez beat the Chicago White Sox in that one and allowed one run and four hits in eight innings.

He was also bailed out by a few defensive gems from Cain.

"It was great, man. To see those guys behind you, all the time, making the plays," Volquez said. "It's the best feeling in the world."

Minnesota right-hander Kyle Gibson wasn't as fortunate his first time out, as was rocked by the Detroit Tigers to the tune of six runs and eight hits in just 3 2/3 innings. He also walked five batters without recording a strikeout.

"With the walks, I didn't give myself a chance," Gibson said. "They started hitting bloops and it just compounded the problem. They'd find a hole and it would lead to a few runs."

Gibson, though, has dominated the Royals in his brief career, posting a 3-0 record with a 1.40 ERA. That's his second-best ERA against any team counting multiple appearances (1.29 ERA vs. Texas).

Kansas City won 11 of its 19 matchups with the Twins a year ago, including the last five.

As has been tradition each April 15 since 2009, Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with all players and on-field personnel wearing No. 42 during that day's games, including the Civil Rights Game at Dodger Stadium.