MINNEAPOLIS — Starting pitcher Seth Lugo gave the Royals a solid performance in the series opener at the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night. And the Royals gave him just enough support — to the point of being one out shy of a one-run victory. But in the bottom of the ninth, Royals reliever Alex Lange gave up a single and a walk before the Twins’ Royce Lewis belted a two-run triple for a walk-off ...

The Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis celebrates his walk-off two-run triple as Kansas City Royals infielder Nick Loftin reacts in the ninth inning at Target Field on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Minneapolis.

David Berding/Getty Images North America/TNS

MINNEAPOLIS — Starting pitcher Seth Lugo gave the Royals a solid performance in the series opener at the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.

And the Royals gave him just enough support — to the point of being one out shy of a one-run victory.

But in the bottom of the ninth, Royals reliever Alex Lange gave up a single and a walk before the Twins’ Royce Lewis belted a two-run triple for a walk-off 3-2 victory.

Lugo, though, was sharp for his part.

He allowed one run across six innings while relying on his defense. The Royals turned five double plays as Lugo navigated an aggressive Twins lineup.

In the first inning, Lugo made a throwing error by pulling first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino off the bag. Lugo later walked Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers before getting second baseman Kody Clemens to ground into a double play to end the inning.

Lugo continued to work efficiently. He breezed through the second and third innings before running into trouble in the fourth.

Clemens began the frame with a one-out double. And later, Josh Bell recorded an RBI single to give Minnesota an 1-0 advantage.

Lugo would limit the Twins from there. And at times, it seemed like the Royals’ offense wouldn’t provide him with adequate run support.

A lot of credit goes to Twins starter Taj Bradley. He recorded 10 strikeouts. The Royals, though, scratched across two runs in the sixth inning.

The Royals’ Josh Rojas began the sixth with a leadoff walk. He advanced to third base on Lane Thomas’ single to set up a scoring opportunity.

And the Royals took their chance. Both players executed a double steal as Rojas scored the tying run on the play. Thomas later scored on Salvador Perez’s RBI single.

The Royals turned to their bullpen to finish the game.

Left-hander Daniel Lynch IV recorded two outs in the seventh before giving way to John Schreiber. The veteran right-hander stranded a runner as the KC preserved their one-run lead.

But Lange was unable to get it done in the ninth.

Lugo earned a no decision as the Royals dropped to 45-63 this season.

Minnesota improved to 54-54 on the season.

What’s next?

The Royals haven’t named a starter for Wednesday’s game. Minnesota will counter with right-hander Joe Ryan (6-6, 3.38 ERA) with first pitch set for 6:40 p.m. Central Time at Target Field.