KANSAS CITY — Pablo Lopez and four Minnesota relievers combined in a two-hitter for the Twins, who beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 Thursday in a season opener played in freezing temperatures.
Trevor Larnach and emerging Colombian Donovan Solano each drove in a run. Lopez allowed Kansas City’s two hits, walked three and struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings.
The Venezuelan thus surpassed Zack Greinke, once awarded with the Cy Young.
A trio of Twins relievers cruised smoothly to inherit the mound from Jhoan Duran, who drew a ninth-inning walk but earned the save on the overcast afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.
Greinke, who also pitched 5 1/3 innings, turned in a strong start for Kansas City to begin his 20th season in the majors. The 39-year-old right-hander allowed both runs, along with six hits, in a job that included a walk and four strikeouts.
For the Twins, Puerto Ricans Carlos Correa 5-1, José Miranda 3-0, Christian Vázquez 4-2. The Colombian Solano 2-1 with an RBI.
For the Royals, Venezuelans Salvador Pérez 4-1, Edward Olivares 2-0. The Dominican Franmil Reyes 4-0.