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Tomko Leads Royals Over Twins 3-1

Dodgers castoff a winner in first start of the season

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2008 7:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Brett Tomko pitched five shutout innings, Alex Gordon hit a two-run single that put Kansas City ahead in the second inning, and the Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-1. Kansas City finished its opening trip to Detroit and Minnesota 4-2, its best start since 2004. Making his first start this season, Tomko allowed six hits, struck out three and walked one.

He began last year with six scoreless innings of one-hit ball for Los Angeles against Colorado, but finished a combined 4-12 for the Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Joakim Soria struck out the side in order in the ninth for his third save, capping four innings of two-hit relief by four pitchers. Minnesota's only run came on Justin Morneau’s sixth-inning home run.

Minnesota's Justin Morneau (33) is congratulated by teammates Joe Mauer, left, Nick Punto (8) and Mike Redmond after hitting a solo homer in the sixth inning Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Minneapolis.
Minnesota's Justin Morneau (33) is congratulated by teammates Joe Mauer, left, Nick Punto (8) and Mike Redmond after hitting a solo homer in the sixth inning Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Minneapolis.   (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria (48) is congratulated by teammate John Buck after they defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-1 in a baseball game on Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Minneapolis.
Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria (48) is congratulated by teammate John Buck after they defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-1 in a baseball game on Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Minneapolis.   (AP Photo /Paul Battaglia)
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brett Tomko delivers against Minnesota Twins during the first inning of their game Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Minneapolis. AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brett Tomko delivers against Minnesota Twins during the first inning of their game Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Minneapolis. AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)   (AP Photo)
Kansas City Royals pinch runner Estaban German (3) is tagged out by Minnesota Twins shortstop Matt Tolbert on a steal attempt during the ninth inning Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Minneapolis.
Kansas City Royals pinch runner Estaban German (3) is tagged out by Minnesota Twins shortstop Matt Tolbert on a steal attempt during the ninth inning Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Minneapolis.   (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
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