KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 13 (UPI) -- Brian Bannister hurled a complete-game three-hitter Sunday, propelling the Kansas City Royals to a 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins.
Minnesota was thwarted after Justin Morneau's RBI single in the top of the first inning.
Alex Gordon had two hits, one a solo homer in the eighth, and scored three times. He was one of five players with one RBI.
Billy Butler reached base safely in his four at-bats with an RBI single and three walks. Joey Gathright also had two hits for the Royals, who lost the previous two contests in the three-game series.
Bannister (3-0) walked one batter and struck out three. So far this season, he has surrendered three runs and 10 hits in three starts.
Losing pitcher Francisco Liriano (0-1) gave up four earned runs on six hits and five walks in 4 2/3 innings. He notched four strikeouts in his first start in 19 months after having Tommy John surgery. He had a 12-3 rookie season going before tearing a ligament in his throwing arm in 2006.
Jason Kubel and Adam Everett had the Twins' other hits.
