MINNEAPOLIS, April 29 (UPI) -- Josh Willingham went 3-for-5 with a two-run triple Sunday, enabling Minnesota to break a six-game skid with a 7-4 win over Kansas City.
Willingham's big hit highlighted a four-run first inning for Minnesota, which split a rain-shortened two-game set against the Royals and logged its first win since April 20.
Danny Valencia added three hits, including an RBI triple, and Ryan Doumit drove in two runs for the winners.
Jason Marquis (2-0) surrendered three runs on six hits over six frames to earn the win. He didn't issue a walk and struck out one.
Kansas City starter Bruce Chen (0-3) absorbed the loss, allowing six runs on six hits before being yanked after 2 2/3 innings.
Mike Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBI for the Royals.
