Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco was staked to a 7-0 lead after two innings and coasted to a victory Saturday, giving up one earned run on five hits and one walk in eight innings while striking out four in his team's 7-1 win over the Royals.
Nolasco (1-1) needed 106 pitches to get through eight innings, with the only damage coming on an RBI double in the fifth inning. He owns a 5.50 ERA and 9:7 K:BB ratio through 18 innings. Nolasco will take on the Royals again Friday.