Royals Use Rare Long Balls to Top Twins 3-1

Isbel and Collins homer as Kansas City takes home opener

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the motion and energy of a baseball game, with sharp geometric shapes in the team colors of the Royals and Twins overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract visual.The Royals' unexpected power display in their home opener hints at an offense ready to break out this season.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-1 in their home opener, powered by unexpected home runs from Kyle Isbel and Isaac Collins. Kris Bubic picked up the win for the Royals, allowing just one run over six innings, while John Schreiber recorded the save.

Why it matters

The Royals' victory in their home opener is an encouraging sign for the team as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. The long balls from Isbel and Collins, who are not known for their power, suggest the team may have some unexpected offensive firepower this year.

The details

Trailing 1-0 after a Matt Wallner solo shot for the Twins, the Royals responded in the bottom of the second with a two-run homer from Kyle Isbel. Isaac Collins then added an insurance run with a solo blast in the seventh inning. Both Isbel and Collins' homers would have cleared the fences even with the old stadium dimensions.

  • The game was played on an unseasonably warm day, with a first-pitch temperature of 85 degrees.
  • This was the Royals' home opener, the first game at Kauffman Stadium since the team moved in the fences 8-10 feet.

The players

Kyle Isbel

A Royals outfielder who hit a two-run homer in the second inning, his fifth home run of the season after managing just four in all of 2025.

Isaac Collins

A Royals infielder who hit a solo home run in the seventh inning, his first hit of the 2026 season after starting 0-for-8.

Kris Bubic

The Royals starting pitcher who earned the win, allowing just one run on two hits over six innings.

John Schreiber

The Royals relief pitcher who recorded the save in the ninth inning.

Matt Wallner

The Twins outfielder who hit a 424-foot solo home run in the second inning to open the scoring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Twins and Royals will resume their three-game series on Wednesday after an off-day on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Royals' unexpected power display in their home opener, with home runs from non-traditional power hitters Isbel and Collins, suggests the team may have some offensive surprises in store this season as they look to rebound from a down year.