Royals 9, Twins 1: Will Smith tossed seven scoreless innings and Lorenzo Cain drove in two runs while falling a home run shy of the cycle as visiting Kansas City ended Minnesota's three-game winning streak.

Alcides Escobar collected two hits and two RBIs for the Royals, who recorded a season high-tying 16 hits en route to just their sixth win in 16 meetings between the American League Central rivals this season.

Smith (5-7) halted a personal three-game skid, allowing seven hits and three walks while striking out a career-high seven. It was the first win in three starts against the Twins this year for the 23-year-old rookie.

Cain capped a three-run second inning with a fly ball that left fielder Josh Willingham lost in the lights for a two-run triple. Escobar highlighted a four-run eighth with a two-run triple of his own, then scored on a wild pitch by Alex Burnett for a commanding 8-0 lead.

Eric Hosmer completed the scoring with his third hit of the night, a two-out solo homer in the ninth.

Scott Diamond (11-7) surrendered four runs and 10 hits over six innings. The left-hander has yielded 13 runs over his last three starts, matching his total for his previous six outings.

Ben Revere registered three hits and Ryan Doumit had an RBI single for the Twins, who have lost the opener of each of their last three series.

GAME NOTEBOOK: A moment of silence was observed before the singing of the National Anthem in memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. ... Twins C Joe Mauer was a late scratch due to back spasms. ... Kansas City LHP Francisley Bueno served the final game of his two-game suspension and is eligible to pitch Wednesday. Bueno, who is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in 10 relief appearances this season, received the ban in 2008 for allegedly throwing at a batter in his only game as a member of the Atlanta Braves. ... Minnesota OF Denard Span, who has been sidelined since Aug. 28 with a right shoulder injury, is expected to be activated from the disabled list Wednesday. ... Royals 3B Mike Moustakas went 0-for-4 with a walk as he celebrated his 24th birthday.