Sweep, it is: Gordon, Volquez guide Royals past Twins 7-2

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Alex Gordon hit a three-run homer, Edinson Volquez struck out six batters over seven innings and the Kansas City Royals beat Minnesota 7-2 on Wednesday to finish the first series sweep this season of the Twins at home.

The Twins scored 11 runs while stumbling to a 1-5 record on this home-stand, which handed the division lead back to Kansas City. The Twins hadn't been swept since the opening series of the season at Detroit.

Their frustration was evident in the eighth, when Torii Hunter was ejected by home plate umpire Mark Ripperger for arguing a called third strike. Hunter had to be restrained briefly, before yanking off his elbow pad, shin guard and batting gloves and throwing them toward the batter's box.

For good measure, Hunter ripped off his jersey and threw that over the first-base line, before retreating to the dugout.

Manager Paul Molitor was given his first career ejection during the conflict, too.