Kepler homers twice as Twins thump Rangers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler homered twice and set a Twins rookie record by driving in seven runs, helping Minnesota rout the Texas Rangers 17-5 on Saturday.

Eduardo Nunez had four hits for the Twins, who scored at least three runs in four of the first five innings. Kepler's second home run of the day capped a six-run fifth inning and gave the Twins a 17-4 lead.

Texas right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-1) recorded just two outs in his second start of the season. Gonzalez walked two batters and gave up two hits in Minnesota's four-run first and was hurt by poor defense, with misplays on three consecutive batters extending the inning.