The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

(AP) - Scott Diamond pitched eight solid innings, Trevor Plouffe homered and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader Saturday.

Easily the Twins' most-effective starter since being called up in May, Diamond (7-3) allowed two runs and six hits to give Minnesota a big lift with another game coming up.

Twins relievers entered with the third-most innings (268 1/3) in the majors behind the Royals (283 1/3) and Colorado (284 2/3).

Royals left-hander Jonathan Sanchez (1-4) didn't fare nearly as well.

While Diamond cruised through Kansas City's lineup, Sanchez issued six walks and was done after 4 1-3 innings.

Both starters finished with 101 pitches.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)