CLEVELAND — The Twins didn't play tired.
Max Kepler and rookie Alex Kirilloff drove in two runs apiece when Minnesota erupted for nine runs in the fourth inning and the Twins shook off a couple long days of cross-country travel by pounding the Cleveland Indians 10-0.
The Twins (16-28) didn't arrive in Cleveland until 4:30 a.m. after they flew to California following a home game to play and split a doubleheader in Anaheim on Thursday. But they hardly showed any signs of fatigue and looked wide awake in winning the series opener.
Randy Dobnak allowed just three hits in six innings and won his first start this season. On the Tribe (23-19) side, rookie Triston McKenzie struggled yet again, allowing six runs and five walks across only 3 1/3 innings as his ERA swelled to 6.89. The 23-year-old could now be in danger of losing his spot in the starting rotation.
McKenzie's immediate relief replacement, Phil Maton, didn't do much better, giving up four runs on four hits while recording only one out. Jean Carlos Mejia made his Major League debut and struck out five over 2 1/3 scoreless innings, and Cal Quantrill went two scoreless. Both are possible contenders to replace McKenzie should the Indians decide to send him to Triple-A Columbus.
Cleveland still sits 2 1/2 games behind the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central. They'll face Minnesota again Saturday afternoon, with ace Shane Bieber (4-3, 3.17 ERA) taking the mound against Kenta Maeda (2-2, 5.26).