Twins 7, Royals 0: Andrew Albers came within two outs of a complete game in his major-league debut and Brian Dozier recorded three RBIs as visiting Minnesota defeated Kansas City.

Dozier, Justin Morneau and Chris Colabello all homered as the Twins beat the Royals for just the fourth time in 15 meetings this season. The loss was just the second in the last 14 overall games for Kansas City, which fell five games behind Texas for the second American League wild-card spot.

The 27-year-old Albers (1-0) gave up four hits and a walk while striking out two as he kept the hot-hitting Royals off-balance most of the contest. Albers tired in the ninth and was removed after allowing two baserunners.

Dozier led off the game with a shot to left field off James Shields (6-8) and Morneau added a two-run blast to right later in the inning. Dozier lifted a sacrifice fly in the second and Colabello increased the lead to 5-0 in the fourth with a solo homer to right-center field.

Dozier capped the scoring with an RBI single in the seventh.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Shields allowed a season-high seven runs and eight hits over six innings while dropping to 1-5 at home. … Morneau has hit four homers in his last 10 games. … Royals All-Star C Salvador Perez (concussion) awoke without headaches on Tuesday and will begin workouts on Wednesday. He is on the seven-day disabled list after being injured on Saturday.