Melendez hit a two-run homer in the sixth off Deivi García (0-2) for a 4-3 lead, his third go-ahead hit of the series. Melendez flipped hit bat in triumph.
Bobby Witt Jr. finished a double shy of the cycle, Kyle Isbel and Maikel Garcia hit back-to-back home runs, and the Kansas City Royals routed Minnesota 11-0 on Sunday to avoid a second straight season-opening sweep by the Twins. Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer and finished with four RBIs, and Nelson Velázquez had the last of five homers for Kansas City, which gave Brady Singer (1-0) plenty of run support on a day in which he hardly needed it.
The Kansas City Royals signed Austin Nola to a one-year contract Friday, adding a veteran catcher to provide some insurance behind Salvador Perez alongside young backup Freddie Fermin. The 34-year-old was released from a minor league contract by Milwaukee on Thursday after the Brewers finalized a deal with Gary Sánchez. Kansas City has little depth at catcher behind Perez and Fermin, though outfielder MJ Melendez can play the position.