Wilson Betemit swatted his first two home runs of the season as the Kansas City Royals held on for a wild 9-8 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.

The Royals led 8-1 through six innings, but needed a little extra insurance after the Twins erupted for five runs in the seventh. Betemit's second home run of the night made it 9-6 in the top of the ninth, and Joakim Soria came on to earn the save despite giving up two runs in the bottom half of the inning.

Betemit's home runs were his first in the majors since 2008 when he was with the New York Yankees. Mitch Maier also went deep, while Jose Guillen added three hits and an RBI as the Royals avoided a sweep.

Bruce Chen (3-0) weathered a spirited Minnesota rally to earn the victory. The veteran left-hander surrendered five runs on 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings while striking out a season-high seven batters.

Scott Baker (5-5) was charged with the loss after surrendering five runs on eight hits in five innings of work. Baker walked one and struck out two.

Denard Span went 4-for-5 with two runs scored for Minnesota, while Jason Kubel homered and Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer added two hits and two RBIs apiece.