Alex Gordon hit a grand slam, Dillon Gee pitched seven strong innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 8-1 Thursday night.

Brian Dozier had opened the game with a leadoff homer for the Twins only run. Starter Tyler Duffey gave up five runs in the fourth inning to take the loss.

The Royals have won five straight and eight of nine to move above .500 for the first time since July 22. Royals starting pitchers have a 1.61 ERA in the five-game winning streak, allowing 23 hits and six earned runs in 33 2-3 innings, while striking out 27 and walking seven.

Gordon, who was hitting .199 with 16 RBIs on August 9th, extended his hitting streak to a season-best nine games. Gordon has homered in three consecutive games.

Gee (5-6) picked up the Royals’ first victory from a Number 5 starter since May 31st. The Royals are 9-21 is games started by the fifth starter.