By The Associated Press

CLEVELAND - The Kansas City Royals became the first team in 13 years to begin the season with eight straight wins, beating the Cleveland Indians 1-0 Friday night behind seven sharp innings from Runelvys Hernandez.

The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.45 as the surprising Royals extended the best start in team history. Hernandez (3-0) allowed seven hits, two walks and struck out four.

The last major league club to start 8-0 was the 1990 Cincinnati Reds, who went on to win the World Series.

Jason Grimsley pitched a perfect eighth and rookie Mike MacDougal got three outs for his sixth save in as many chances.

Jake Westbrook (0-2) took the loss.

White Sox 5, Tigers 0

DETROIT - Detroit became the first team ever to lose its first nine games in consecutive seasons, falling to Chicago.

Jose Valentin hit a two-run homer and Esteban Loaiza (2-0) pitched eight scoreless innings as the White Sox won for the sixth time in seven games.

The Tigers started 0-11 last year, then went on to tie Tampa Bay for the worst record in baseball at 55-106. Rookie manager Alan Trammell is still looking for his first win this season.

Adam Bernero (0-2) took the loss.

Twins 6, Blue Jays 4

TORONTO - Corey Koskie drove in three runs as Minnesota ended a six-game losing streak by beating Toronto.

Minnesota's Luis Rivas, who went 3-for-4, hit a tying triple in the seventh inning off Cory Lidle (1-2) and Jacque Jones followed with a sacrifice fly to make it 5-4.

Shannon Stewart and Frank Catalanotto each drove in two runs for the Blue Jays, who started Minnesota's losing streak with a three-game sweep at the Metrodome last weekend.

Kenny Rogers (1-0) allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings.