Minnesota Twins Defeat the Red Sox 9-4
The Minnesota Twins defeated the Red Sox by a score of 9-4
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The Minnesota Twins improved to 8-6 so far this spring with a 9-4 victory over the Red Sox this evening. Kyle Gibson started for the Twins and went 3.1 innings allowing one earned run. Gibson was excellent aside from a lead off, solo home run courtesy of Mookie Betts. Gibson’s 7 strikeouts were by far the most of any Twins’ starter this spring.
After Betts’ home run in the 1st, the Twins responded with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning: Miguel Sano doubled home Joe Mauer and Trevor Plouffe collected an RBI single off Red Sox’ starter Clay Buchholz.
The Twins got to Buchholz again in the 3rd via a Brian Dozier solo shot. In the 5th, Minnesota took advantage of an ineffective Koji Uehara scoring 4 runs. Two came on an Eddie Rosario home run to right and two from Byung-ho Park‘s RBI double.
Wilfredo Tovar picked up a 2-out RBI in the 7th cashing James Beresford. Juan Centeno then scored Carlos Quentin on a “single.” Centeno only reached base because of a double-clutch and poor throw by the Red Sox’ third baseman. Otherwise the inning would have been over. Quentin alertly bolted home, just beating the throw.
After the first inning, the Twins held the Red Sox off the board until the 8th inning. Aaron Thompson, Glen Perkins, Casey Fien, Buddy Boshers all pitched scoreless relief. A run crossed the plate in Dan Runtzler’s inning but that was due to a Buck Britton error.
Michael Tonkin‘s nightmare spring continued allowing 2 earned runs on 4 walks and a hit batter. But he did eventually scrape together the 3 outs needed to secure the win.
2. Final. 4. 14. 9
OFFENSE . A. 12 hits, 7 walk, 5 strikeouts, 2 home runs and 4 for 8 with runners in scoring position. Dozier gets the special mention for his two hits (including a home run) . . Brian Dozier
. Kyle Gibson. PITCHING . B. Team totals: 11 hits allowed, 2 walks, no home runs and 10 strikeouts. The honor goes to Gibson who allowed 3 walks/hits, one earned run and 7 K over 3.1 innings.
Next: What Should the Twins do with Nolasco
The Twins will face the Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium on St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow. The first pitch is at 6:05 PM CST and can be heard on the radio. Taylor Rogers will start for the Twins.