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Minnesota Twins Drop a Close One to the Marlins

By Michael McKee

Mar 8, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Miguel Sano (22) watches batting practice before the start of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Miguel Sano (22) watches batting practice before the start of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Twins lost a nail-biter 6-5 to the Marlins

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The Minnesota Twins dropped a close one to the Miami Marlins at CenturyLink Sports Complex this afternoon. The final score was 6-5. Kyle Gibson got things started on the mound. At this point in spring training, they’re looking for starters to go 3 innings or roughly 45 pitches. Gibson got to 45 pitches but couldn’t get past the 2nd inning. He allowed a run in both of his two innings of work. Kyle struggled with his command, resulting in walks and long, drawn out at bats.

Kevin Jepsen followed with a clean 3rd inning. Aaron Thompson continued to struggle this spring allowing a run in his inning of work. Ryan O’Rourke and Brandon Kintzler held the Marlins off the board in the 5th and 6th. Mike Strong saw two more Marlins cross the plate in the 7th (one earned) and Randy Rosario gave up a run in the 8th. Nick Burdi had a 1-2-3 inning in the 9th.

Jorge Polanco made two errors at shortstop. One of those errors cost the Twins a run in the 7th.

On offense, the Twins were held off the board until the 3rd inning when they scored on a double steal play. Eddie Rosario was caught stealing 2nd base and Brian Dozier hustled home on the throw.

The Twins struck again in the 4th when Park went bang. It would seem Byung-Ho has adequately allayed concerns about his transition to North American pitching.

Minnesota added a pair of runs in the 5th for their first and only lead of the game. Juan Centeno tied things up in the 7th, scoring Joe Benson with an RBI single. The Twins had the tying run on second base in the bottom of the ninth with two outs but the red hot Centeno flied out to end it.

82. 5. 2. Final. 6

OFFENSE . B-. 6 hits, 10 walks, 7 strikeouts, 1 home run and 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position. The Twins showed excellent plate discipline on the afternoon. Polanco walked 3 times himself. But with 16 baserunners in the game and two errors made by the Marlins, they should have been able to manage more than 5 runs. Park had the home run but we’ll give the special mention to Miguel Sano for reaching base all three plate appearances with a walk, single and RBI double.. . Miguel Sano

C-. Team totals: 12 hits allowed, 5 earned, 4 walks, 0 home runs and 6 strikeouts. Kintzler, Burdi, O’Rourke and Jepsen had scoreless outings. We’ll give the honor to Jepsen for his clean inning with no baserunners and 2 strikeouts.. . Kevin Jepsen. PITCHING

Next: 5 Bold Predictions for 2016

The Twins will visit the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium at 12:05 pm CST tomorrow afternoon. Phil Hughes starts for Minnesota.

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