Minnesota Twins Defeat the Cardinals in Spring Action

Mar 8, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins infielder Jorge Polanco (11) prepares for 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 infielder Jorge Polanco (11) prepares for 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

The Minnesota Twins bested the Cardinals by a score of 5-3

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The Minnesota Twins made it 7-6 thus far this spring with a 5-3 defeat of the Cardinals this afternoon. Tommy Milone got the start for the Twins. Milone was nearly perfect in his 4 innings of work. He allowed 1 hit, no earned runs and struck out two.

Milone’s great start will certainly help his case to be the 5th starter. So far this spring Milone has allowed 2 earned runs, 6 hits, 0 walks and struck out 8 in 9 innings. By comparison, his main competitor for the role, Ricky Nolasco, has allowed 6 earned, 11 hits, 3 walks and 7 strikeouts in 7.1 innings. Nolasco has some catching up to do.

The Cardinals starter, Mike Leake, also nearly perfect in his start. He kept the Twins to just one 1 hit, no walks, no runs and struck out 6. The relievers for both teams were not nearly as effective as their starters.

Brandon Kintzler, Aaron Thompson and Ryan O’Rourke all earned a run coming out of the bullpen. Alex Meyer pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

John Hicks got the scoring going in the 5th inning with a sacrifice fly to score Oswaldo Arcia. Jorge Polanco had an RBI single that inning as well. Max Kepler brought home Darin Mastroianni in the 7th with a single. The Twins added two more runs to put the game out of reach in the 9th via another RBI single from Polanco and an RBI ground out.

Next: What Does 2016 Hold for Miguel Sano

The Twins have an off day tomorrow. They play again on Wednesday at CenturyLink Sports Complex. The start time is 6:05 CST and the starter will be Kyle Gibson. The game will be televised on FS1.

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