Globetrotting utility infielder Tristan Gray hit a grand slam in the Twins’ home opener, powering the team to a 10-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday at Target Field.
But forget all that if Bryon Buxton is hurt again. Buck was hit by a pitch late in the game and immediately exited it. The preliminary report is encouraging: the center fielder apparently suffered a right forearm contusion, but X-rays were reportedly negative.
The Twins fell behind early in Friday’s game, and after four innings starter Bailey Ober was gone with three runs allowed.
But the bullpen was largely perfect the rest of the way and the Twins took full advantage of Rays’ errors and wildness, including two runs scored on bases loaded walks. All of it, plus Gray’s slam, contributed to a seven-run seventh inning that put the game out of reach.
Mick Abel gets the ball on Saturday.
Extra innings…
–The Twins are 3-4.
–Friday’s weather wasn’t great, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as what the Twins had to play through in their 13-9 loss to the Royals on Wednesday. It seemed to come pouring down from the get go, plus what was described as mist — it looked like fog to me — settled over the ballpark, making it very hard to see the ball. That game should never have been played. Play two on Thursday, please.
–They played only one game on Thursday, of course, but at least the Twins won. Taj Bradley was especially good, tossing six innings of shutout baseball, allowing just five hits with a walk and three whiffs in the 5-1 victory.
–My son and I are back in the Twin Cities again (it’s Spring Break where we’re from) to see some Twins baseball. It’s good to be back after we were unable to visit last summer. Now, weather permitting, we will get to see a few games.
–Watching the game on TV, the home opener did not appear to be a sellout, despite discounted tickets and $2 beers. No doubt the weather had something to do with that, but the product on the field is still a concern. Winning will certainly help.