Once the hits started, they never stopped as the Twins pounced on one of Tampa Bay's top pitchers, James Shields, for 12 hits and 11 runs in just over four innings of work. Scott Baker meanwhile allowed another homerun, but it was the only damage done.
Some keys to the victory...
** Scott Baker's line: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 K.
Finally, a pretty nice outing for the team's Opening Day starter who recently has struggled a bit. The stats are irrelevant however; Baker moved closer to being ready for April 6th and probably has one more start to finish up the spring.
** The bullpen was lights out for three innings after Baker.
Brian Duensing continued to make a push for a roster spot while Guerrier and Breslow each got their work in with scoreless innings.
** Offensively, the box score tells quite a bit; the offense couldn't be stopped.
Homeruns by Justin Morneau (3), Michael Cuddyer (2), and Jason Kubel (2) helped the Twins really jump on Shields.
** Denard Span finally got some hits, and maybe more impressively, he drew two more walks; something he is really impressing with this spring.
** Nick Punto (.435) collected two hits, Matt Tolbert continued his hot streak with a hit and walk in two plate appearances, and Jose Morales did all he could to impress the coaches as he looks to take the backup catcher spot; he went 2-3.
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