Minnesota Twins: Spring Training Results – MLB 2011
The Minnesota Twins started the spring season on a very positive note as they defeated Boston Red Sox 8-4 on Sunday, February 27. However, they failed to find winning ways afterwards as Boston emerged victorious in their next two encounters to take the series
2-1.
The Twins put up a much better show in the month of March. Securing five straight victories, they improved their spring record to 6-2. Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Pittsburgh were all crushed with supreme force as Minnesota took their game play to an entirely
new level.
However, against St. Louis they were unable to come up with their best as they managed to hit only four runs in a fairly small sized ground. Experiencing losses in six out of seven matches, the Twins experienced a great dip in their form.
Minnesota came back strongly as they hammered the New York Yankees 9-2 on March 13. However, their most noticeable performance of the spring season was recorded on March 14 when they demolished Florida Marlins 9-0. Slowey made a huge impact in a 9-0 victory,
throwing four shut-out innings against the Marlins.
"Slowey was really good, wrapping it around the zone, in and out," said Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire.
He further added, "We're fortunate to have six guys who are all very capable starters in the big leagues. All deserve to be starters in the big leagues, but we just can't start the season like that. We're very fortunate to have that."
On March 19, the Twins outshined Tampa Bay Rays 9-2 to pick up their 12th victory of the season. Nick Blackburn was absolutely brilliant on the day. Conceding only two runs in five innings, he gave his side a clear advantage over the rivals. He
put in an amazing performance and showed everyone why he is ranked highly as a competitive and effective pitcher in MLB.
Minnesota ended the spring season on a high note as well as they clinched six victories in their last seven matches in the American League Championships. Crushing Baltimore, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, Yankees and Pittsburgh in six straight games, they
certainly got better with every passing game. Manager Ron Gardenhire was very pleased with the way his team responded to difficult situations and he aimed to continue Twins’ impressive run for the entire season.
Throughout the spring season, the Twins have shown that they can handle the pressure. Playing very aggressively, the team has dominated even the better sides in the league. The Twins have the perfect balance of both offence and defence. The team is full
of tremendously talented players that have the skills and abilities to take the team to the next level of play.
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