Minnesota Twins rally past the Rays – MLB Spring Training News
Minnesota Twins rallied past Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 in a Spring Training game played at the Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. The Twins performed brilliantly under pressure, which proved to be the difference between the two teams.
Jeremy Hellickson, who won the Rookie of the Year award last season, made a great start to his 2012 Spring Training campaign as he pitched two scoreless innings to help the Twins defeat Minnesota 5-3 in a closely contested encounter. The guy pitched with
great control and accuracy to contain Minnesota’s batters. Throwing 16 pitches in the opening innings, he displayed his composure and strength.
"I have all the confidence in the world in myself and I think if I just go out there and take care of what I'm supposed to and just control what I can control, I'll be all right," Hellickson said.
"I feel really good," he added. "I went out there and threw strikes, and defense made two really good plays for me."
Sean Rodriguez, who is Rays’ leading candidate for the shortstop, had two hits but he was also hit by a pitch. Rodriguez was hit 18 times last season so he will be looking to work on his swing technique to avoid any major injuries. However, the 26 year old
made a crucial stop in the field to help Hellickson get out of an early jam.
"I'm just trying to find that rhythm and hopefully keep it going until April and not just have it in March," Rodriguez said.
In hitting department of the game, J.R. Towles hit a tie breaking two run home run and Chris Parmelee followed with another one. Casilla also had three hits and he earned an infield single of Fernando Rodney in third inning. The split squad over nine innings
did not seem to bother Casilla too much either as he made the most of available opportunities.
The Twins made some key changes in their batting and pitching line-ups in the offseason and it will be interesting to see if the club can live up to the expectations in 2012 season. The Spring Training provides an excellent opportunity to the Manager to
come up with the best possible strategy.
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