Danny Valencia's home run in the 8th inning put the Twins up for good in a game where the lead changed hands five times. Offensively, coming out in the first inning with what may very well be the Twins opening day lineup, Justin Morneau knocked in Span and Orlando Hudson to tie the game at 2. Ben Revere also continued his solid spring, going 2-2 with a line drive single and a fly ball double after replacing Denard Span. If Valencia and Revere keep this up, the Twins could have some tough, but welcome decisions going north.
On the mound, starter Carl Pavano wasn't sharp, giving up 6 hits and 3 runs in 3 innings. Jeff Manship was also hit hard, 3 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks pitching the 5th inning. And Glen Perkins escaped trouble after giving up two hits and a walk in the 7th, helped by Wilson Ramos throwing Nick Stavinoha stealing second. On the plus side, Jesse Crain and Anthony Slama (2 Ks) pitched perfect innings, Chris Province (1 IP, 1 H) got the win and Kyle Waldrop (1 IP, 1 H) got the save.
Stars:
1. Danny Valencia: 1-1, game winning HR in the 8th
2. Ben Revere: 2-2, single, double, RBI
3. Justin Morneau: 1-3, 2 RBI. Tons of RBI opportunities with Span-Hudson-Mauer in front of him. Can he knock in 140 this year?
4. Anthony Slama: 1 IP, 2 SO. He can smell the roster spot.
Duds:
1. Carl Pavano: 3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 SO, 0 BB
2. Jeff Manship: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 SO, 2 BB
3. Jason Kubel: 0-3, SO