Today was the Twins's last Spring Training game of the season (save an unbroadcasted game against the Ft. Myer's Miracle tomorrow). The Twins lost by four runs. Luckily, about as many people were paying attention.
Justin Morneau had a double in the fourth inning, stretching his hitting streak to nine games. Twins pitcher Liam Hendriks started the game, giving up only one run in his first five innings, before blowing up in the sixth with another three earned runs. However, Nick Blackburn and Carl Pavano, who each spent an inning in the radio booth, had nice things to say about Hendricks. So there's that.
I think we're all just ready for real baseball. Studs and duds after the jump.
Studs:
- Matt Capps: 1 IP, 1 K, 0 H, 0 ER. I REPEAT: Matt Capps: 1IP, 0 ER.
- Danny Valencia: 2 for 4—BUT in his 23rd Game played this spring (tying for the second most). Danny Gladden also commented that he thinks Valencia has improved on many of the defensive issues the Twins asked him to work on during the off season.
- Justin Morneau: 1 for 3 with a double (streching his hitting streak to 9 games), 1 RBI, and 1 R.
Duds:
- Spring Training: As great as Spring Training seems at first—it's getting a little old. Bring on the real baseball.