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ByungHo Park remained red hot in today’s contest between the Twins and Marlins, which was not broadcast on TV or radio. The aforementioned Korean slugger launched a two-run dong in the bottom of the 1st inning on a 96 mph pitch from Jose Urena. It was especially encouraging considering Park made it a big point over the off-season to shorten his swing in an effort to help him catch up to MLB pitching.
Of course, in Park’s next at bat, old friend Caleb Thielbar, now a Marlin, got him to strikeout on the 90 mph lob seen below (video courtesy of Mike Berardino).
Doh!
Ervin Santana also looked pretty strong today, throwing 22 pitches over two shutout innings. It was Santana’s first time ever (including bullpens!) throwing to new catcher Jason Castro. “We were on the same page for the most part, and the location and the way he set up was good,” Santana told reporters. “That’s what spring training is for: the pitcher-and-catcher relationship.”
Other notes:
- Ehire Adrianza, highly touted for his defensive ability, committed a fielding error that allowed a run to score in the 3rd inning. Wha?
- Speaking of oopsies, a miscommunication between Daniel Palka and Nick Gordon led to a pop-up falling in-between them.
- Rule 5 pick Justin Haley pitched a scoreless and hit-less 6th inning, which was an improvement on his previous shaky outing.
- Taylor Rogers gave up a two-run home run to Tyler Moore in the 4th inning. He also walked one.
- Robbie Grossman hit a two RBI double in the bottom of the 2nd inning.