Twins 1, Rays 0: ByungHo Park’s solo-shot makes the difference

How about that ByungHo Park? He’s had quite the spring this year and was the difference maker today, hitting a solo-dong in the seventh inning to score the one and only run of the game for either side. It was Park’s team-leading fifth home run of the spring.

Park spoke to reporters through his translator after the game, as caught on video by the Pioneer Press’s Mike Berardino:

Other than Park’s dinger, Byron Buxton and Joe Mauer both hit doubles. Everything else on the offensive side was pretty much a snooze-fest.

The pitching, however? The pitching was good. Nick Tepesch, who I guess is technically still in consideration for the fifth rotation spot, started the game and did pretty well. Three hits over four scoreless innings? We’ll take it. Rule 5 draft guy Justin Haley, also still technically being considered for the rotation, looked good too, throwing three scoreless innings.

Veteran dude Matt Belisle pitched a perfect eighth inning, and Brandon Kintzler pitched a perfect ninth.

It was a quick, neat little game.

Notes

• Buddy Boshers was optioned to Triple-A Rochester before the game. Tommy Field was also reassigned to minor league camp.
• Joe Mauer made two unassisted double plays, because he’s apparently so lazy he can’t even be bothered to throw the ball anymore and/or is just a giant ball-hog.