Video (01:55) : Twins righthander pitched into the fifth inning on Wednesday.
FORT MYERS, FLA. – Brian Dozier wants the Twins to be on the attack right at the start of the season. The last two games have been an example of that.
The Twins jumped on the board early Wednesday and held off Toronto 4-3 at Hammond Stadium. It was the second straight game in which they scored in the first inning. The Twins are streaking, if such a thing exists — or matters — in spring training. They have won seven straight games and nine of their last 10 games.
Dozier led off the first with a single. Danny Santana and Joe Mauer followed with singles, with Dozier scoring when Mauer shot a ball up the middle.
Santana delivered a two-run triple to right in the second, giving the Twins a 3-0 lead at the time.
Toronto scored three runs in the fifth to tie the game, but the Twins came through in the ninth with Oswaldo Arcia lined a RBI single to right, scoring Santana with the winning run.
Dozier and Santana at the top of the order combined to go 5-for-7 with two RBI and two runs scored on Wednesday. They are batting .346 and .357, respectively.
Righthander Ervin Santana was charged with two earned runs over 4â…“ innings. He threw just 73 pitches but, after the game, pronounced himself ready to start the season
Dozier swung at the second pitch thrown on Wednesday by Toronto righthander Ryan Tepera when he lined his single to left field. On Tuesday, Dozier led off the first with a home run on the first on the first pitch.
The Twins don't have a prototypical leadoff hitter yet, and Dozier might the closest thing to one. But he's an aggressive hitter who is willing to swing at the first pitch — especially if it is a belt high fastball. When he's on, he's able to provide some first-inning thunder for the Twins. And it looks like his bat is about ready for the regular season.
