FORT MYERS, FLA. – A nice game got a little ragged during the final innings Tuesday.
Down three runs, Toronto scored twice in the eighth thanks to a throwing error by right fielder J.D. Williams, an extra player from the minor league camp. After the Twins scored in the bottom of the inning, Mark Hamburger threw wildly to first in the ninth, fueling a two-run rally to tie the score.
But Eddie Rosario had entered the game in the top of the ninth to play center. He batted in the bottom of the ninth and came through with a walk-off single as the Twins pulled out a 6-5 victory.
"We've talked about Eddie in the past," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "He's a guy, for me, who likes those moments. Not intimidated."
Rosario, batting .256 with two home runs and seven RBI during spring training, has played all three outfield spots but, according to Molitor, looks most comfortable in left and center. He's in the mix for an outfield spot but likely will go the minors to get at-bats if he can't win the starting job in center field.
Other outfielders looked good on Tuesday. Torii Hunter hit a three-run homer in the seventh and Jordan Schafer hit a solo home run in the eighth. Schafer's was impressive because he bats lefthanded, and it came against a lefthanded pitcher.
