FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Twins got a few timely hits from members of their projected starting lineup and eased their way to a 4-1 victory over Baltimore on Tuesday at Hammond Stadium, ending a six-game exhibition losing streak.
RBI singles by Trevor Plouffe and Oswaldo Arcia off Bud Norris opened the scoring in the second inning. Joe Mauer blooped a two-out single to left in the fifth to score Brian Dozier. And Chris Colabello added a two-out RBI double to right-center in the seventh that scored Josmil Pinto.
It was a relief to manager Ron Gardenhire, whose team has scored four or more runs in only 11 of their 23 Grapefruit League games this spring.
"I don't care when they come," Gardenhire said. "I'm not picky. I'm just glad that there were a couple of [hits]. We're not scoring. We've got to score and some of the boys hit the ball pretty decent."
Mauer was 2-for-3 and is batting .306 this spring. Colabello's double raised his spring average to .351 as he pushes for spot on Monday's Opening Day roster. Trevor Plouffe was 2-for-3 with two doubles.
La VELLE E. NEAL III
