FORT MYERS, FLA. — Twins manager Ron Gardenhire didn't get overly excited about Saturday's exhibition opener against Tampa Bay, saying it was just the first game of spring training.
But two things about the 7-3 victory pleased the 11th-year manager: The Twins didn't issue a walk or commit an error.
"Our pitchers are throwing it over, and we're catching the ball, and we did that pretty decent today," Gardenhire said.
After Matt Joyce hit a two-run homer off Carl Pavano in the first inning, the Rays didn't get another run until the ninth. Brian Duensing pitched two scoreless innings, headlining a solid day by the team's bullpen.
The Twins got RBI singles from Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau then scored three runs to break a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning.
Newcomer Ryan Doumit led off that inning with a double. Tsuyoshi Nishioka even got in on the fun after replacing Jamey Carroll at shortstop, going 2-for-3 with a triple.
"We're not going to make decisions on the first game," Gardenhire said. "We've got a long ways to go through spring training here, and we want to get better each day."
JOE CHRISTENSEN
