ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — DaShawn Keirsey had an RBI double in the top of the ninth, stole third and scored the go-ahead run on a throwing error as the Twins edged the Rays 4-2 in a Grapefruit League game at Tropicana Field on Thursday.
Twins use three-run ninth inning to defeat Tampa Bay 4-2
Outfielder Gilberto Celestino will miss the start of the regular season because of a thumb injury.
March 2, 2023 at 9:27PM
The Twins, who had only three hits in the game, trailed 2-1 entering the ninth when Noah Miller singled, stole second and advanced to third on a groundout. Keirsey hit a drive to right that was originally ruled a home run, but turned into a double on replay.
After he scored the go-ahead run, Aaron Sabato walked, stole second and scored on a wild pitch and a throwing error by catcher Roberto Alvarez, his second of the inning.
Kenta Maeda started for the Twins and threw two scoreless innings, and Jose Miranda had an RBI single. Locke St. John pitched the bottom of the ninth for the save.
Celestino sidelined
Due to his teammates' injuries, Gilberto Celestino played more games in the outfield than any other Twin last season. But now Celestino's own injury will keep him out of action for part of 2023.
Celestino will require surgery to repair a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, the team announced Thursday. The injury will sideline Celestino for six to eight weeks.
The 24-year-old outfielder tore the ligament by jamming his thumb into second base while sliding headfirst during a successful steal attempt in the third inning of Tuesday's 10-7 victory over Atlanta.
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