Tampa Bay Rays Fall to Minnesota Twins

The Game: The Tampa Bay Rays spring training struggles continue as they fell to the Minnesota Twins 6-1 on Saturday afternoon at Charlotte Sports Park. Andy Sonnanstine gave up four runs early and the offense was unable to recover, leading to their sixth loss in seven days.

The Twins wasted no time reaching the scoreboard, posting two runs in the first inning. Ben Revere drew a walk to lead of the game. Revere stole second and then later scored an RBI single by Jason Kubel. Kubel would then score on a double by Danny Valencia to give the Twins a 2-0 lead.

The Twins added two more runs in the second inning. Trevor Plouffe singled to get things started. He then stole second bad. Drew Butera followed with a fly ball to left that Johnny Damon lost in the sun, the ball fell to the ground and allowed Plouffe to score. Ben Revere then singled home Butera to increase the lead to 4-0.

The Twins added yet another run in the third inning. Chris Parmelee homered to left to give the Twins a 5-0 lead.

Minnesota posted another run to the scoreboard in the top of the sixth inning. Back to back singles to Butera and Rene Tosoni followed by a walk to Brian Dozier loaded the bases for the Twins. Matt Brown drew a bases loaded walk to score Butera and increase the lead to 6-0.

The Rays picked up their first hit of the ballgame and only run of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. Sean Rodriguez doubled past the diving left fielder Brian Dinkleman to record the Rays first hit of the game to lead off the inning. Rodriguez moved to third on a fly out by Desmond Kennings. John Jaso picked up the RBI and gave the Rays their only run of the game.

Andy Sonnanstine was charged with the loss. Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta, Chris Bootcheck, Chris Archer and Richard De Los Santos each provided a shut-out inning.

RP Top Prospect Watch:
Chris Archer: pitch a shut-out inning with 1 hit, a strikeout and a walk.
Robinson Chirinos: 0 for 1.
Brandon Guyer: 0 for 1.
Desmond Jennings: 1 for 3.

A Look Ahead: The Rays travel to Clearwater to face the Phillies on Sunday. Wade Davis will start for the Rays against Cliff Lee for the Phillies. Cesar Ramos, Jake McGee and Jonah Bayliss are also scheduled to pitch.