The Twins fell to 0-2 in Grapefruit League play after losing to the Rays in ten innings, 10-7 on Sunday. Minnesota trailed 7-2 in the ninth, but a three-run home run from Brandon Boggs capped a five-run inning and sent the game to extra innings.
The story of the game was the debut of prospect Kyle Gibson, who is hoping to secure a spot in the Twins starting rotation. Gibson pitched two innings. He allowed one hit, struck out two and was clocked at 96 mph on the radar gun.
Joe Mauer said Gibson’s fastball felt like it was “more like 106” mph. Gibson looked good enough to get manager Ron Gardenhire to joke that he’s not going to let him pitch again this spring, “just to be safe.” The 2009 first-round draft pick is on a strict pitch count as he is on his way back from Tommy John surgery.
