The Texas Rangers handed the Minnesota Twins their fourth straight loss, with a 7-2 defeat in a Memorial Day match-up before a Target Field crowd.
The Star Tribune reported that the Twins came out strong, with Trevor Plouffe’s two-out solo home run in the first inning. But Texas scored twice in the second, twice in the fifth and three times in the eighth.
The Associated Press noted that the Twins had its opening day outfield back together for the first time since the first week of the season. Josh Willingham and Oswaldo Arcia were activated from the disabled list after Sunday’s game and started alongside center-fielder Aaron Hicks. Hicks had two singles Monday.
Hicks, 24, a career switch-hitter, informed manager Ron Gardenhire before the afternoon game that he has made the rare decision to only hit from the right side. The Pioneer Press reported that the struggling outfielder has been searching for a solution with Twins hitting coach Tom Brunansky. He has been batting .118 points better on the right side this season (.263 to .145). Hicks said he has been contemplating the move and has been searching for confidence boost.
“Now it’s only one side I have to worry about and that is the side I feel confident on,” Hicks said.
Besides Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino doing it now, Gardenhire said Hicks’ decision doesn’t have much precedent.
“I’ve seen guys shut it down switch-hitting in the minor leagues, but not at the major leagues,” Gardenhire said. “I don’t remember anyone at the major league level.”
Kevin Correia struck out 5, but gave up 4 runs and 7 hits in 7 innings. The Dallas Morning News reported that right-hander Nick Tepesch won his second consecutive start, holding Minnesota to two runs in 6 2/3 innings. Tepesch is 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA for three starts.
The Rangers have won three straight and five of six.
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