It was David Price’s spring training debut for the Boston Red Sox, but it was a pair of Twins pitchers who stole the show Thursday at Jet Blue Stadium in Fort Myers.
Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios took a perfect game into the sixth inning of Thursday’s contest before Boston was finally able to get a baserunner aboard.
Both Twins’ hurlers were outstanding. Santana struck out three in three perfect innings, while Berrios fanned two and surrendered just one hit in his three innings of work.
If you can stand some amateur camera work, you can watch Berrios’ fifth inning.
Jose Berrios just breezed thru his 2nd inning, getting Ortiz, Ramirez and Sandoval in order, striking out both Ramirez and Sandoval
— Mark Rosen (@KFANRosen) March 10, 2016
Santana is a lock to make the Twins’ rotation. He figures to start on opening day in Baltimore April 4. Berrios is a little more of an uncertainty.
The young righty, who is ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect by MLBPipeline.com, is competing with Trevor May and veterans Ricky Nolasco and Tommy Milone for the 5th spot in the Twins rotation.
“He’s trying to state his case,” Twins manager Paul Moltior told reporters after the game. “He’s only a couple of appearances in, but he’d like to be considered. He’s going about his business very professionally for a young man.”
According to 1500 ESPN’s Derek Wetmore, Twins evaluators were curious to see how Berrios would pitch in his second outing after he struggled with his control during his first appearance.
The only hit the 21-year-old allowed Thursday was an infield single to shortstop.
The Twins went on to win the game 8-2.
