Alex Presley made general manager Terry Ryan look awfully good today in his first game as a member of the Minnesota Twins, collecting three hits in the leadoff spot of Minnesota’s 4-2 win over Texas this afternoon in Arlington.
Presley, who was acquired in the Justin Morneau trade yesterday, singled to right in his first at-bat, and Minnesota got seven strong innings from Kevin Correia (9-10) in the blistering Texas heat to take the rubber game from the Rangers. Twins play-by-play man Dick Bremer called it “the most unlikely series win of the year” after the Twins took two of three from Texas.
In addition to Presley’s impressive performance, call-up Josmil Pinto got his first major league hit, an RBI double in the Twins three-run fifth, while racking up two knocks of his own and serving as the Twins backstop while Joe Mauer continues recovery from a concussion.
Jared Burton took the eighth inning after Correia was removed from the ballgame, and gave up a solo homer to former Twins catcher AJ Pierzynski, but bore down and picked up his 24th hold of the year.
Closer Glen Perkins pitched a dominant ninth to pick up his 32nd save of the season. Texas starter Travis Blackley took the loss for the Rangers, not making it out of the fifth and giving up three of the Twins four runs.
Minnesota stays in Texas for a three game series against Houston beginning tomorrow at 1:10 p.m. Andrew Albers will be on the mound for Ron Gardenhire’s club, Houston throws Paul Clemons, who will make his second career start.
