A 12th straight loss to Tampa Bay was beginning to look likely when the Twins rode Josmil Pinto’s 8th inning three-run homer to a 6-4 victory over the Rays at Target Field Sunday.
The Twins wrapped up a 10-game homestand that was pretty forgettable overall. But they saved the most exciting part for last, scoring six runs in the 7th and 8th innings to pull out the win for a 3-7 finish to the homestand.
For awhile the Twins were in danger of not only failing to win but failing to score in the three-game series with Tampa Bay. After back-to-back Rays shutouts Friday and Saturday, the Twins were scoreless again until Chris Parmalee drove in two runs in the 7th. In the 8th a Ryan Doumit solo homer preceded Pinto’s winning blast.
Manager Ron Gardenhire tells the Star Tribune Pinto is a hungry player trying to show the team he belongs on their 2014 roster.
The need for his services for the remainder of the current season seems assured, especially since catcher Joe Mauer’s concussion symptoms continue. The Twins said Sunday Mauer will miss at least the start of their road trip that begins Monday in Chicago.
While the Twins think about next year, Tampa Bay is focused on next month. Sunday’s blown save and loss by reliever Joel Peralta hurt the Rays’ effort to hold onto a playoff spot and bring October baseball back to St. Petersburg.
