The Rays hit against Kyle Gibson and the Minnesota Twins Friday in Fort Myers (Steve Carney / 620WDAE.com)
FORT MYERS (620 WDAE) -- The Tampa Bay rays started off the 2017 Grapefruit League season with a victory, defeating the Minnesota Twins 3-1 Friday at Hammond Stadium.
Tim Beckham was the offensive star of the game, leading off the game with a double, and started the third by tripling and scoring on a base hit by Daniel Robertson for the first run of the night.
"Beck came out swinging everywhere," manager Kevin Cash said after the game. "He looked awesome."
Shane Peterson doubled the advantage in the sixth, following a double by Curt Casali and a single from Luke Maile, as his sacrifice fly scored pinch-runner Michael Marjama. A Patrick Leonard double in the ninth scored Braxton Lee to make it a 3-0 game.
Austin Pruitt threw two scoreless innings, allowing just a single hit and a walk while striking out three. Diego Moreno followed with a scoreless inning of his own, and Jake Faria put up zeroes in the fourth and fifth. Ryne Stanek, Hunter Wood and Jose Alvarado also worked scoreless innings of relief before Jeff Walters allowed a run in the bottom of the ninth, but earned a save finishing off the game.
Tampa Bay will open the home portion of their Grapefruit League schedule Saturday with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. David Carpenter will get the start, taking on Josh Lindblom. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05, with coverage beginning at 12:30 with Countdown to Opening Day.
Listen to manager Kevin Cash's postgame comments below!