FORT MYERS (620 WDAE) -- The Tampa Bay Rays saw Ryan Yarbrough pitch two scoreless innings in his first Grapefruit League start and second spring appearance, while minor-leaguer Nick Solak's RBI ground out proved to be the difference as the Rays edged the Minnesota Twins 3-1 Wednesday at Hammond Stadium.
Yarbrough allowed just one-hit, a single by Byron Buxton, in his two frames, striking out one. Buxton had both Minnesota hits on the afternoon, adding a solo homer in the fifth off Matt Andriese to give the Twins their only run.
Tampa Bay started the game with two straight hits, as Micah Johnson and Christian Arroyo each singled to center. C.J. Cron was then robbed of extra bases by Eddie Rosario and after Ryan Schimpf flew out to right, Willy Adames legged out an infield single that allowed Johnson to score the first run of the game.
The Rays extened their lead in the fourth as Solak's ground ball allowed Daniel Robertson, who had walked and moved to third on a single by Jason Coats, to come home for a 2-0 lead.
Justin Williams gave Tampa Bay some breathing room in the eighth with an RBI single that scored Nick Ciuffo.
The Rays finished with 11 hits on the afternoon, all singles, with three coming off Arroyo's bat.
Yonny Chirinos worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of Yarbrough, while Chaz Roe, Jose Mujica, Vidal Nuno and Forrest Snow provided the final four innings in perfect fashion, including Nuno striking out the side in the eighth.
Tampa Bay returns home for the first of two straight games at Charlotte Sports Park, as the Baltimore orioles return for the second time in three days. Jake Faria is scheduled to make his second spring start, taking on Nestor Cortes Jr. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05.
Listen to comments from manager Kevin Cash, Yarbrough and Arroyo by clicking below!