MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jeffrey Springs threw two-hit ball into the sixth inning, Randy Arozarena stole two bases after twice getting hit by pitches and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 6-0 Sunday.
Springs (3-2) continued his impressive transition to the starting rotation. He struck out five and walked two in 5 1/3 innings against a Twins team that had scored a combined 15 runs in winning the first two games of the series.
“Jeffrey Springs set the tone, so that was really encouraging,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. “Really appreciated his entire body of work today to limit a very good offense. Offensively, we did some good things, put some pressure on a younger pitcher, so encouraged by that.”
Arozarena was hit by a pair of pitches twice and visibly upset with Minnesota starter Cole Sands. Arozarena then stole two bases and added an RBI double.
Arozarena said the stolen bases were revenge for getting hit.
“I think it gave me a little bit of energy,” Arozarena said through an interpreter. “When you get hit by a pitch, you lose your at-bat. So, at least I can steal a base and today I was able to steal two bases and still be able to base run correctly. Even though it hurt, you still got to be able to play the game and be part of it and be aggressive, even though you got hit by a pitch.”
Kevin Kiermaier hit a solo home run and posted multiple hits for the third straight game for Tampa Bay, which heads to New York for a key series with the Yankees.
Sands (0-3) struggled again, giving up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. He’s surrendered 13 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings in his first three career starts.
“I think I’m taking steps forward,” Sands said. “I’ve just got to do a better job of controlling the running game, and then just the free passes — those were the two…
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