Dateline: Browns Chapel
On a pleasant Spring afternoon, the Reds went on the road to face the American league leading Twins. Nick walked, Ian single and Mason smashed a shot to right to score a run. Mason got his first start of the year and had some initial control problems as he walked the bases loaded. He settled down and induced two consecutive ground outs to Garrett at second, but two runs scored. Unfortunately, a two out single scored two more and the Twins led 4-1 after one.
Alec led off with a sharp single to left and Garrett followed with a groundout to short. Sean drilled as single to right and Michael singled to score Garrett. Mason pitched nicely in the second, but a walk and an error resulted in two runs. Mason settled down and struck out two of the last three batters. After two the Twins led 6-2.
The Reds came storming back in the third. Four consecutive singles by Juan, Nick, Ian and Mason scored a run. Garrett singled to score another. Sean then smashed his second hit of the day to score two more and tie the score. Reds fans rejoiced. Nick came on in the third and a few walks and misplayed balls resulted in four runs for the Twins. After three it was 10-6 Twins.
In the fourth, Michael got his second hit of the day. After two strikeouts, Juan Nick and Ian singled to score Michael and Juan. With runners at first and second Mason strolled to the plate. He was intentionally walked to load the bases. The next batter struck out and the inning was over. After four, it was 10-8 Twins. Garrett came on and after an initial double and an walk, settled down to strike out two of the next three batters. Unfortunately, two runs scored and the Twins led 12-8. The Reds went down quietly in the fifth and the game ended Twins 12 Reds 8.
Coach Grossman said, “Our guys played well against the first place team tonight. We need to work on being ready before each pitch as we still made some rough plays in the infield, but we’ll get better as the season progresses. Coach Goldstein said “I’m looking forward to Saturday — we are getting better with each game.”
