Twins blow early lead, lose series to Orioles

(Baltimore, MD/Minnesota News Network) — The Minnesota Twins blew an early 4-0 lead and lost at Baltimore yesterday 8-6. Minnesota shortstop Tristan Gray tripled home three runs to cap off a four-run second inning and give the Twins a 4-0 lead. Minnesota starter Bailey Ober then allowed three runs in the fourth innings on a homer from Baltimore’s Tyler O’Neill and was removed from the game to start the fifth. Usual starting pitcher Mick Abel was placed in the game as a “piggy-back” situation and he allowed five runs over the next three-and-a-third innings to take the loss. Royce Lewis homered to tie the game in the seventh, but Abel couldn’t keep Minnesota out front. Abel’s insertion into the game was pre-planned to keep him on mostly normal rest for his first start of the season. The move was needed because Minnesota has a couple of off days early in the year. The Twins collected 12 hits in the loss to drop to 1-2 on the year. Minnesota will open a four-game road series at Kansas City today. First pitch is 3:10 P-M in what is the home opener for the Royals.