The Minnesota Twins sent 10 batters to the plate in the first inning yesterday, taking advantage of some sloppy play by the Orioles and a poor performance from starter Eric DuBose, and coasted to an 11-3 victory.
Michael Restovich capped a seven-run first inning with a grand slam. His at-bat came after the first of two errors by Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada.
With the game still scoreless, the Orioles botched a rundown between third base and home that should have produced the second out. The next six batters reached on a single, double, single, error, homer and single.
DuBose got through the next two innings unscathed, but Michael Cuddyer hit a three-run homer off him in the fourth to give the Twins a 10-3 lead.
Nine of the 10 runs off DuBose were earned. He allowed 11 hits in four innings.
Sammy Sosa hit a two-run homer in the second inning and Larry Bigbie added a bases-empty shot in the third to account for the Orioles' scoring. Both players have three homers this spring.
Who's hot
B.J. Ryan: Take away one bad outing against the Washington Nationals, and this guy is untouchable.
Todd Williams: Still hasn't allowed a run this spring, but is there room in the bullpen?
Who's not
Eric DuBose: They must have a different strike zone in Alabama, too.
Miguel Tejada: The bat was solid, but the glove needed some caulk.
Injury report
Larry Bigbie returned to the lineup for the first time since being scratched from Tuesday's lineup with a strained muscle in his neck. ... Williams entered in the fifth inning after missing most of last week with a viral infection.
Orioles today Opponent: Florida Marlins
Site: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Time: 1:05 p.m.
