Donaldson goes yard in debut, Twins top Rays 8-4

Josh Donaldson sent off fireworks in his 2021 Grapefruit League debut, connecting on a three-run blast in the third inning of the Minnesota Twins’ 8-4 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Donaldson, who is sporting a new blonde hair cut this spring, went 1 for 2 against the Rays.

The rain? He brought it. ☔@BringerofRain20 // @Twins pic.twitter.com/Ahgyw2zfrA

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) March 7, 2021

Lewis Thorpe got the start for Minnesota and dazzled Tampa Bay, striking out the side in the first inning. Alex Colome had his best outing of the spring, whiffing two batters and holding the Rays scoreless in the third.

Also homering for the Twins on Sunday was Keon Broxton, who is emerging as a candidate to fight for the Twins’ fourth outfielder role. Broxton sent a pitch into orbit for a three-run dinger in the seventh inning.

The only Twins player to collect multiple hits was outfielder Kyle Garlick, who went 2 for 2 with two RBI.

Minnesota returns to the field at 12 p.m. Tuesday to battle the Baltimore Orioles at Hammond Stadium. The game will be televised on FOX Sports North.