Maeda makes spring debut, Twins lose 5-2 to Rays

Kenta Maeda made his 2021 Grapefruit League debut in the Minnesota Twins’ 5-2 loss in seven innings to Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Getting the start, Maeda cruised through two innings and whiffed three hitters while not allowing a walk or a hit.

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Tampa Bay scored three runs off right-hander Hansel Robles in the third inning, and added another pair of runs in the fourth with reliever Taylor Rogers on the mound.

The Twins got on the scoreboard in the third inning, with Tzu-Wei Lin scoring from third base on a Byron Buxton sacrifice fly. Trailing 5-1, Minnesota added another run in the sixth inning when Keon Broxton and Lin executed a double steal. Tampa Bay catcher Blake Hunt sailed a throw over second base, and Broxton trotted home to trim the Rays’ lead to three.

Tyler Duffey worked one inning for the Twins, fanning two batters and allowing one hit but no runs.

Minnesota returns to the field at 12 p.m. Friday for a clash against the Atlanta Braves.

The Twins will be back on FOX Sports North on Sunday for another tilt vs. the Rays.