Morneau’s hustle helps beat Rays
Justin Morneau hustled to beat out a potential double play and allow the winning run to score in the ninth inning and hit an early two-run homer, leading the Minnesota Twins past the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 Tuesday night.
Ben Zobrist’s pinch-hit homer tied the game in the top of the ninth against Twins closer Joe Nathan (1-0). Zobrist came in from right field for a fifth infielder with one out in the bottom half after reliever J.P. Howell (0-2) gave up two singles and a walk to load the bases.
Morneau hit a grounder to second for an easy force, but the relay was a hair late as the winning run scored. First base coach Jerry White jubilantly jumped in the air, and Morneau coolly tossed his helmet toward the mound as his teammates rushed at him.