PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — Sean Rodriguez had two hits and scored twice, and Justin Ruggiano hit a two-run triple Wednesday to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 5-2 exhibition victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Luke Hughes, who had three straight extra-base hits for the Twins, homered in the fifth inning off Rays starter James Shields. It was the only run in five innings off Shields, who has been named Tampa Bay’s Opening Day starter.
Rays closer Rafael Soriano pitched one shutout inning in his debut, striking out the first two Twins he faced.
Twins starter Glen Perkins gave up five hits and three runs in 2 1-3 innings.
Rodriguez, a rookie who is hitting .433 with five home runs, also made a spectacular catch in center field, robbing Denard Span of an extra-base hit in the third.
