Twins Spring Training Kicks Off with a Win Over Golden Gophers
FORT MYERS - Baseball is back in Minnesota, as the Twins took the field Friday night for a game that, while not counting towards the Grapefruit League, gave fans a taste of the action to come. The Twins secured a victory over the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers, with Zebby Matthews taking the mound first, followed by Cole Sands.
The Gophers' pitchers faced a diverse lineup featuring seasoned veterans like Josh Bell, Kody Clemens, and Gio Urshela, alongside promising prospects such as Emmanuel Rodriguez, Henry Mendez, and Gabriel Gonzalez. Walker Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper also saw some action as substitutes, showcasing the depth of talent in the Twins' roster.
While individual stats from the game might not hold much significance, the atmosphere was undeniably electric. A picturesque sunset set the stage at the half-full Hammond Stadium, creating a perfect backdrop for the evening. Matthews delivered with intensity and seemed in good form-a promising sign for the season ahead.
Looking forward, the Twins will officially kick off their Grapefruit League schedule with a home game against the Boston Red Sox, featuring Joe Ryan as the starting pitcher.
Ownership Insights
New Twins executive chair Tom Pohlad has been making his presence felt in Fort Myers, spending time with the team, management, and media. His message is clear: he’s committed to being hands-on, aggressive, and focused on winning this year. While some fans remain skeptical due to the Twins' historically lower spending compared to other MLB teams, Pohlad’s active involvement signals a potential shift in strategy.
As the season unfolds, Twins fans will be watching closely to see if Pohlad’s vision translates into success on the field.