Twins defeat Hunter, Angels

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Apr 1, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS -- With Torii Hunter watching from the other side, Carlos Gomez made a strong first impression in Minnesota.

Gomez formally replaced Hunter as the center fielder and raced around the bases, giving Livan Hernandez and the Twins enough offense to beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 Monday night with a snowstorm swirling outside the Metrodome.

The only one of four prospects fetched from the New York Mets in the Johan Santana trade who made the opening-day roster, Gomez went 2-for-3, stole two bases and scored two runs. He trotted home with the tiebreaking run in the fifth on a single by Michael Cuddyer against Jered Weaver.

Hunter went 0-for-4 in his return to the Metrodome, striking out on a high fastball by Joe Nathan in the ninth.

Royals 5, Tigers 4 (11)

DETROIT -- Tony Pena Jr. hit a two-out, tiebreaking single in the 11th inning and Kansas City beat Detroit.

Indians 10, White Sox 8

CLEVELAND --Casey Blake hit a three-run double in the eighth inning to give the Indians a season-opening win over Chicago.

Indians All-Star catcher Victor Martinez was taken for an MRI on his left hamstring, which he injured while running the bases.

Rays 6, Orioles 2

BALTIMORE -- Tampa Bay's James Shields pitched seven innings of five-hit ball, Eric Hinske homered, and the Rays coasted to a victory over Baltimore.

Mariners 5, Rangers 2

SEATTLE -- After Erik Bedard left his Mariners debut, the Seattle offense woke up. Adrian Beltre hit a go-ahead groundout in the sixth inning, Jose Lopez had a two-run double in the seventh, and the Mariners beat Texas.

Yankees-Blue Jays ppd., rain

NEW YORK -- The final opening day at Yankee Stadium was postponed because of rain, pushing New York's game against the Toronto Blue Jays to tonight, previously an off day in the series.