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Moriarty9 · 03-10-2009, 08:06 PM

Pedro fans 12 in opener
Devil Rays sting Twins in 7-2 win

MINNEAPOLIS — The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have started the 2000 season on a high note as Pedro Martinez led the team to a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day.

Martinez gave up two runs on four hits and two walks over eight innings, striking out 12 Minnesota batters.

"He really looked good, looked like the same guy who went out and won the Cy Young last year," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "With any luck he goes out and does this 30 more times this summer."

Offensively, veteran Rickey Henderson continually set the table in the leadoff spot, drawing four walks. Henderson went 0-for-1 with four walks and two runs scored.

"Rickey did what he's done for so many years," O'Neal said. "He gets on base, distracts the pitcher, changes the pitcher's gameplan, and gives his team a chance to win."

Carlos Beltran picked up two hits, including a RBI double, while Benny Agbayani went 3-for-4 with a solo home run.

In his Devil Rays debut, Tony Graffanino went 1-for-3 with a run and a RBI as the second baseman, batting seventh. Thirdbasemen Ed Sprague and Tim Naehring will wait another day to make their Tampa Bay debuts as neither made the starting lineup due to past performances against Twins starter Dave Burba.

03-10-2009, 08:06 PM	#189 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,858 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Pedro fans 12 in opener Devil Rays sting Twins in 7-2 win MINNEAPOLIS — The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have started the 2000 season on a high note as Pedro Martinez led the team to a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day. Martinez gave up two runs on four hits and two walks over eight innings, striking out 12 Minnesota batters. "He really looked good, looked like the same guy who went out and won the Cy Young last year," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "With any luck he goes out and does this 30 more times this summer." Offensively, veteran Rickey Henderson continually set the table in the leadoff spot, drawing four walks. Henderson went 0-for-1 with four walks and two runs scored. "Rickey did what he's done for so many years," O'Neal said. "He gets on base, distracts the pitcher, changes the pitcher's gameplan, and gives his team a chance to win." Carlos Beltran picked up two hits, including a RBI double, while Benny Agbayani went 3-for-4 with a solo home run. In his Devil Rays debut, Tony Graffanino went 1-for-3 with a run and a RBI as the second baseman, batting seventh. Thirdbasemen Ed Sprague and Tim Naehring will wait another day to make their Tampa Bay debuts as neither made the starting lineup due to past performances against Twins starter Dave Burba.