Twins batter McDonald, Pirates

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — James McDonald could use another tuneup.

McDonald allowed 10 runs, seven hits and seven walks in just 3 2-3 innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates lost the Minnesota Twins 11-6 Thursday.

“Just a bad day,” McDonald said. “I didn’t have my good stuff and I left the ball up the zone. Sometimes, these days happen. Luckily, it was a spring training game, rather than have it happen in August, September or next week when it counts.”

Brian Dozier and Brian Dinkelman hit two-run homers for the Twins, who had 15 hits. Dozier went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, and Dinkelman was 3-for-3 with four RBIs.

Twins left-hander Matt Maloney, starting for the first time in spring training after seven relief appearances, gave up one run and four hits in three innings. He might move to the rotation if Scott Baker (sore right elbow) or Jason Marquis (away from camp following his daughter’s bicycle accident) is not ready for the start of the season.

“It’s kind of the same role I was in last year, so I’m ready for it,” Maloney said. “I know I can throw a couple innings when they need me to or I can come in and face one hitter. I’ll take my innings as they come.”

Tags: sports, twins, baseball, mlb