Rosario's 10th HR puts rookie in rarefied air
Twins outfielder has double-digit homers, triples, doubles, steals
MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins left fielder Eddie Rosario joined rare company with his solo homer in the third inning against the Tigers in Wednesday's 7-4 loss in 12 innings, as he became the first rookie with at least 10 homers, 10 triples, 10 doubles and 10 stolen bases in a season since Hanley Ramirez in 2006.
Rosario jumped all over a 2-1 fastball from Tigers lefty Daniel Norris for a solo blast to right field for his 10th homer of the year. Rosario entered the game tied for the Major League lead in triples with 12 to go along with 17 doubles and 10 stolen bases. He also has recorded 15 outfield assists.
"For me, it was the goal," Rosario said. "I tried to hit 10 homers and 10 triples. So it feels good."
Rosario became the 18th rookie dating back to 1901 to reach double-digits in homers, triples, doubles and stolen bases, joining Rookie of the Year winners such as Ramirez (2006), Nomar Garciaparra (1997) and Gary Matthews Sr. (1973), according to baseball-reference.com. Other notable rookies to accomplish the feat include Jimmy Rollins (2001), Juan Samuel (1984), Joe Morgan (1965), Minnie Minoso (1951), Earl Averill (1929) and Tony Lazzeri (1926). He's also the sixth rookie to do it with at least 10 outfield assists and the first since Matthews in '73.
He's also the first player in the Majors to reach those figures this year, but fellow rookie Kevin Kiermaier is two homers away from joining him. San Francisco's Hunter Pence was the lone player in the Majors last year to reach double-digits in those four categories.
Video: DET@MIN: Rosario sprawls out in gap for sliding catch
Additionally, Rosario became the ninth player in Twins history to record at least 10 homers and 10 triples in a season and the first since Cristian Guzman did it with 10 homers and 14 triples in 2001.
He also had a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh and went 2-for-3 at the plate with an intentional walk and two RBIs.
"I tried to help the team in a big situation with a runner on third base," Rosario said. "I just tried to hit the ball and it was good for the team."
Video: DET@MIN: Rosario singles home the lead run in the 7th