MINNEAPOLIS -- Folk heroes have been born as a result of less than this.
Tristan Gray, a 30-year-old journeyman, hit his first career grand slam on Friday, securing a 10-4 win for the Twins over the Rays in their home opener. In four games, Gray has eight RBIs already this year, two shy of his Major League career total entering the season.
Gray’s blast capped a rollercoaster seventh inning for the Twins, a frame that started when Byron Buxton was removed after being hit on the right arm by a pitch. Rather than crumbling, though, the Twins rallied. James Outman, who pinch-ran for Buxton, stole a base and scored the go-ahead run. Minnesota added two more runs on bases-loaded walks before Gray put the game out of reach.
It was his fifth RBI of the day, following a sacrifice fly earlier in the game. Gray also had a two-run double and an RBI single in the Twins’ third game of the year.
Gray likely wouldn’t have even started Friday if not for Brooks Lee’s illness. Lee, the Twins’ primary shortstop, did not play Thursday and again Friday, making way for Gray to start.