Mauer returns from absence, gets 2 hits for Twins
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Minnesota star Joe Mauer is hitting in March like, well, an MVP.
Mauer got two hits in his return from a four-day absence Tuesday, and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Twins 3-1.
The 26-year-old catcher had been out while resting a sore right shoulder, the result of a stray foul tip. He said all along there was no reason for concern.
The three-time AL batting champion and reigning MVP is hitting .600 this spring.
Mauer was replaced by Drew Butera, who had an RBI groundout and is competing to make the opening day roster as a backup catcher while Jose Morales recovers from wrist surgery.
Twins opening-day starter Scott Baker threw four shutout innings, before Chad Moeller put the Orioles ahead with a two-run homer in the sixth against reliever Clay Condrey.
Moeller, the front-runner to back up young star Matt Wieters, was drafted by the Twins in 1996 and made his major league debut with them in 2000.
Wild sign UMass sophomore center Casey Wellman
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Wild have signed center Casey Wellman to a two-year contract.
The deal was announced on Tuesday.
After trying season, Smith rewarded with NCAA bid
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
AP Sports Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tubby Smith thought he had seen just about everything in his 19 years of coaching basketball.
Wild extend home win streak over Oilers to 13
ST. PAUl, Minn. (AP) — Chuck Kobasew scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and the Minnesota Wild beat the Edmonton Oilers for the 13th straight time at home, 4-2 on Tuesday night.
» Full StoryPenn St. in postseason for 1st time in 5 years
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — The Penn State Lady Lions see a berth in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament as their chance for redemption.
» Full StoryPredators edge Flyers in shootout
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Although it took longer than the Predators would have liked, the result was worth the wai.
» Full Story
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