Morneau says he’s ready and proves it with three RBI
Posted on April 4th, 2009 – 1:38 PMBy Joe Christensen
FORT MYERS, FLA. — Twins first baseman Justin Morneau had three RBI in two at-bats today against Pittsburgh and pronounced himself ready for Monday’s season opener.
Morneau, who hadn’t played since last Monday because of back stiffness, scored Denard Span on a bouncer to first base in the first inning and sliced a two-run double down the left-field line in the third.
Manager Ron Gardenhire began pulling his regulars that inning, so Brian Buscher pinch-ran for Morneau, who returned to a dugout, where teammates greeting him with fist bumps and high fives.
Morneau said the three RBI didn’t matter.
“The results I was worried about was not feeling like I was afraid to let it go, or afraid to swing hard,” Morneau said. “Change-up first at-bat, low and over the plate, I swung and felt good.”
His double came on a pitch low and away.
“Those are the ones I was afraid were going to bother it,” he said. “And nothing, so … I’m good to go.”
Morneau batted .395 (15-for-38) this spring with three homers and 10 RBI.




