Arraez’s big game spoils Shane Baz’s debut, leads Twins victory

Venezuelan utility hitter Luis Arraez came up big in crunch time as he recorded his first career grand slam to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 6-5 victory over the retooled Tampa Bay Rays 6-5 on Saturday in Minneapolis.

It was the seventh time for Arraez to register at least three hits in a game this season, improving his average to .367. The 25-year-old has three home runs on his belt, including two in the last three games.

“I just try to hit the ball. Felt really good. When I hit that ball far, it felt amazing,” Arraez said during the post-game interview.

Arraez exploded in the third inning as he homered against the returning Shane Baz, who made his season debut after being sidelined due to an elbow surgery in March.

It was a forgettable party for Baz who allowed five runs in 2 1/3 innings on three hits and three walks.

“After that walk, I’ve got to reel it back in after that. So, nothing felt different. It was just, I think, a matter of making a focus on putting the ball in the zone,” Baz said.