Twins Get Strong Outing From Santana, Beat Phils

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Joe Mauer hit his first home run of the spring and the Minnesota Twins beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-1 Saturday.

Mauer hit a two-run drive to right field. The three-time AL batting champion has spent extra time working off a tee with hitting coach Tom Brunansky, often focusing on getting the lefty-hitting Mauer to pull the ball hard to right.

Mauer hasn't hit more than 11 homers in a season since 2009, when he hit 28 and was the AL MVP.

Twins starter Ervin Santana pitched six innings, allowing an earned run and five hits, with no walks while striking out two. His signature slider wasn't behaving, but he was still able to slice his spring ERA to 2.57.

Twins outfielder Shane Robinson, in camp on a minor league deal, went 3 for 4 and appears poised to win a reserve spot.

Phillies starter Jerome Williams gave up six runs on nine hits and two walks in four innings.

The Twins also made some major roster moves Saturday. According to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger, Aaron Hicks and  Eddie Rosario were sent to Triple A Rochester, as was pitcher Trevor May.  Tommy Milone will become the team's 5th starter as Mike Pelfrey will apparently start the season in the bullpen.