Kendrys Morales had a two-run double in the fifth inning to help Minnesota Twins rookie right-hander Yohan Pino earn his first major league victory, 4-2 over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.
Morales, who played for the Mariners last season, came up with two outs and runners on first and second. He lined his double over center fielder James Jones’ extended glove. Both runners scored without a throw.
Pino worked five innings to earn the victory in his fifth big league appearance. Throwing 100 pitches, he allowed one run and seven hits, walked two and struck out four. Following the game, Pino was sent back to TripleA Rochester to make room for lefty Kris Johnson who will start Friday’s game in Colorado.
Glen Perkins worked the ninth to pick up his 22nd save in 25 opportunities.
Tom Wilhelmsen, who never had more than a three-inning outing in his career, made his first major league start after 191 relief appearances for the Mariners. He worked 2 2-3 innings, allowing two runs, one hit and three walks with three strikeouts.
