**Yankees Fall to Twins 5-4 in Spring Training Thriller**
The Yankees’ Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday was a rollercoaster, nearly ending in a tie before a wild pitch and a walk-off single handed the Twins a 5-4 victory. Despite the loss, there were plenty of standout moments for the Yankees, particularly from some of their younger players.
The game started with a bang as **Ben Rice** smashed a 111-mph single in the top of the first inning—the hardest-hit ball of his career. Rice, who claims he’s hitting the ball harder than ever, could be a key piece for the Yankees, especially with uncertainty surrounding **Giancarlo Stanton’s** future.
In the second inning, **Everson Pereira** showcased his power with a 370-foot home run off Twins starter **Simeon Woods Richardson**. Pereira, who turns 24 in April, has shown promise in the minors but needs to prove he can translate that success to the majors. A strong spring could make him a valuable bench option for the Yankees.
The Twins took the lead with home runs from **Ty France** and **Harrison Bader**, but Yankees starter **Carlos Carrasco** held his own, throwing 65% of his pitches for strikes over two innings. His performance offered a glimmer of hope for the Yankees’ pitching depth.
The Yankees tied the game in the fifth inning thanks to an RBI from Rice, followed by a home run from **Dom Smith**—a moment that brought joy to fans of the longtime fan favorite. However, the Twins reclaimed the lead with a homer from **Matt Wallner**, and **DaShawn Keirsey Jr.** sealed the win with a walk-off single in the ninth.
Despite the loss, top prospect **Spencer Jones** continued to impress, notching a double and a walk. While he struck out once, his ability to put the ball in play and draw walks has been encouraging early in spring training.
The Yankees, now 1-3 in Grapefruit League play, will look to bounce back Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. **Will Warren** is set to make his spring debut, aiming to secure a spot in the Yankees’ bullpen for 2025. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM Eastern at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
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