Coomer Double Threat for Twins

Ron Coomer capped a three-run eighth-inning rally with an RBI single off closer Billy Taylor, then preserved Minnesota’s 3-2 victory over Oakland Tuesday with a spectacular grab that started a double play in the ninth.

Coomer’s feats lifted remarkable rookie Joe Mays to his fourth victory in five decisions since joining the Twins’ rotation last month.

“I don’t know what to expect with Taylor. He’s got a good sinker or a fastball. It’s one or the other,” Coomer said. “He threw me a slider on the first pitch and I didn’t exactly crush it. It’s one of those 55 bounces through the infield. Let’s call it good placement.”

Coomer, the designated hitter, replaced Doug Mientkiewicz at first base in the ninth, relished his defense more than his offense.

“That was better than my hit,” he said. “Eddie Guardado threw strikes and he got a ground ball and good things can happen with ground balls.”