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MN Weather Makes Things Interesting For Target Field Preps

By John Lauritsen, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Twins didn't play at Target Field Friday, but the Gophers did against Purdue. Although it was nice for fans to see green grass after a long winter, it is debatable what kind of shape the field will be in when the Twins play April 8.

Gopher fan John Larson was just happy to see the green grass Friday.

"You're outside, grayscale and overcast, and then you see that green grass, and it feels like baseball has started in Minnesota," he said.

Although it reached 40 degrees Friday, in the stands it felt closer to 25 or 30 degrees. The weather had Target Field groundskeeper Larry DiVito concerned about the Twins home opener.

The field was kept at 34 degrees all winter and then dialed up to about 50 in March. However, a potential snowfall on Sunday could make playing conditions a little more interesting for Twins game next Friday.

"We have to cover the infield, which puts stress on that, " DiVito said. "The outfield not being covered is handling it pretty good."

Ideally, DiVito doesn't want to cover the infield this time of year, but fear of a snowstorm would make it necessary. Keeping a well-groomed infield is key for minimizing player injuries. DiVito said that they will dial up the field temperature this week and that should help with whatever weather comes Sunday.

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