Rain wiped out two of the four Twins minor league affiliates. It rained much of the day in Boston, but the Twins and the Red Sox were able to get the rubber game of their series in. Rain also caused a delay in Jupiter, Florida, but the Hammerheads and the Miracle were able to finish their game.

Miguel Sano returned to the Miracle lineup on Thursday night, but he was helped out by three players who were working in Extended Spring Training just a week ago. Somehow, the Miracle just keep winning! On Friday, The New Britain Rock Cats and the Cedar Rapids Kernels will each play a double header, so tomorrow night’s report will be a little longer.

Rochester Red Wings 2, Toledo Mud Hens 12

Box Score

It’s been a tough go for Liam Hendriks in his time with the Red Wings this year. On Thursday, he gave up six runs on 11 hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out three. He was replaced by Daniel Turpen who did not record an out. He gave up four runs (3 earned) on three hits. He was replaced by Michael O’Connor who gave up two runs on two hits and two walks in… one inning. Virgil Vasquez came on and threw two perfect innings.

Nate Hanson got the start in right field. He went 2-3 with a walk and his second double. Jeff Clement was 2-4. Chris Colabello hit his ninth double.

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Hanson was in right field, with Joe Benson in center and Chris Herrmann in left. Clete Thomas may miss a couple of games with a groin injury. Evan Bigley was put on the Disabled List earlier in the day with a sprained wrist. Danny Lehmann was promoted to Rochester where he will serve as a backup catcher. This will allow Herrmann to play out in the outfield.

New Britain Rock Cats, Portland Sea Dogs

This game was postponed by rain. A makeup date has not yet been determined. These two teams are already playing a doubleheader on Friday from a previous weather postponement. Cole De Vries will be making his second rehab start, his first with the Rock Cats.

Ft. Myers Miracle 8, Jupiter Hammerheads 0

Box Score

The Miracle improved to 26-7 on this night, and how the team is doing it is beyond me. Miguel Sano returned to the lineup on Thursday night after missing. He had a good day at the plate, but he was helped by a group of players who have been added to the Miracle roster from across the parking lot, at Extended Spring Training.

Sano was 2-4 with a walk in his return. However, Jonathan Murphy went 3-5 with his second double. Joel Licon, in his first game with the Miracle, also went 3-5 with a double. Aderlin Mejia was 2-3 with a walk, his third double and his second stolen base. A week ago, those three were toiling in anonymity on the back fields in Ft. Myers. This week, they’re helping one of the best minor league teams continue to win.

Tom Stuifbergen started for the Miracle. He gave up two hits in two shutout innings. Then the rains came, and delayed the game long enough that Stuifbergen was replaced. Cole Johnson was brought into the game and he continued what he’s done all year. He threw three shutout innings and gave up just two hits. He struckout four (and walked none) to reduce his ERA to 1.06. Dakota Watts went two scoreless innings and gave up just one hit. Corey Williams gave up two hits and a walk, but he provided two scoreless innings as well.

Cedar Rapids Kernels, Quad Cities Bandits

The game was rained out. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader starting at 5:00 on Friday. Outfielder JD Williams has not played since Saturday. In a text message with Kernels manager Jake Mauer, he said, “JD tweaked his groin, should be good tomorrow.”

Please feel free to comment or ask questions below.

Thanks Seth. Not many games but you made it interesting.