[Originally published at Twins Fan From Afar]

The New Britain Rock Cats defeated the Portland Sea Dogs tonight 10-5. Despite the lopsided score, this game actually took 11 innings to produce a winner. The sides were knotted at 5 runs until the Rock Cats exploded for 5 runs in the 11th inning, and then shut down the Sea Dogs in the home half to secure the victory.

For all the runs tonight, New Britain only accumulated 9 hits (they also walked 5 times). Big producers tonight included shortstop Pedro Florimon, who hit his first home run of the year, and drove in 2 runs. Chris Colabello had the most important hit of the night: a 3 run game-tying home run (his second of the season) in the top of the ninth inning with two outs. On the evening, Colabello also had a double and a 4th RBI. Quite a night for the first baseman! Right fielder Evan Bigley had 3 singles and a walk tonight, in 4 at-bats, and also scored 2 runs, pushing his batting average to .311. Deibinson Romero, Estarlin De Los Santos and James Beresford also had hits for the Rock Cats. New Britain sent 10 men to the plate in the decisive 11th inning.

Lefty Andrew Albers got the start for New Britain, lasting 5 innings, and giving up 8 hits, 4 earned runs, and striking out 4 while issuing no free passes. The bullpen, however, was better. Although reliever Brett Jacobson gave up a run in one inning of work, Blake Martin pitched a scoreless 7th, and Luis Perdomo and Daniel Turpen each pitched 2 scoreless innings, with Turpen picking up the win in extras. Aaron Hicks was hitless tonight, but did have an outfield assist, nailing a Sea Dogs runner at third base. Martin (on a pickoff) and Florimon each committed their first errors of the season.

This is now the 5th consecutive win for the Rock Cats, pushing their impressive record to 9-3. They are also undefeated on the road, which is good for any team looking to gain confidence early in the season. They'll be back in action tomorrow night -- same time, same channel.

I am glad for Colabello. Now if Dolenc is removed from that lineup (promoting Angel Morales would help), it could be potent. I am hopeful for Evan Bigley to turn it around this year.

Remind me again where Colabello came from, please. Morales is tearing it up in Ft. Myers; would be cool to see him promoted after it warms up a bit. I know the popular belief is the Twins sold low on Slowey, but this Turpen kid looks alright.

Thanks for the write up.

Slowey took the loss in AAA last night. Maybe the Twins actually got what he was worth in the trade?

Colabello is 28 years old. From 2005 through 2011 he played for the Worcester Tornados (in Massachusetts). They are actually part of the Canadian-American Association independent league. So this is his first year in affiliated baseball, as far as I can tell. And he's doing well. Too old to be a top prospect? Probably. Fun to watch? Yes.

From what I saw in person (last week), Turpen had good velocity. I think he got it up to 92, and that's when it was about 43 degrees out. I'll let you know what I see from him this weekend.