It was a terrific pitcher’s dual through five-and-a-half innings. In fact, Carl Pavano was one out from getting out of the bottom of the 6^th inning. Then came a blooper and an error. The Rays had a 3-0 lead, made it 4-0 later, and despite a late run for the Twins, they fell 4-1 to the Rays. In reality, after the Rays got the lead, thing were not pretty for the Twins. Jamey Carroll committed his first error. Danny Valencia misplayed a ground ball. Jeff Gray inexplicably did not allow a run in the 8^th despite having zero control. Tomorrow is another day, and the Twins will hope that we get to see good Francisco Liriano against the Rays’ Jeff Niemann.

Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Saturday:

ROCHESTER, LEHIGH VALLEY - Postponed

The Red Wings game was postponed by rain on Saturday afternoon, so these two teams will play a double-header on Sunday afternoon.

NEW BRITAIN 4, NEW HAMPSHIRE 1

Lefty Andrew Albers was again tremendous in his start against New Hampshire on this night. He gave up just one run on five hits in seven innings for the Win. He walked none and struck out seven. Bobby Lanigan struck out two in hit two scoreless innings.

The Rock Cats got plenty of hits in this game. Estarlin de Los Santos (playing LF) went 2-5. Chris Herrmann had his fifth and sixth doubles in five at bats. Evan Bigley went 2-4 with a walk. Pedro Florimon was 2-4 with his second double. Aaron Hicks was 2-3 with a walk and his first triple.

The Rock Cats improve to 12-5.

FT. MYERS MIRACLE 8, BRADENTON 6

Down 6-1 going into the top of the 8^th, the Miracle put together a miraculous comeback. They scored two in the eighth. Then in the top of the ninth, they scored three runs. Danny Santana drove in one with a triple, then Levi Michael drove him in with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. The game went to the 10^th and the Miracle offense continued. Dan Rohlfing drove in the go-ahead run with a single, and then Lance Ray doubled him in for an insurance run. The bullpen held and the Miracle came away with a very nice win.

Marty Popham was on the mound to start. He gave up three runs on six hits and three walks in five innings. He struck out five. Tony Davis came in to start the sixth. He faced four batters and gave up two hits and two walks. Three runs scored were charged to him. Ricky Bowen threw two perfect innings in relief. Then Caleb Thielbar struck out six, walked just one and gave up no hits in his three scoreless frames.

Levi Michael went 2-4 in the game and drove in three runs. In the first inning, he hit his first career home run. Danny Santana was 3-5 with his first triple. Josmil Pinto remains hot. He had another 3-5 game.

The Miracle broke a four game losing streak and are now 7-8 on the season.

INJURY NOTES – The Miracle put Danny Rams and Manuel Soliman on the Disabled List, and they activated RHP Miguel Munoz.

BELOIT 5, SOUTH BEND 8

It was seven-run fifth inning that did in Matt Summers and the Snappers. The big right-hander gave up eight runs on five hits, four walks and two hit batsmen in 4.1 innings. Matt Tomshaw came in and threw 2.2 scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out one. Nelvin Fuentes then gave up two runs in the eighth inning.

The Snappers got plenty of base runners, but they were unable to make up for the one inning. Tyler Grimes was 1-3 with a walk. Miguel Sano was 1-3 with a walk and his second stolen base. Eddie Rosario was 0-1 but walked his first three plate appearances. Wang-Wei Lin was 2-2 with two walks and his first triple.

The Snappers fall back over .500 at 8-8.

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Players of the Day for Friday, April 20, 2012

Hitter of the Day – Levi Michael

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Pitcher of the Day – Andrew Albers

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A Look Ahead – Sunday, April 21, 2012 Schedule

Rochester vs. Lehigh Valley (DH) – LHP Scott Diamond, RHP Daryl Thompson

New Britain vs New Hampshire – RHP David Bromberg

Ft. Myers @ St. Lucie – RHP Miguel Munoz

Beloit @ West Michigan – RHP Madison Boer

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If you have any questions or comments on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and I’ll try to answer them!