The Twins had a much needed day off on Thursday after being shutout in back-to-back games at the hands of the Angels including being no-hit by Jered Weaver (Who they will get to face against at Target Field in his next start). Hopefully the players were all able to get a day away from baseball in Seattle!

Weather affected a couple of the Twins affiliates, but here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Thursday:

ROCHESTER 4, EMPIRE STATE 3

The Red Wings got just enough offense, some great bullpen work and a much-needed win.

The Red Wings offense had not scored more than three runs in their last seven games. Darin Mastroianni led the way. He went 3-5 with his fifth and sixth stolen bases. Ben Revere celebrated his 24^th birthday by going 2-4 with a walk. Aaron Bates was 2-4. Brian Dozier was 0-2, but he walked three times.

Luke French made his first start for Rochester. The 26-year-old gave up three runs on four hits in five innings. He walked two and struck out four. Jeff Manship came in and threw 3.1 hitless, scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out four. Anthony Slama came in and got the final two outs, both via the strikeout. Manship got the win, and Slama recorded his fifth save. He now has 20 strikeouts in 12 innings.

The win ended an eight-game losing streak for the Red Wings. They had also lost four straight games to Empire State.

NEW BRITAIN 4, HARRISBURG 5

The Rock Cats ended a road trip with a one-run loss. Steve Hirschfeld got the start and gave up four runs (3 earned) on nine hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out three. Brett Jacobson gave up a run in his inning. Blake Martin walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning.

James Beresford went 2-3 with a walk. Chris Herrmann gave the Rock Cats a 2-0 lead two batters into the game with his third home run. Wilkin Ramirez is playing as if he would like to get an opportunity to be the Twins right fielder. He went 3-5 in this game.

FT. MYERS 0, PALM BEACH 5

On Thursday afternoon, the Miracle concluded a series with Palm Beach. Madison Boer made his first Florida State League start. He gave up five runs (3 earned) on eight hits in 5.2 innings. He walked three and struck out one. Jose Gonzalez went 2.1 scoreless innings and gave up only a walk.

The Miracle bats remained frozen. On this day, they had just three hits. Lance Ray was 1-2 with two walks. Oswaldo Arcia was 1-3 with a walk.

BELOIT – Game at Cedar Rapids suspended.

Rain caused a rain delay in the 3^rd inning of this game, and later the game was suspended with the Snappers leading 2-1.

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Players of the Day for Thursday, May 3, 2012

Pitcher of the Day – Jeff Manship

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Hitter of the Day – Darin Mastroianni

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A Look Ahead – Friday, May 4, 2012 Schedule

Rochester @ Empire State – LHP Scott Diamond (vs Ramon Ortiz)

New Britain vs Portland – LHP Logan Darnell

Ft. Myers vs Lakeland – RHP Jhon Garcia

Beloit @ Cedar Rapids – LHP Steven Gruver

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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!