The Twins extended their winning streak to four by beating the Brewers in extra innings today. (#ITSHAPPENING?) Ben Revere and Trevor Plouffe played big parts. Drew Butera finally found a bat that feels right in his hands.

But that’s not what we’re here for, so let’s check out the system on this Saturday:

ROCHESTER 6, GWINNETT 4

Cole DeVries got something tonight he hadn’t gotten yet this year – run support. DeVries, who picked up his first win, went eight innings, allowing six hits, four runs (all earned) and struck out six, walking none.

DeVries had been cruising through eight (facing only one more than the minimum) and came out in an attempt to get the complete game. That stanza started with single, single, triple and then he got the hook.

Anthony Slama – and all his mustache power – came in and retired all three batters he faced (allowing his inherited runner to score) to notch his eighth save. Slama’s numbers are absurd: 20 IP, 32 K, 1 ER (0.45 ERA). His walks (12) have always been an issue, but he’s only allowed 11 hits this year! His biggest problem might just be the fact that the big league bullpen has been really good and doesn’t have a need.

The bats were also alive, notching 14 hits. Chris Parmelee, finally getting his first taste of AAA this week, went 3-for-5 with a double and a run. Wilkin Ramirez, Danny Valencia and Rene Rivera all had two hits. Pedro Florimon added a triple and – sit down for this – Tsuyoshi Nishioka contributed his first American home run – a 2-run blast in the fourth.

NEW BRITAIN 3, READING 2

The Rockcats didn’t earn a run tonight, but they did get a win.

Aaron Hicks had a big game going 2-for-4, with a double. His biggest contribution came in the 9^th when he stole second with two outs. Getting into scoring position allowed him to score on an error when Mark Dolenc hit a grounder to the third baseman; that run proved to be the game-winner.

Chris Herrmann also contributed two hits (one double) and the team’s lone RBI.

Andrew Albers was solid through 6 innings, allowing nine hits, but only two runs. He struck out three and walked one. The bullpen combo of Bobby Lanigan, Blake Martin and Luis Perdomo pitched the final three innings. They allowed no hits, struck out two (both Lanigan) and Perdomo got all three of his outs by ground balls.

FT. MYERS 2, BREVARD COUNTY 7

I’m not going to sugar-coat the ineptitude of Madison Boer. He didn’t make it out of the fourth (again), but did pitch enough to give up nine hits, seven runs and two walks. In another sign of how bad things are, he didn’t strike out any. At this point, I would be stunned if he made his next scheduled start. The phantom DL or Beloit would be more likely destinations.

Jose Gonzalez rebounded nicely after his last outing. He got seven outs – four by strikeout. Matt Hauser allowed two hits and a walk in two innings, striking out two.

The bats – especially those of the guys we’d expect (or hope?) to do well: Michael, Arcia and Morales – didn’t do much. Danny Ortiz hit his first home run for the Miracle. Andy Leer (both doubles) and Josmil Pinto had two hits. Lancy Ray also had a double. The trio of Michael, Arcia and Morales went 0-for-12 with 4 Ks.

BELOIT 6, BURLINGTON 9

The Snappers lost their second straight (after a six-game winning streak).

Miguel Sano continued his tailspin going 0-for-4. He’s now batting .152 over his last ten games. What’s still encouraging is that he’s only struck out five times over that span.

The Snappers scored all six runs in the third inning, but no Snapper had more than one hit or one run. Kyle Knudson had a 2-run home run and Jonathan Goncalves added two RBI. Eddie Rosario had a stolen base and Goncalves and Drew Leachman successfully pulled off a double-steal of 2^nd and home, respectively.

Starting pitcher Steven Gruver left after only one innings (three hits, walk, run), but no word (yet) on why. A.J. Achter, who has been very successful this year, pitched the next four innings. He struck out four while allowing five hits and two runs.

The wheels fell off for Ryan O’Rourke. He gave up three hits, two walks and five runs (four earned) over 1 2/3 innings. He did strike out three while earning the blown save/loss. Corey Williams walked two, striking out one, while allowing one unearned run in 1 1/3 innings.

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Players of the Day for Saturday, May 19, 2012

Pitcher of the Day – Cole DeVries

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Hitter of the Day – Chris Parmelee

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(images from dylanheuer.com)

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A Look Ahead – Sunday, May 20, 2012 Schedule

Rochester vs Gwinnett – LHP Luke French (0-0, 6.75)

New Britain at Reading - RHP Steve Hirschfeld (2-4, 3.28)

Ft. Myers at Brevard County – RHP Jhon Garcia (0-5, 4.01)

Beloit at Burlington – RHP Tim Shibuya (2-1, 2.25)

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