The Twins lost on Saturday afternoon to Max Scherzer and the Detroit Tigers. Justin Morneau’s ninth home run tied the game at two in the second inning. Unfortunately, in the top of the 5^th, Carl Pavano gave up six straight hits (5 singles and a double) and gave up four runs. Denard Span cut the lead to 6-3 with his first home run of the season, but that was it. The Twins were able to get no closer and lost 6-3.

Span had a double and the home run. Ben Revere went 3-4 in the game. However, the rest of the lineup managed just three hits. The Twins tied a club record with 16 strikeouts in the game. Josh Willingham led the way with for strikeouts. Brian Dozier and Drew Butera each had three. On Sunday, the Twins will send PJ Walters to the mound in hopes that he can duplicate his last outing, a complete game. The bullpen could use that. Walters (2-1, 2.95 ERA, 0.94 WHIP) will face RHP Rick Porcello (3-4, 5.29 ERA, 1.47 WHIP).

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

ROCHESTER 2, GWINNETT 4

Luke French got the starting nod for the Red Wings on Saturday afternoon. The left-hander gave up two runs on four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out six. Deolis Guerra took the loss. He gave up two runs on two hits and a loss in two innings.

Michael Hollimon went 3-4 with his third home run of the season. Sean Burroughs went 2-3 with a walk.

Following the game, Jeff Manship learned he was being promoted to the Twins. He was scheduled to start for the Red Wings on Sunday afternoon. The team may need to have a bullpen game.

NEW BRITAIN 3, PORTLAND 4 (Completion of Suspended Game)

As mentioned yesterday, Andrew Albers threw four scoreless innings on Friday night before the game was suspended due to fog. Brad Thompson came on when the game was resumed on Saturday afternoon. The righty gave up two runs on five hits in 2.2 innings. He walked none and struck out three. Daniel Turpen gave up two runs on five hits and two walks in one innings. He struck out two. Bobby Lanigan came in and got the final out.

Matt Rizzotti was 3-4 with his second double in the game. Chris Colabello hit his seventh home run.

NEW BRITAIN 3, PORTLAND 4 (Regularly Scheduled Game)

The regularly scheduled game started well for the Rock Cats. Evan Bigley launched a big, three-run home run in the top of the first inning gave the team a 3-0 lead. Unfortunately, the homer was one of just two hits the team had in this game.

Steve Hirschfeld started and gave up three runs on six hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out five. Luis Perdomo came in to start the bottom of the 7^th inning. He got two outs, but he couldn’t get the third out before allowing the winning run. He gave up two hits and walked one.

FT. MYERS 6, PALM BEACH 5

Danny Santana came into the game as a pinch hitter for Jairo Perez who was hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the 9^th. Oswaldo Arcia attempted a bunt on the first pitch to him, but three pitches later he hit a double down the right field line. Santana raced to 3B, and when the cutoff play was bobbled, Santana headed toward home with the walk-off win.

The game was delayed, so it didn’t even start until just after 9:00 eastern time. The game finished minutes after midnight on Sunday morning. Jhon Garcia got the start and gave up two runs on three hits in three innings. He walked two and struck out five. He left with an apparent elbow injury although details are not yet known. Edgar Ibarra gave up three runs on four hits and three walks in 3.1 innings. He struck out three. Ricky Bowen came in and went the final 2.2 innings without giving up a run, a hit or a walk. He struck out three and gets the Win.

Arcia led the offense with his 12^th and 13^th doubles. Michael Gonzales went 1-2 with two walks and a two run homer, his fourth of the year in the fifth inning. In the sixth inning, Lancy Ray hit a solo homer, his sixth of the season. The Miracle had seven hits, walked seven times and twice reached after being hit by a pitch.

BELOIT 1, KANE COUNTY 5

The Snappers lost the first game of their road trip on Saturday night. Adam Bryant went 2-4 with his seventh double. Miguel Sano was 1-3 with a walk, his tenth double and fourth stolen base. He also committed his 16^th and 17^th errors.

Lefty Steven Gruver started for the Snappers and gave up five runs (just one earned) on four hits and four walks in three innings. He struck out three. Australian righty Tim Atherton made his Snappers debut and threw three perfect innings, with four strikeouts. David Hurlbut struck out two in two scoreless innings.

Matthew Tomshaw was placed on the 7-Day Disabled List, with Atherton taking his roster spot.

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Players of the Day for Saturday, May 26, 2012

Pitcher of the Day – Tim Atherton

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Hitter of the Day – Michael Hollimon

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A Look Ahead – Sunday, May 27, 2012 Schedule

Rochester @ Gwinnett – TBD (Jeff Manship was to start, but he’s been promoted)

New Britain @ Portland – LHP Logan Darnell

Ft. Myers vs Palm Beach – LHP Pat Dean

Beloit @ Kane County – LHP Jason Wheeler

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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!