Monday in the Minors

A ten run second inning was more than enough run support for Scott Diamond who won for the 10^th time this season. The left-hander worked the first seven innings and gave up three runs (2 earned). Jeff Gray and Luis Perdomo each threw a scoreless inning.

It was the offense in this game. In that ten-run inning, Josh Willingham hit his 29^th home run. The next batter was Justin Morneau, who hit his 14^th home run. The entire team batted around again, and #6 hitter Ryan Doumit also homered in the same inning. Later, Justin Morneau hit his second home run of the year, his 15^th homer of the season, and the 200^th of his career. Ben Revere went 4-5 to extend his hitting streak to 20 games. Joe Mauer had three more hits, including two doubles.

Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from a quiet Monday night of games in the minor leagues.

ROCHESTER 2, EMPIRE STATE 9[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

After playing 19 innings on Monday night, the one thing that the Red Wings needed was a quality, lengthy start. Left-hander Pedro Hernandez, who came to the organization in the Francisco Liriano trade, made his first start for the Red Wings. It didn’t go so well. The 23-year-old went just two innings and gave up six runs on ten hits. He walked none and struck out two. David Bromberg, who was promoted to the Red Wings for such an occurrence came on and gave the team four good innings. He gave up one run on two hits and three walks while striking out four. Eric Hurley, pitching on a bullpen day, struck out two in the 7^th inning.

Then things got interesting. Matt Carson, who started the game in right field, came in to pitch the 8^th inning. He gave up two runs on one hit and two walks. He gave up a home run. For Carson, it was the first time he pitched in a game since 2009… when he pitched six innings over six games for AAA Sacramento. Then, catcher Rene Rivera pitched the ninth inning. The hard-thrower needed just ten pitches to complete a perfect inning. He struck out one batter, and all ten pitches he threw were strikes. He had not pitched in a game in his career. The last Red Wings position player to pitch in a game was Toby Gardenhire, who worked a scoreless inning in July of 2011.

There was not much offense for the Rock Cats on this night. Wilkin Ramirez went 2-4. Ray Chang drove in both Red Wings runs with his seventh double.

The loss ended a seven-game win streak for the Red Wings. Also, Chris Parmelee, who was named the International League Hitter of the Week, went 0-3 (with a walk) to end his 15 game hitting streak.

NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS

New Britain did not have a game scheduled on Tuesday.

FT. MYERS MIRACLE

There were no games scheduled in the Florida State League.

BELOIT 5, WISCONSIN 3

The Snappers played another very well-rounded game on Monday. 2012 pick, LHP Taylor Rogers started and provided the team with another quality start. He gave up three runs on six hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out seven. Corey Williams came in and gave up two hits and a walk, but no runs, in 1.2 innings. Zack Jones came in and got the final four outs to record his third save. He struck out two.

Nate Roberts again did a great job of setting the table for the Snappers. He went 2-3 with a walk, his tenth double and 17^th stolen base. AJ Pettersen hit his 10^th double. Eddie Rosario drove in two runs and hit his 24^th double. Stephen Wickens went 1-2 with two walks and his third stolen base. Miguel Sano hit his 23^rd home run.

ELIZABETHTON, DANVILLE

They just can’t seem to get the rain to stop in the mountains of Tennessee. These teams were supposed to play a doubleheader on Tuesday night, but due to more inclement weather, these two games have been cancelled.

GCL TWINS 3, GCL RAYS 4

Kuo-Hua Lo started for the Twins. He threw four shutout innings and gave up just one hit. He walked none and struck out four. Anthony Slama came in and made his first appearance since breaking his fibula. He gave up one run on two hits and a walk in 1.2 innings. He struck out three. Yorman Landa came in and gave up three runs (2 earned) on two hits and three walks in 2.1 innings. He struck out two.

The Twins bats managed just six hits. John Murphy hit his eighth double. In his first game in the Twins organization, Jeremias Pineda went 1-4 with his 15^th stolen base. He is now hitting .416.

---

Players of the Day for Wednesday, August 6, 2012

Hitter of the Day – Nate Roberts

Left: Timothy Dalton in the late-70s mini-series Centennial.

Right: Nate Roberts walking in from stretching.

Pitcher of the Day – Kuo-Hua Lo

---

A Look Ahead – Tuesday, August 7, 2012 Schedule

Rochester vs Empire State – RHP Liam Hendriks

New Britain @ Binghampton (2 games) – TBD

Ft. Myers vs Jupiter – RHP Madison Boer

Beloit vs Wisconsin – RHP Tyler Jones

Elizabethton @ Johnson City – LHP Hein Robb

GCL Twins vs GCL Rays – TBD

---

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!