Saturday in the Park

On Saturday afternoon, the Twins offense jumped all over Jeff Samardzija, scoring eight runs in the first four innings. Joe Mauer returned to the lineup after missing four games with a sprained thumb. He was 3-4 with his 13^th double. Trevor Plouffe went 2-4 with his sixth double and ninth home run. He drove in four runs. Justin Morneau, Denard Span and Ben Revere each had two hits in the game, as the Twins beat the Cubs 11-3, and won for the ninth time in their last 11 games. Scott Diamond improved to 5-1 and reduced his ERA to 1.61 with six scoreless innings.

Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Friday:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

ROCHESTER 2, INDIANAPOLIS 0

When Liam Hendriks was sent down to Rochester at the end of April, it was because he was showing a lack of confidence and getting hit pretty hard. Since his return to the minor leagues, Hendriks has regained that confidence, and continued to improve his stuff. The hard-worker has had one rough start, and on Saturday night, he was at his best. Facing Indianapolis, Hendriks improved to 5-0. He went 8.2 innings (on out shy of a complete game) and gave up no runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out ten. His ERA dropped to 1.94. Lester Oliveros, who would clearly be the next reliever in line to come up to the Twins when there is a need, recorded the final out for his fourth Rochester save.

As you would expect by the score, the Red Wings bats were pretty quiet too. They scored their two runs in the top of the 7^th inning. The inning began with walks to Danny Valencia and Wilkin Ramirez. Then Matt Carson was hit by a pitch. Valencia scored on a ground out t to first base by Clete Thomas. Next, Ramirez scored on a single by Rene Rivera. That was the offense. Thomas was 2-4 with atriple. Valencia was 1-3 with a walk. Ramirez was 1-2 with two walks.

NEW BRITAIN 6, ERIE 0

The Rock Cats bats scored six runs on 16 hits, but when a team throws a shutout, we are going to start with the pitching. Andrew Albers improved to 3-1 with six shutout innings. He gave up five hits, walked none and struck out four. Bruce Pugh came in and walked two in a scoreless inning. Caleb Thielbar struck out three over the final two innings.

Chris Herrmann led the offense by going 4-5 on the day with his 15^th double. Evan Bigley was 3-5 with his 10^th and 11^th walks. Chris Colabello was 3-4 and provided the big blast, a three-run homer in the eighth inning that gave the bullpen some extra insurance. Nathan Hanson was 2-4 with his sixth double. James Beresford was 2-5.

FT. MYERS 2, PALM BEACH 3

After being unable to play thanks to rain since Wednesday, the Miracle finally just moved on, to Palm Beach, and played a solid game. Pat Dean started for the Miracle and threw four innings of shutout baseball. He gave up two hits and walked and struck out none. Then Tom Stuifbergen came in for his first appearance due to shoulder issues. In the fifth inning, he got the first two batters out. However, four straight singles later, the game was tied at two. He recorded the first out of the sixth inning, but then next batter drilled a line drive off of his leg. He left the game at that point. He was charged with that run, which scored later. Jose Gonzalez recorded four outs. Then Dakota Watts got the final four outs. He struck out two.

The Miracle managed just five hits. Oswaldo Arcia was 1-2 with a walk and his 15^th double. Josmil Pinto hit his first triple. Angel Moracles was 1-3 with a walk and a stolen base.

BELOIT 0, WISCONSIN 4

In games against these two teams, the top two teams in the Midwest League West division, the Timber Rattlers have now won three out of four to take the division lead. The Snappers had just five hits in the game. Nate Roberts and Drew Leachman were each 2-4. Leachman hit his third double.

Milwaukee native Tyler Jones started for Beloit. He gave up three runs on four hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out nine. Ryan O’Rourke gave up only an unearned run in two innings. He gave up three hits and an intentional walk, and he struck out three.

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Players of the Day for Saturday, June 9, 2012

Pitcher of the Day – Liam Hendriks

Hitter of the Day – Chris Herrmann

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A Look Ahead – Sunday, June 10, 2012 Schedule

Rochester @ Indianapolis – RHP Cole De Vries

New Britain @ Erie – RHP BJ Hermsen

Ft. Myers @ Palm Beach – LHP David Hurlbut

Beloit @ Wisconsin – TBD

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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!