Tuesday Night Game Notes

The next time someone says that the Twins (or whichever team) is wasting roster spots by signing minor league free agents and hoping, remind them of Jerome Williams’ performance against the Twins on Tuesday night in LA. Formerly one of baseball’s top prospects (12-13 years ago), Williams has been signed as a minor league free agent several times. He should be proud of his three-hit shutout against the Twins. He had Twins hitters baffled all night (insert joke about how difficult that really is to do, if you choose). Francisco Liriano gave up four runs in 5.1 innings. Torii Hunter again had his number. The Twins lost 4-0, but it was all about Jerome Williams on this night.

Since there is pretty much zero to be positive about with the Twins game, here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Tuesday:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

ROCHESTER 2, EMPIRE STATE 5

The Red Wings were back on the road at home as they played three games in Rochester as the “Visitor” on the scoreboard against the Empire State Yankees (formerly Scranton/Wilkes Barre).

Daryl Thompson was on the mound for the Red Wings and his line was actually better than it looked. And it looked pretty good. Through six scoreless innings, he gave up just one hit. He started the seventh by giving up two hits and was charged with a run. Casey Fien replaced him and gave up a run in 1.1 innings. Tyler Robertson came in and gave up three runs on two hits and a walk in 0.2 innings.

Ben Revere led the offense with a 3-5 day. He doubled for the first time on his AAA season. Brian Dozier was 2-4 with a walk. Rene Rivera was 2-4 with a double and a stolen base.

Rene Tosoni returned to the lineup. He batted third and played in left field.

NEW BRITAIN 6, HARRISBURG 1 (12 Innings)

There were a couple of good stories in this game. First, BJ Hermsen made his AA debut. He gave up a single run in the bottom of the 1^st inning, but that was it. The right-hander gave up just one run on four hits in seven innings. He walked one and struck out five. Blake Martin and Brett Jacobson each pitched a scoreless inning.

Second, Caleb Thielbar came in and pitched two scoreless innings, the 10^th and the 11^th frames. He traveled to New Britain on Monday morning and was fortunate to record the final out of the Rock Cats win that night. He recorded the save on Monday night and thanks to the Rock Cats 12^th inning rally, he recorded a win in his second outing.

Third, Daniel Turpen pitched a scoreless 12^th inning. He walked none and struck out two. Turpen has put together a strong early season as well. Last year, in over 50 innings, he walked 35 and struck out just 33. In 15 innings with the Rock Cats thus far this year, he has 16 strikeouts to go with zero walks.

Fourth, despite little offense through most of the game, the Rock Cats exploded for five runs in the top of the 12^th. Danny Lehmann knocked in what proved to be the game winning run. Later, Wilkin Ramirez doubled in two more runs.

Pedro Florimon was the only hitter with more than a hit. He as 2-6 (And is hitting .290) and stole his sixth base.

FT. MYERS 3, PALM BEACH 9

This game was actually much closer than it appears. Marty Popham started and gave up three runs on nine hits and two walks in 6.1 innings. Edgar Ibarra came in and got out of the 7^th, but he gave up six runs (just two earned) on four hits and two walks. Oswaldo Arcia went 3-4 with his third triple. Jairo Perez went 2-3 with a walk and his third home run. Michael Gonzales was 2-4.

BELOIT – No Game Scheduled

The Snappers enjoyed a day off on Tuesday. Wednesday morning, they’ll make the drive over to Cedar Rapids, IA, for a three-game series.

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Players of the Day for Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Hitter of the Day – Oswaldo Arcia

Pitcher of the Day – BJ Hermsen

(Photo by Thrylos)

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A Look Ahead – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Schedule

Rochester @ Empire State – RHP Cole DeVries

New Britain @ Harrisburg – LHP Andrew Albers

Ft. Myers @ Palm Beach – LHP Pat Dean

Beloit @ Cedar Rapids – RHP Matt Summers

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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!