Twins Minor League Report (4/13): Palka Provides The Power

TRANSACTIONS

As you now know, Glen Perkins was placed on the disabled list, while Taylor Rogers received his first promotion to the big leagues.

Expect Stephen Wickens to be removed from Rochester’s disabled list on Thursday.

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 7, Lehigh Valley 6

Box Score

In a back and forth game, it came down to whoever had the last at-bat. Fortunately, the Red Wings were the home team and got to bat last. Reynaldo Rodriguez singled to the gap to score Buck Britton with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Tyler Duffey made his second start, and for the second time, he was unable to complete five innings (though the first time was due to rain). Duffey flirted with danger the first four innings but was able to get out of those innings unscathed. However, in the fifth inning, a couple of runs crossed the plate. In all, Duffey went 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on six hits. He walked four and struck out four. He needed 96 pitches.

He was replaced by Loek Van Mil who gave up a soft single to right to score the second run. He went 0.2 innings and gave up one run on three hits and two walks. Buddy Boshers relieved him and got the next five outs. He was charged with one run on three hits. Brandon Kinzler got the final two innings and gave up two runs in the top of the ninth.

Along with his game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth, Rodriguez went 3-5 with his first double. Lead off hitter Darin Mastroianni went 3-4 with a walk and a double. Wilfredo Tovar went 2-3 with a walk and a double. James Beresford went 2-4.

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 5, Jackson 2

Box Score

A couple of big flies help the Lookouts to their first home win of the 2016 season.. Dalton Hicks got the scoring started in the 4th inning with a long, two-run, opposite field home run. When Jackson cut the lead to one, Daniel Palka pushed the lead back to two in the 6th inning with his first home run of the year. In the 8th inning, Travis Harrison knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly. Later Dalton Hicks added another RBI, singling in a run.

Hicks was 2-4 with his first home run and three RBI. Hicks also stole his first base of the year, matching his career high which he also hit in 2012, 2014 and 2015. Palka had a big game. He went 3-4 with his second double to go with his first home run. Mitch Garver was also 2-4.

DJ Baxendale got the start and was credited with his first win of the year. The right-hander gave up just one run on seven hits and a walk in five innings. He struck out three. Brett Lee came on and gave up one run on two hits over two innings. Brandon Peterson struck out two in a perfect inning. Marcus Walden pitched a perfect ninth for his first save of the year.

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 3, Brevard County 0

Box Score

In his first start of the season, Stephen Gonsalves gave up a three-run homer in the first inning. He proceeded to throw five scoreless frames after that. On Wednesday, he made his second start and threw six shutout innings. The lefty gave up just two hits, walked three and struck out four. That is 11 consecutive scoreless innings, if you’re counting.

Another left-hander, Luke Westphal came in for the 7th and struck out the side. Righty Trevor Hildenberger worked two scoreless innings to record the save. Hildenberger needed just 16 pitches to get through the two innings.

Nick Gordon again led the way on offense. The shortstop went 3-4 with a double and drove in a run. The Miracle had seven total hits. Trey Vavra had the only other extra base hit, a double.

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 1, Kane County 4

Box Score

The Kernels were unable to muster much offense. LaMonte Wade had two of their four hits in this game, raising his season batting average to .385. Jermaine Palacios had the lone extra base hit, a double. He scored later on a sacrifice fly from Zander Wiel, who also walked once.

Randy LeBlanc made his second start. The right-hander from Tulane went the first six innings. He gave up just two runs on four hits. He walked two, hit three and struck out six. Logan Lombana pitched the seventh and gave up two runs on four hits and a walk. John Curtiss came on for the eighth inning and struck out one in a perfect inning.

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Stephen Gonsalves, Ft. Myers Miracle

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Daniel Palka, Chattanooga Lookouts

THURSDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Rochester @ Buffalo (1:05 CST) - LHP Pat Dean

Jackson @ Chattanooga (6:15 CST) – LHP David Hurlbut

Brevard County @ Ft. Myers (12:00 CST) – RHP Kohl Stewart

Clinton @ Cedar Rapids (1:15 CST) – RHP Andro Cutura

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss the Wednesday games.