Twins Minor League Report (5/30): Power Surge

It is a rarity when the Minnesota Twins get a win because of a home run. That was the case though for the hometown nine Thursday night. It was a rarity that occurred several times down through the Twins farm system as there were several big home runs. The Twins got four homers in their win over the Brewers. The Red Wings hit four home runs in their game. The Miracle got three home runs, including a huge, late-inning one. The Kernels had a significant home run in each game of their double header. Of course, you’re going to have to keep reading to find out the specifics.

Check out what happened in the Twins minor league system on Thursday:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

Rochester Red Wings 13, Lehigh Valley IronPigs 10

Box Score

In his most recent starts, Kyle Gibson had done something that he had not done to that point. He put together two straight good starts. Could he make it a third? Well, he did extend his scoreless innings streak to 20 but after that, the wheels fell off. He gave up three runs in the third inning, and by the time his afternoon was over, he had given up six earned runs on eight hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out six. Aaron Thompson got three outs. Anthony Slama’s 2013 struggles continued. He recorded just one out in the eighth inning and was charged with four runs (3 earned) on three hits and a hit batter. His season ERA is now 17.28. Michael Tonkin came on to make his AAA debut. He threw two pitches and gave up a two-run single before being replaced by Tyler Robertson who got the final two outs of the inning. Shairon Martis came on and gave up one hit in a scoreless inning.

Fortunately, the Red Wing bats showed up on this day. Oswaldo Arcia ended an 0-14 stretch since his return to Rochester. He went 4-5 with his third double and fourth home run. Dan Rohlfing went 3-4 (and is now hitting .800 in his two AAA games!). Eric Fryer went 2-3 with two walks. Like the Twins, the Red Wings hit four home runs in this game. Along with Arcia, Clete Thomas (9^th), Jeff Clement (7^th) and Deibinson Romero (1^st) each homered.

New Britain Rock Cats 2, Richmond Squirrels 1

Box Score

This game took less time than a Cedar Rapids rain delay tonight. The pitchers' duel was completed in two hours and 21 minutes. Pat Dean started and gave up one run on five hits in seven innings. He walked none and struck out three. Blake Martin struck out two in the 8^th inning. AJ Achter came on for the 9^th frame. He gave up two hits but no runs to record his second save.

There was very little offense in this one. The Rock Cats had six hits. However, Danny Ortiz went 2-3 and drove in both runs.

Ft. Myers Miracle 7, Bradenton Marauders 4

Box Score

The Miracle continue finding ways to win. This was yet another come-from-behind win. Jason Wheeler got the start. The lefty gave up four runs (2 earned) on six hits. In seven innings, he walked two and struck out four. Ryan O’Rourke is back from the DL and continues to play the role of Vulture. He came into the game with the team down a run. Immediately the Miracle came back. He threw two scoreless innings and improved his record to 5-0.

Eddie Rosario went 2-4 with his 12^th double. Angel Morales hit his fifth homer. Levi Michael hit his second homer. Down 4-3 going into the bottom of the 8^th inning, the Miracle scored four runs that inning. The big blow was a three-run blast by Kennys Vargas. Vargas was 2-4 in the game and the Miracle are now 38-14.

Looking at the box score, Miguel Sano was removed from the game and replaced by Stephen Wickens. Announcer Brice Zimmerman suspects it was because after the ball got away from the catcher after his second strikeout, Sano did not run down the line. This is similar to the reason Eddie Rosario was benched about a week ago. Doug Mientkiewicz and the Twins are (and should be) sticklers for doing things right, whether you are a star or not. It will be interesting to see if Sano plays on Friday.

Game 1 - Cedar Rapids Kernels 5, Clinton LumberKings 3

Box Score

This was a comeback game in a couple of ways. First, after four innings, this game had a significant rain delay. Nearly three hours later, the teams returned to the field. Tyler Duffey threw four shutout innings before the delay. He had given up five hits, walked none and struck out five. When the game resumed, Steve Gruver came on. He gave up three runs on five hits and a walk in 1.1 innings. He left the game with runners on and the team down 3-2. Alex Muren came on and threw one pitch. That was all he needed to get a ground ball double play.

In the bottom of the 6th, Tyler Grimes launched a three-run homer to give the Kernels the lead. The timing made Muren a winner with that one pitch. David Hulbut relieved in the 7^th to get the save.

Byron Buxton went 2-3 with a walk and his 24^th stolen base and was thrown out for the ninth time. Adam Walker added his fifth triple.

Game 2 - Cedar Rapids Kernels 3, Clinton LumberKings 2

Box Score

Hein Robb had to wait through that extended first game to make his Midwest League debut. The southpaw from South Africa went the first three innings. He gave up two runs on four hits and a walk. He was replaced by Tyler Jones who gave up a hit and three walks in two scoreless innings. Josue Montanez worked the final two innings and recorded a strikeout to end the game.

Dalton Hicks hit a double and twice drove in Byron Buxton. However, it was yet another big home run that was the difference-maker. This time, it was Travis Harrison. The third baseman hit a deep home run to center field in the fourth inning to give the Kernels the 3-2 lead that they were able to hold on to. It was Harrison’s ninth home run of the year. The Kernels are now 33-19 after the double-header sweep.

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