Twins Minor League Report (8/24): Kernels Clinch

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 5, Scranton/WB 4

Box Score

A lot of Rochester's future is in their own hands. They took that fact to heart on Sunday as they mounted a four-run bottom of the eighth inning to crawl past the RailRiders. Doug Bernier went 1-for-3 and his two-run double put the Wings on top for good. Daniel Ortiz cracked his eighth home run of the season, his first since July 27.

Lester Oliveros continued his run of scoreless innings over the last 11 games, not having given up a run in his last 19.2 frames. Tyler Duffey started and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks over four innings. It was the first time since June 4 that he didn't make it through five innings.

With a week's worth of games left in the regular season, the Red Wings are 1.5 games back of the wild card leaders Buffalo and Pawtucket. They have two games remaining with both teams so they can forge their own destiny.

ROCK CATS REVIEW

New Britain 12, Altoona 0

Box Score

Pat Dean was masterful in this game as he scattered three hits over eight shutout innings. He struck out three and walked two. It was his eighth victory of the season. He hadn't pitched more than seven innings in any start this season. Cole Johnson helped complete the shutout by striking out one in an inning of work.

The Rock Cats offense gave Dean plenty of run support. Reynaldo Rodriguez crossed the 20-home run plateau with a two-run shot in the 6th inning. Corey Wimberly had three hits including his 11th double. Kyle Knudson scored twice and hit a couple doubles. The only starters to remain hitless were Nate Hanson and Tony Thomas.

MIRACLE MATTERS

Fort Myers 2. Charlotte 5

Box Score

D.J. Baxendale surrendered five earned runs on eight hits as he was charged with his third loss of the season. It was his third straight outing of less than five innings and he has not won a game since he won three straight starts at the beginning of July. Nick Burdi made his fifth appearance for the Miracle and he has yet to allow a run. He has nine strikeouts over five innings pitched, with one walk allowed.

Adam Brett Walker continues to hit home runs. He reached base in three of his four plate appearances and hit his 25th home run of the season. He's also up to 93 RBIs on the season. The second place hitters in those categories have 19 homers and 78 RBIs. Dalton Hicks had the only other extra-base hit for Fort Myers. His 24th double set up one of the team's two runs.

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 6, Quad Cities 8

Box Score

Even though the Kernels didn't win this game, a loss by Peoria meant the Kernels still clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive season. Cedar Rapids will play either Burlington or Kane County in the opening round.

Cedar Rapids strung together three straight singles to take an eighth inning 5-4 lead but the River Bandits stole the lead back in the bottom of the frame and held on for the win. J.D. Williams was a perfect 3-for-3 and he reached base four times. Chad Christensen knocked in four runs with his 23rd and 24th doubles of the season. Engelb Vielma scored twice and added his 13th double of the year.

Hudson Boyd took the loss after giving up three earned runs on three hits. He struck out one and walked one. Mat Batts got the no-decision after he pitched 4.2 innings, allowing three earned runs with four strikeouts. It was the first time since July 2 that he didn't make it through five innings.

E-TWINS E-NOTES

Elizabethton 10, Bristol 4 (Game 1- 7 Innings)

Box Score

Seven runs in the last two innings helped separate the E-Twins from the Pirates. Nick Gordon went 4-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base. He was caught stealing one time and got picked off once. Jorge Fernandez and Tyler Mautner collected three RBIs apiece. Mautner had two extra-base hits, a double and a home run.

Keaton Steele earned his second victory after he replaced John Curtiss. Steele struck out two over two innings while allowing one run. Curtiss made it four innings and gave up three earned runs. Dereck Rodriguez struck out the side as part of a perfect final frame.

Elizabethton 1, Bristol 0 (Game 2- 7 Innings)

Box Score

After the 14 runs scored in the first tilt of the doubleheader, this game took on quite a different feel. The teams found themselves in a pitcher's duel with neither team being able to muster much offense. Bristol out-hit Elizabethton six to two but it wasn't enough. Trey Vavra hit a double to drive in the lone run of the game.

Randy LeBlanc earned his first professional victory, throwing five shutout frames, striking out seven and walking none. C.K. Irby struck out five over the final two frames to complete the shutout. It was his second save of the year.

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Pat Dean, New Britain Rock Cats

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Chad Christensen, Cedar Rapids Kernels

MONDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Scranton/WB @ Rochester (6:05 CST) – Alex Meyer (Listen)

New Britain @ Binghamton (5:35 CST) – Taylor Rogers (Listen)

Ft. Myers @ Bradenton (5:30 CST) – Brett Lee (Listen)

Cedar Rapids @ Quad Cities (7:00 CST) - Stephen Gonsalves (Listen)

Elizabethton @ Bristol (6:00 CST)- Michael Cederoth

GCL Rays @ GCL Twins (11:00am CST) – TBD