Wednesday Night Game Notes

I know that most Twins bloggers (myself included) were not a big fan of the Twins signing of Jason Marquis. I get that. However, if you can’t appreciate the emotions that he must have gone through tonight in his first start in Yankees Stadium, in his first start with the Twins, in his first big league start since his daughters ghastly bicycle accident, then I’m really sorry! So, he gave up three runs in the first inning after the Twins scored four in the top of the first. He gave up four runs in five innings and is credited with the Win. All I can say is good for him. And good for Brian Duensing and Jared Burton and Matt Capps. And Justin Morneau hit two home runs. And Josh Willingham’s late double extended his hitting streak. And the Twins have beaten the Yankees again. All is good!

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

ROCHESTER 0, EMPIRE STATE (formerly SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE) 2

In a game that took less than two hours to complete, the Red Wings bats were held in check and it took just one key hit against them to turn the game to a loss. Cole DeVries was terrific in this game. He threw six shutout innings to start the game. He came out for the seventh and gave up three hits. The third was a two-run single off the bat of Steve Pearce (yes, the same guy who spent part of spring training with the Twins). That was about it for the game. Brendan Wise threw a scoreless eighth inning.

The Red Wings got the sixth double of the year from Matt Carson and a single from Tsuyoshi Nishioka. Those were the only two hits. Joe Benson had an eventful game. He had the Red Wings lone walk. He had an outfield assist. He was also ejected late in the game after a strikeout. The home plate umpire called him out on a check swing. Benson argued that he should have at least requested the opinion of the first base umpire.

After DeVries efforts, the Red Wings starting staff has an ERA of 2.76 in 75 innings this season!

It looks like Carlos Gutierrez could be out for an extended time period after learning that he has a strain in his labrum. He will head to Ft. Myers to rehab. Also headed to Ft. Myers will be Brian Dinkelman to get more work in as he is on the Disabled List with a hand injury.

NEW BRITAIN 1, PORTLAND 2

The Rock Cats got a great start from Steve Hirschfeld again. The big right-hander threw seven shutout innings. He gave up just three hits, walked none and struckout seven. Blake Martin pitched a scoreless eighth inning in which he struck out two.

The Rock Cats managed just three hits. Aaron Hicks was 1-3 with a walk.

Yet, entering the bottom of the 9^th, the Rock Cats held on to a 1-0 lead. Luis Perdomo came in, and he gave up two runs on two hits and three walks, and the Rock Cats took the loss.

Amazingly, it was the first loss of their seven game road trip. Again, it was a very tough loss to Portland, but when you can go 6-1 on a road trip, things could be much worse.

Alex Wimmers was skipped in the rotation due to a sore back and a slight strain to his flexor. He is expected to miss just the one start, but with a top prospect (especially a pitching prospect), conservatism is a good thing.

FT. MYERS MIRACLE 0, JUPITER 4

The Miracle had their first day off of the season, and I would encourage everyone to check out the first episode of The Miracle Insider for 2012!

BELOIT 6, KANE COUNTY 3

Unlike the other affiliates, the Snappers had some bats working on Wednesday afternoon. Eddie Rosario was 2-3 with a walk, his fourth double and two RBI. Adam Bryant was 2-4 with a double. Tyler Grimes and Jairo Rodriguez each hit a double as well.

Steven Gruver had a strong start. In six innings, he gave up two runs on nine hits and a walk. He struckout three. Nelvin Fuentes gave up a run on two hits and a walk in 1.2 innings. He struckout two. Ryan O’Rourke recorded the save. He got the final four outs.

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Players of the Day for Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Hitter of the Day – Eddie Rosario

Pitcher of the Day – Steve Hirschfeld

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A Look Ahead – Thursday, April 19, 2012 Schedule

Rochester @ Empire State – RHP Sam Deduno

New Britain vs New Hampshire – LHP Logan Darnell

Ft. Myers vs Bradenton – RHP BJ Hermsen (rematch versus Jameson Taillon)

Beloit @ South Bend – RHP Tim Shibuya

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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!