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The Twins split a double-header on Thursday, in large part because Jose Berrios (the version of Jose Berrios that Twins fans have been DREAMING of) pitched a wonderful game in the nightcap to keep the Twins from being swept by the Rockies. On the minor league side of things the Twins’ affiliates scored almost 40 runs. Lots of action to cover below, so let’s find out everything that happened in the Twins minor league system on Thursday.RED WINGS REPORT Lehigh Valley 8 @ Rochester 10 Box Score This was NOT a classic pitchers duel as neither pitcher made it into the sixth inning of this minor league matinee. Former first-overall draft pick Mark Appel held the Red Wings in check through three innings, but then the wheels fell off and the Wings got to Appel for sixruns in the fourth. Meanwhile, Red Wings starter Jason Wheeler gave up a seven-spot in the second inning, and yet somehow still managed to earn the win thanks to that big Wings fourth inning. Wheeler made it through five innings, gave up eight hits, seven runs (all earned) and walked two. He struck out six and also gave up a pair of home runs (both in the seven-run second, including a Rhys Hoskins grand slam). Wheeler gave way to Buddy Boshers who came in for 3.0 innings and gave up one run one on one hit, a solo home run. Trevor Hildenberger came in and earned his second save of the year, in an exciting ninth in which he gave up a walk and a hit, but used a pair of strike- outs to avoid letting the Iron Pigs score. Matt Hague and Tommy Field both had three-hit games for the Wings. Hague was 3-5 with a double and a solo home run. Field was 3-4 with a double, a walk, an RBI, and a pair of runs scored. Zack Granite led the way with 3 RBI as part of a 1-4 afternoon that also included a stolen base. ByungHo Park was the only player without a hit or a walk, going 0-5 on the afternoon. CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Chattanooga 3 @ Biloxi 9 Box Score The Lookouts were behind for the entire game after giving up a run in the bottom of the first inning. Starter Fernando Romero made it into the fifth inning, but left and was charged with six earned runs, and one more unearned run. He gave up five hits, walked four and struck out four. He was replaced by Luke Bard who gave up six hits in just 1.2 innings and was charged with two runs (one earned) before giving way to Raul Fernandez who had a great relief appearance with the pressure off. Fernandez struck out five, walked one, and gave up just one hit in two innings of scoreless relief. The Miracle scattered seven hits, but didn’t get any hits from their leadoff man Nike Gordon, 0-4 with a strikeout, a walk and a stolen base. Travis Harrison (remember him?) was the only hitter with multiple hits, 2-4. Former first-round draft pick Levi Michael remained hot with a 1-3 night that included a double, a walk, an RBI and a run scored. MIRACLE MATTERS Clearwater 2 @ Fort Myers 5 Box Score Before the game started the Miracle got good news as lefthander Lewis Thorpe was activated from the DL in Cedar Rapids and immediately promoted to Fort Myers. Thorpe has not pitched in a MiLB game since 2014 thanks to a Tommy John surgery and a lengthy bout with mononucleosis. He will start for the Miracle on Friday. Sort of a hodgepodge solid effort from the Miracle pitching staff as they used four pitchers to defeat the Clearwater Threshers and complete the four-game series sweep. Brady Anderson gave up a pair of runs in the fourth inning, but otherwise kept runs off the board over 4.1 innings. He gave up six hits, struck out three and gave up a two-out, two-run homer. Michael Theofanopoulos came in and gave the Miracle 2.2 scoreless innings and gave up just one hit, struck out one, and earned the win when the Miracle took the lead with a three-run fifth. Williams Ramirez earned a save for a scoreless eighth inning in which he walked two and Sam Clay picked up his second save of the year with a scoreless ninth. The Miracle did not collect any extra-base hits and struck out 10 times but were 4-9 with runners in scoring position and managed to do just enough to come out on top. Bradley Strong was 2-4 with an RBI and Kevin Garcia also had a pair of hits, going 2-4 with a strikeout and a run scored. Alex Perez was one non-strikeout away from the Golden Sombrero award as he was 0-3 with three strikeouts and a walk. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 6 @ Wisconsin 3 Box Score The Kernels gave up a run in the bottom of the first, but got it back in the second and took the lead for good in the top of the fourth en route to a 6-3 victory. Kernels starter Domenick Carlini pitched great for the Kernels, giving up just one run over six innings. He gave up five hits but struck out four and did not issue a single free pass. He did, however, give up a leadoff home run to start the game. Carlini gave way to Colton Davis who pitched a pair of scoreless innings and then Logan Lombana came on to pitch the ninth and gave up three hits, two runs and a walk, but used three strikeouts to limit the damage and secure the Kernels victory. Jaylin Davis had himself a night for the Kernels, 3-5 with three extra-base hits, a double and two home runs. This close on the heels of his three-home run night on Tuesday. Brandon Lopez pitched in with a couple of hits of his own, going 2-4 out of the nine hole for the Kernels second baseman. TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Domenick Carlini, Cedar Rapids Kernels Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Matt Hague, Rochester Red Wings FRIDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Rochester @ Scranton/WB (5:35pm) - Aaron Slegers Chattanooga @ Biloxi (6:35pm) – Ryan Eades (1-0, 5.31) Bradenton @ Ft. Myers (5:35pm) - Lewis Thorpe (1st start since 2014) Cedar Rapids @ Wisconsin (6:35pm) – Clark Beeker (5-1, 2.56) Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss Thursday's games. Click here to view the article

On Sunday, the Twins will hold their first full-squad workout. Within the next couple of weeks, minor league camp will begin and all will be right with the world. Today we present another Q&A with a Twins minor leaguer. Domenick Carlini is a 22-year-old left-hander who the Twins drafted in 2016 out of Southeastern Louisiana University. As a senior last year, he went 8-2 with a 2.03 ERA. He was second-team All-Conference. The Twins drafted the crafty lefty and sent him to Elizabethton.So let’s get to know a little more about Domenick Carlini. After reading this, feel free to ask questions and leave comments below. Enjoy the Q&A. Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Mississippi, which was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players? Domenick Carlini (DC): Growing up, I loved the Braves. Chipper, Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux were some of my favorites. SS: What were some of the better memories of your high school baseball career? Did you play other sports or were you involved in other activities? DC: My junior year was a year for me to step into a role as sort of the last starter in the rotation, so I had a chip on my shoulder because of that. I ended up having one of my best statistical seasons during that year. I wasn’t really involved in any other sports or activities. I was a late bloomer and my athleticism didn’t really mature until after high school. SS: What was the recruitment process like for you out of high school, and what was it about Southeastern Louisiana U. that made you want to pitch there? DC: Out of high school I only received offers from JUCOs and a couple of D2s. JUCO seemed like the best decision for me then. Out of Northwest Mississippi CC the recruiting process picked up fast, but Southeastern was my best option, all-around. I think the reason they stuck out so much is their style of play. I like playing baseball at its purest form (sac bunts, giving your best effort, hustle, etc.) and that’s how we played. Also, I wanted to pitch there because Coach Daniel Latham is one of the best college closers of all time. SS: What was the experience for you at Southeastern Louisiana? What were some of your highlights and favorite moments in your years there? DC: The relationships I made off the field will be life-long. Two players stood in my wedding and countless others made the 5+ hour drive. That shows the friendships made. On the field, I think making the first at-large regional bid in program history my senior year was the thing I take most pride in, and pitching in the regional is a memory I can never forget. SS: Did you have the chance to speak with many scouts before the draft? Where did you think that you might be drafted? What was your interaction with Twins scouts before the draft? DC: I talked to a few teams. I had a good idea of the range I would get taken in. Honestly, I didn’t really talk with the Twins. He contacted me in the morning of the third day and simply asked if I was ready and if I was still willing to go if I was selected. But the first time I talked to my scout was when I got the call a few seconds after the pick was announced. SS: When you did hear your name in the 21st round, where were you? What was your reaction and the reaction of those close to you? DC: I was sitting on my couch with my mother, step-father, and fiancé nearby. I had gotten texts in the rounds prior and just waiting to see when I would go. After a team that had texted me decided to go with another player we all sat back in the couch. I was in my head, so I wasn’t 100% focused, but I remember the guy saying my name. Everyone jumped up. It was an amazing moment for my family and me. We almost didn’t get through hugging when my scout was calling. What a moment. SS: What has the adjustment like for you, from the amateur/college game to the professional game, both on and off the field? DC: In college, I was a contact pitcher. I lived off of the batter hitting the ball to my teammates and them getting the outs. Well, in pro ball the hitter’s a little better and those ground balls I was getting in college seem to find a way through the infield for a hit more often. Learning hitters more and finding a way to strike them out more than in college has been the biggest adjustment for me so far. SS: To what do you attribute your success in the Elizabethton? DC: Coaching. SS: What pitches do you throw, and what would you consider your out pitch? DC: Fastball (two seam and four seam), changeup, curve, slider, cutter. My out pitch would be fastball or changeup. SS: At this very early stage in your career, what would you say are your biggest strengths? DC: I compete. Plain and simple. I don’t throw 100 mph, but I want to help my team win. That means always being focused on the next pitch and always bouncing back from anything negative that may occur in the game. SS: What are the areas of your game that you have been working on improving in the offseason and going forward? DC: Strikeouts. Like I said I am used to just getting a quick ground ball or pop up, but now there are situations where I don’t want the hitter to hit the ball at all. SS: Did you go back to school in the offseason? What is your major in school? DC: I did not go back to school. I graduated last May. SS: What are some of the things you enjoy doing away from the game of baseball? DC: Being with my family or playing basketball with my brother. Ping pong too. SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career? DC: All of my coaches along the way have done something to help me get where I am now. I also have a great family that supports me. SS: Favorite baseball movie? DC: For the Love of the Game Thank you very much Domenick for taking time to answer our questions. Please feel free to leave comments or ask questions in the forum below. Click here to view the article

These minor league reports are getting longer, chock full of information on six Twins affiliates; highlights, pitchers, game summaries and more, so be sure to grab a beverage of choice and enjoy. As always, feel free to discuss and ask questions. For the second straight day, all six Twins affiliates played and there was a lot of action and some good stories. Stephen Gonsalves made his AA debut. When he was done, he was replaced by a familiar face who has returned to the organization. Tom Hackimer made his pro debut, replacing a former college teammate. Domenick Carlini was also very impressive in his pro debut and was helped by a big prospect from the Dominican. The E-Twins completed a sweep. Miguel Sano played more innings. So much going on, so be sure to read Saturday night’s minor league update.RED WINGS REPORT Rochester 2, Louisville 3 Box Score Andrew Albers made the start for the Red Wings. In 5.2 innings, he gave up three runs on ten hits. He walked one and struck out two. He left the game with two runners on. DJ Baxendale was called in for his AAA debut. He came through with a strikeout to end the sixth. He then struck out two more in the seventh and also worked a hitless eighth. 2.1 perfect innings makes for a strong debut. Marcus Walden threw a scoreless ninth inning. Miguel Sano was back at third base on Saturday night. He went 0-3 with a walk and two strikeouts before exiting the game in the 8th inning. Adam Brett Walker went 2-3 with a walk and his 8th and 9th doubles. Kennys Vargas was 1-3 with a walk and his 11th home run. James Beresford went 1-3 with two walks. CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Chattanooga 5, Jackson 3 Box Score For the last six weeks or more, we have been wondering aloud (in the Twins Daily forums) when Stephen Gonsalves would be promoted to AA Chattanooga. On Saturday night, he made that debut. An honest assessment would acknowledge that it was a bit shaky. However, if you consider that he gave up just two runs over five innings, it was solid. He gave up six hits, walked four and struck out six. He battled. He struck out three in the first inning but gave up a two-run single with two outs. In the fourth, he walked three to load the bases but did not allow a run. He battled, but overall, it was a nice first start for Gonsalves, something to build upon. In the sixth inning, Zack Jones made his return to the Twins organization and the Chattanooga lookouts. He walked one and gave up a hit, but struck one out in a scoreless inning. Mason Melotakis gave up two hits and a walk but struck out three to get out of the 7th inning without a run. Jake Reed worked a perfect eighth inning. With a three-run lead, Trevor Hildenberger was called in for the ninth inning. He actually gave up a run on two hits and a walk but he struck out three to save a 5-3 win. It is his 12th save with the Lookouts and 15th overall. He recorded the save for Stephen Gonsalves’ first AA win. The game was played on a day that ended in the letters D-A-Y, so Daniel Palka hit a home run, his Southern League-leading 18th homer. Zach Granite went 1-2 with a walk and two RBI. Ryan Walker went 2-3. Stuart Turner hit his 8th double and drove in two runs. MIRACLE MATTERS Ft. Myers 4, Jupiter 1 Box Score Keaton Steele was on the mound for the Miracle and had a terrific start. He gave up just one run on three hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out one. The lone run came on a solo homer. John Curtiss pitched a scoreless seventh. He got two outs in the eighth inning but left with the bases loaded. Todd Van Steensel came in and got the final out of the inning. He struck out two and also worked a perfect ninth frame for his fourth save. Edgar Corcino led the offense. He went 2-3 with his ninth double and fifth triple. TJ White went 2-4 with a walk. AJ Murray was 2-4 with his first Miracle double. Nick Gordon’s 14th double drove in a run. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 1, Beloit 12 Box Score It was a night to forget, for the most part, in Cedar Rapids. However, 2016 draft pick, side-winding Tom Hackimer made his professional debut. But, that was about it for the highlights. That’s not quite true either. While the Kernels had just four hits in the game, one of them was JJ Fernandez. He hit his fifth home run of the season. Brad Hartong went 2-3. Sean Miller had the fourth hit. Cody Stashak started and gave up seven runs on nine hits and three walks in 5.2 innings. He walked three and struck out two. He was replaced by his college teammate at St. Johns, Tom Hackimer. He got four outs without allowing a run. He walked one and struck out one. Cam Booser came in and continued to struggle with control. In 1.1 innings, he gave up five runs (four earned) on two hits and four walks. He also threw three wild pitches. He’s fought through so many injuries, but his mid-to-upper 90s fastball makes him still intriguing. Sam Gibbons got the final two outs on strikeouts. E-TWINS E-NOTES Elizabethton 5, Kingsport 1 Box Score With this win the E-Twins start their season with a three-game road trip in Kingsport. This was a very well-played game with good pitching and hitting. Domenick Carlini made his first pro start. The lefty who was the 21st round pick from Southeastern Louisiana was on his game. He gave up one run on five hits over six innings. He walked none and struck out three. Righty Tyler Beardsley, the Twins 16th round pick from Sacramento State, picked up his first pro save with three shutout innings. He gave up just one hit, walked one and struck out one. Offensively, Amaurys Minier led the way. The first baseman went 3-5 and each of his singles drove in runs. He had a two-run and two, one-run singles to give him four RBIs. Ariel Montesino went 2-5 to drop his season batting average to .500 (5-10). Jaylin Davis added his 2nd home run of the young season. Shane Carrier recorded his first hit as a pro, a double. Travis Blankenhorn went 0-3 but was on base four times and scored three times. GCL TWINS TAKES GCL Twins 0, GCL Red Sox 3 Box Score The GCL Twins were shut out on Saturday morning in their second game. They managed just three hits and no runners advanced past second base. Joe Cronin had a nice day though. He went 1-2 with two walks. Jean Carlos Arias went 1-3 with a walk. Huascar Ynoa made his first start. He was charged with two runs on seven hits over five innings. He walked on and struck out two. Moises Gomez walked one in an otherwise uneventful inning. Zach Strecker made his first appearance. In his inning, he gave up an unearned run on two hits. Onas Farfan struck out four, and walked one, over two hitless innings. TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Domenick Carlini, Elizabethton Twins Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Amaurys Minier, Elizabethton Twins SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Louisville @ Rochester (12:35 CST) - LHP Jason Wheeler (6-1, 2.49 ERA) Jackson @ Chattanooga (1:15 CST) - RHP Aaron Slegers (5-4, 3.59 ERA) Ft. Myers @ Jupiter (3:05 CST) - LHP Randy Rosario (3-5, 3.38 ERA) Beloit @ Cedar Rapids (2:05 CST) – LHP Lachlan Wells (1st MWL start) Elizabethton @ Johnson City (6:00 CST) - RHP Ryan Mason (1st pro start) GCL Twins - No Game Scheduled. Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss Saturday's games. Click here to view the article