Tuesday Night, April 10, 2007
Tuesday Minor League Update
Well, last weekend, three of the Twins affiliates in the north struggled to get their games in because of ice, snow and overall cold weather. Those three teams are now off and running. Last night, it was Ft. Myers that was unable to play because of rain in south Florida. Since all of the games played tonight are complete so early, I thought it would be good for me to post the game highlights right away (so I can get to bed early!).
Rochester 4, Norfolk 3
The highlight in my mind of the minor league games tonight definitely was the start of Kevin Slowey. The right-hander worked six innings and gave up only an unearned run on three hits. He walked none and struck out two. Known for his control, it was certainly in fine form tonight. Of the 74 pitches that he threw in the outing, 54 of them were strikes! After Glen Perkins great outing last night, this is just something for Twins fans to notice while we are throwing Sidney Ponson and Boof Bonser and Ramon Ortiz against that Yankees lineup.
Scott Baker came into the game in relief and went the final three innings for the Save. He gave up two runs (both in the 9th) on five hits. He walked one and struck out three. Of his 40 pitches, 25 of them were strikes.
The bats were nothing to write home about much of the game. All four came in the bottom of the 2nd inning, and that rally started after the first two hitters were retired. Five straight singles gave the team the four runs. Matt Tolbert had the most productive single as it scored two runs. Glenn Williams and Matt Moses each had two hits. However, Moses also committed his third error of the year.
New Britain 3, Portland 1
Another low scoring game. As a Twins fan, that is good to see since the organization is known for its pitching prospects. Brad Baker went the first 5.2 innings for the win. He did not allow a run and gave up just two hits and a walk. He struck out five. He had a nice 9:2 Ground Ball to Fly Ball ratio. Brian Forystek was perfect for the next 2.1 innings, including four strikeouts. JP Martinez came in to start the ninth. He got two outs, but gave up an unearned run on two walks. Jose Mijares came in and struck out the final batter for the last out of the game, and his first save.
Gil Velazquez went 2-4 with a triple. Korey Feiner was 2-2 with an RBI double. Brandon Roberts went 2-5.
Ft. Myers and Lakeland Rained Out
Beloit 4, Kane County 2
Jose Lugo started and went 4.1 innings. He gave up one run on four hits and two walks. He did strike out six hitters. Armando Gabino came in and got five outs. He gave up a run on three hits. Danny Hernandez picked up the win with two shutout innings. He walked one and struck out one. Adam Revelette came in and two hitters got on without recording an out. So, Robert Delaney came in and got the final three outs for the Save.
A lineup change was made that may have had a positive affect. Danny Santiesteban had been hitting leadoff, but he was moved to the #9 spot. He responded with a double in three at bats. Joe Benson had hit 3rd in the first two games of the year and went 0-8 with five strikeouts. He moved to the leadoff spot and responded with a 2-5 performance. Brian Dinkelman hit second and he went 2-4 with a double. Finally, Mark Robinson moved into the 3-hole in the lineup and he went 2-5 with an RBI. Two hitters remained in their spots, spots they may remain all year, unless either is promoted. Chris Parmalee batted fourth, and Danny Valencia batted fifth. Both have started out fairly well, showing some power and plate discipline through two games. Of course, in this game, they combined to go 0-7 with five strikeouts. One other note, Garrett Olson played SS, his third position in three games.
Hitter of the Day - Korey Feiner, New Britain Rockcats
Pitcher of the Day - Kevin Slowey, Rochester Red Wings
So, any thoughts? Am I completely off on anything? Feel free to e-mail me or Comment below.
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