Article: Twins Minor League Report (9/1): Red Wings' Playoff Hopes Still Alive

[Twins Fan From Afar]

Today was the first full day in Twins Territory without Justin Morneau. Although most people weren't too surprised to see him depart, it does leave a large, Canadian void at first base. He had one hell of a Twins career. I wrote a piece on my blog about his departure. So check it out if you're interested. Now, onto today's minor league action.

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ROCHESTER 3, SCRANTON W/B 2

 

As a result of today's win, the Red Wings' season will come down down to a final game Monday. Per the Red Wings: "The win pulled the Red Wings within a half-game of wild card leader Norfolk, whose game in Durham started at 8 pm Sunday night after a lengthy rain delay. If the Wings finish tied with, or ahead of, Norfolk at end of play Monday, Rochester will get the wild card spot and open the playoffs at home Wednesday night." In any event, I'm sure the good fans in Rochester have appreciated winning baseball this season.

 

In tonight's game, Pat Dean earned the win, tossing 7 innings of 1-run baseball. A.J. Achter and Michael Tonkin also threw tonight, as well. Offensively, Aaron Hicks, Ray Olmedo, Chris Parmelee and Jeff Clement all notched 2 hits. Hicks, by the way, had a triple and an RBI.

 

Here's the link to the box score.

 

UPDATE - Norfolk went on to win their game against Durham which means that the Red Wings are one game behind the Tide for that final Wild Card spot with one game to play. So here is the playoff scenario heading into the final game. If Norfolk beats Durham or Rochester loses to Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Norfolk will go to the playoffs. However, if Norfolk loses and Rochester wins, the Red Wings will go to the playoffs as the team will be tied and the tie-breaker is head-to-head.

 

NEW BRITAIN 5. READING 4

 

Unfortunately, New Britain is not on the cusp of the playoffs, as they had been the two previous seasons. Still, though, there's a lot to play for. Kyle Davies and Daniel Turpen each pitched 3 innings tonight, giving up 2 runs and 1 run (earned), respectively. Cole Johnson tossed 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 and walking none, and Dakota Watts earned the win throwing a scoreless 9th, striking out 2.

 

Up until the 9th inning, it looked as though the Rock Cats were due for another loss. They were down 4-2. Then, with one out, Kyle Knudson, Brad Boyer and Angel Morales all singled (the latter scoring Knudson). The next batter, Danny Santana, reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Boyer, and Eddie Rosario ended the game with a sacrifice fly scoring Morales. On the night, Santana, Knudson and Morales had multi-hit efforts. Miguel Sano was 0-for-3.

 

New Britain closes its season out Monday afternoon. I'll be there (after which I'm going to begin experiencing pretty substantial minor league withdrawal), so expect some sort of a recap tomorrow night.

 

Here's a link to the box score.

 

FT. MYERS 3, BRADENTON 2 (10 innings)

 

The Miracle, of course, are already in the playoffs, but that didn't stop them from doing a little extra work today. Matt Tomshaw had a solid start, going 7 innings, allowing 2 runs, striking out 4 and issuing 0 free passes. Luke Bard struck out 2 in a perfect 8th inning, and Adrian Salcedo picked up the win, tossing the 9th and 10th innings. He struck out 3 and gave up no hits or walks. Some encouraging pitching performances from the Miracle today.

 

Kennys Vargas was the hero on the offensive side today. He went 3-for-4 with a home run (his 19th on the season), 2 RBIs and a walk. He also had the walk-off single to end the game. Minnesota's own Adam Pettersen had 3 hits and an RBI of his own, and Levi Michael was 2-for-2 with a double. Just because you're probably scanning for his name as you read this, Byron Buxton was 0-for-3 and, if I'm reading the box score correctly, actually grounded into a double play. But don't worry, he still has a .326/.415/.472 line at High-A. And he's like 15 years old or something.

 

Download attachment: Kennys Vargas fm.jpg

 

Here's a link to the box score.

 

CLINTON 3, CEDAR RAPIDS 1

 

Cedar Rapids, much like Ft. Myers, has had one heck of a season. They finished at 87-50 and are headed to the playoffs. Say what you will about minor league playoffs, but I think that there's something to be said for these young guys learning to play winning Twins baseball early in the developmental process.

 

Today Cedar Rapids came up on the short end, but there were some good performances. Starter Tim Atherton took a tough loss. He threw 6 innings, allowed 2 runs (only 1 earned -- the Kernels had 2 errors today), struck out 4 and walked 0. Alex Muren and Madison Boer tossed the other 2 innings, Boer giving up the third and final Clinton run.

 

The Kernels amassed only 5 hits today, doubles from Jonathan Murphy and Tyler Grimes, and singles from Mike Gonzales, Niko Goodrum and Jeremias Pineda.

 

Here's the link to the box score.

 

That's it for today's minor league action. Please leave any questions or comments. Thanks for reading!

 

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