Article: Twins Minor League Report (6/20): Big Bats in Rochester, Chattanooga

[Seth Stohs]

It was a busy Saturday night in the Minnesota Twins farm system. Four members of the Ft. Myers Miracle played in the Florida State League All-Star Game. Seven Rochester Red Wings posted multi-hit games in a big win. That game was started by Ervin Santana. Chattanooga got a huge hit in a come-from-behind win.

 

Check out all of the details from the Twins minor leagues on Saturday night.TRANSACTIONS

 

Following the Red Wings game on Saturday night, the team announced that they would be receiving RHP Greg Peavey from Chattanooga. Jason Wheeler has been sent down to Double-A.

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 10, Louisville 1

Box Score

 

Ervin Santana returned to the mound in a game for the first time since his final spring training tune-up. He is not eligible to return to the Twins for two weeks, but the rules allow for him to get a few tune-up, rehab outings in the minor leagues. On Saturday night, Santana threw 88 pitches for the Red Wings. He went 5.2 innings and gave up just one run on five hits. He walked two and struck out three.

 

Lester Oliveros then walked one and struck out two over two innings in relief. It was his first appearance since his seven-day suspension for throwing at Austin Romine’s head. Cole Johnson got the final four outs without allowing a run.

However, the Red Wings offense became the bigger story in this game. Doug Bernier was the only starter without a hit. He was 0-4. Actually, Danny Ortiz was the only player with just one hit. It was a two-run double. Reynaldo Rodriguez hit his 15^th double and sixth home run. He drove in three runs. Argenis Diaz went 3-4. Danny Santana went 2-5 his second triple. James Beresford went 2-5 with his 12^th double. Eric Fryer went 2-4 with a walk. Jose Martinez went 2-5 with his seventh double. Eric Farris went 2-4 with his fourth double.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 7, Jacksonville 4

Box Score

 

Down 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Travis Harrison hit his second double of the night and it cleared the bases, giving the Lookouts a 5-3 lead. They added on and gained a 7-4 win.

 

Harrison went 2-5 with his 17^th and 18^th doubles. Niko Goodrum went 3-5 with and his second double. Heiker Meneses went 2-4 with his sixth double. Max Kepler stayed hot. He went 2-3 with two walks.

 

JO Berrios made the start. He went the first five innings and was charged with three runs. He gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three. He left after just 76 pitches. Jake Reed came on and struck out three in two perfect innings. Nick Burdi gave up an unearned run and a walk in the eighth inning. Zack Jones pitched the ninth inning. He walked one and recorded his tenth save of the season.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Florida State League All Star Game

Box Score

 

Four Miracle players represented Ft. Myers and the Twins organization on Saturday night at the Florida State League All Star game.

 

· Alex Swim batted second. He started at catcher and then moved out to right field for the rest of the game. He went 1-4.

· Chih-Wei Hu pitched a scoreless second inning. He gave up one hit and struck out one.

· Ryan Eades pitched a perfect fifth inning.

· Todd Van Steensel gave up one hit, but he got the final out of the eighth inning and the first out of the ninth inning.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 4, Clinton 7

Box Score

 

Sam Gibbons had a rough start. He gave up four runs in the first inning, two more in the third and another one the fourth inning. In all, he was charged with seven runs (6 earned) on eight hits in four innings. He walked two, hit one and struck out three. Miles Nordgren came on and worked three scoreless innings despite allowing five hits. He walked none and struck out three. Mike Theofanopoulos gave up one hit but no runs in his inning.

 

The Kernels responded with ten hits, but they were unable to work out of the early hole. Nick Gordon went 2-4 with a walk and his eighth double. Brian Navarreto went 3-4. Max Murphy added a late home run, his third of the season.

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Jake Reed, Chattanooga Lookouts

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Travis Harrison, Chattanooga Lookouts

 

 

SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Louisville @ Rochester (12:35 CST) – LHP Pat Dean

Jacksonville @ Chattanooga (1:15 CST) – TBD

Ft. Myers – All Star break

Cedar Rapids @ Clinton (2:00 CST) – RHP Jared Wilson

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss the Saturday games.

 

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[Cap'n Piranha]

What's up with JO? His past few starts (iirc) have not been up to his established standard. I hope he's not battling an injury.

[youngpadawan]

Isn't it a bit unusual for a player batting .220 at a level to get promoted to the next level and then play a position that he didn't play even a game at in the past?

 

I wish Niko the best. He has talent and was a 2nd round pick. But I just found it odd. I guess there weren't any outfielders playing particularly well at either A balls. But just a weird situation.

[Seth Stohs]

They've talked about Niko potentially being an outfielder at some point due to his athleticism and speed. He's practiced out there. 

 

Also, very possible that Buxton will be back there shortly.

[twinssouth]

At the game last night.  Niko had a big night, had 3 hits, 1 a double and ignited that big rally in the 7th getting on base, eventually driven in by Harrison where Lookouts came from behind to win.  Showed much better plate discipline compared to the Wedn night game I saw.

[TRex]

 

What's up with JO? His past few starts (iirc) have not been up to his established standard. I hope he's not battling an injury.

Not sure if pitch count is something you are looking at in regards to injury, but it is worth noting that he will be pitching in the AA All Star game tomorrow on 2-days rest.

[bradpolian]

Was at the game on Friday, Sano looks effortless hitting balls hard. JO really struggled with his control. Great game and it was a blast. Everyone should drive down there

[bradpolian]

Sorry Saturday...

[jokin]

 

They've talked about Niko potentially being an outfielder at some point due to his athleticism and speed. He's practiced out there. 

 

Also, very possible that Buxton will be back there shortly.

 

Looking a little less likely after tonight....!