Wednesday Twins Minor League Daily

The Twins lost again, 6-2 tonight. I had hope that they would win this series against the Angels, especially after impressive performances last night by Brian Dozier and Scott Diamond, but it was not to be. Josh Willingham, with a home run and a double, continues to swing the bat well, but with the offense mustering only 6 hits, the chances of victory were slim tonight.

Here's a look at how the Twins' minor league affiliates fared Wednesday night.

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ROCHESTER 2, PAWTUCKET 5

Cole DeVries wasn't terribly effective for the Red Wings tonight. Lasting 4 and 1/3 innings, DeVries gave up 10 hits, 5 runs, struck out 2 and walked 1. On a positive note, the bullpen was better. Brendan Wise and Tyler Robertson each pitched a scoreless 1 and 1/3 innings; each struck out 1 batter, and Robertson walked 1. Anthony Slama pitched a scoreless 8th inning, striking out 2. His ERA is at 0.59 after 14 and 1/3 innings pitched.

There wasn't much offense for the Red Wings tonight. The team amassed 9 hits, but was only 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Joe Thurston homered, his second of the season, and Clete Thomas had a double. Ray Chang, Ben Revere and new Red Wing Pedro Florimon each had 2 hits. Additionally, Rene Tosoni had a stolen base, his second on the year. The Red Wings are 14-18 on the year.

NEW BRITAIN 5, BINGHAMTON 1

The Rock Cats continue to be the best Twins affiliate thus far, defeating the Mets' affiliate for the second consecutive night. Starter Steve Hirschfeld had a solid start for New Britain, tossing 6 innings, giving up 5 hits and 1 run, striking out 6 and walking 1 along the way. The bullpen -- which has been a bright spot for the Rock Cats -- again was solid tonight. Luis Perdomo picked up the win, throwing a scoreless 7th inning, walking 2 and striking out 1, and new Rock Cat Caleb Thielbar threw both the 8th and 9th innings, striking out 3, walking none, and allowing only 1 hit.

The Rock Cats scattered 10 hits tonight. Newly promoted Wilkin Ramirez hit his first home run as a Rock Cat, Deibinson Romero, Danny Lehmann and Ramirez contributed doubles, and Joe Benson was 1-for-5 with a stolen base. New Britain was 3-for-9 tonight with runners in scoring position. In the end, Ramirez, with 3 hits and an RBI, and Lehmann, with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, led the way.

FT. MYERS 7, DUNEDIN 5

Our high-A team defeated the Blue Jays' counterpart this evening in a game that featured 22 combined hits and 4 combined errors. Jhon Garcia got the start for the Miracle, and lasted 4 and 1/3 innings, giving up 10 hits and 5 runs (4 earned), but exhibited good control, striking out 2 and issuing no free passes. Miguel Munoz picked up the win in relief, throwing 3 and 2/3 innings, allowing 3 hits, striking out 4 and walking 1 in the process. Righty Ricky Bowen earned his first save of the season, pitching a scoreless 9th and allowing 1 hit.

It was a good offensive showing for Ft. Myers tonight. Lance Ray hit his 4th home run of the season, a 1st inning grand slam! Ray also had a single. Not to be outdone, first baseman Andy Leer hit 2 home runs, both solo shots. Daniel Santana, Levi Michael, Daniel Rohlfing and Jairo Perez also had hits for the Miracle. Santana also had his 4th stolen base of the season. But the baseball gods giveth and taketh away, because Santana was responsible for both Miracle errors -- both on throws. He has 9 errors on the season.

BELOIT 2, PEORIA 1

Although the score doesn't suggest it, the teams combined for 18 hits tonight. Starter Steven Gruver for the Snappers picked up the win (now 2-3 on the season), going an impressive 7 and 2/3 innings, allowing 8 hits and 1 run, striking out 3 and walking none. His ERA fell to 3.67 on the season. A very solid performance from Gruver. A.J. Achter picked up the hold, throwing 1 scoreless inning, striking out 2. Corey Williams earned the save, his 5th on the season, tossing a scoreless 9th, also striking out 1.

Wang-Wei Lin had a hit and an RBI, as did Adam Petterson, friend of and contributor to TwinsDaily. Rory Rhodes had 2 hits, and JaDamion Williams, Adam Bryant, Miguel Sano, Drew Leachman and Jonathan Goncalves also had singles for Beloit. Bad news for Beloit fans: Sano did not homer tonight. Sorry, it can't happen every game. Williams, though, had his 8th stolen base of the season, and there were only 2 Snappers starters (Eddie Rosario and Kyle Knudson) that were hitless tonight.

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Players of the Day for Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Hitter of the Day -- Lance Ray

Photo Credit JimCrikket

Pitcher of the Day -- Steven Gruver

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A Look Ahead -- Thursday, May 10 Schedule

Rochester @ Pawtucket -- LHP Lucas French

New Britain vs. Reading -- LHP Logan Darnell

Ft. Myers @ Dunedin -- RHP Adrian Salcedo

Beloit @ Peoria -- RHP Tim Shibuya

Interested in learning more about the Minnesota Twins' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!