Steve Lein

With a doubleheader going on in Rochester, there was more than a full slate of action in the farm system on Tuesday. Michael Pineda made a rehab appearance at Triple A, a slugger in Chattanooga delivered a grand slam, two top pitching prospects took the mound for Fort Myers and Rochester, and another pitcher delivered yet another solid performance in a long string of them with Cedar Rapids. Keep reading to find out how all your favorite Minnesota Twins prospects performed on Tuesday and be sure to add to the discussion in the comments!TRANSACTIONS There was some maneuvering before Tuesday’s games, with all of it at the top of the system: The Rochester Red Wings received Michael Pineda (rehab assignment from Fort Myers), Zander Wiel (promoted from Chattanooga), Johnny Field (optioned by Minnesota), and Tyler Duffey (optioned by Minnesota). Andy Wilkins was transferred to Chattanooga.In addition to Wilkins, the Lookouts also received pitcher Clark Beeker from Fort Myers.RED WINGS REPORTGame 1: Pawtucket 3, Rochester 6 Box Score Game one of their doubleheader saw these teams complete a game that was suspended due to rain in the first inning earlier in the year. Adalberto Mejia had started that game with a scoreless inning, but it was the Michael Pineda show tonight when play resumed. Pineda would go four innings, allowing one run on a long home run to the first batter he faced, but settled in after that. Overall, he allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two in his Triple A rehab debut. Out of the bullpen D.J. Baxendale allowed two runs on four hits in two innings and struck out two. Nick Anderson finished the game’s final two innings to pick up his fourth save. He allowed one hit and struck out one. On offense the Red Wings put up a four-spot in the third inning to take the lead for good. Those runs came courtesy of four singles, a sac fly from Kennys Vargas, and an RBI triple from LaMonte Wade. An RBI double from Taylor Motter in the sixth and RBI single from Juan Graterol in the seventh finished the scoring for Rochester. Nick Gordon, Gregorio Petit, Wade, Graterol, and Motter all had multiple hits in the effort. Gordon also stole his 12th base with the Red Wings. Game 2: Pawtucket 5, Rochester 3 Box Score The start of this one was delayed due to rain and was a seven-inning contest as the back-end of their make-up doubleheader. Lewis Thorpe took the hill for his second triple-A start and looked good for the game's first two innings as he struck out three and induced a double play ball. But things turned on him quickly in the third. Two walks started the inning (Gameday pitch locations are interesting to look at here), and after recovering enough to get two outs, a two-run homer put his team down 3-0, and another walk and single later Thorpe’s night was done. In 2 2/3 he allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four to take the loss. Jake Reed went the next 2 1/3 innings and didn’t allow a baserunner. Five of his seven outs also came in the form of strikeouts. Luke Bard finished the final two innings and he allowed one run on two hits and a walk while picking up three K’s. On offense the Red Wings got home runs from Willians Astudillo and Kennys Vargas to account for their three runs. As a team they collected only four hits, and Astudillo was the only hitter with two of them, as he added a double. Vargas’ blast was his 20th of the season and he has homered in five of his last six games. It also was a mammoth shot to the joy of a nearly empty stadium after the rain had driven most fans away. CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Chattanooga 5, Montgomery 2 Box Score The Lookouts got all the runs they would need in this one on a single swing of the bat to back a solid start from lefthander Dietrich Enns. With the game tied at zero in the top of the third, the first three Chattanooga hitters singled to load the bases for Brent Rooker. His 22nd home run of the season was of the grand slam variety and gave him 77 RBIs on the season, which paces the Southern League. The Lookouts added an insurance run in the sixth after consecutive doubles from Luis Arreaz and Jordan Gore. Gore (3-for-4, R, 2B, K) and Luke Raley (2-for-5, R) collected multiple hits in the win. Enns went five innings to pick up his third win on the season with Chattanooga. He gave up just one run as he scattered six hits and a walk along with striking out four. Sam Clay added two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, allowing two hits and picking up one K. Austin Adams then made his organizational debut after signing out of the independent leagues yesterday. He gave up a homer to the first batter he faced, but finished the contest for the Lookouts with a one-two-three ninth. He gave up two hits and struck out two. MIRACLE MATTERS Fort Myers 4, Palm Beach 6 Box Score The Miracle took a 4-1 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning with top pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol cruising to that point, but he was greeted by back-to-back extra-base hits to start that frame and the Cardinals got to the bullpen in the seventh and eighth to pull out the victory. Graterol had allowed just one run on five singles and a walk heading into the sixth and would finish his day with three runs allowed on eight hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. Jovani Moran escaped the sixth with their lead still intact, but two walks, a single, and a hit batter led to him being charged with a blown save and the game tied at four. Hector Lujan relieved Moran with two outs in the seventh but gave up two runs in the eighth when he came back out to take the loss. They were the first runs Lujan had allowed in his last 23 1/3 innings pitched. The Miracle lineup was led by Taylor Grzelakowski who finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a triple, and his eighth home run of the year. Ben Rortvedt added a triple and scored a run while Aaron Whitefield and Ernie De La Trinidad added sacrifice flies. Alex Kirilloff finished 1-for-4 with an RBI and has now reached base in 32 consecutive games. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 5, Beloit 2 Box Score There weren’t many hits for the Kernels in this one as they tallied just five as a team, but they capitalized on miscues from the Snappers defense to steal this one. Randy Dobnak toed the rubber for Cedar Rapids and he again delivered a quality start to pick up his ninth win of the year. In his seven innings he allowed just one run on five hits and two walks while also striking out five. Since May 16th Dobnak has made 13 starts (among 16 appearances) and has allowed more than three runs only once while completing six or more innings in eleven of them (he didn’t get the chance to in another that was suspended after the first inning). So that’s basically 10 quality starts in his last 12 as he continues to be a steadying presence for the Kernels. Ricky Ramiriz pitched the final two innings to pick up his second save. He gave up a solo home run, two other hits, and struck out two. Cedar Rapids got on the scoreboard in the fifth thanks to a wild pitch that allowed Ben Rodriguez to scamper home. He had been hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. They took a 2-1 lead in the sixth as an error on a Trevor Larnach single allowed another unearned run to score. They added three insurance runs in the ninth thanks to another error that led into a the two-run homer from Michael Davis, his sixth on the season. E-TWINS E-TALK Greeneville 3, Elizabethton 6 Box Score Down 2-1 in the seventh, the E-Twins finally broke through against the Reds bullpen to the tune of five runs to take control of this one. A couple of errors on the visiting team started the big inning, and a two-run double from Chris Williams finished it. Williams and DaShawn Keirsey each led the team with two walks and two RBIs on the game. Keirsey also scored two runs. Ricky De La Torre was the only batter in the lineup with multiple hits, as he finished 2-for-3 with a run scored and drew a walk. Trevor Casanova added a double to the effort. Luis Rijo made the start and was fantastic for seven innings. He allowed just two runs on six hits, with both runs allowed coming on a home run in the fourth inning. He struck out five and didn’t walk a batter. Seth Pinkerton pitched the final two innings, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one. GCL TWINS TAKES GCL Rays 4, GCL Twins 5 Box Score Despite being outhit 10-to-6 on the game, the Twins were able to take advantage of the seven walks they drew as a team and some misplays from the Rays. An error in the first inning led to their first run on a sac fly from Gabe Snyder. In the sixth a couple of wild pitches helped lead to two more runs. Then down 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth, a two-out rally was started by Kidany Salva drawing a walk. He went to second on another wild pitch, then consecutive doubles from Samuel Vasquez and Alberoni Nunez put them out front. On the mound for the Twins was Tyler Benninghoff and he would pitch into the fifth inning despite struggling some with his control. Over his 4 2/3 innings he allowed two runs on five hits and four walks. He struck out two. Casey Crosby got them through the sixth, picking up four outs with three of them via the K. Regi Grace was charged with a blown save in the seventh as he allowed one run on two hits in his inning, but Michael Montero would pick up his third win by finishing the final two innings. He allowed an unearned run on three hits and struck out one. STARS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Pitcher of the Day – Randy Dobnak, Cedar Rapids Kernels (W, 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K) Twins Daily Hitter(s) of the Day – Brent Rooker, Chattanooga Lookouts (1-for-4, R, grand slam HR (22), 4 RBI, BB, K) TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY #1 - Royce Lewis (Fort Myers) – 0-for-4, K #2 - Alex Kirilloff (Fort Myers) – 1-for-4, RBI #3 - Brusdar Graterol (Fort Myers) – 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 4 K #4 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) – (2 games) 2-for-8, 2 R, SB #5 - Stephen Gonsalves (Minnesota) – Did not pitch. #6 - Trevor Larnach (Cedar Rapids) – 1-for-4, 2 K #7 - Brent Rooker (Chattanooga) – 1-for-4, R, grand slam HR (22), 4 RBI, BB, K #8 - Akil Baddoo (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play. #9 -Wander Javier – Out for the season. #10 - Zack Littell (Rochester) – Did not pitch. #11 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch. #12 - LaMonte Wade (Rochester) – 2-for-4, R, 3B, RBI, K #13 - Travis Blankenhorn (Fort Myers) – 1-for-4, 2 K #14 - Lewis Thorpe (Rochester) – L, 2.2 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K #15 - Ben Rortvedt (Fort Myers) – 1-for-3, R, 3B, K #16 - Yunior Severino (Elizabethton) – 0-for-5, R, RBI, K #17 - Lewin Diaz (Fort Myers) – Out for the season. #18 - Ryan Jeffers (Cedar Rapids) – 0-for-3, R, BB #19 - Jacob Pearson (Cedar Rapids) – 0-for-4, 3 K #20 - Luis Arraez (Chattanooga) – 1-for-4, R, 2B WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Pawtucket @ Rochester (6:05PM CST) – RHP Fernando Romero (5-4, 3.19 ERA) Chattanooga @ Montgomery (6:35PM CST) – LHP Dietrich Enns (2-5, 4.62 ERA) Fort Myers @ Palm Beach (5:30PM CST) – RHP Andro Cutura (3-6, 4.09 ERA) Cedar Rapids @ Beloit (7:00PM CST) – RHP Blayne Enlow (2-5, 3.32 ERA) Greeneville @ Elizabethton (6:00PM CST) – RHP Tyler Palm (2-2, 4.99 ERA) GCL Twins @ GCL Rays (5:30PM CST) – TBD Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! 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Interesting fun with numbers comparison. In their MiLB careers: Pitcher A (23 years old): 377.0 IP, 2.94 ERA, 2.8 BB/9IP, 8.3 K/9IP, 1.17 WHIP Pitcher B (22 years old): 313.0IP, 3.19 ERA, 3.0 BB/9IP, 10.8 K/9IP, 1.21 WHIP Pitcher C (24 years old): 591.2 IP, 2.77 ERA, 2.5 BB/9IP, 9.6 K/9IP, 1.08 WHIP Pitcher D (24 years old): 599.0 IP, 2.46 ERA, 3.6 BB/9IP, 9.5 K/9IP, 1.10 WHIP ....................... Pitcher C is Jose Berrios and pitcher A is Fernando Romero. Stephen Gonsalves is pitcher D. Lewis Thorpe is pitcher B. There's a nice future here in my opinion, and I'd probably project them as a rotation like this: -Staff Ace: Jose Berrios -#2 Starter: Lewis Thorpe -#3 Starter: Fernando Romero -#4 Starter: Stephen Gonsalves

See yesterday's MiLB report thread for some more information on this. The Twins sent four players to the AFL last year out of Fort Myers (Paul, Hackimer, Vasquez, Miller).

There are numerous exceptions that can be used. The Twins sent four out of Fort Myers last year as an example (Paul, Vasquez, Hackimer, Miller), and is another reason the list was very peculiar to me. And there is no rule about going twice. Mitch Garver and Taylor Rogers both were there for two consecutive seasons.

Names I'd be looking at include the following: -Royce Lewis (performing there makes it more likely he starts 2019 in AA, or is promoted to AAA quicker than usual) -Alex Kirilloff (same ^, and can make up some development time) -Brent Rooker (his opening day or early season 2019 viability could be influenced) -Lewis Thorpe (get more innings under his belt and push his name up the food chain as I think he deserves) -Jorge Alcala (more innings, pushing for AAA) -Luis Arreaz (make up some development time, pushing for AAA) -Ben Rortvedt (good environment for catcher development, and many are needed) -Kohl Stewart (let him rip out of the bullpen to see what he may have there) -Nick Gordon (might be good for him to try and get some confidence for 2019) -Cody Stashak (solid numbers in bullpen this year, a lot like Reed/Curtiss/Vasquez's of the past) -Ryne Harper (same ^) -Tyler Wells -Griffin Jax -Jovani Moran (push this guy, and he might top my list of those I think should go there)

These are valid points and ones I absolutely consider. Tyler Jay and Chris Paul were there last year largely because of missing time during the season. But I've followed the league long enough to know it is usually a combination of players making up time they may have lost, top prospects, and fringe 40-man guys who likely could contribute the next season that make up an AFL roster. Even more realistic is the guys are some combination therein. My opinion of those sent last year was this was not the case as a group. 5 of the guys they did send I wouldn't have even considered and then they didn't even use the data they did get on some of them in a discernible way (Andrew Vasquez needed to go back to the FSL after that? really?). I may have been spoiled by who they had sent there in the immediate years prior, but I don't ever recall a group with so little fanfare or relevance to the following season. That's really my point. I've followed and written about the league long before I started doing it here and the AFL can be utilized much better than they did in my opinion. Could have been an outlier for the reasons discussed, and I hope so, but we'll have to wait another month to see.

Near the end of August (official announcement was Aug. 29th last year). Might hear some trickles of names before then.

I was extremely disappointed with the contingent they sent last year, but as you mention, this season has the potential to be a lot better. There are several reasons they may have picked the guys they did, but because of that I will be paying close attention to the names they end up sending this year. If it's not guys like Lewis/Kirilloff/Rooker or even top-20ish guys at double-A or above like it was (or wasn't?) last year, that will tell me the new front office has a different idea on the merits of the league for their prospects. And it's probably not one I agree with in that case.

There wasn’t much offense in the system on Sunday afternoon, as the five affiliates in action combined for just 12 runs on 27 hits. Those equate to averages of 2.4 runs per game and 5.4 hits. But it wasn’t all bad, as the bullpens of four of them had strong efforts and even led their teams to a couple of wins. To find out how all your favorite prospects did on Sunday, as well as just how strong those bullpens pitched, keep reading and be sure to add to the discussion in the comments!TRANSACTIONS There was only one transaction in the system on Sunday, but it was a fun one for the former #4 overall draft pick: Kohl Stewart was officially called up from Rochester and made his MLB debut on Sunday afternoon. Congratulations Kohl!!! RED WINGS REPORT Charlotte 2, Rochester 3 Box Score A Jeremy Hazelbaker two-run home run in the fifth inning to make it 2-1 Red Wings was the big hit in this one, but it was a close game throughout. Zack Littell went the first six innings and was in line for the win when he came out for his final frame, but a solo home run tied the game at two before he finished it. In all Littell went six innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits and a walk, while striking out seven. Rochester took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth as Nick Gordon led off the inning with a double and later scored on a single from Jon Kemmer. The Red Wings had just five hits in the victory. LaMonte Wade drew two walks and made a nice diving grab: The bullpen held it down from there with Jake Reed delivering two scoreless innings. He allowed two hits and struck out two. Alan Busenitz came on in the ninth and set the Knights down in order, striking out the final two hitters he faced for his seventh save of the year. CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Jackson 6, Chattanooga 1 Box Score The Generals were able to jump on Lookouts starter Jorge Alcala in the first inning, thanks in part to an error, and would never look back. Alcala gave up four runs in that first inning including a three-run home run, but two of those were of the unearned variety. He also walked one and hit a batter in the frame. Over his next three innings however, he retired all the hitters he faced and ten in a row, before being replaced for the fifth. He struck out five and allowed just three hits and a walk, all in that first inning. The Lookouts offense was unable to take advantage of the seven walks they drew, as they managed just four hits and were 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Luke Raley was 2-for-3 with a walk. Brent Rooker finished 1-for-4 with a K. Tanner English singled and scored their lone run. Luis Arreaz drew two walks. Anthony Marzi came on in relief of Alcala and continued the one-two-three trend for two more innings. He struck out one. Sam Clay came on for the seventh and another error led to a two-run home run that made the score 6-1. That was the only hit Clay allowed in addition to walking two and striking out one in two innings. Andrew Vasquez finished the game with a scoreless ninth. He hit one batter and allowed a single but buckled down with two strikeouts as well. MIRACLE MATTERS Fort Myers 3, Florida 2 Box Score The Miracle got a solid start from Charlie Barnes and lights out bullpen work from a pair of relievers that allowed them to come from behind in this one. Barnes went the first five innings, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six. He allowed single runs in the third and fifth innings but escaped further damage with a bulldog mentality in each, striking out two hitters after allowing the run in each of those two frames. Down 2-1 in the seventh, Royce Lewis got a two-out rally started with his second triple with Miracle. He was driven in with a Taylor Grzelakowski double, and Jose Miranda followed with an RBI single to put them out front. Adam Bray was the first reliever after Barnes, and he delivered two scoreless frames. He allowed two hits, but also limited the damage as he struck out five and was credited with his second win. Hector Lujan finished the game with two scoreless innings. He allowed two hits and struck out three to pick up his third save. The offense was led by Grzelakowski who finished 3-for-4. Miranda also picked up two hits and drew two walks to reach base in all his plate appearances. Alex Kirilloff got the Miracle on the board in the third inning with an RBI double, his 18th two-bagger in the Florida State League and 38th overall. That hit also extended his current hitting streak to 10 games. There’s also this fun interview with shortstop Royce Lewis on how his play at shortstop has been going if you’d like to listen. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 0, Quad Cities 5 Box Score Jhoan Duran took the mound for his third start with his new team, but due to the long ball this one wasn’t quite as good. He allowed a solo home run in the second inning for the first run of the game, then a two-run shot in the fifth that made it 4-0. In all Duran went those five innings, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out five. Moises Gomez went the next three innings to finish the game and gave up only an unearned run on one hit while striking out four. On offense the Kernels were unable to get anything going all game. They managed just three hits and one walk to go along with fifteen strikeouts. They left all four of those men on base and were only 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position so any opportunities were scarce. Ben Rodgriguez and Michael Davis each had a double. E-TWINS E-TALK Elizabethton 5, Greeneville 9 Box Score The E-Twins were leading this one 2-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, but that’s when things went off the rails for two pitchers. Josh Winder made the start and went the first five strong innings. He allowed only two hits and struck out four, retiring thirteen in a row at one point. J.T. Perez came on in the sixth and delivered a scoreless frame before getting two quick outs to start the seventh when all hell broke loose. Two walks and two singles made the game 2-1 and Zack Neff was summoned. Three more singles, an error, and a walk before a three-run homer meant the Reds scored nine runs with two outs to take control of the game. Jacob Blank finished the game for the Twins with a one-two-three eighth inning, but it was far too much for the offense to come back from. The Twins got a three-run homer from Colton Burns that made the final of 9-5 in the top of the ninth, but that would be it. Chris Williams (2-for-3, 2 R, 3B, BB) and Alex Robles (2-for-4, R, 2 2B, RBI) had multiple hits to lead the lineup. Burns’ home run was his fifth in Elizabethton. GCL TWINS TAKES Scheduled Day Off The GCL Twins squad had the day off on Sunday. They’ll begin a four-game set with the GCL Orioles on Monday. STARS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Pitcher of the Day – Josh Winder, Elizabethton Twins (5 IP, 2 H, 4 K) Honorable Mention: Bullpens of Rochester, Chattanooga, Fort Myers, and Cedar Rapids (Combined 15 IP, 0 ER, 10 H, 2 BB, 20 K) Twins Daily Hitter(s) of the Day – Taylor Grzelakowski, Fort Myers Miracle (3-for-4, R, 2B (21), RBI) TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY #1 - Royce Lewis (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-5, R, 3B (2) #2 - Alex Kirilloff (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-4, 2B (18), RBI #3 - Brusdar Graterol (Ft. Myers) – Did not pitch. #4 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) – 1-for-4, 2B (12), 2 K #5 - Stephen Gonsalves (Rochester) – Did not pitch. #6 - Trevor Larnach (Cedar Rapids) – 0-for-4, K #7 - Brent Rooker (Chattanooga) – 1-for-4, K #8 - Akil Baddoo (Cedar Rapids) – 0-for-4, 3 K #9 -Wander Javier – Out for the season. #10 - Zack Littell (Rochester) – W, 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 7 K #11 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch. #12 - LaMonte Wade (Rochester) – 0-for-1, 2 BB #13 - Travis Blankenhorn (Ft. Myers) – 0-for-3, BB, K #14 - Lewis Thorpe (Chattanooga) – Did not pitch. #15 - Ben Rortvedt (Ft. Myers) – 0-for-3, K #16 - Yunior Severino (Elizabethton) – 0-for-3, R, BB #17 - Lewin Diaz (Ft. Myers) – Out for the season. #18 - Ryan Jeffers (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play. #19 - Jacob Pearson (Cedar Rapids) – 0-for-3, 2 K #20 - Luis Arraez (Chattanooga) – 0-for-2, 2 BB MONDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Rochester @ Columbus (6:05PM CST) – TBD Charlotte @ Fort Myers (6:00PM CST) – TBD Quad Cities @ Cedar Rapids (6:35PM CST) – RHP Edwar Colina (6-3, 2.66 ERA) Elizabethton @ Greeneville (6:00PM CST) – RHP Andrew Cabezas (1-3, 3.21 ERA) GCL Orioles @ GCL Twins (11:00AM CST) – TBD Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Sunday’s games! Click here to view the article

My reaction to this trade is...not good. Chalmers has good stuff but not even out of low-A ball after four seasons because he can't throw it for strikes. Also won't be ready to pitch again until the season has already started next year. I would have pulled Rodney back and kept him. Hope Chalmers turns out awesome but we've seen his type before and its worked out...never?

That's what I thought too. There is also a rule that the pitcher cannot stand near the rubber without the ball (it's a balk). I think the umps screwed up because they got surprised by it too.

I think Jax's commitment to the Air Force is now over, or it was worked out he could pursue baseball full time instead. Seth could probably correct me if I'm wrong on that. Moran has been unbelievable! As far as the HR rates, Sano had 9 through 42 games, and went on a binge his last 24 games (11 in that frame). Rosario had 11 through 42, and went toe-to-toe with Sano the rest of the way to edge him with 21. My caveat there is this was also before Elizabethton did some changes to the dimensions in the stadium. It's not the bandbox it was back then anymore

With two affiliates traveling, there were only four games on tap for Tuesday. There was little offense in a few of those games, but the action in the others more than made up for it. A starter in Fort Myers delivered another strong performance in a shutout victory, while bombs went off in Elizabethton led by a standout performer drafted nearly two months ago to the day. To find out how all the Minnesota Twins prospects who were in action on Tuesday fared, read on!TRANSACTIONS There were a few moves in the system before the games: The Chattanooga Lookouts sent LHP Casey Crosby on a rehab assignment to the GCL Twins. Also, in some sad news RHP Todd Van Steensel was released from the Lookouts roster.In Cedar Rapids, outfielder and 2018 first round draft pick Trevor Larnach was officially promoted. To make room, Jean Carlos Arias was sent back to Elizabethton, and Christian Cavaness was released from the Kernels roster.RED WINGS REPORTToledo 5, Rochester 1 Box Score Starter Zack Littell had to try to work around a bunch of trouble in his outing, and he wasn’t able to on enough occasions. He finished 4 2/3 innings with 96 pitches (61 strikes), allowing five hits and five walks. Two errors from his defense led to five runs (two earned). This was more than enough for the Mud Hens as Rochester finished 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left five men on base. Gregorio Petit finished the day 2-for-4 with a double to lead the way. Edgar Corcino added a triple and scored their only run on a RBI single from Juan Graterol that followed. The bullpen duo of Luke Bard and John Curtiss combined to finish the game in scoreless fashion. Bard went 2 1/3, allowing one hit and striking out two. Curtiss finished the final two innings by allowing one hit and one walk. He struck out three. CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Scheduled Day Off. After taking three out of five against the Mississippi Braves, the Lookouts got a day off on Tuesday before continuing the second half of their 10-game homestand against the Jackson Generals tomorrow. MIRACLE MATTERS Fort Myers 5, Lakeland 0 Box Score The Miracle got a fantastic start from right-hander Griffin Jax and as a result Jose Miranda’s first home run in the Florida State League would be all the run support needed, but the lineup added some insurance just in case. Jax pitched into the eighth inning where he allowed a leadoff double before getting a groundout for his final out. In his 7 1/3 innings, he gave up only four hits, walked one, and struck out seven. Of his 94 pitches 67 went for strikes and he retired twelve in a row at one point. He improved to 3-1 on the season. July’s Twins Daily MiLB Relief Pitcher of the Month, Jovani Moran, came on and finished off the victory with 1 2/3 scoreless frames to pick up his third save with Fort Myers. He retired all five hitters he faced including punctuating the win with his second strikeout to end it. The offense got two hits from Taylor Grzelakowski (2-5, RBI, 2 K) and Caleb Hamilton (2-for-3, R, 2B, RBI), While Miranda’s home run was a two-run shot in the eighth that made it 3-0. Royce Lewis singled, stole a base, and scored a run in five trips to the plate. Alex Kirilloff finished 1-for-4. KERNELS NUGGETS Scheduled Day Off. Cedar Rapids got a travel day on Tuesday to head further east across the state of Iowa. They will begin a five-game road trip with three versus the Clinton Lumberkings on Wednesday. E-TWINS E-TALK Kingsport 10, Elizabethton 16 Box Score The lack of offense in the other games on Tuesday was more than made up for in this one. The E-Twins racked up 16 runs on 16 hits, seven walks, and two errors against the Kingsport defense in a scoreboard slugfest. Even more remarkable was that the Mets scored their 10 runs on just six hits. Combined the teams finished 9-for-21 with runners in scoring position and left half as many runners on the bases as they scored. Chris Williams had a mammoth day, finishing 2-for-3 with two home runs and six RBIs. He also was hit by a pitch, had a sac fly, and scored three runs on the game. His first home run in the eight-run third inning was a three-run blast. His second was a two-run shot in the fourth. Robert Molina concluded the fireworks in the third with a grand slam. Williams now has 14 homers in 42 games with Elizabethton (that’s a better rate than Brent Rooker had last year, if you were wondering). Molina’s slam was his second in the Appalachian League and drove in five runs in total. Gilberto Celestino (2-for-6, 2 R), Colton Burns (3-for-4, 3 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB), Ricky De La Torre (2-for-5, R, K), and Lean Marrero (3-for-4, R, BB) joined Williams and Molina with multiple hits. With all that offense, the pitching wasn’t as great for the Twins. Luis Rijo made his first start with his new organization and due to an error in the fourth, ended his debut being charged with five unearned runs. In 3 2/3 innings he allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out four. Pedro Garcia went the next 3 1/3 and allowed five earned runs on three hits and four walks while striking out three. Zach Neff finished the game for the Twins with two scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and struck out one. GCL TWINS TAKES GCL Twins 2, GCL Rays 3 Box Score The Twins lineup was only able to muster three hits on the game and combined with drawing zero walks, they just didn’t have or make for themselves many opportunities. They were just 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left only one man on base. Their runs were courtesy of an Agustin Marte solo home run in the sixth (his first in the states), and an RBI single from Estamy Urena after Gabe Snyder reached second base on an error in the eighth. Despite all that the score was tied 2-2 heading into the ninth, so the Twins also had some good pitching. On a rehab assignment from Chattanooga, Casey Crosby struck out three in the first inning but due to a walk, a stolen base, error, and wild pitch also gave up an unearned run. Prelander Berroa went the next four frames and allowed an unearned run on three hits and one walk while striking out three. Junior Navas then threw two scoreless frames, allowing two hits and striking out two. Denny Bentley added a one-two-three eighth inning setting the stage for climactic ninth. When the Twins went down in order in the top half, Niklas Rimmel came on to pitch the bottom. He was greeted by a double from the leadoff man, got the next to fly out, but couldn’t escape as a single a few batters later walked it off for the Rays. STARS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Pitcher of the Day – Griffin Jax, Fort Myers Miracle (W, 7.1IP, 4 H, BB, 7 K) Twins Daily Hitter(s) of the Day – Chris Williams, Elizabethton Twins (2-for-3, 3R, 2 HR (14), 6 RBI) TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY #1 - Royce Lewis (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-5, R, SB (5) #2 - Alex Kirilloff (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-4, K #3 - Brusdar Graterol (Ft. Myers) – Did not pitch. #4 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) – 0-for-4, 2 K #5 - Stephen Gonsalves (Rochester) – Did not pitch. #6 - Trevor Larnach (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play (officially promoted on Tuesday). #7 - Brent Rooker (Chattanooga) – Did not play. #8 - Akil Baddoo (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play. #9 -Wander Javier – Out of for the season. #10 - Zack Littell (Rochester) – L (3-5), 4.2IP, 5 R (2 ER), 5 H, 5 BB, 3 K #11 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play. #12 - LaMonte Wade (Rochester) – Did not play. #13 - Travis Blankenhorn (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-4, R, K #14 - Lewis Thorpe (Chattanooga) – Did not play. #15 - Ben Rortvedt (Ft. Myers) – Did not play. #16 - Yunior Severino (Elizabethton) – 1-for-6, R, 2 K #17 - Lewin Diaz (Ft. Myers) – Will have surgery on his wrist soon. Out for season. #18 - Ryan Jeffers (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play. #19 - Jacob Pearson (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play. #20 - Luis Arraez (Chattanooga) – Did not play. WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Toledo @ Rochester (6:05PM CST) – RHP Chase De Jong (0-1, 12.27 ERA) Jackson @ Chattanooga (6:15PM CST) – LHP Lewis Thorpe (7-4, 3.67 ERA) Fort Myers @ Lakeland (5:30PM CST) – RHP Clark Beeker (4-6, 4.04 ERA) Cedar Rapids @ Clinton (7:00PM CST) – LHP Tyler Watson (4-5, 4.76 ERA) Kingsport @ Elizabethton (6:00PM CST) – TBD GCL Rays @ GCL Twins (11:00AM CST) – TBD Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! Click here to view the article

I've felt the same about Vargas, always wanted him to get an extended run and never did. As far as I can tell Davis was a good hitter at Texas Tech, but not a great one (didn't hit over .300). Not sure about his Shortstop abilities. And I'm with you on Benninghoff!

It hasn’t been an enjoyable few days for Twins fans as the trading deadline came and went with several players being sent to new organizations. While there wasn’t a huge splash of a prospect who was brought back in any of those deals, several intriguing players were added to the pipeline. One of them made a nice first impression yesterday with seven innings of no-hit ball, and on Tuesday more of the new guys made their first marks with the organization. Three games were also affected by rain, with two of them ending up postponed or suspended. To find out how all the new guys and the rest of your favorite Twins prospects fared on Tuesday, keep reading and be sure to ask questions or discuss in the comments!TRANSACTIONS With all the trade activity, it was a busy day for transactions: Rochester (AAA): Trevor May was recalled by the Twins and would make his first MLB appearance since Tommy John surgery. Welcome back, Trevor! Chase De Jong and Tyler Austin were assigned to the Red Wings after their trades were made official.Chattanooga (AA): Assigned to the Lookouts after swapping organizations, were Devin Smeltzer and Luke Raley. Starter Tyler Wells was also promoted to the Lookouts from Fort Myers.Fort Myers (A+): Tom Hackimer was reinstated from the disabled list to take Wells' roster spot.Elizabethton (Rk+): Luis Rijo was assigned to the E-Twins after coming over from the Yankees for Lance Lynn. Pitcher Cole Sands was also moved from the 7-day DL to the 60-day.Gulf Coast Twins (Rk-): Zach Featherstone was placed on the 60-day DL.RED WINGS REPORTScranton/WB 3, Rochester 8 Box Score The Red Wings jumped on RailRiders bullpen contingent for this game, taking a 5-1 lead after three innings. Four of those runs came in the third inning, where newcomer Tyler Austin homered to lead it off in his second at-bat in the organization, his seventh home run in Triple-A this year and 15th overall (with eight in MLB). Oh, and it was a BOMB: Later in the frame the other three runs came across on a homer from Jon Kemmer, who was traded to the Twins in early July for cash. It also was his first in the organization. Fernando Romero made the start for Rochester and was his usual self for the first six frames, allowing just one run (a HR) on two hits while striking out four. In the seventh he ran into trouble, surrendering two runs on three hits and two walks around a double-play ball to finish 6 2/3 solid innings. Reliever Jake Reed finished off the seventh and added two more scoreless frames. He did not allow a hit, walked two, and struck out two in picking up his second save of the year. The offense added some insurance in the bottom of the seventh, courtesy of a Taylor Motter three-run home run. Motter (2-for-5, R, HR, 3 RBI, K), Willians Astudillo (2-for-5, R, RBI), LaMonte Wade (2-for-5, 2 K), and Kemmer (3-for-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI) each collected multiple hits in the victory. CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Chattanooga @ Tennessee (Postponed due to rain) The Lookouts were unable to even their series with the Tennessee Smokies due to rain on Tuesday. They will play a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 4:00PM CST. LHP Dietrich Enns was the scheduled starter today, with LHP Lewis Thorpe probable for your regularly scheduled tilt tomorrow. MIRACLE MATTERS Jupiter 2, Fort Myers 3 Box Score With the score tied at one in the fourth inning, the rains throughout the area on Tuesday came into play, causing a delay and subsequently ending Charlie Barnes' start. To that point Barnes had allowed just one run while scattering four hits and two walks in his 3 1/3 innings. He struck out one and was at 61 pitches before the interruption. Adam Bray was summoned from the bullpen when play resumed and went 2 2/3 innings to get the Miracle to the seventh. He allowed one run (solo-HR) on three hits and struck out four. Hector Lujan then came on and finished the game with three scoreless innings. He gave up three hits, walked one, and struck out four to pick up his fourth win. He got the W as his offense was able to scratch across single runs in the first, fifth, and eighth innings. Royce Lewis led off the game for the Miracle with his fifth double in the Florida State League and would score the games first run on a sac fly from Alex Kirilloff. In the fifth it was an RBI double from Taylor Grzelakowski, and another sac fly from Brandon Lopez in the eighth. Grzelakowski finished the game 3-for-4 to lead his team and despite going 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position on the game, the Fort Myers offense was able to do just enough. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 8, Quad Cities 1 Box Score The Kernels offense broke open a scoreless game in the fourth inning, sending ten men to the plate and scoring six of them. Akil Baddoo got it started by leading off with his 19th double and Jose Miranda brought him in with a single for the first run of the game. They were followed by two-RBI doubles from both Jacob Pearson and Michael Davis. Gabriel Maciel drove in his first run for his new organization with a single to cap the scoring. In the fifth, Cedar Rapids added two more runs as Miranda and Ryan Jeffers hit back-to-back home runs to start it. It was Miranda’s 14th on the season, and Jeffers' second with the Kernels since being promoted a week ago. On the bump for the visiting team, was right-hander Edwar Colina. He allowed just one run on five hits and two walks in six innings, notching a quality start. He also struck out seven and lowered his ERA to under 3.00 on the year. That lone run came on a solo homer in the fourth. Jose Martinez picked up a three-inning save, his fourth of the year with three hitless innings in relief. He walked one and struck out two while needing just 27 pitches. Martinez also got an at-bat in this one (a K) as Cedar Rapids had lost their designated hitter after an injury to catcher David Banuelos (Jeffers took his spot behind the dish). Jeffers led the lineup with a three-hit night in five trips and his double was his fifth in seven games with the Kernels, while Miranda and Davis each added two hits to the effort. E-TWINS E-TALK Elizabethton 8, Johnson City 5 Box Score Another two of the Twins newest prospects had big games in this one. The first was outfielder Gilberto Celestino, who came in the Ryan Pressly deal with the Astros, reaching base in all five of his plate appearances. Those included three singles, a double, and a walk that also led to two runs scored and two RBIs. (I don’t know about you, but I like these new guys so far). He also stole his first base and was caught stealing once. The second was 2018 first-round pick, Trevor Larnach. He launched his first two home runs of his professional career, both solo shots. He led off the second inning with his first, and added his second to lead off the ninth. He also drew a walk. His first of the night was captured on video, so enjoy: The E-Twins also got multi-hit efforts Trevor Casanova (2-for-3, R, RBI, 2 BB), Alex Robles (2-for-3, R, 2 RBI, BB), and Lean Marrero (2-for-4). Given a 2-0 lead before he took the mound, starter Kody Funderburk ran into too much trouble in the second inning, and he was not able to finish it. In 1 2/3 innings he allowed four runs on four hits and two walks. He struck out one. Tanner Howell came on to limit the damage in that inning and did so along with three more scoreless frames. He allowed three hits and a walk while striking out four. As Elizabethton took the lead back while he was on the mound, he also picked up his first professional win. Johan Quezada was up next and was effectively wild, allowing only an unearned run on two hits and three walks in two innings, striking out one. Zach Neff picked up his third save with two scoreless innings to end it, allowing one hit and striking out four. GCL TWINS TAKES GCL Orioles 3, GCL Twins 1 (Game Suspended in fifth inning) Box Score This one was suspended after a leadoff walk from Christian Cavaness in the bottom of the fifth with the score 3-1 in favor of the Orioles. The Twins lone run to that point came on an RBI single from Erick Rivera in the fourth. The Orioles pushed three across in the second against Twins starter Tyler Benninghoff. In his four innings Benninghoff gave up those runs on two hits and three walks while striking out two. Erik Cha had come in for a one-two-three fifth, striking out two before the rain became too much to continue. It’s likely this game will be completed tomorrow after the Orioles and Twins meet again for their regularly scheduled game. STARS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Pitcher of the Day – Edwar Colina, Cedar Rapids Kernels (W, 6IP, ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 K) Twins Daily Hitter(s) of the Day – Trevor Larnach, Elizabethton Twins (2-for-4, 2 R, 2 HR (2), 2 RBI, BB, K) TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY #1 - Royce Lewis (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-3, 2B (5), BB, K #2 - Alex Kirilloff (Ft. Myers) – 0-for-2, BB, RBI (13-game hitting streak snapped) #3 - Brusdar Graterol (Ft. Myers) – Did not pitch. #4 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) – 1-for-5, K, 2 SB (8) #5 - Stephen Gonsalves (Rochester) – Did not pitch. #6 - Trevor Larnach (Elizabethton) – 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 HR (2), 2 RBI, BB, K #7 - Brent Rooker (Chattanooga) – Game rained out. #8 - Akil Baddoo (Cedar Rapids) – 1-for-5, R, 2B (19) #9 -Wander Javier – Out of for the season. #10 - Zack Littell (Rochester) – Did not pitch. #11 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch. #12 - LaMonte Wade (Rochester) – 2-for-5, 2 K #13 - Travis Blankenhorn (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-3, BB, K, SB (6) #14 - Lewis Thorpe (Chattanooga) – Game rained out. #15 - Ben Rortvedt (Ft. Myers) – 0-for-3, BB, K #16 - Yunior Severino (Elizabethton) – 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K #17 - Lewin Diaz (Ft. Myers) – Will have surgery on his wrist soon. Out for season. #18 - Ryan Jeffers (Cedar Rapids) – 3-for-5, R, 2B (5), HR (2), RBI, K #19 - Jacob Pearson (Cedar Rapids) – 1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RBI #20 - Luis Arraez (Chattanooga) – Game rained out. WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Scranton/Wilkes-Barre @ Rochester (6:05PM CST) – RHP Zack Littell (2-4, 3.63 ERA) Chattanooga @ Tennessee, Game 1 (4:00PM CST) – LHP Dietrich Enns (0-5, 6.00 ERA) Chattanooga @ Tennessee, Game 2 – LHP Lewis Thorpe (6-4, 3.61 ERA) Jupiter @ Fort Myers (6:00PM CST) – TBD Cedar Rapids @ Peoria (7:00PM CST) – LHP Tyler Watson (4-4, 4.37 ERA) Elizabethton @ Johnson City (6:00PM CST) – TBD GCL Twins @ GCL Orioles (11:00AM CST) – TBD (May also finish Tuesday’s suspended game) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! Click here to view the article

Oops. I see I took the PA number as his AB's. Good call. As for your comps, it is a valid tool to look at. In Rooker's case though, I might try to make the restraints a little different. I'd use college-drafted hitters in their second professional season, ignoring age. Despite the strikeouts, Rooker's overall line at AA is even with Andrew Benintendi when he made his MLB debut. Brendon McKay (for obvious pitching reasons, but was Rooker's equal/better as a hitter in college), is in High-A hitting .200. Corey Ray is striking out just as much and walking at similar rates the past two months in the same league (Rooker has basically caught up to him for league lead in HR's and 2B's after starting so slow). Kyle Lewis is struggling in Seattle system. Matt Thaiss was in AA to start season (his third) and was promoted to AAA after a line like Rooker has... Just some of what I'd look at.

His rate at AA was not 9.1%, but I'm really responding because I do like how you pointed out Walker's BB improvement that year at AA as it went on. You also point out how he hit ~.200 with a ~.650 OPS from July to the end of the season where that BB improvement happened (also hit only 8 of his 31 HR's that season in that time-frame). Rooker is hitting about .315/.400/.625 since his BB improvement (with 13 of his 20 HR's, and 18 of his 28 doubles). It has done something very tangible to matter for him, basically because he is a much better hitter than Walker ever was.

Walker's highest BB rate ever was like 7.5% if I remember right, and that was while he also struck out over 35% of the time. He is the only player I can remember to strike out over 200 times in a MiLB season, so this isn't apples to apples for me. I do agree you want to see an improvement in Rooker's K-rate, but I'm not complaining the way he's hitting.

As I finally start checking everything this morning, I see that the box score and game log was updated and now shows this. Trust me, I didn't mix that up writing it!

I know the 10 games I singled out is a small sample, but that's a pretty good ratio... If I look a little harder, in April/May his overall ratio was 10 walks to 60 K's. In June/July, that's at 24 walks to 59 K's. He's definitely been improving the ratio, even if you don't care that the K-rate itself isn't improved. That's also directly related to when he started mashing, so I pay more attention to the production at this point.

If you woke up this morning hoping to read about how amazing a bunch of the Minnesota Twins’ top prospects fared in yesterday’s games, I’m happy to report you’re definitely not going to be disappointed! There were huge games from three first-round draft pick hitters, and the best pitching performance amongst a long stretch of great ones for a top pitching prospect.To find out just how great each of those prospects were on Tuesday, keep reading and be sure to discuss in the comments! TRANSACTIONS There were some moves in the system before the games: Chattanooga (AA): Pitcher Casey Crosby was activated from the disabled list and sent to the Gulf Coast League on a rehab assignment. He made the “start” for the GCL squad in that game.Fort Myers (A+): Lewin Diaz was placed on the disabled list with a right thumb fracture. To take his place Ben Rodriguez was promoted from Cedar Rapids.Cedar Rapids (A): To take Rodriguez’s place, 2018 2nd-round draft pick Ryan Jeffers was promoted from Elizabethton.GCL Twins (RK): In addition to Crosby, outfielder Christian Cavaness was also sent on a rehab assignment to the GCL.RED WINGS REPORTRochester 2, Indianapolis 0 Box Score Top prospect Stephen Gonsalves took the mound for the Red Wings looking to improve even further on his six-start stretch where he had lowered his ERA from 5.89 all the way down to 3.34. He delivered his best of that bunch on Tuesday, tossing seven scoreless innings. He allowed just five hits, struck out four, and most importantly in that time frame, issued zero walks. He gave up a leadoff triple in the fifth, but his defense caught that runner at home on the next batter. Gonsalves then finished by retiring the final eight hitters he faced. Of his 98 pitches, 68 went for strikes (69%) and he improved to 7-3 on the year in Triple-A. D.J. Baxendale earned his fifth hold with a scoreless eighth inning when he worked around two hits. In his first appearance since being optioned (again), Alan Busenitz picked up his fifth save with a one-two-three ninth, striking out the final two hitters to punctuate the win. On offense the Red Wings got multi-hit efforts from leadoff man Gregorio Petit (2-for-4, R, 2B, K) and LaMonte Wade (2-for-4, R, 2 K). Willians Astudillo and Jeremy Hazelbaker added doubles to the effort. Miguel Sano finished 1-for-2 with an RBI, a strikeout and two walks. CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Pensacola 10, Chattanooga 8 (10 innings) Box Score While the Triple A game was all about a top prospect pitcher, this one focused on a top prospect hitter who has been heating up as the season has gone on. Of course, I’m talking about Brent-He’s So Hot Right Now-Rooker. In the first inning, Rooker got the Lookouts on the board with a two-run home run, his nineteenth of the season and his teammates added two more runs for the early 4-0 lead. He would follow a Zander Wiel single to lead off the second with one of his own, but both ended up stranded. That’s when the Blue Wahoos pounced on starting pitcher Omar Bencomo. They tallied eight runs across the third and fourth innings to take the lead. Bencomo finished five frames, but his ten hits allowed came in quick succession to give up those runs (seven earned). He walked none and struck out five. Chattanooga was able to tie the game in seventh inning, and again it was due in part to Rooker. After two runs had already crossed he came up with the bases loaded and delivered a two-run double, his 27th of the season which tied him with fellow top prospect (and trade rumor target) Corey Ray for the Southern League lead (Ray also leads him by one in homers, Rooker now leads league in RBI though!). Rooker added another single in the ninth, but again would be stranded. Rooker finished his game 4-for-5 with a walk to go along with his extra-base hits and four RBI. His average is now up to .272 on the season and .366/.490/.805 over his last ten games, which includes FIVE home runs, FIFTEEN runs batted in, and a 10:12 base-on-balls to strikeouts ratio. I’d probably promote him soon. Unfortunately for the Lookouts, that effort wasn’t enough when this one got to extra innings. After Bencomo’s exit, Cody Stashak went the next two scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and struck out three. Tyler Jay worked out of a jam of his own making in the eighth, then got two outs in the ninth before handing it over to Williams Ramirez. Jay allowed one hit, walked one, and struck out one in 1 2/3 innings. Ramirez got the final out in the ninth and two K’s to start the tenth inning, but a home run to the next batter proved to be the end. The Lookouts got the tying run on base with no outs in their half, but couldn’t push any one across (Rooker didn’t get a chance, unfortunately). Chattanooga got a hit from every batter in the starting lineup, and had four other hitters with two or more hits on the day. They included Zander Wiel (2-for-4, R, 2 BB, K), Chris Paul (2-for-6, R, 2B, 2 K), Jaylin Davis (3-for-6, R, 2 2B, RBI, K), and Ryan Walker (2-for-5, RBI, BB, 2 K). Jordan Gore also delivered two RBI. MIRACLE MATTERS Fort Myers 4, Jupiter 1 Box Score For his second consecutive outing, lefty Charlie Barnes delivered an impressive performance. He left the game with two outs and runners on second and third in the seventh, but neither runner would score so he allowed just one run in his 6 2/3 innings. That came on six hits and one walk allowed, while striking out two. His ERA on the season now rests at a solid 2.82 for the Miracle. He also evened his record at 5-5 as his offense backed him up with a couple of blasts to put crooked numbers on the board. In the second inning, it was a two-run shot from Travis Blankenhorn, his ninth of the season. In the eighth, it was Alex-He’s Been Hot All Year-Kirilloff with a two-run bomb to the opposite field, his third with Fort Myers and his sixteenth overall on the year. He also finished this game 3-for-3 with two runs scored and drew a walk and is now hitting .370 in the Florida State League. Hector Lujan was the first man called in from the bullpen, and finished the seventh and eighth innings before running into some trouble in the ninth. With two runners on and the game-tying run at the plate, Ryan Mason came on to shut it down with one out. He got the next two hitters, including a strikeout, to do so. Lujan finished with no runs allowed on one hit, two walks, and four strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings. Mason picked up his fifth save on the year. KERNELS NUGGETS Scheduled Day Off The Kernels had the day off on Tuesday as they finished a 5-1 road trip and head home for a five-game homestand versus the Clinton LumberKings and Quad Cities River Bandits. The series with the Bandits is of the two-game home-and-home variety, which they will repeat in August. The Kernels currently lead the Midwest League Western Division with a 22-9 record in the second half. E-TWINS E-TALK Elizabethton 10, Burlington 3 Box Score A late scoring burst from the Twins turned this one into another blowout, as they racked up ten runs on fifteen hits as a team. With the score tied at three going into the seventh, they put two runs on the board to take the lead and added on five more in the eighth. First-round draft pick Trevor Larnach led the lineup with a 4-for-5 night at the plate. It included his first professional extra-base hit, a double. He tallied three runs scored, four RBI, and stole his first base. He has at least one hit in every game he’s played so far and his average is a SSS .450. Elizabethton also got multiple hits from Yeltsin Encarnacion (2-for-5, 3 R, 2B, BB, K), Chris Williams (3-for-4, R, 2 2B, 3 RBI, BB, K), Alex Robles (2-for-5, RBI, K), and Lean Marrero (2-for-5, 2 R). Austin Schulfer got the start and went the game’s first three innings. He allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out three. Brian Rapp then came on and went the next 2 2/3 innings. He allowed one run on two hits and a walk, along with racking up four strikeouts. Kody Funderburk then finished it with 3 1/3 scoreless. He walked in an inherited runner that charged him with a blown save, but also picked up his first professional win as he surrendered two hits, walked one and struck out four. GCL TWINS TAKES GCL Rays 8, GCL Twins 3 Box Score After being activated from the disabled list in AA, Casey Crosby made a rehab appearance to start this game. He got two outs with the help of a pickoff move to first base but walked two batters before his day was done. Frandy Torres then came on and gaveup a grand slam before recording the third out and the Twins were never able to recover. Torres added a scoreless second inning and finished with three earned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out two. Tyler Benninghoff toed the rubber next and delivered three scoreless frames. He struck out four and allowed two hits and a walk. Edit (box score updated on 7/25): Tyler Benninghoff finished three scoreless innings, but then ran into trouble to start the sixth inning. He would get one out due to a caught stealing, but an RBI single and RBI double ended his day. In total he pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out four. The Rays extended their lead against Petru Balan in the sixth inning, and in total he allowed four runs on five hits and three walks in two innings. He struck out one. Petru Balan then came on with Benninghoff responsible for two runners who would both score before getting out of the inning. He would add a scoreless seventh and in total allowed two hits, one walk, and struck out one in 1 2/3. Steven Cruz finished the game with two scoreless innings. He walked three and struck out four. On offense the Twins managed just five hits and drew zero walks but were able to scratch three runs across thanks to going 2-for-3 with runners in scoring position and 2018 28th round draft pick Austin Hale’s first professional home run. Kidany Salva added a double and Victor Tademo and pinch hitter Samuel Vasquez collected the other RBIs. Vasquez pinch hit for Christian Cavaness, who was making his first in-game appearance in almost a year. STARS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Pitcher of the Day – Stephen Gonsalves, Rochester Red Wings (W, 7 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 0 BB, 4 K) Twins Daily Hitter(s) of the Day – Brent Rooker, Chattanooga Lookouts (4-for-5, R, 2B (27), HR (19), 4 RBI, BB) TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY #1 - Royce Lewis (Ft. Myers) – 0-for-3, BB, 3 K #2 - Alex Kirilloff (Ft. Myers) – 3-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, BB #3 - Brusdar Graterol (Ft. Myers) – Did not pitch. #4 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) – 0-for-4, K, SB (5) #5 - Stephen Gonsalves (Rochester) – W (7-3), 7 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 0 BB, 4 K (3.04 ERA in Triple-A) #6 - Trevor Larnach (Elizabethton) – 4-for-5, 3 R, 2B (1), 4 RBI, SB (1), K #7 - Brent Rooker (Chattanooga) – 4-for-5, R, 2B (27), HR (19), 4 RBI, BB #8 - Akil Baddoo (Cedar Rapids) – CR did not play. #9 -Wander Javier – Out of for the season. #10 - Zack Littell (Rochester) – Did not pitch. #11 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – CR did not play. #12 - LaMonte Wade (Rochester) – 2-for-4, R, 2 K, 2 SB (5) #13 - Travis Blankenhorn (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K #14 - Lewis Thorpe (Chattanooga) – Did not pitch. #15 - Ben Rortvedt (Ft. Myers) – Did not play. #16 - Yunior Severino (Elizabethton) – 0-for-5, K #17 - Lewin Diaz (Ft. Myers) – On disabled list with fractured thumb. #18 - Ryan Jeffers (Cedar Rapids) – CR did not play. #19 - Jacob Pearson (Cedar Rapids) – CR did not play. #20 - Luis Arraez (Chattanooga) – 1-for-5, BB WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Rochester @ Indianapolis (6:05PM CST) – RHP Kohl Stewart (0-2, 4.70 ERA) Pensacola @ Chattanooga (10:15AM CST) – TBD Fort Myers @ Jupiter (5:30PM CST) – RHP Tyler Wells (7-4, 2.97 ERA) Clinton @ Cedar Rapids (6:35PM CST) – RHP Edwar Colina (3-3, 3.11 ERA) Elizabethton @ Burlington (10:00AM CST) – TBD GCL Twins @ GCL Rays (11:00AM CST) - TBD Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! Click here to view the article