April 9, 2008

A few one-run games

A few off-day tidbits:
Ron Gardenhire did not rule Francisco Liriano out of taking over for Kevin Slowey in the rotation, should Slowey miss his scheduled start on Sunday. Slowey is still sidelined with a strained right bicep.
Seth Stohs has posted a Q&A with a new Twins Blogger. Check it out!
Make sure to check out Josh Taylor's "Down on the Farm" Reports.
John Bonnes shows us some "On-base Surprises" the first week of the season.
Want a closer look at Michael Cuddyer's dislocated/lacerated index finger? Check out Aaron Gleeman's post "The Cuddyer Domino's".

Down on the Farm

Rochester Red Wings lost to the Norfolk Tides, 6-5.

In what could have been a decision make of whether Francisco Liriano starts for the Twins on Sunday or not, Liriano did not do anything last night to suggest that he'd be the right choice to fill in for the injured Kevin Slowey. Liriano left after just 4 innings in which he allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. He struck out three and probably the most encouraging thing for Liriano is that he pitched almost 90 pitches in the game. However, you can't really blame Liriano for the poor start. The temperature in Norfolk was in the mid-50's and it was just a gloomy day. He probably would have pitched at least a little better had the weather been warmer. Another factor was that Alexi Casilla committed two errors while Liriano was pitching, which made Liriano's pitch count jump so high and it made him run out of gas in the fourth inning as he allowed all 3 runs.

Casey Daigle and Ricky Barrett both gave up runs in their appearances of work following Liriano. Julio DePaula, Mariano Gomez, and Heath Totten finished the remaining 1 2/3 innings with scoreless relief.

Jon Knott and Matt Macri both had 3 hits in the game and 2 RBI. Knott also scored twice. Garrett Jones was the only other impact bat in the game for the Wings. Playing right field, Jones hit his second home run and drove in his 5th RBI of the season. The rest of the lineup combined to go 3-27.

Tonight: LHP Brian Duensing (0-1, 3.18) will take the mound against fellow southpaw Garrett Olson (0-0, 2.25)

New Britain Rock Cats beat the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 3-2.

Oswaldo Sosa had a great start for the Rock Cats, going 5 scoreless innings allowing just two hits while striking out 5. However, Jay Sawatski later gave up two runs in the 8th inning which wiped out Sosa's win. Instead, Zach Ward picked up the win pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief. Ward, despite having a solid season only won 5 times in '07, losing 17. He must be thrilled to have a better offense behind him right now, however the Rock Cats aren't anything to brag about.

David Winfree, Dustin Martin and Drew Butera drove in the runs for the Rock Cats. Matt Moses played in left field and went 2-4 with two runs scored. Brock Peterson scored the other run. Brandon Roberts went 2-4 from the leadoff spot.

Tonight: 6'6'' LHP Ryan Mullins (0-0, 0.00) will face a fellow left-hander as 5'11" A.J. Wideman (0-0, 0.00) takes the mound for the Fisher Cats.

Ft. Myers Miracle beat the Clearwater Threshers, 2-1.

Cole Devries had a good start (his first of the season) yesterday, lasting 6 innings and giving up just 1 run. Danny Vais came in and pitched a scoreless 8th inning before Rob Delaney pitched two innings to pick up his 2nd save of the season.

Danny Valencia continues to hit well, going 2-3 with a walk. Daniel Berg hit a solo home run in the 7th inning for his first RBI of the season. Toby Gardenhire also went 2-3. Allan de san Miguel drove in the other run with an RBI double.

Tonight: RHP Jeff Manship (0-0, 5.40) will face off against RHP Carlos Monasterios (1-0, 2.84) of the Threshers.

Beloit Snappers vs. Peoria Chiefs

Game was postponed due to rain. It will be made up today as part of a double-header. RHP Steven Hirschfield (0-0, 0.00) will take game one for the Snappers against RHP Ryan Acosta (0-0, 0.00). And in game two, RHP David Bromberg (0-1, 9.64) will pitch for the Snappers and the Chiefs will counter with RHP Dae-Eun Rhee (1-0, 0.00).

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