Week 22 – September 6th: Venezuela IA Scouted; 3 Game Home Series Starts with Twins
Jason McLeod wrapped up his visit to Venezuela with some encouraging news today. He discovered a 16-year-old third baseman named Bellchyor Cassm, a tall 6-foot-4, 210-pound player from Maturín, Venezuela. He is expected to consistently make contact with the ball and has above-average strike zone recognition. Cassm is likely to land a big league role once he matures. Like most prospects, his future is uncertain, but he's definitely worth watching and has been assigned to our international complex.
The Minnesota Twins, our upcoming opponent in a three-game series, are 78-62 so far this year, with a .557 winning percentage. They are leading the Central Division. Their total runs scored of 675 rank fourth in the American League, and their .250 batting average ranks fifth. On defense, they have conceded 579 runs (first in the league), with their starters posting an ERA of 3.90, which also ranks first. Their bullpen has an ERA of 3.72, ranking sixth. When facing our Royals this season, they hold a record of 6 wins and 4 losses.
Here are the projected pitching matchups:
RHP B. Singer (5-5, 4.08 ERA) vs RHP S. Woods Richardson (7-5, 3.83 ERA)
LHP A. Veneziano (3-2, 3.83 ERA) vs RHP D. Festa (1-2, 3.58 ERA)
LHP K. Bubic (1-3, 6.66 ERA) vs RHP P. Lopez (13-10, 3.65 ERA)
The top 5 players on their team are:
1. CF Byron Buxton (Age: 30, Overall: 80, Potential: 80)
2. CL Jhoan Duran (26, 70, 70)
3. SS Carlos Correa (29, 65, 65)
4. SP Pablo Lopez (28, 65, 65)
5. SP Chris Paddack (28, 60, 65)
Game Summary – September 6th – Kansas City Defeated By Twins, 2-1
The Minnesota Twins secured a victory at Kauffman Stadium, defeating the Kansas City Royals 2-1. Right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson pitched for Minnesota and played a crucial role in the win. Now 8-5, Woods Richardson earned the win, pitching 6.1 innings, surrendering 5 hits, striking out 5, walking 1, and allowing no runs. Jhoan Duran earned the save, his 35th in 40 opportunities. Minnesota took a 2-0 lead on Matt Wallner's 26th home run of the season. The solo shot, hit by Wallner in the top of the seventh, clearly frustrated Kansas City pitcher John McMillon. "We'll take some time to unwind," said Woods Richardson, "and then get after it again." The American League Central Division-leading Twins have a record of 79-62.
GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Simeon Woods Richardson
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Cloudy (70 degrees), wind blowing out to right at 12 mph
Start Time: 7:10 PM CT
Time: 3:06
Attendance: 22691