Kyle Gibson allowed one hit over five shutout innings, and a trio of relievers finished the job as the Rochester Red Wings defeated the Indianapolis Indians, 3-1 in International League play at Victory Field, Thursday night.
Gibson, who the Twins optioned to Rochester on Tuesday to make room for Jaime Garcia, struck out five and walked none. After allowing a one-out single in the first Gibson, a familiar face in Rochester, retired the last 14 batters he faced. The 6-foot-6 right-hander threw 69 pitches – 47 for strikes.
Minnesota’s first-round selection in the 2009 MLB draft, Gibson has made 44 starts for the Wings since 2010. He is 12-15 all-time for the Wings and 38-46 at the major league level.
Alex Wimmers allowed two hits over two-and-a third scoreless innings for his third hold of the season. Michael Tonkin surrendered two hits and a run in an inning of work, and John Curtiss retired the only two batters he faced for his fourth save of the season.
Entering the game, Rochester’s bullpen had allowed just 21 earned runs in 127.2 innings (ERA of 1.48) pitched since June 15th.
Tommy Field worked a leadoff walk to start the third inning and eventually gave the Wings a lead they did not surrender. Engelb Vielma followed with a single left. J.B. Shuck loaded the bases with a single to center, and Field came home on a Mitch Garver RBI force out.
Niko Goodrum bunted his way aboard to start lead the seventh, stole a pair of bases and scored on a Vielma sacrifice fly for a 2-0 Wings lead.
Daniel Palka singled and scored in the ninth make it a 3-0 game.
Wings batters left seven on base and finished 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
Rochester native Christopher Bostick was 1-for-4 on the night.
The Red Wings continue on the road with a three-game set at Toledo, Friday. A 7:05 pm first pitch is scheduled. The game can be heard on Fox Sports 1280. Spectrum Sports will also carry the contest.
With the win, Rochester (60-44) moved within 3.5 games of Lehigh Valley (64-41) in the wild card race. Lehigh Valley lost to Gwinnett, 3-2. Rochester hosts Lehigh Valley for a crucial three-game set starting Tuesday, August 1st.
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