Rochester’s losing streak reaches 10 games in doubleheader loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
MOOSIC, PA. — Even with 3-time batting champ Joe Mauer in the lineup, the Red Wings offensive struggles continued Tuesday night as the club combined for just two runs over 14 innings in a doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The Wings fell 5-2 in the opener before losing 2-0 in the night cap, which extended Rochester’s losing streak to 10 games.
The 10-game skid is the Red Wings longest losing streak since 2010 (12 games). The Wings have scored just 13 runs over the last 10 games.
Mauer – who led off as the designated hitter each game – went a combined 0-for-6. Mauer, recovering from concussion-like symptoms, made his first appearance in a Red Wings uniform since 2004.
The only Wings runs of the night came courtesy of solo homers from Cameron Rupp and Taylor Motter, which came in back-to-back fashion in the fourth inning. It was the first homer for both Rupp and Motter as Red Wings.
Aaron Slegers went the distance in the opener, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. All 5 runs scored via 3 home runs.
Gabriel Moya got the spot start in Game 2 and tossed 3 scoreless innings before turning things over to Tyler Duffey, who threw 2 shutout innings of his own.
Scranton finally got to John Curtiss out of the Wings bullpen in the sixth inning plating 2 on a Brandon Drury triple.
The Wings and RailRiders wrap the 4-game, 3-day series on Wednesday night at 6:35 pm. Former Yankees prospect Dietrich Enns (4-6, 5.85) gets the start for Rochester opposite right-hander Chance Adams (2-2, 5.43).
*NOTES — In a roster move, Minnesota Twins INF Joe Mauer began his MLB rehab assignment. He has been out with a cervical strain and concussion-like symptoms since leaving the game on May 18. Mauer originally skipped Rochester on the way to the big leagues, but he did appear in 5 games for the Red Wings on rehab in 2004…Entering the doubleheader, the Red Wings dropped to fifth in the International League with a 3.58 ERA, rising from a league-best 2.95 on May 24. Rochester has thrown 7 shutouts and allowed 3 or fewer runs in 29 of 59 games this season…Chris Carter has hit 5 home runs since joining Rochester after hitting 13 with Triple-A Salt Lake. The 18 combined homers are tied for second in the minor leagues this season. Seuly Matias leads all minor leaguers has hit 20 for Single-A Lexington and Carter’s Bees teammate, Jabari Blash, has also hit 18. Carter hit 41 home runs with Milwaukee in 2016, tied with Colorado’s Nolan Arendo for the National League lead.