Connor Prielipp Shows Why He’s Twins’ No. 5 Prospect on Monday

The Minnesota Twins not only ended a five-game losing streak with Monday's 11-4 win over the Seattle Mariners, but the game had several encouraging developments. One of them was starting pitcher Connor Prielipp, who earned the victory in his second career MLB start. Prielipp allowed just two runs on one hit over five innings, with five strikeouts against three walks.

The southpaw outperformed three-time All-Star Luis Castillo, who allowed seven runs on seven hits over five frames for the Mariners. Prielipp only allowed runs in a low-leverage spot, as the Twins scored seven before Seattle tacked on two in the top of the fifth. Catcher Mitch Garver hit an RBI single before second baseman Cole Young hit a sacrifice fly.

However, the rookie hurler then struck out third baseman Leo Rivas and right fielder Rob Refsnyder to end his night. Prielipp has a long way to go before becoming a core piece of the pitching staff, but Monday was a landmark moment in his career. Not only was it the Wisconsin native's first big-league win, but he was effective against a Seattle squad that came within one win of a World Series appearance last year.

Connor Prielipp is Prospect to Watch for Twins Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Connor Prielipp (61). © Brad Penner-Imagn Images Prielipp, who is Minnesota's No. 5-ranked prospect , made his MLB debut against the New York Mets on Wednesday.