David Festa, the top pitching prospect in the Twins’ organization, got the start on Sunday at CHS Field looking to build on his best start as a member of the Saints.

Things did not go as well as the 24-year-old had hoped, but he was not discouraged after taking the loss in the Saints’ 7-6 loss to the Louisville Bats.

Festa, who tied a team record in his last start when he struck out 10, picked up eight strikeouts on Sunday but allowed five runs in 3 1/3 innings, including a pair of home runs.

“I felt like it came down to a couple pitches,” the New Jersey native said. “I had eight strikeouts. I thought the fastball velocity was the best it’s been all year. Made a couple of pitches they took advantage of, and that’s kind of just baseball.”

St. Paul’s loss came after back-to-back wins for the first time since April 5-6.

After allowing a solo home run in the second inning, Festa was touched for three runs on five hits in the third. The Saints tied the game with a four-run third, but Festa’s day was done when he gave up a one-out home run in the fourth.

Festa has made a rapid rise within the organization since being selected in the 13th round in the 2021 draft out of Seton Hall. He is currently the No. 5 prospect in the organization according to MLB Pipeline.

Festa made 19 starts at Double-A Wichita last season, going 3-3 with an ERA of 4.39. He finished the season with the Saints, going 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA.

“The recognition is great, but in reality all that matters is what I do in between the lines,” Festa said. “It doesn’t impact what I do on a day-to-day basis. I wasn’t a high draft pick and I kind of went under the radar in college.

“I don’t lack motivation. I know nothing was really handed to me — ever. I take that mentality everyday, from the day I signed with the Twins up until now. My mentality hasn’t changed.”

Two things have changed — and for the better. First, the velocity on his fastball has jumped from the low 90s in college to the 95-97 mph range. The increase coincided with his joining the organization.

“I think it’s a credit to the people around me, the coaches and the personnel,” Festa said. “I think the Twins do a really good job of developing players, as you see throughout our minor leagues.

“And a lot of later picks like me have done really well. I’m really happy to be in this organization.”

The second change has to do with the 6-foot-6 Festa’s physical makeup. His major goal during the offseason was to add weight and strength, and he came into the season at 195 pounds, 10 more than last season.

Festa said he did it by eating right, working out and drinking plenty of protein shakes, a formula that continues into the season.

“I tried to do a lot of high-volume workouts this offseason to try to build my stamina and my ability to recover,” he said. “And, ultimately, build some muscle mass. I’m a tall, lean guy, so I get super sore after outings.

“With the 10 pounds, I feel like I’ve recovered a lot better. This was the first time I’ve thrown on five days (rest) in a long time, and my body felt great. To know that my body is in a good spot, I know I’m heading in the right direction.”

Briefly

Matt Wallner’s home run streak ended at three consecutive games, but he had two hits to raise his average to .230.

Relief pitcher Justin Topa, on rehab assignment from the Twins, pitched at scoreless sixth.