Link Report for Games of Saturday, August 1st

[TheCrew07]

Have I really "ragged" on Arnett much?

 

I believe I might have originally commented that he was too high on his initial Power 50. And I made a comment tonight about his struggles.

 

I supported the draft pick. I just don't see his ceiling as high and others. At the very least, I think it is unfair to indicate that I have been unfairly hard on him.

This is actually the 3rd or 4th time, and what does it matter until you give a valid reason why you think he's a #3 or he's overrated, then you're just peeing in the wind. I think it's very difficult to evaluate pitchers post draft because they haven't been tinkered with yet. Also, in Arnett's case with his workload previous to Helena, there's no guarantee he's actually throwing his slider, which is his out pitch. I've listened to just about every Arnett performance and I haven't heard Steve mention a slider one time. It's entirely possible I just missed it, or it wasn't mentioned, or that the Brewers aren't letting him throw it. The thought that he wasn't throwing his slider hadn't occurred to me until X brought it up in conversation earlier in the week.

 

If you keep making the same statement without backing it up with anything, it's fair to call you out on it.

 

He's a got a legit mid 90s fastball and a good slider already. He didn't get many innings prior to this year so there is still quite a bit of room for him to grow. Eric also made significant jumps in performance each year, he only gave up 6 more runs as a Junior than he did as a Freshman pitching 73 more innings. Finally Arnett was a good enough athlete to play college baskeball, and I think we can all agree that basketball is by far the most athletic sport from top to bottom, at any level. If Odorizzi was placed correctly initially, then Arnett should be placed similarly.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Nashville 5, Albuquerque (Dodgers) 3

 

Albuquerque Site Summary

 

Sounds Slip Isotopes 5-3

 

The Albuquerque Isotopes (58-49) found themselves in an early five-run hole and could never quite dig out, falling 5-3 to the Nashville Sounds (58-49) in a series-opening defeat at Greer Stadium Saturday night. The 'Topes were stymied by Sounds lefty Chris Cody, who cruised through seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on five hits.

Down 5-0 in the fifth and held by Cody to just one hit, Sergio Garcia put the 'Topes on the board by smashing a lead-off solo homer, his first round-tripper of the year, that cut the lead to 5-1.

Albuquerque struck again in the seventh when, with Dee Brown at first and two out, Chin-Lung Hu roped a single to center that moved Brown into scoring position. A.J. Ellis then scorched a ball that deflected off second baseman Johnny Raburn's glove for a single that allowed Brown to trot home, making the score 5-2.

The Isotopes would remain three runs back until the ninth, when they mounted one last rally. Again with Brown perched on first and two down, Hu surprised the Sounds defense by dropping down a perfect bunt base hit, giving the 'Topes two on and bringing the tying run to the plate in the person of Ellis, who delivered a clutch single to left that plated Brown and brought Albuquerque to within 5-3. J.D. Closser then roped a line drive that was ear-marked for the gap in center until Raburn made a leaping catch to end the uprising and preserve the 5-3 Sounds win.

Nashville wasted no time storming out of the gate, as Major League veteran Bill Hall hammered a solo homer in the bottom of the first to give the Sounds a quick 1-0 lead.

 

The one-run lead would last until the fourth, when the home team erupted for four tallies and take a commanding lead. After back-to-back singles by Brendan Katin and Adam Heether, Joe Koshansky doubled to the gap in center, scoring both runners and boosting the home team's lead to 3-0. Erick Almonte kept the inning going with a single, Nashville's fourth straight hit, moving Koshansky to third, from where he scored on a run producing double-play Angel Salome. The 'Topes were not out of the woods, however, as pitcher Cody roped a single and quickly scored when Jason Bourgeois hit a single to Hu at short that was thrown into the bullpen beyond the right field line for a two-base error that put the Sounds up 5-0.

Cody's (5-6) night ended after seven innings in which he kept the potent 'Topes offense off-balance all night, allowing two runs on five hits while walking one and striking out six. Dave Johnson (4) pitched the final two innings to secure his fourth save of the season. 'Topes starter Eric Stults (4-2) suffered the defeat, just his second of the year, both of which have come at Nashville, allowing five runs, four earned, on 11 hits through six innings.

In addition to the defeat, the night saw the end of Jamie Hoffmann's team-high 18-game hitting streak, which concluded one shy of tying franchise record after an 0-for-4 performance, his first hitless game since June 29.

Albuquerque will play a pair of games against the Sounds in a doubleheader that will start at 5:00 PM MT from Greer Stadium. Knuckleballer Charlie Haeger (10-6, 3.74) will look for a third straight complete-game against Nashville lefty Sam Narron (1-3, 5.82) in game one before Henry Bonilla (3-7, 5.64) takes on Sounds southpaw Lindsay Gulin (5-7, 4.57) in the night-cap.

After the quick road trip, the Isotopes are back next Wednesday for another eight-game homestand that includes an appearance by Birdzerk!, an Orbit Bank Giveaway, and the always popular Cowbell Night!

Nashville Box Score

 

Cody has been up and down in Nashville, it will be interesting to see what happens with him next season. He pitched pretty well tonight and even contributed 2 hits. As And That noted earlier in the season, his K/9 is still way down at Nashville, hovering around 5ish, and his BB/9 is up around 2.5. His peripherals just don't give me a warm and fuzzy about him as starter, but if he continues to put more lines like he did today I could be convinced. Bourgeios had 3 hits including a 2B, Hall 2-4 with a 2B and a HR. Salome 0-3, the only true prospect in the lineup for Nashville tonight.

 

Nashville Game Log

 

[marty22]

Nice outing for Lasker again tonight....he's gotten off to a good start

[TheCrew07]

Final: Jacksonville (Marlins) 1, Huntsville 0

 

Red-Hot Jacksonville Keeps Rolling Right Along

By Brett Pollock / Huntsville Stars

 

Nic Ungs spun six scoreless innings while Scott Cousins knocked in the only run of the game and prevented Huntsville from tying the score in the eighth inning in Jacksonville's 1-0 victory Saturday night in the opener of a five-game set at the Baseball Grounds in Florida. The Suns won for a eleventh time in their last 12 games to improve to 25-11 in the second half and push their lead over idle Birmingham to four and a half games in the South Division, while the Stars dropped a fifth straight game to fall to 14-22 in the half and 52-53 overall. Huntsville has been held to five runs in 42 innings during their losing streak and has been blanked twice in that span.

 

The teams played three scoreless innings before rain halted action for 53 minutes. Stars' starter Mike Jones did not return after the rain delay, having thrown three hitless innings, walking two and fanning three. Bobby Bramhall took over in the fourth and walked the leadoff man Mike Stanton, who advanced to second base on a wild pitch and scored on a one-out single by Cousins, who drove in his 56th run of the season.

 

Bramhall singled with two outs in the fifth and moved to third base on an Adam Stern ground rule double but the rally fizzled when Shane Justis was called out on strikes to end the inning. Ungs retired the side in order in the sixth, the third time he had done so, to close his performance, allowing four hits, walking two and striking out a season-best seven to improve to 7-2. He has thrown 12 scoreless innings in two starts against the Stars, for whom he pitched and won four times in seven starts last season.

 

Bramhall was lifted after three innings, allowing a pair of hits, walking two and matching a season-high with six strikeouts. He suffered the loss, his first since July 6, to fall to 4-7. Jay Voss worked a perfect seventh inning before Kasey Olenberger opened the eighth inning on the hill for the home team. Stern singled with one out, moved to second base on a two-out single by Anderson and was gunned down at the plate on a one-hop throw from Cousins on a Lucroy single. Matt Peterson retired the Stars in order in the ninth inning to earn his league-best 26th save in 29 opportunities.

 

The series continues Sunday afternoon with Huntsville right-hander Josh Wahpepah taking the hill against Suns' right-hander Brad Stone. Coverage of the game begins at 3:50 pm central time and can be heard through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com.

 

Huntsville Box Score

Boo rain, it's not acceptable to cause a shortened outing for Jones. Stars with excellent pitching all the way around in this one, even Littleton went 2 scoreless, the offense just didn't get it done. Stern with 2 hits including a 2B, Lucroy also with 2 hits while Green went 1-4, Cain 0-4 as his AVE has dropped over 25 points in the last 2 games.

Huntsville Game Log

The Stars had their chances to tie the game with runners in scoring position and just didn't get it done. The key play as noted above came in the 8th.

 

 

Huntsville Top 8th

• Pitcher Change: Kasey Olenberger replaces Jay Voss, batting 9th.
• Michael Garciaparra lines out to right fielder Mike Stanton.
• Adam Stern singles on a ground ball to shortstop Chris De La Cruz.
• Shane Justis flies out to right fielder Mike Stanton.
• Drew T. Anderson singles on a line drive to right fielder Mike Stanton. Adam Stern to 2nd.
• Jonathan Lucroy singles on a line drive to center fielder Scott Cousins. Adam Stern out at home on the throw, center fielder Scott Cousins to catcher Brad Davis.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Brevard County 4, Sarasota (Reds) 0

 

Brevard County Box Score

Rivas and Willinsky combine on a beauty, only 5 total hits allowed to Sarasota. This pitching staff has been so good all season I'm running out of adjectives... Farris, Gindl, Errecart, Haydel, and Miranda all with 2 hits a piece, Haydel and Miranda contribute doubles, the only XBH for the Manatees. Miranda has put up the most quiet .750ish OPS of any middle infielder in quite some time.

Brevard County Game Log

With 4 walks you would have thought Rivas worked in and out of trouble, but he cruised until the 6th...

 

Sarasota Top 6th

• Justin Reed walks.
• Denis Phipps grounds into a force out, shortstop Sergio Miranda to second baseman Eric Farris. Justin Reed out at 2nd. Denis Phipps to 1st.
• Neftali Soto singles on a line drive to right fielder Anderson De La Rosa. Denis Phipps to 3rd.
• Pitcher Change: Mark Willinsky replaces Amaury Rivas.
• Devin Mesoraco grounds into double play, shortstop Sergio Miranda to second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Chris Errecart. Neftali Soto out at 2nd.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Wisconsin 11, Quad Cities (Cardinals) 3

 

Rattlers bust out to stop skid

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin started the month of August with one of their best offensive performances of the season. It could not have come at a better time. The 11-3 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Time Warner Cable Field on Saturday ended a seven-game losing streak. Brock Kjeldgaard led the way with three hits while Juan Sanchez and Sean McCraw each drove in two runs. Daniel Meadows benefited from the offensive outburst and picked up his twelfth win of the season.

Quad Cities (45-59 overall, 15-19 second half) took advantage of a miscommunication to grab a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Frederick Parejo hit a popup on the infield that appeared to be the final out of the frame. But, the ball dropped in and the inning was extended to Osvaldo Morales. The first baseman for the River Bandits drove a 2-2 pitch from Meadows over the left field wall for a two-run homer. The home run was the fifteenth of the season for Morales.

Wisconsin (48-56, 14-20) got back into the game and took the lead in the bottom of the second inning thanks to some shoddy defense by the River Bandits. Quad Cities starting pitcher Scott McGregor had two out and two on when he hit Erik Miller with an 0-2 pitch. McGregor walked Sean McCraw to force in a run.

Sanchez sent a grounder to short, but Jose Garcia's throw to first was wild and two runs scored to put the Rattlers up 3-2.

Wisconsin padded their lead in the fourth inning. Kjeldgaard singled to start the frame. Michael Vass followed with a sinking line drive to left. The ball bounced in front of left fielder Jarred Bogany and skipped by him to the wall. Kjeldgaard scored and Vass moved all the way around to third. Erik Miller knocked in Vass with a sacrifice fly for a 5-2 lead.

Kjeldggard singled again in the bottom of the sixth inning. He scored again later in the inning on a wild pitch. McCraw drove in his second run of the game with a two-out single in the sixth for a 7-2 lead.

Meadows gave up one more run before exiting the game. He allowed a sacrifice fly to Roberto Espinoza in the seventh to make the score 7-3. Meadows allowed three runs on eight hits and no walks with six strikeouts. He is tied with JonMichael Redding of the Great Lakes Loons for the Midwest League lead in wins with 12.

The Rattler bats put the game away with four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Nick McCully walked the first three batters of the inning to load the bases. Then, Sanchez lined a single to left that drove in two runs. Later in the inning, Brett Lawrie singled in another run. Kjeldgaard drew a bases loaded walk to push the final run of the game across the plate.

The Rattlers and River Bandits wrap up their season series on Sunday afternoon. Evan Frederickson (3-6, 5.09) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Quad Cities has Miguel Tapia (1-3, 5.21) as their scheduled starter.

Tomorrow is another Brewers Sunday with 107.5 THE FAN. Timber Rattlers players wear Brewers themed caps and jerseys. There is a post-game autograph session for fans to meet the Timber Rattlers players, too. Former Brewers slugger Larry Hisle will be at the game to throw out a first pitch and sign autographs for fans.

Also, the first 1,000 fans into the stadium will receive a Rally Towel from US Cellular.

Additionally, there is a fundraiser for the children of Kelly Wing. The Timber Rattlers will donate $3 for every reserved seat ticket sold to fans who mention Kelly Wing when making their purchase.

Game time is 1:05pm

More Information at Brett Christopherson's Blog

 

Wisconsin Box Score

Hmm, the T-Rats are trying to prove I should make a couple of more trips down before football starts. Maybe they can win 14 of 16 and get back into the playoff hunt. Meadows, Ritchie, and Almonte all pitch well. BK batting all the way down in the 6 hole goes 3-4, Vass 2-4, Miller 0-1 but scores 3 runs. Komatsu and Miller the only T-Rats without a hit.

Wisconsin Game Log

Fun for the whole family as you might imagine.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Billings (Reds) 8, Brewers 5

 

Helena Site Game Summary

 

Brewers Defeated by Billings

By Dan Douts / Helena Brewers

 

HELENA, MT-- The Brewers dropped the second game of the three game series against Billings 8-5 on Saturday night.

The Brewers' staff gave up eight runs on nine hits as Eric Arnett was tagged with the loss. Arnett gave up three runs, one earned, on three hits and had three wild pitches in 1.2 innings. Donald Brandt made his first start of the season for Helena and gave up two earned runs in four innings pitched.

Edgar Trejo went 2-for-4 with two RBI's to lead the Brewers offense. Cameron Garfield and Sean Halton each drove in a run in the loss.

James Walczak pitched two innings giving up one unearned run on two hits to earn his first victory for Billings. Brian Pearl pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings for his second save of the season.

The Brewers will wrap up the first half Sunday afternoon against the Billings Mustangs. Helena's RHP Damon Krestalude (2-2, 4.10) will face LHP Luca Panerati (1-3, 7.88). First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.

 

Helena Box Score

Every Helena pitcher gave up a run. Arnett has given up 16 runs thus far, only 10 earned, that's the highest percentage of unearned runs I recall. I often about WP/PB and how they are scored, many times when I'm at T-Rats' games I think a WP should actually be a passed ball. Either way it's never a good thing when the ball is up against the backstop. No Odorizzi or mentions of him anywhere, please please please don't be surgery... Trejo the only multi hit game... Krieger, Garfield, and Halton contribute doubles on the evening. Roberts and Ellington the only Brewers without a hit. It's looking like the playoff push is going to have to come in the 2nd half.

Helena Game Log

Arnett's time on the mound detailed below.

 

Billings Top 7th

• Pitcher Change: Eric Arnett replaces Robert Currie.
• Frank Pfister reaches on throwing error by shortstop Joshua Prince.
• John Dao singles on a ground ball to third baseman Mike Brownstein. Frank Pfister to 2nd.
• With Mauricio Pimentel batting, wild pitch by Eric Arnett, Frank Pfister to 3rd. John Dao to 2nd.
• Mauricio Pimentel reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by third baseman Mike Brownstein.
• With Tyler Stovall batting, wild pitch by Eric Arnett, Frank Pfister scores. John Dao to 3rd. Mauricio Pimentel to 2nd.
• Tyler Stovall strikes out swinging.
• Yorman Rodriguez strikes out swinging.
• With Thomas Nurre batting, wild pitch by Eric Arnett, John Dao scores. Mauricio Pimentel to 3rd.
• Thomas Nurre strikes out swinging.

Billings Top 8th

• Kyle Dhanani remains in the game as the first baseman.
• Sean Conner walks.
• Chris McMurray called out on strikes.
• With Joshua Garton batting, Sean Conner steals (1) 2nd base.
• Joshua Garton strikes out swinging.
• Frank Pfister doubles (6) on a fly ball to left fielder Chris Ellington. Sean Conner scores.
• Pitcher Change: Joel Morales replaces Eric Arnett.
• John Dao grounds out, third baseman Mike Brownstein to first baseman Kyle Dhanani.

[TheCrew07]

Link while active, text follows:

 

Billings blows shoes off Helena

By AMBER KUEHN - Independent Record - 08/02/09

Three wild pitches. Two runs scored. One lost shoe.

 

And that was all in one inning.

 

It was as if the baseball gods had cast a spell on the Brewers in the seventh, and Helena lost to Billings 8-5 in a sloppy slugfest that saw a little bit of everything Saturday night at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

The Mustangs' 12th win of the season came despite five errors, matching the team's season high.

 

"That says something," said Brewers manager Rene Gonzales. "We didn't play well."

 

The contest contained blown leads and costly mistakes.

The Brewers' first-round draft pick, Eric Arnett, entered the game in the seventh with Helena holding a slight 4-3 lead. Billings third baseman Frank Pfister reached on a Josh Prince throwing error, and the Helena shortstop lost his footing, literally. Prince's shoe came off trying to make the play, and it would be the start of several strange occurrences.

 

The next batter up, John Dao, fouled off four straight pitches following an 0-2 count before singling to left field. The next pitch Arnett threw was wild and the runners advanced. Mauricio Pimentel would reach on a fielder's choice to load the bases and another wild pitch would bring in the tying run.

 

Arnett's rocky relief appearance continued, as he'd throw yet another wild pitch and give up two more go-ahead runs. Despite his troubles, Arnett still managed a handful of strikeouts. But the damage had been done.

 

Although the Brewers responded with a run in the seventh, Helena's Joel Morales gave up two more to the Mustangs in the ninth. Brian Pearl then struck out the side to send the Brewers back to the clubhouse dumbfounded, wondering how this game had gotten away from them.

 

"The thing that bothers me most is everytime we score they seem to come back with an answer," Gonzales said.

 

Sean Conner was Billings' offensive star of the night, picking up a home run for the second straight night. Prior to this series, Conner had just two long balls all season.

 

Helena's big inning came in the third, when the Brewers scored three runs thanks to a little help from the Mustangs.

 

With two outs, Chris Ellington reached on a double error by Billings first baseman Tommy Nurre, who dropped the ball trying to field it then air mailed the throw. What should've been a routine groundout put Ellington in scoring position after he advanced to third on a wild pitch with catcher Cameron Garfield at the plate. Garfield next stroked an RBI double to the left field wall.

 

Sean Halton reached on a walk before Edgar Trejo hit a two-run single to bring in the baserunners and put the Brewers on the board. It was just what Helena needed, following the first two innings where the Brewers had left four runners stranded.

 

Arnett was handed his third loss of the season and second blown save, while Billings reliever James Walsczak got the win. Pearl picked up his second save of the season for the Mustangs.

 

"Our bullpen's got to start doing a better job," Gonzales said. "We've just got to play smarter. We have played better the last couple of days but we're not consistent."

 

Helena starter Donald Brandt made his third appearance of the season. The southpaw went four innings, fanning five, walking one and giving up three hits and a pair of runs.

 

The Brewers (19-18) close out the series with Billings today at 4:05 p.m. Today is also the final day of the first half, as Missoula will look to take the title. The Osprey dropped a contest to Great Falls Saturday to pull the Voyagers within one game of the Pioneer League North leaders. Helena remains two games back.

 

"We're always in every game," Gonzales said. "No matter how poor you're playing, I've got to stress that every run and every at-bat is crucial. Sometimes we give up three runs that shouldn't be and they come back to haunt us."

 

Amber Kuehn: 447-4065 or amber.kuehn@helenair.com

[TheCrew07]

Final: AZL Brewers 9, AZL Dodgers 5

 

AZL Brewers Box Score

Romero and Lasker were excellent, each giving up a 1 ER, no BBs between then and 9Ks. Romero (3), Sizemore (3), and Rodriquez (2) lead the way offensively. The baby crew hit 5 doubles and Sizemore added a HR. Young mr Walla was the only player without a hit on the evening, he also has 49 strike outs in 115, but I'll give him a free pass as a HS kid. A defensively sloppy game for the A-Crew, and not particularily sharp on the bases, but a good win none the less.

 

AZL Brewers Game Log

Quite the eventful 9th inning...

 

AZL Dodgers Bottom 9th

• Pitcher Change: Jose Oviedo replaces Maverick Lasker.
• Ramon Jean reaches on fielding error by second baseman Brandon Sizemore.
• Jonathan Garcia walks. Ramon Jean to 2nd.
• Jeffrey Hunt singles on a line drive to center fielder Franklin Romero. Ramon Jean to 3rd. Jonathan Garcia to 2nd.
• Taiwan Perry grounds into double play, second baseman Brandon Sizemore to shortstop Connor Lind to first baseman Allixon Cequea. Ramon Jean scores. Jonathan Garcia to 3rd. Jeffrey Hunt out at 2nd.
• Casio Grider singles on a ground ball to shortstop Connor Lind. Jonathan Garcia scores.
• Stetson Banks walks. Casio Grider to 2nd.
• Nick Akins singles on a line drive to right fielder Maxwell Walla. Casio Grider scores. Stetson Banks to 3rd. Nick Akins advances to 2nd, on fielding error by right fielder Maxwell Walla.
• Pedro Tavarez grounds out, pitcher Jose Oviedo to first baseman Allixon Cequea.

[TheCrew07]

Final: DSL Blue Jays 13, DSL O's/Brewers 0

 

DSL O's/Brewers Box Score

Obviously this one was UGLY. Abreu 1-3, Arias 0-1, Javier 0-2, Chirinos 0-1, Martinez 0-3. Linares was excellent in his 1 inning, Ramos lasted 2/3, giving up 5R, 1ER, and 4 Hits. 6 errors as a team, Martinez had 3 himself, 1 throwing, 2 fielding.

 

DSL O's/Brewers Game Log

I honestly didn't even look it's so late and the box was bad enough.

[Mass Haas]

Thanks so much, TheCrew07, that was a huge "solid" for me -- great job.

 

124 pitches for Chris Cody.

 

In Appleton, Erik Komatsu leaves after his 3rd inning at-bat as the DH, after flying out twice. Hope he's back in there today. CLICK FOR UPDATE

In the DSL, LHP Jose Ramos has had his outings better spaced out, but performance still an issue. Closer Edwin Linares a true workhouse, effective and often.

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

Timber Rattlers find the winning touch in beating Quad Cities to end losing streak

By Brett Christopherson

Post-Crescent staff writer

 

GRAND CHUTE - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers might have found a new good luck charm.

 

Green socks.

 

"We might wear them again (today)," catcher Sean McCraw said following an 11-3 Midwest League triumph over Quad Cities on Saturday at Fox Cities Stadium - a victory that snapped a season-high seven-game losing streak. "I'm not opposed to it."

 

The socks were worn as part of a team promotion supporting environmental friendliness. But if they can help rid the residue of a rough stretch of baseball that saw the Rattlers enter play losers of 14 of their previous 16 games, then so be it.

 

"We'll do whatever we can to get a win," manager Jeff Isom said. "If it's looking ugly out there, we'll do it. Go green worked."

 

A common thread during Wisconsin's recent skid was an inability to click in all phases at the same time.

 

Not so on Saturday as the Rattlers turned three Quad Cities errors into four unearned runs, finished with 10 hits, scored their most runs since a 10-8 win at Burlington on July 5 and enjoyed a strong seven-inning start out of Daniel Meadows.

 

Wisconsin came into the game hitting .210 over its previous 10 games. The pitching staff also scuffled over that same period with a 5.34 ERA.

"We had a lot of fun today," said McCraw, whose soft single to right capped a two-run sixth as Wisconsin grabbed a 7-2 edge. "I feel like the last week, we've been really pressing, trying to get that win. Today, Brock (Kjeldgaard) was doing slap bunts left-handed during (batting practice).

 

"Everyone just had fun before the game. And I think we took that looseness into the game."

 

Particularly from the outset, when the Rattlers shrugged off a gaffe that easily could have had them pressing even more.

 

Miscommunication in the first inning between first baseman Corey Kemp and second baseman Brett Lawrie allowed a routine infield pop fly to drop in safely. Osvwaldo Morales was next and promptly tagged a 2-2 pitch over the left field wall for a two-out, two-run homer.

 

But Wisconsin rallied behind a three-run second - McCraw walked with the bases loaded, while two more scored on a two-out, bases loaded throwing error - and never trailed from there.

 

Isom credited Meadows for restoring the order. The left-hander struck out six and gave up eight hits over seven innings in earning his 12th win, which is tied for the league lead.

 

"He's done a good job this season of, something will happen behind him, but he doesn't give in," Isom said. "That was the right guy on the mound for us when we're in a funk."

[LouisEly]

On the bright side, all five of Arnett's outs were Ks. I too though think he is a little overrated on the P50 - I'd have him at #10 until I see some success at higher levels.

 

If I am reading the box score correctly, the T-Rats scored 11 runs on only 7 RBI. I don't think I've ever seen four runs not generated off of RBIs in a game before. Meadows looks promising, as he has K'd about one per inning, but the GO/AO needs improvement. At 6'5", 235, a lefty, and only 21, hopefully he has plenty of room to develop, and I'm sure he will get plenty of opportunity to do so.

 

Schafer in his last 10 games - .425 AVG, 4 BB, 3K in 44 plate appearances.