Link Report for Mon. 8/23 -- Huge nights from Cruz and Richardson lead their teams to victory

[Mass Haas]

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Monday's Daily Menu:

Times Central; pitchers subject to change --

Nashville: LHP Sam Narron at Iowa (Cubs), 6:50 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime
Live Audio Link

Huntsville: TBD (perhaps RHP Michael Bowman) at home vs. Montgomery (Rays), 6:45 PM pre-game; 7:00 gametime
Live Audio Link

Brevard County: First, it's the completion of Sunday's nine-inning game, with Brevard as the home team (RHP R.J. Seidel threw a 1-2-3 1st inning but will likely be unavailable today -- managers love one-inning postponements), then there will be a seven-inning nightcap at Daytona (Cubs), 4:05 PM gametime; expect to see RHP Darren Byrd in action in one of the games
Live Audio Link (Cubs' Feed)

Wisconsin: RHP Damon Krestalude at Cedar Rapids (Angels), 6:15 PM pre-game; 6:35 gametime
Live Audio Link

Helena: Idle

Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Idle

DSL Brewers: Season complete

[Mass Haas]

Follow Monday's action as it happens:

Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Tab or New Window". Choose "Recap". While you're listening to your minor league game of choice (or watching/listening to the big league Crew when they are playing), simply refresh your game log browsers every so often.

 

Nashville (Gameday also available)

 

Huntsville (Gameday also available)

 

Brevard County Completion of Suspended Game

 

Brevard County Regularly Scheduled Game

 

Wisconsin

[Mass Haas]

PCL American North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Iowa	74	54	.578	-	-	37-29	37-25	7-3	W4
	Memphis	71	58	.550	3.5	13	40-25	31-33	7-3	W1
	Omaha	71	58	.550	3.5	13	33-28	38-30	6-4	L1
	Nashville	66	62	.516	8.0	9	35-30	31-32	4-6	L2

SOU North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
*	Tennessee	36	20	.643	-	-	22-9	14-11	6-4	W2
	Huntsville	29	27	.518	7.0	8	17-11	12-16	5-5	L1
	Chattanooga	26	29	.473	9.5	6	12-15	14-14	6-4	L1
	West Tenn	26	30	.464	10.0	5	13-12	13-18	4-6	W2
	Carolina	24	31	.436	11.5	3	11-16	13-15	3-7	L1

FSL North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Tampa	36	19	.655	-	-	19-9	17-10	7-3	W3
	Daytona	33	22	.600	3.0	12	18-9	15-13	4-6	L1
	Brevard County	32	24	.571	4.5	11	16-12	16-12	5-5	W1
	Lakeland	27	29	.482	9.5	6	14-11	13-18	5-5	L3
	Clearwater	25	32	.439	12.0	3	15-14	10-18	5-5	L1
*	Dunedin	24	33	.421	13.0	2	12-16	12-17	5-5	W1

MID Western
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Quad Cities	34	19	.642	-	-	11-14	23-5	7-3	W2
*	Cedar Rapids	31	23	.574	3.5	-	17-12	14-11	6-4	W2
	Clinton	29	24	.547	5.0	16	15-12	14-12	6-4	W1
	Kane County	29	25	.537	5.5	14	16-11	13-14	2-8	L2
	Beloit	27	25	.519	6.5	12	14-11	13-14	6-4	L1
	Peoria	25	26	.490	8.0	12	12-13	13-13	5-5	L1
	Wisconsin	25	30	.455	10.0	10	15-13	10-17	5-5	L2
	Burlington	18	34	.346	15.5	3	12-14	6-20	3-7	W1

PIO North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Helena	11	9	.550	-	-	7-5	4-4	6-4	W1
*	Great Falls	10	11	.476	1.5	17	5-3	5-8	3-7	W1
	Missoula	10	11	.476	1.5	17	6-7	4-4	5-5	W1
	Billings	9	11	.450	2.0	17	4-4	5-7	5-5	L1

AZL Central
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	AZL Brewers	31	19	.620	-	-	10-11	12-8	6-4	L3
	AZL Dodgers	28	22	.560	3.0	3	11-9	12-7	7-3	W3
	AZL Reds	26	24	.520	5.0	1	10-8	11-9	6-4	W1
	AZL Indians	20	30	.400	11.0	E	7-13	10-9	1-9	L2

DSL S.D. North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	DSL Mariners	43	28	.606	-	-	23-13	20-15	7-3	L1
	DSL Cardinals	39	32	.549	4.0	E	24-11	15-21	5-5	L2
	DSL Athletics	32	39	.451	11.0	E	17-19	15-20	6-4	W2
	DSL Brewers	28	43	.394	15.0	E	17-18	11-25	3-7	W1

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO REMINDERS:

 

Here's why some of you diehards will want to spend $6.95 and subscribe to MiLB.TV for the next 30 days --

 

Yes, the current series for Nashville at Iowa is available (Monday and Tuesday), and then there is the series in Oklahoma City starting on the 30th.

 

(This is another reason why OKC would be an intriguing AAA home for the Brewers, all their home games are available for viewing online.)

 

But --

Beginning August 27th and running through the 30th, all four Helena Brewer games at Idaho Falls will be available for viewing, as the Chukars (a bird, by the way -- photo) are the only Pioneer League team to televise. You'd be able to watch the games live and/or archived.

 

So for a very modest sum, many of you might choose to peak in on the Helena kids, and catch a glimpse of some of the more recent signings.

[Mass Haas]

It's a "Player of the Week" bonanza!

 

We'll probably see some press releases from the clubs later on, but the Florida State League has named LHP Daniel Merklinger its Pitcher of the Week, the Midwest League has announced CF D'Vontrey Richardson as it's Player of the Week, and the Pioneer League honors 1B Cody Hawn with Player of the Week honors as well.

 

Congrats to all!

[Mass Haas]

bretsky07 wrote:

---

I noticed Gamel was ejected from the last game he played in (Friday 8/20). Maybe he was suspended?

 

***

 

And we have a winner in the house -- two-game league suspension, expect him back this evening. We don't know the extent of his specific actions, but hey, it's over with...

[Mass Haas]

PDF documents:

Nashville Media Notes
Read why Don Money is away...

Huntsville Media Notes
Read why Andre Lamontagne, tonight's starter, missed his last turn -- congrats, by the way!

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio:

 

August 23, 2010: Starting Lineup

The Scooter watch continues, no Kentrail...

 

August 23, 2010: Tonight's Starting Pitcher

Damon's going to have to forget about his numbers at year-end...

 

August 23, 2010: Game Notes

Double-digit blues...

[homer]

I didn't realize Richardson had been hitting so well but I checked his profile and he's been en fuego recently. Good to see.

[BrewCrewForever]

bretsky07 wrote:

---

I noticed Gamel was ejected from the last game he played in (Friday 8/20). Maybe he was suspended?

 

***

 

And we have a winner in the house -- two-game league suspension, expect him back this evening. We don't know the extent of his specific actions, but hey, it's over with...

Thanks guys, I was worried. Thought maybe he got hurt and it was not reported.

[Minigoon]

bretsky07 wrote:

---

I noticed Gamel was ejected from the last game he played in (Friday 8/20). Maybe he was suspended?

 

***

 

And we have a winner in the house -- two-game league suspension, expect him back this evening. We don't know the extent of his specific actions, but hey, it's over with...

And back he is, with a 2 run home run in the 2nd.

 

 

[UeckerPowell]

Luis Cruz is a single away from a cycle tonight and should get at least one more at bat.

[battlekow]

Final (game one): @Brevard County 7, Daytona 3

Brevard County box score

In the completion of yesterday's suspended game, Mike Ramlow was a pen-saver, tossing four shutout innings while striking out five and allowing nothing but two hits. Sean Halton and Scott Krieger both homered, and Angel Salome was 2-2 with a double, two walks, and a HBP. Sergio Miranda and Juan Sanchez added two hits, and Erik Komatsu tripled, walked, and was hit by a pitch. It should be noted that the game (well, apart from the first five outs) actually took place at Daytona, because the teams had no more scheduled games at Space Coast Stadium.

Brevard County play-by-play

Pete Fatse's assist here helped the 'Tees escape the top of the 6th with a narrow 4-3 lead:

 

Daytona Top 7th

• Greg Rohan singles on a line drive to right fielder Scott Krieger.
• Jose Valdez singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Sergio Miranda. Greg Rohan to 2nd.
• Evan Crawford singles on a line drive to left fielder Peter Fatse. Greg Rohan to 3rd. Jose Valdez to 2nd.
• Junior Lake called out on strikes.
• DJ
  LeMahieu lines into a force out, left fielder Peter Fatse to third
  baseman Sergio Miranda. Greg Rohan scores. Jose Valdez out at 3rd.
  Evan Crawford to 2nd. DJ LeMahieu to 1st.
• Ryan Flaherty walks. Evan Crawford to 3rd. DJ LeMahieu to 2nd.
• Rebel Ridling strikes out swinging.

[battlekow]

Final (game two): @Daytona 4, Brevard County 2 (7 innings)

Brevard County box score

Ouch. Daytona got all four runs in the bottom of the 6th to steal the win. Darren Byrd had pitched five scoreless innings up to that point, but was responsible for all four late scores. Brock Kjeldgaard (HR, 1B, BB) and Josh Prince (1B, 2 BB, SB) were on three times for the 'Tees, and Sergio Miranda added two hits. Erik Komatsu was 0-3 but was hit by a pitch; he was also HBP in the earlier game today, so he'll enjoy the ice bath tonight.

Brevard County play-by-play

BC scored a run in the 7th to narrow the gap to two and had the tying runs in scoring position for slugger Sean Halton:

 

Brevard County Top 7th

• Josh Prince walks.
• With Matt Cline batting, Josh Prince advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.
• Matt Cline lines out to first baseman Rebel Ridling.
• Sergio Miranda singles on a ground ball to center fielder Evan Crawford. Josh Prince scores.
• Erik Komatsu hit by pitch. Sergio Miranda to 2nd.
• Angel
  Salome grounds out, second baseman DJ LeMahieu to first baseman Rebel
  Ridling. Sergio Miranda to 3rd. Erik Komatsu to 2nd.
• Pitcher Change: Jeff Beliveau replaces James Leverton.
• Sean Halton strikes out swinging.

[battlekow]

Final: Wisconsin 6, @Cedar Rapids 5

Richardson sparks Rattlers rally

Chris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – D’Vontrey Richardson showed the Cedar Rapids Kernels why he was named the Midwest League’s most recent Offensive Player of the Week. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers center fielder went 3-for-5 with three doubles, a runs scored, and two RBI. The two RBI came in the top of the ninth inning and gave Wisconsin a 6-5 lead over the Kernels. There were a few nervous moments in the bottom of the ninth, but the Rattlers held on to prevail at Perfect Game Field on Monday night.

 

The Rattlers (52-72 overall, 26-30 second half) jumped in front with a run in the first inning. Richardson doubled to start the game. Two outs later, Chris Dennis cashed in the opportunity with an RBI double for a 1-0 lead.

 

The Kernels (74-49, 31-24) answered with an unearned run in the bottom of the second after an error on a grounder to second with two outs let the tying run score from third.

 

Wisconsin loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the third inning, but Kehrer got a strikeout and a 5-4-3 double play to end the threat.

 

The Kernels took the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Rattlers starting pitcher Damon Krestalude struck out the first two batters of the inning. Then, Michael Wing doubled. Justin Bass followed with a single to drive in Bass and the Kernels were up 2-1.

 

Cedar Rapids added a pair of runs in the fifth inning. Matt Long drove in a run with a fielder’s choice. Later in the frame an RBI grounder off the bat of Casey Haerther made the score 4-1.

 

Khris Davis was hit by a pitch to start the Wisconsin sixth inning. Hunter Morris tripled in Davis. But, he was still at third with two outs. Kernels starter Tyler Kehrer uncorked a wild pitch to let Morris in to cut the Kernels advantage to 4-3.

 

Then, a two-out bloop double by Jon Karcich off the glove of right fielder Erik Miller scored Bass from first base and Cedar Rapids was up 5-3.

 

Wisconsin started their comeback in the top of the eighth inning. Morris lined a homer to left. The opposite field blast for the Wisconsin first baseman was his eighth of the season.

 

Johnny Hellweg came on to close down the Rattlers in the top of the ninth, but he walked Connor Lind to start the inning. Pinch hitter Kentrail Davis struck out, but Michael Marseco drew a walk to put two runners on base. That was when the reigning Midwest League Offensive Player of the Week made his presence known.

 

Richardson scalded a 3-1 pitch from Hellweg to the gap in left-center field. The ball quickly got out to the 407’ sign and Lind and Marseco raced home with the runs to put Wisconsin up 6-5.

 

Wisconsin closer Jon Pokorny walked the leadoff batter in the bottom of the ninth. A sacrifice bunt moved the tying run into scoring position. Then, Pokorny walked another batter to put the winning run on base.

 

Pokorny struck out Jeremy Cruz on a 2-2 off-sped pitch, but both runners took off on the pitch and would advance safely on a double steal to put a little more pressure on the Rattlers closer, especially with Kernels RBI leader Casey Haerther at the plate,

 

But, Pokorny, who had blown his last two save opportunities – including last Monday to Cedar Rapids at home, struck out Haerhter to end the game and close out Wisconsin’s stirring comeback.

 

Eric Arnett, who came off the disabled list earlier on Monday, pitched two scoreless innings in relief to pick up his first Midwest League victory.

 

The final game of the four game series between the Kernels and Rattlers is Tuesday night at Perfect Game Field. Jake Odorizzi (6-3, 3.58) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Cedar Rapids will counter with Steven Locke (7-6, 4.35). Game time is 6:35pm. Tune in for the play-by-play action on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:15pm.

 

Wisconsin box score

D'Vo! Mehring couldn't get over how hard Richardson's third double was hit--"He almost put that ball THROUGH the wall!"--and was still talking about it during the bottom of the inning. You could hear the special quality of the crack of the bat even over the webcast. Richardson now has 10 extra-base hits and nine walks in his last ten games. For some reason, maybe the vast unfulfilled potential that he represents--I've been pulling especially hard for Richardson this year and it's really rewarding to see him finally go off on his first extended hot streak. May it be the first of many, D'Vontrey. Krestalude did get hit hard, but on the bright side he struck out six and walked none in his 4.1 innings. Can you believe this is Arnett's first MWL win? Says a lot about his season, but I don't want to beat him up too bad since he had a good outing, allowing just a hit while striking out a batter and recording the other five outs via ground ball. Morris keeps padding that gaudy ISO; if only he'd boost that walk rate. The Scooter Gennett watch continues.

 

Wisconsin play-by-play

Richardson pitched in on defense as well:

 

Cedar Rapids Bottom 6th

• Michael Wing flies out to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson.
• Justin Bass singles on a fly ball to right fielder Erik Miller.
• Carlos Ramirez called out on strikes.
• Jon
  Karcich doubles (19) on a fly ball to right fielder Erik Miller.
  Justin Bass scores. Jon Karcich out at 3rd, right fielder Erik Miller
  to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson to third baseman Joseph
  Paciorek.
  

[battlekow]

Final: Nashville 8, @Iowa 6

Nashville beats Iowa, 8-6, on Monday

Nashville Sounds

 

DES MOINES, Iowa. - The Nashville Sounds topped the Iowa Cubs, 8-6, on Monday evening at Principal Park in Des Moines in the third game of a four-game set.

 

With the win, Nashville (67-62) moved to six games behind division-leading Iowa. Luis Cruz was a single away from the cycle, as the Sounds shortstop went 3-for-3 with three RBIs in the victory.

 

The Sounds took an early 3-0 lead in the opening frame and didn't look back. Brendan Katin doubled home Adam Stern for Nashville's first run, followed by a Joe Koshansky RBI single. Cruz then doubled home Koshansky for the third run of the game.

 

Nashville plated five runs on three second inning home runs to take an 8-0 lead over Iowa. Sounds starting pitcher Sam Narron helped his own cause to lead off the second inning, as the pitcher knocked a 3-1 pitch over the wall in right center for his first homer of the year and Nashville's second home run by a pitcher this season. The long ball was Narron's second homer of his career.

 

After Stern walked, Mat Gamel tattooed a two-run shot to right field in his first game since serving a two-game suspension. Koshansky singled again, followed by a two-run home run by Cruz, his 10th of the season. The Sounds are 10-0 when Cruz homers.

 

Iowa slowly chipped away at the Sounds lead, as Brian LaHair knocked in a second inning RBI for the Cubs' first score. After a Ray Olmedo fielding error, Robinson Chirinos hit a two-out, two-run double in the in the sixth inning, with Jonathon Mota singling home Iowa's third run.

 

Sam Fuld led off the seventh inning with a triple and scored on the next play when Ty Wright singled to center. Donovan Hand came into the ballgame and allowed a single and then a sacrifice fly to Brad Snyder that trimmed the lead to 8-6, but that's all the damage Iowa would do.

 

Narron (8-7) picked up the win after giving up six runs (two earned) while scattering 11 hits in six plus innings for the Sounds. Hand chipped in with two shutout innings. Brandon Kintzler picked up his fourth save of the season with a perfect ninth.

 

Austin Bibens-Dirkx (5-2) took the loss, allowing eight runs on 10 hits in five innings pitched.

 

The Sounds and Cubs will play the season finale between the clubs at 12:05 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon at Principal Park. Right-hander Josh Butler (3-1, 6.08) takes the mound against Cubs righty Chris Carpenter (NR).

 

Nashville box score

Listen to Narron's homer here. Cruz's career high in homers is the 12 he hit for Mobile in 2006. Stern was on three times with two hits and a walk. Kintzler struck out one

 

Nashville play-by-play

Cruz came up in the 7th needing a single for the cycle, but ended up doing something he's done a lot more rarely than single this year:

 

Nashville Top 7th

• Brendan Katin flies out to right fielder Ty Wright in foul territory.
• Joe Koshansky strikes out swinging.
• Luis Cruz walks.
• Ray Olmedo strikes out swinging.

[battlekow]

Final: Montgomery 6, @Huntsville 5

 

Huntsville box score

New dad Andre Lamontagne allowed six runs--all unearned--over the first two innings, and though Huntsville pulled to within a run on with a three-spot in the 4th, they could never draw even. Lamontagne's control was off, as he walked five in four innings and threw only 47 of his 88 pitches for strikes. Drew Anderson homered and walked (his evil twin started at shortstop for the Biscuits), and Brett Lawrie was on three times with a single and two walks. Taylor Green took the collar, and Caleb Gindl did not play.

 

Huntsville play-by-play

How did Lamontagne allow six unearned runs? Glad you asked:

 

Montgomery Top 1st

• Emeel Salem singles on a line drive to center fielder Lee Haydel.
• Rashad Eldridge walks. Emeel Salem to 2nd.
• Jose Ruiz called out on strikes.
• Nevin
  Ashley reaches on force attempt, fielding error by shortstop Zelous
  Wheeler. Emeel Salem to 3rd. Rashad Eldridge to 2nd.
• John Matulia out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Drew T. Anderson. Emeel Salem scores. Rashad Eldridge to 3rd.
• Drew M. Anderson walks. Nevin Ashley to 2nd.
• Matt
  Spring hits a grand slam (2) to left center field. Rashad Eldridge
  scores. Nevin Ashley scores. Drew M. Anderson scores.
• Mike Folli lines out to center fielder Lee Haydel.

Montgomery Top 2nd

• Shawn O'Malley walks.
• With Emeel Salem batting, passed ball by Anderson De La Rosa, Shawn O'Malley to 2nd.
• Emeel Salem grounds out, second baseman Brett Lawrie to first baseman Chris Nowak. Shawn O'Malley to 3rd.
• Rashad Eldridge out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Lee Haydel. Shawn O'Malley scores.
• Jose Ruiz lines out to first baseman Chris Nowak.

[bretsky07]

Morris keeps padding that gaudy ISO; if only he'd boost that walk rate.

You say gaudy, I say exactly what a decent 1B prospect needs to be doing. Also it's the exact same as Chris Dennis has been posting in the minors (with that much better walk rate you're looking for) for the past 3+ years. And only one of them is a Canadian. Free Chris Dennis!

[Mass Haas]

Cubs Split Doubleheader

By Nathan Moore, Daytona Cubs

 

The Daytona Cubs (68-59, 34-24) split the doubleheader Monday night against the Brevard County Manatees (60-67, 33-25). The first game featured newcomer Nick Struck on the mound, but the D-Cubs dropped a 7-3 game followed by a come from behind 4-2 win in game two.

 

The Cubs and Manatees resumed game two of their series at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Monday evening at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Daytona sent Struck to the hill to pick up where Alberto Cabrera left off in the bottom of the first inning. Struck looked good through the first few innings, but ran into trouble in the bottom of the fourth inning. Designated hitter Angel Salome drilled a double to the right-center field gap to lead off the frame. An infield single from Sergio Miranda put runners at the corners for Sean Halton. The Manatees' first baseman smashed a home run to center field to give Brevard County a 3-0 lead.

 

Daytona got back into it with two runs in the top of the sixth inning off reliever Mark Willinsky. With the bases loaded Rebel Ridling grounded an infield single to shortstop Juan Sanchez to pick up an RBI, and then Sanchez made an errant throw to allow D.J. LeMahieu to score from second pulling Daytona within a 3-2 deficit.

 

The Manatees got one of those runs back in the bottom of the sixth inning as Scott Krieger ripped a solo shot down the right field line off Struck.

 

The D-Cubs, while trailing 4-2 in the top of the seventh inning, loaded the bases against Dan Meadows and LeMahieu ripped a solid RBI single to left field. Greg Rohan scored on the play, but Jose Valdez was forced out at third base. The D-Cubs went on to strand the bases loaded when Meadows was able to strike out Ridling.

 

The back and forth battle continued when Erik Komatsu tripled off D-Cubs reliever Alex Maestri to start the bottom of the seventh inning. Two batters later Miranda brought in Komatsu on a sacrifice fly to left field. The Manatees extended the lead over Daytona 5-3.

 

Alex Maestri couldn't find the strike zone in the bottom of the eighth inning and aided the Manatees to two more insurance runs to extend the largest lead of the evening 7-3.

 

Mike Ramlow (4-2) picked up the win with Struck (0-1) taking the loss in his first Florida State League appearance.

 

Game two was more of a pitcher's duel as neither team got on the board through the first three innings. Left fielder Brock Kjeldgaard broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fourth inning with a towering solo home run over the scoreboard.

 

It took six innings, but Ridling put the D-Cubs on the scoreboard with an RBI single scoring Junior Lake from third off Manatee starter Darren Byrd. Kyler Burke promptly singled to right to score Ryan Flaherty to give their D-Cubs their first lead of the series at 2-1. Jake Opitz was intentionally walked to get to Greg Rohan. Rohan responded with a two-run single driving in Ridling and Burke giving the D-Cubs the eventual 4-2 win.

 

D-Cubs reliever James Leverton (4-0) picked up the win out of the bullpen with Byrd (1-4) taking the complete game loss.

 

***

 

By BRENT WORONOFF, Daytona News-Journal Staff writer

DAYTONA BEACH -- It was bad enough the Daytona Cubs had to play the first game of a doubleheader as visitors on their own field. But earlier Monday they found out they would not have Trey McNutt, their hottest pitcher, for the stretch drive as they try to reach the playoffs.

 

It was a tough start for a long day that ended well for the Cubs.

 

McNutt was promoted to Double-A Tennessee. His replacement, Nick Struck, who arrived earlier in the day from Peoria, didn't fare well in a 7-3 loss to the Brevard County Manatees in the opener at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. But the Cubs scored four runs in the sixth inning of the nightcap and held on for a 4-2 victory -- just their third win in their last 10 games.

 

"It's always nice to win the second game of a doubleheader after you lose the first," Cubs manager Buddy Bailey said.

 

The opener was actually the completion of a suspended game at Viera on Sunday. With the split, the Cubs (34-23) remained three games behind the first-place Tampa Yankees, who were rained out Monday, and 1 1/2 games over the third-place Manatees (33-25).

 

Sunday's game at Brevard was suspended by rain with two outs in the bottom of the first and the score tied 0-0. Struck, who had been 8-8 with a 3.22 earned run average at Peoria, took the mound in place of Sunday's starter, Alberto Cabrera, and kept the Manatees off the scoreboard until the fourth, when he allowed Sean Halton's three-run homer to deep center. Struck also gave up a solo shot to Scott Krieger in the sixth.

 

"I thought Struck did well for his first outing," Bailey said. "The wind was blowing out and he gave up a couple of home runs, but he had good command for the most part, especially for a 20-year-old. It says something when you can replace a 21-year-old with a 20-year-old on your staff. It's good for the organization."

 

Brevard also replaced Sunday's starter, R.J. Seidel, switching to Mike Ramlow (4-2), who got the win, allowing just two hits and one walk in four innings.

 

Daytona got two runs back in the top of the sixth after Ramlow left the game. Rebel Ridling's bases-loaded grounder scored two runs as shortstop Juan Sanchez's throw to second for a force out was wild.

 

The Cubs loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh on hits by Jake Opitz, Jose Valdez and Evan Crawford but managed to score just one run. After Junior Lake struck out, D.J. LeMahieu drove home Opitz with a single to left, but Valdez got a late start from second thinking the ball would be caught, and was forced out at third. After Ryan Flaherty walked to load the bases again, Daniel Meadows struck out Ridling to end the threat.

 

"We had a golden opportunity in the middle innings, but we didn't get the golden egg," Bailey said.

 

In the seven-inning nightcap, Brevard's Darren Byrd and Daytona's Michael Perconte battled in a scoreless duel for four innings. Perconte flinched first, allowing the Manatees to score on Brock Kjeldgaard's home run over the scoreboard in left field.

 

Daytona, meanwhile, left the bases loaded in the fourth, and Greg Rohan was thrown out in the fifth trying to stretch a single into a double. But Rohan found redemption with a two-run single in the sixth as the Cubs scored four runs in the frame on four hits, one walk and one hit batter.

 

The seventh inning was more of an adventure than the Cubs would have wanted, however. Josh Prince led off with a single against reliever James Leverton, stole second and scored on Sergio Miranda's chopper up the middle, breaking Leverton's 8 2/3 inning scoreless streak. Leverton hit the next batter and a groundout moved up the runners, putting the tying run on second. But Jeff Beliveau came on to strike out Halton and end the game.

 

OF NOTE: Like Struck, McNutt also pitched for his new team Monday. He came into the game with the best ERA in the minor leagues (1.97) and a 10-0 record at Peoria and Daytona, but he struggled against the West Tenn. Jaxx, allowing five runs in 4 2/3 innings in a 7-4 loss. (That didn't help Huntsville at all, by the way -- MH)

D.J. LeMahieu misses the tag at second on Peter Fatse as the Cubs take on the Brevard Manatees at Jackie Robinson Ballpark Monday. Fatse went on to score when the bases were loaded and a batter was hit. News-Journal Photo by Sean McNeil

 

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