Link Report for Games of Thursday 4/14

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Daily Menu:

Times Central; pitchers subject to change --

 

Nashville: RHP Josh Butler at home vs. Oklahoma City (Astros), 6:50 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime

Live Audio Link

iPad/iPhone: Listen

 

Huntsville: LHP Dan Merklinger at home vs. Carolina (Reds), 6:43 PM gametime

Live Audio Link

iPad/iPhone: Listen

Traditional broadcast via Carolina feed: Listen

 

Brevard County: RHP Nick Bucci at home vs. Clearwater (Phillies), 6:05 PM gametime

Sorry, no audio available for this contest...

Wisconsin: RHP Jimmy Nelson at Cedar Rapids (Angels), 6:15 PM pre-game; 6:35 gametime

Live Audio Link

[Mass Haas]

Follow Thursday's action as it happens:

 

Nashville (Gameday also available)

Huntsville (Gameday also available)

Brevard County

Wisconsin

[Mass Haas]

PCL American North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Nashville	5	2	.714	-	-	5-2	0-0	5-2	W2
	Iowa	3	4	.429	2.0	136	0-0	3-4	3-4	L3
	Memphis	3	4	.429	2.0	136	3-4	0-0	3-4	L3
	Omaha	2	5	.286	3.0	135	0-0	2-5	2-5	L3

SOU North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Huntsville	4	2	.667	-	-	1-0	3-2	4-2	W2
	Tennessee	4	2	.667	-	-	1-0	3-2	4-2	W1
	Chattanooga	3	3	.500	1.0	64	2-3	1-0	3-3	W2
	Jackson	3	3	.500	1.0	64	0-1	3-2	3-3	L1
	Carolina	1	5	.167	3.0	62	1-4	0-1	1-5	L1

FSL North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Daytona	6	1	.857	-	-	4-1	2-0	6-1	L1
	Clearwater	5	2	.714	1.0	63	2-0	3-2	5-2	W1
	Lakeland	4	3	.571	2.0	62	1-1	3-2	4-3	L1
	Tampa	3	4	.429	3.0	61	2-3	1-1	3-4	L2
	Brevard County	2	5	.286	4.0	60	0-2	2-3	2-5	W2
	Dunedin	1	6	.143	5.0	59	1-4	0-2	1-6	W1

MID Western
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Beloit	5	2	.714	-	-	3-0	2-2	5-2	W5
	Burlington	5	2	.714	-	-	2-1	3-1	5-2	W1
	Quad Cities	5	2	.714	-	-	2-2	3-0	5-2	W3
	Wisconsin	4	3	.571	1.0	63	2-2	2-1	4-3	L1
	Cedar Rapids	3	4	.429	2.0	62	1-2	2-2	3-4	W1
	Peoria	3	4	.429	2.0	62	2-2	1-2	3-4	L1
	Kane County	2	5	.286	3.0	61	0-3	2-2	2-5	L3
	Clinton	1	6	.143	4.0	60	1-3	0-3	1-6	L5

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Media Notes

[battlekow]

Rattler Radio has the game notes and lineup:

Nick Shaw 2B

Reggie Keen CF

Cody Hawn 1B

Mike Walker DH

Greg Hopkins 3B

Robbie Garvey RF

Tyler Roberts C

TJ Mittelstaedt LF

Carlos George SS

Jimmy Nelson SP

[ListachRides]

Awful appearance for Nelson. Didn't make it out of first. Defense didn't help him, and two of the hits were infield singles, but he had serious control issues. Ick.

[Tedaldtada]

It blows my mind how often Haydel is walking in the early going. He may have truly progressed.

[TheCrew07]

Listening to my first minor league game of the season, good to hear Chris again even though the T-Rats are losing.

 

Lawrie is loving Vegas and the PCL, he's off to a very fast start.

[Tedaldtada]

I have never, ever heard of anyone drawing 5 walks in one game. Amazing feat, Nick Saw.

[And That]

I'm in love with a Manatee pitcher.

[battlekow]

Final: @Brevard County 7, Clearwater 2

'Tees run win streak to three

Frank Longobardo/Brevard County Manatees

VIERA, Fla. --After taking two of three from the Tampa Yankees, the Brevard County Manatees continued their winning ways, with a 7-2 victory in the series opener against the Clearwater Threshers on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.

The Manatees (3-5) jumped out a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first, thanks to a two-run double from Hunter Morris and an RBI single from Brock Kjeldgaard.

Clearwater (5-3) was able to cut the deficit to 3-2, but Brevard County took control again in the bottom of the fourth with another three run inning.

Chris Dennis doubled home Scott Krieger and Kjeldgaard and Shea Vucinich drove in Shawn Zarraga with a single.

The Manatees added one more in the eighth on a two-out single by Zarraga that scored Krieger.

Manatees starting pitcher Nicholas Bucci had a solid outing as he earned the win. He went five innings and allowed just two runs, while striking out five.

Relievers Santo Manzanillo and Rob Wooten closed the door as they combined for four shutout innings of three-hit ball.

Zarraga was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, while Morris added two hits and two RBI.

Brevard County will continue the three game series with the Threshers on Friday night beginning at 7:05 p.m. at Space Coast Stadium.

Brevard County box score

Bucci allowed six hits and a walk; certainly better than his first outing. Toby points out that Manzanillo, he of the 47 walks in 16.1 IP in 2006, has yet to walk a batter this year. Zarraga also drew a walk and, weirdly, attempted a steal for the third straight night, this time getting thrown out. Scooter Gennett was on twice with a single and walk, and Khris Davis also took a free pass; that's the first walk for both Gennett and Davis on the year. Kentrail Davis did not play; we'll keep an eye on that one after the health problems that plagued him at BC last year.

Brevard County play-by-play

Bucci worked out of trouble in each of his last three innings:

Clearwater Top of the 3rd

• Troy Hanzawa flies out to right fielder Scott Krieger.
• Jiwan James homers (1) on a fly ball to right center field.
• D'Arby Myers walks.
• Leandro Castro doubles (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Scott Krieger. D'Arby Myers to 3rd.
• Darin Ruf flies out to right fielder Scott Krieger.
• Joe Savery flies out to right fielder Scott Krieger.

Clearwater Top of the 4th

• Sebastian Valle doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Khristopher Davis.
• Travis Mattair pops out to first baseman Hunter Morris in foul territory.
• Cesar Hernandez lines out to third baseman Shea Vucinich.
• Troy Hanzawa grounds out, shortstop Mike Brownstein to first baseman Hunter Morris.

Clearwater Top of the 5th

• Jiwan James doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Scott Krieger.
• D'Arby Myers called out on strikes.
• Leandro Castro flies out to right fielder Scott Krieger. Jiwan James to 3rd.
• Darin Ruf strikes out swinging.

[battlekow]

Final: @Huntsville 6, Carolina 2

Stars Bats Continue to Heat Up in Victory
Huntsville Stars

HUNTSVILLE, AL. – The Huntsville Stars (5-2) relied on strong arms and even stronger bats to lead them to their fifth victory of the season and second consecutive win over the Carolina Mudcats (1-6).

Seven different starters accounted for the Stars 10 hits tonight. Chuckie Caufield hit his first home run of the season and the Stars’ second with a solo shot in the second. Shortstop Matt Cline hit a deep single to center to score Erik Komatsu and put the Stars up 2-1.

They added two more runs in the fourth with help from a lead-off double by third baseman Steffan Wilson to score Komatsu again. Starting pitcher Dan Merklinger went hitless tonight but got on base thanks to a throwing error from opposing pitcher Lee Tabor. Wilson scored on the error, putting the Stars up 4-1.

The Mudcats seemed to make an attempt at a comeback in the top of the fifth, with a double from Denis Phipps to score shortstop Eric Eymann. That would be the last run on the board for Carolina, while the Stars managed to add two more on in the bottom of the sixth.

Starter Merklinger went 5.2 innings, giving up six hits on two runs. He struck out three and gave up a solo dinger to Cody Puckett. Reliever Donovan Hand went 1 inning, allowing just two hits and picking up a hold. The save went to lefty Lucas Luetge who shutdown the game for the last 2.1 innings.

Carolina starter James Avery took the loss in the short outing, lasting only 3.1 innings, giving up four runs on six hits. He walked three and struck out one.

The Stars and Mudcats face off again tomorrow for game three of the five game series. Carolina will look to RHP Dallas Buck (0-1, 7.94 ERA) to get them their second win of the season. Righty Jesus Sanchez (1-0, 3.00 ERA) will be on the mound for Huntsville.

Huntsville box score

Merklinger didn't walk anyone and threw 54 strikes in 85 pitches. Like Bucci, much better the second time out. Komatsu was 2-3 with a walk in his first start of the year. Cline also had two hits and a walk, Wilson singled and doubled. Lee Haydel singled and walked but was caught stealing for already the third time. Interestingly, Komatsu was in center field, pushing the speedy Haydel to left.

Huntsville play-by-play

[battlekow]

Final: @Cedar Rapids 11, Wisconsin 4

Rattlers rally, then fade in loss to Kernels

Chris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers spotted the Cedar Rapids Kernels a 4-0 lead in the first two innings on Thursday night at Perfect Game Field. Wisconsin rallied to tie the game 4-4 in the sixth inning. But, Cedar Rapids took advantage of two crucial errors in the bottom of the sixth inning to go back in front. The Kernels pulled away with a big seventh inning and beat Wisconsin 11-4.

Rattlers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson struggled in the bottom of the first inning. Drew Heid reached to start the inning when he beat out a dribbler up the third base line. Wes Hatton tripled to right-center to send Heid home. Travis Witherspoon followed with an RBI double for a 2-0 lead.

Nelson would pick Witherspoon off second base for the first out of the inning. David Harris drew a walk. After Nelson got a strikeout for the second out of the inning, Harris would take second on a wild pitch and third on an infield single by Ricky Alvarez. Harris would score on a passed ball to put the Kernels up 3-0.

Nelson walked the next two batters to load the bases and exited the game. Charly Bashara came in and got the final out of the first inning.

Bashara got the first two outs of the second inning, but gave up a solo homer to Witherspoon and Wisconsin was down 4-0.

The Rattlers would rally for a pair of runs in the third. Cody Hawn broke a personal 0-for-13 streak with a two-run single to cut the Kernels lead in half.

A wild pitch in the top of the fifth inning allowed Mike Walker to score for Wisconsin and make the deficit a single run.

Carlos George drove in the tying run with a bloop single to right field in the top of the sixth inning. Wisconsin put runners on first and second with no outs in the inning, but could not take the lead.

The Kernels answered back in the bottom of the sixth inning with help from the Wisconsin defense. Mitch Blackburn reached on an error to start the inning. A single to left by Jesus Campos put runners at first and second with no outs. That set up an interesting play for the Rattlers that almost worked. Almost.

Heid was at the plate in a sacrifice bunt situation. Greg Hopkins, playing third for Wisconsin, set up about 20 feet in on the grass. Hopkins charged in on each pitch of the at bat to entice Blackburn to attempt a steal of third. Blackburn took the bait on a 1-1 pitch and Wisconsin sprung the trap.

George, the shortstop, sprinted to third and beat Blackburn easily to the bag. The throw from catcher Tyler Roberts was on target. George dropped the tag on Blackburn for the apparent out, but he dropped the ball and Blackburn was safe.

Heid lined the next pitch for a double to left that scored two runs and the Rattlers were down 6-4.

Cedar Rapids poured it on in the seventh with five runs. The big hit in the inning was a two-run single by Wes Hatton.

Both teams are 4-4 on the season after splitting the four game series in Cedar Rapids

The Timber Rattlers open a six-game homestand at Time Warner Cable Field on Friday night against the Peoria Chiefs. Del Howell is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. The Midwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs will counter with Cam Greathouse. Game time is 6:35pm.

Friday night is a North Shore Bank/95.9 KISS-FM Family Night. Children 12 and under eat free and after the game Fazoli's presents Kids Run the Bases for children 14 and under. Additionally, the first 1,000 fans age 21 and older will receive a Timber Rattlers seat cushion courtesy of Miller Lite.

If you can't make it to the game, you may tune in to the game broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or on www.timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:15pm.

Wisconsin box score

That's good stuff Chris. We're spoiled to get this kind of recap. No good for Nelson, obviously; ideally outs gotten would be greater than runs allowed. The last five runs came off Greg Holle. Thomas Keeling managed to get five outs without allowing a run despite surrendering two hits and issuing two walks; really though, that walk rate represents a victory of sorts for the erratic southpaw. Hopkins had three hits and Hawn two. Nick Shaw had an interesting night, walking in all five plate appearances; he also committed two errors for the second night in a row, though they came at second base today and shortstop yesterday. Tyler Roberts also committed his second error on an errant pickoff throw and, more worryingly, already his 4th passed ball of the year. Passed balls were an issue for him last year at Maryvale, where he had 15. Oh, and he was 0-5, too. There's always tomorrow, Tyler. TJ Mittelstaedt walked twice and stole two bases.

Wisconsin play-by-play

[battlekow]

Final: Oklahoma City 6, @Nashville 5

Sounds Split Series With RedHawks With 6-5 Loss

Nashville Sounds

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds lost to the Oklahoma City RedHawks, 6-5, on Thursday night at Greer Stadium to earn a four-game split.

First baseman Koby Clemens led the charge for Oklahoma City, hitting a home run with four RBIs in the contest.

Left-hander Chase Wright (0-1) began with two scoreless innings in relief in his 2011 Sounds debut, but ran into trouble in the top of the ninth inning. Wright allowed a hit sandwiched between two walks to load the bases, and then an RBI infield-groundout by Clemons for the go-ahead run.

Casey Fien picked up the win with two scoreless innings for Oklahoma City, with Jose Valdez converting his second save on the year.

The Sounds plated three runs in the bottom of the first inning by back-to-back jacks by Brendan Katin and Brandon Boggs off RedHawks starter Ryan Rowland-Smith. The Sounds have outscored the opposition 13-1 in the opening frame through eight games this season.

After a two-out single from Mat Gamel, Katin unloaded a two-run bomb off the out-of-town scoreboard in left field. It was Katin's third home run of the season and third in his last four games. Three pitches later, Boggs drove Rowland-Smith's pitch over the wall in left-center for a 3-0 lead. Bogg's second home run of the season also extended his on-base streak to eight games.

It marked the second time the Sounds hit back-to-back homers this season after Taylor Green and Mike Rivera did so on April 12 vs. Oklahoma City. The Sounds only accomplished this feat once last season, exactly one year ago on April 14 at Omaha by Katin & Joe Koshansky.

The Sounds tacked on another run in the next inning after Anderson Machado led off with a base hit to left field. After Rowland-Smith got the next two-outs, he allowed consecutive base hits by Brett Carroll and Gamel to score Machado.

The RedHawks got two runs back in the next frame off Sounds starter Josh Butler with hits by Jose Vallejo and Oswaldo Navarro to lead off the inning. Both runs would later score on a Tommy Manzella ground-rule double.

The Redhawks went ahead to take a 5-4 lead in the top of the fifth frame. After Manzella and Bogusevic reached base on base hits, Clemens would belt a three-run homer to center and remove Butler from the contest.

The Sounds were able to tie the contest in the bottom of the seventh inning at 5-5. Gustavo Chacin walked Carroll and hit Gamel to put runners on first and second. Two outs later, Martin Maldonado knocked an RBI single to score Carroll from second to knot the game.

Butler surrendered five runs on eight hits with four strikeouts in four innings pitched. Tim Dillard threw two scoreless frames from the bullpen, extending his scoreless inning streak to a team-best seven innings over four appearances.

Gamel finished the contest 3-for-4 with an RBI and run scored.

Rowland-Smith gave up four runs on six hits in two innings for the RedHawks for a no-decision.

Nashville will embark on an eight-game road trip tomorrow, beginning with the first-ever game at brand-new Werner Park, the new home of the newly-named division-rival Omaha Storm Chasers. Sounds-right-hander Frankie De La Cruz (0-0, 4.50) takes the mound against Omaha left-hander Danny Duffy.

Nashville box score

Sometimes I love AAA recaps--Gustavo Chacin! Butler, unable to build on a strong first start, also walked three. Gamel's HBP means he was on four times. Maldonado had two hits and a walk. Taylor Green didn't start but pinch-hit late and struck out. Boggs walked for already the 9th time this year. Carroll picked up another outfield assist, gunning down a runner at the plate.

Nashville play-by-play

Actually, Carroll's assist could have been huge had the Sounds come back to tie it in the 9th:

Okla. City Top of the 9th

• Brian Dopirak walks.
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner J. B. Shuck replaces Brian Dopirak.
• Collin DeLome ground bunts into a force out, pitcher Chase Wright to shortstop Anderson Machado. J. B. Shuck out at 2nd. Collin DeLome to 1st.
• Tommy Manzella singles on a fly ball to center fielder Brett Carroll. Collin DeLome to 2nd.
• Brian Bogusevic walks. Collin DeLome to 3rd. Tommy Manzella to 2nd.
• Koby Clemens grounds into a force out, shortstop Anderson Machado to third baseman Taylor Green. Collin DeLome scores. Tommy Manzella out at 3rd. Brian Bogusevic to 2nd. Koby Clemens to 1st.
• Carlos Corporan singles on a line drive to center fielder Brett Carroll. Brian Bogusevic out at home on the throw, center fielder Brett Carroll to catcher Martin Maldonado.

[Tedaldtada]

Butler was cruising to start. Couldn't keep it together.

[Mass Haas]

Manatees overpower Threshers

by Mark DeCotis, Florida Today

 

VIERA — Once again, the Brevard County Manatees sprinted out to a first-inning lead at Space Coast Stadium and once again they let their opponent back into the game -- this time it was the Clearwater Threshers.

But unlike Sunday when they blew a 5-0 first-inning lead in an 11-7 home loss to the Daytona Beach Cubs, the Manatees on Thursday made their initial three-run outburst stand up and added four more for a 7-2 victory, their third in a row.

The Manatees improved to 3-5, while Clearwater fell to 5-3. The Florida State League North Division rivals meet again at 7:05 PM today (6:05 Central) for Jackie Robinson Night in the second game of their three-game series.

Hunter Morris kept up his torrid hitting for the Manatees, collecting his team-leading 10th and 11th hits and driving in his fifth and sixth runs.

"I spent a lot of time in spring training with all the hitting coaches and coordinators in the organization," Morris said. "They've done a good job getting me prepared."

"I had a great experience (in the Instructional League) and then was fortunate enough to get to go to the Fall League. I played against some really good competition. I feel really prepared. Hopefully it carries over."

Manatees starter Nick Bucci pitched five innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out five.

"I felt good going out there for my second start," Bucci said. "We made a conscious effort to throw fastballs inside, and it worked well for five innings."

Reliever Rob Wooten, continuing his recovery after ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow, pitched the eighth and ninth innings for the Manatees. He didn't allow a run, keeping his earned run average at 0.00 this season.

Nick Bucci -- Photo by Dennis Greenblatt, Florida Today

http://cmsimg.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A9&Date=20110415&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=104150332&Ref=AR&MaxW=300&Border=0

[Mass Haas]

Updated photos of the Manatees in action at Four Seam Images

[Mass Haas]

So glad Chris isn't limiting himself to three post-game thoughts now.

[JohnBriggs12]

It puzzles me a little why the Brewers aren't being a little more aggressive with Shawn Zarraga. He put up pretty solid numbers for a 21 year old catcher in the pitcher friendly Florida State League last year. At least now, they appear to be having him exclusively catching, so maybe he is becoming someone they are watching closely.

[CheezWizHed]

I'm in love with a Manatee pitcher.

I know sometimes love is blind, but care to elaborate? I wasn't expecting him and his numbers (other than Ks) were ok, but only < 5IP this year...

 

Just curious what you are seeing that I'm missing...

[TheCrew07]

Just curious what you are seeing that I'm missing...

He still has a FB that approaches 100 mph and if he quits walking people permanently he's a top 10 prospect in this organization by the end of the year.

 

 

[CheezWizHed]

Cool. Thanks for the update. Most of my MiLB exposure is limited to internet stats and you guys! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif