Link Report for Mon. 8/29 -- Kjeldgaard leads Stars to victory with HR's 23 and 24

[Mass Haas]

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[Mass Haas]

Monday's Daily Menu:

 

Nashville: RHP Amaury Rivas at Iowa (Cubs), 6:20 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime

Live Audio Link -- Select the Nashville feed from the MiLB main audio page

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers

 

Huntsville: LHP Dan Merklinger at Jackson (Mariners), 7:05 PM gametime

Live Audio Link -- Select the Jackson feed from the MiLB main audio page

 

Brevard County: RHP Evan Anundsen at Tampa (Yankees), 6:00 PM gametime

Sorry, no audio available for this series...

 

Wisconsin: RHP Eric Arnett at home vs. Cedar Rapids (Angels), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

Live Audio Link

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers

 

Note: The Rattlers on Time Warner Cable Sports 32, and there is also the MiLB.TV link which synchs with Chris Mehring's radio call.

 

Helena: Idle

 

Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Indians' complex in Goodyear; 1:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league

 

DSL Brewers: Season complete; 44-27 regular season, first-round playoff series loss

[Mass Haas]

NOTE: This is the final game of the year for the Maryvale Brewers. Helena has ten games remaining. We may see a couple of players bumped up to Montana for the final stretch later this week.

[Mass Haas]

Follow Monday's action as it happens:

 

Nashville (Gameday also available)

Huntsville (Gameday also available)

 

Brevard County

Wisconsin

 

Arizona Rookie (Maryvale)

[Mass Haas]

Pacific Coast League American Northern
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Omaha	76	59	.563	-	-	38-30	38-29	6-4	W1
	Memphis	72	63	.533	4.0	5	40-23	32-40	7-3	W1
	Nashville	68	68	.500	8.5	1	40-32	28-36	4-6	L1
	Iowa	62	74	.456	14.5	E	36-28	26-46	4-6	L4

SOU North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Chattanooga	37	26	.587	-	-	17-13	20-13	5-5	L2
*	Tennessee	36	27	.571	1.0	7	20-13	16-14	6-4	L1
	Jackson	28	35	.444	9.0	E	15-18	13-17	5-5	W3
	Carolina	27	35	.435	9.5	E	15-15	12-20	3-7	L4
	Huntsville	24	38	.387	12.5	E	10-19	14-19	2-8	L4

FSL North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Dunedin	36	26	.581	-	-	17-13	19-13	7-3	W1
	Clearwater	33	28	.541	2.5	6	22-12	11-16	8-2	W4
	Tampa	33	28	.541	2.5	7	16-17	17-11	7-3	W1
	Brevard County	28	32	.467	7.0	1	10-16	18-16	3-7	L1
*	Daytona	27	33	.450	8.0	E	13-14	14-19	3-7	L1
	Lakeland	24	35	.407	10.5	E	11-17	13-18	2-8	L4

MID Western
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
@	Clinton	37	25	.597	-	-	19-14	18-11	9-1	W8
	Quad Cities	37	25	.597	-	-	19-11	18-14	7-3	W1
	Kane County	33	29	.532	4.0	5	13-17	20-12	2-8	L4
	Wisconsin	28	34	.452	9.0	E	15-18	13-16	6-4	W4
	Beloit	27	35	.435	10.0	E	13-16	14-19	3-7	L2
*	Burlington	26	36	.419	11.0	E	14-15	12-21	5-5	L1
	Cedar Rapids	25	37	.403	12.0	E	15-17	10-20	5-5	L5
	Peoria	24	38	.387	13.0	E	12-20	12-18	3-7	W2

PIO North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Billings	18	10	.643	-	-	10-4	8-6	8-2	W6
	Great Falls	17	11	.607	1.0	10	9-5	8-6	6-4	W1
*	Missoula	14	14	.500	4.0	7	9-5	5-9	3-7	L2
	Helena	8	20	.286	10.0	1	4-10	4-10	2-8	W1

AZL Central
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
#	AZL Dodgers	33	22	.600	-	-	16-11	17-11	5-5	L1
&	AZL Reds	31	24	.564	2.0	E	17-11	14-13	5-5	W1
	AZL Indians	29	26	.527	4.0	E	16-11	13-15	6-4	L1
	AZL Brewers	17	38	.309	16.0	E	9-19	8-19	5-5	L2

DSL S.D. North
	Club	W	L	PCT	GB	*ELIM #	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
#	DSL Mariners	45	24	.652	-	-	22-13	23-11	4-6	W3
&	DSL Brewers	44	27	.620	2.0	E	21-15	23-12	6-4	L1
	DSL Cardinals	27	44	.380	19.0	E	16-19	11-25	6-4	W1
	DSL Athletics	24	46	.343	21.5	E	14-20	10-26	3-6	L4

[Mass Haas]

To make you feel better, the DSL Marineritos, who gave the Cerveceritos such a tough year-long battle, were defeated in the second round of the DSL playoffs.

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Media Notes

Huntsville Media Notes

Wisconsin Media Notes

 

My own media update -- house is still dark (sigh)! Have a great night!

[TooLiveBrew]

Final: @Iowa 8, Nashville 5

 

Late I-Cubs Rally Gives Sounds 8-5 Loss

Maldonado, Boggs Each Club Two-Run Homers In Defeat

Nashville Sounds

 

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Nashville Sounds opened their season-ending road trip with an 8-5 loss, as the division-rival Iowa Cubs scored five runs in the seventh inning to come back and win on Monday evening at Principal Park.

 

It was the 22nd loss on the road after leading this season, as Nashville (68-69) entered the bottom of the seventh inning with a 5-3 lead.

 

Right fielder Caleb Gindl had three hits while

fielder

Brandon Boggs and catcher Martin Maldonado each hit two-run home runs in the loss.

 

Boggs gave the Sounds a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. After Gindl hit a two-out infield single, Boggs crushed a two-run homer over the left field wall, his ninth of the season.

 

Iowa scored its first run in the next frame as Bryan LaHair singled home Lou Montanez, who bunted for a single and moved to third on a Ma[t] Gamel throwing error earlier in the frame.

 

The Cubs scored two more runs in the next inning to go ahead, 3-2. Chris Robinson singled and moved to second as Brett Jackson was issued a two-out walk. Montanez then singled to right field to bring home Robinson from second while Jackson advanced to third and also scored as right fielder Caleb Gindl committed a throwing error.

 

Maldonado put Nashville back in front at 4-3 with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. After Gamel walked with one out, Maldonado lined his seventh home run over the left field wall, his seventh of the season

 

Nashville tacked on another two-run run in top of the seventh inning for a 5-3 advantage. Shortstop Edwin Maysonet was hit by Iowa starter Chris Rusin while trying to bunt. Second baseman Eric Farris then looped a double to center that allowed Maysonet to score from first base.

 

Iowa quickly jumped back ahead at 8-5 for good in the bottom of the seventh, as the first five batters reached base against reliever Mike McClendon and hit for the cycle as a team. Former Vanderbilt star Ryan Flaherty led off with a pinch hit single on the first pitch and moved to third as Jackson doubled. Both runners scored as Montanez tripled to right field on the first pitch. Brad Snyder then singled on the first pitch to score Montanez for the tying run. After a mound visit from pitching coach Bill Castro, Bryan LaHair crushed the first pitch over the center field wall.

 

Both starters recorded no-decisions on the evening. Nashville starter Amaury Rivas allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits with three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings for a no-decision. Rusin scattered nine hits for five runs in 6 2/3 innings.

 

After stranding both inherited runners in the sixth inning, McClendon (5-5) surrendered five runs on five hits in the seventh for the loss. Sean Green worked one perfect inning in relief.

 

Iowa reliever Hung-Wen Chen picked up his first win with 1/3 of an inning pitched. Blake Parker struck out three over two innings to convert his fourth save.

 

The Sounds and I-Cubs continue their series at 6:35 pm CT on Tuesday night at Principal Park. Nashville right-hander Josh Butler (8-7, 5.12) will take the mound against Iowa righty Nick Struck (2-3, 4.85).

 

 

Nashville Box Score

 

 

Nashville Play-by-Play

 

 

Nashville Gameday

[TooLiveBrew]

Final: Huntsville 6, @Jackson 4

 

Huntsville Box Score

Brock Kjeldgaard went 4-4 with two home runs & a double to lead the way for the Stars' extra-base-hit-fueled attack. Zelous Wheeler also homered, while Sean Halton & Khris Davis each added doubles. Sergio Miranda's two singles, along with Kjeldgaard's lone single, were the only Huntsville hits not to go for extra bases.

 

Dan Merklinger worked six innings, allowing six hits, four runs (three earned), & three walks while striking out six. Darren Byrd struck out three over two perfect innings of relief. Santo Manzanillo came on & worked around two walks for a scoreless 9th.

 

 

Huntsville Play-by-Play

The Stars scored two runs in the 2nd & 3rd innings, but the Generals were able to answer -- Jackson tied the game at 4 apiece after the home half of the 4th inning. Halton's RBI double in the 7th pushed the Stars in front by one, & Kjeldgaard's second homer put them up 6-4 after the top of the 8th. Manzanillo then entered the game to try for the save:

Jackson Bottom of the 9th

• Pitcher Change: Santo Manzanillo replaces Darren Byrd.
• Gabriel Noriega grounds out, shortstop Hainley Statia to first baseman Sean Halton.
• Scott Savastano walks.
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Brandon Haveman replaces Scott Savastano.
• Nick
  Franklin grounds into a force out, shortstop Hainley Statia to second
  baseman Matt Cline. Brandon Haveman out at 2nd. Nick Franklin to
  1st.
• Chih-Hsien Chiang walks. Nick Franklin to 2nd.
• With
  Vincent Catricala batting, Chih-Hsien Chiang caught stealing 2nd base,
  catcher Anderson De La Rosa to second baseman Matt Cline.

Not pretty, but it counts!

 

 

Huntsville Gameday

[TooLiveBrew]

Final: Brevard County 13, @Tampa 3 (Completed Early -- 5-1/2+ innings)

 

Brevard County Box Score

Avenging a 15-7 loss last night, the Manatees turned the tables on the Yankees & exploded for two six-run innings en route to victory. D'Vontrey Richardson led all BC batters with three hits; Scooter Gennett, Shea Vucinich, Scott Krieger, & Mike Roberts each added two. Hunter Morris had an RBI double, & Kentrail Davis cleared a bases-loaded situation with a double. Juan Sanchez added one single, Shawn Zarraga a single & a walk.

 

Starter Evan Anundsen pitched a 5.0+ inning "complete game", as this one was all but certainly called for weather after the start of the home half of the 6th. He allowed six hits, three runs (all earned), two walks, & struck out two.

 

 

Brevard County Play-by-Play

Big inning time --

Brevard County Top of the 1st

• Scooter Gennett singles on a line drive to center fielder Abraham Almonte.
• Shea Vucinich hit by pitch. Scooter Gennett to 2nd.
• D' Vontrey Richardson walks. Scooter Gennett to 3rd. Shea Vucinich to 2nd.
• Hunter
  Morris reaches on force attempt, fielding error by second baseman
  Kelvin Castro. Scooter Gennett scores. Shea Vucinich to 3rd. D'
  Vontrey Richardson to 2nd.
• Kentrail Davis doubles
  (17) on a fly ball to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier. Shea Vucinich
  scores. D' Vontrey Richardson scores. Hunter Morris scores.
• Shawn Zarraga grounds out, shortstop Walter Ibarra to first baseman Kyle Roller. Kentrail Davis to 3rd.
• Scott Krieger singles on a line drive to center fielder Abraham Almonte. Kentrail Davis scores.
• Juan Sanchez singles on a line drive to center fielder Abraham Almonte. Scott Krieger to 2nd.
• Michael
  Roberts grounds out, first baseman Kyle Roller to pitcher Francisco
  Gil. Scott Krieger to 3rd. Juan Sanchez to 2nd.
• Scooter
  Gennett strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Francisco Gil.
  Scott Krieger scores. Juan Sanchez to 3rd. Scooter Gennett to 1st.
  
• Shea Vucinich grounds into a force out, shortstop
  Walter Ibarra to second baseman Kelvin Castro. Scooter Gennett out
  at 2nd.

Brevard County Top of the 4th

• Scooter Gennett singles on a ground ball to second baseman Kelvin Castro.
• Shea Vucinich triples (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier. Scooter Gennett scores.
• D' Vontrey Richardson singles on a line drive to center fielder Abraham Almonte. Shea Vucinich scores.
• Hunter Morris doubles (28) on a fly ball to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier. D' Vontrey Richardson scores.
• Kentrail Davis grounds out to first baseman Kyle Roller. Hunter Morris to 3rd.
• Shawn Zarraga singles on a line drive to center fielder Abraham Almonte. Hunter Morris scores.
• Scott Krieger singles on a ground ball to right fielder Neil Medchill. Shawn Zarraga to 2nd.
• Juan Sanchez flies out to center fielder Abraham Almonte.
• Michael Roberts doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier. Shawn Zarraga scores. Scott Krieger scores.
• Pitcher Change: Preston Claiborne replaces Francisco Gil.
• Scooter Gennett strikes out swinging.

[TooLiveBrew]

Final: Cedar Rapids 6, @Wisconsin 4

 

Kernels crack Rattlers win streak

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers made it look as if they would continue their late season roll as they grabbed a 3-0 lead over the Cedar Rapids Kernels Monday night at Time Warner Cable Field. But, the Kernels rallied to beat Wisconsin 6-4 and snap the Rattlers four game winning streak.

 

Cody Hawn started the Rattlers second inning with a single. Nick Ramirez followed with a walk. Reggie Keen was next and his double down the third base line drove both runners. Keen scored later in the inning on a sacrifice fly by Greg Hopkins and the Rattlers (66-67 overall, 28-35 second half) led 3-0.

 

But, the Kernels (58-75, 26-37) rallied in the top of the third inning. Jean Almanzar homered off Rattlers starter Eric Arnett with one out. Later in the inning, Jeremy Cruz singled in a run with two outs to make the score 3-2.

 

Arnett had two outs with no one on base in the fifth inning. Then, Cruz and Ricky Alvarez singled and Brian Hernandez walked on four pitches to load the bases. Arnett also walked Francis Larson on four pitches to force in the tying run.

 

Wisconsin reliever Casey Medlen, who got the final out of the fifth inning, would have a runner at second with two outs in the top of the sixth inning. However, Justin Bass doubled to send the go ahead run home for the Kernels.

 

A two out RBI single by Rolando Gomez drove in an insurance run for Cedar Rapids in the top of the eighth.

 

Controversy followed the Rattlers in an attempted rally in the bottom of the eighth. There was one out when lefty Dakota Robinson entered the game to face left-handed hitters Hawn and Ramirez. Hawn greeted Robinson with a single. But, it looked like Robinson had picked Hawn off first base. The Rattlers runner was caught in a rundown and appeared to be tagged for the out. There was a collision between Hawn and Alvarez, the first baseman for Cedar Rapids, before the tag and Alvarez was called for obstruction.

 

Kernels manager Brent Del Chiaro came out to argue that Hawn had initiated the contact and was out of the baseline when contact was made. He was ejected after the umpires upheld the call.

 

Ramirez cashed in the opportunity for Wisconsin with a double to score Hawn and cut the Cedar Rapids lead to a run.

 

Brandon Macias came on to pinch run for Ramirez and Keen would bloop a single to center. But, Macias had to hold to make sure the ball fell in for a hit. That put runners at first and third with one out.

 

But, Robinson would pick Keen off first base and strike out Joey Paciorek to end the threat.

 

Cedar Rapids added another insurance run in the top of the ninth inning with an RBI single by Ricky Alvarez.

 

Manny Correa gave up a leadoff single to Hopkins in the bottom of the ninth. Then, he retired the last three batters in order for his second save of the season.

 

The final home game of the Timber Rattlers 2011 schedule is Tuesday night at Time Warner Cable Field. Matt Miller (6-7, 4.41) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. Cedar Rapids has Justin La Tempa (3-9, 4.61) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

HOME RUN:

CR:

Jean Almanzar (3rd, 0 on in 3rd inning off Eric Arnett, 1 out)

 

WP: Seth Fowler (3-4)

LP: Casey Medlen (1-1)

 

TIME: 3:15

ATTN: 5,295

 

 

Wisconsin Box Score

Carlos Gomez went 1-4 with a stolen base, & was picked off second base in his second-to-last rehab start. Hawn went 2-3 with a walk; Ramirez went 2-3 with two doubles, a walk, & one RBI. TJ Mittelstaedt was 2-5. Keen finished 2-4 with a double & two RBI. Hopkins went 1-2 with a walk; Nick Shaw was 1-4 with a walk.

 

Arnett's final line was 4.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R/ER, 4 BB, 4K. Medlen worked a solid 2.1 innings, allowing just two hits, one run, & striking out four. Alan Williams & Dan Britt each allowed one run in their single innings of relief.

 

 

Wisconsin Play-by-Play

[TooLiveBrew]

I was at tonight's game, the main reason being to see Arnett pitch in person. Simply put, he was not good. His FB velocity topped out at 91 (on the stadium gun), and he wasn't able to locate well at that speed. His best fastballs were closer to 89-90 & seemed to have a bit more sink than when he ran it up to 91 (which he did on multiple occasions). His changeup actually looked pretty solid, & generated lots of swings-&-misses. However, the problem became that he was having to try to pitch backwards off the changeup, since his command of his fastball was so poor. His fastball was in the 86-88 range as much as it was in the 89-91 range, unfortunately.

 

I saw the bust version of Arnett tonight, as opposed to the supposedly resurgent version who earned himself a promotion to A-ball.

[TooLiveBrew]

Final: @AZL Indians 4, AZL Brewers 3

 

AZL Box Score

The AZL Brewers ended their season on a sour note tonight, choking away the 3-1 lead they held heading into the bottom of the 7th inning. Fortunately, there was a silver lining: 2011 second-round pick Jorge Lopez pitched the best outing of his short debut pro season. His line: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 5 K. Fellow 2011 draftee Mike Francisco worked three innings in relief, allowing just one run. Connor Whalen allowed the Indians' final two runs & took the loss.

 

Kevin Berard had two hits, including a double, & one RBI. Andres Martinez provided the big offensive blast, a two-run homer to left in the three-run Brewers 5th inning. Alejandro Mendoza added two singles. '11 5th rounder Michael Reed doubled once. Jalen Harris & Renaldo Jenkins each singled once.

 

 

AZL Play-by-Play

Everything after two! A good old-fashioned two-out rally in the 5th led to all of the Brewers' runs:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 5th

• Jalen Harris strikes out swinging.
• Matthew Franco strikes out swinging.
• Renaldo Jenkins singles on a ground ball to left fielder Hunter Jones.
• Andres Martinez homers (5) on a fly ball to left field. Renaldo Jenkins scores.
• Alejandro Mendoza singles on a ground ball to third baseman Robel Garcia.
• Kevin Berard doubles (8) on a line drive to left fielder Hunter Jones. Alejandro Mendoza scores.
• Pitcher Change: Xavier De Los Santos replaces Luis DeJesus.
• Michael Reed called out on strikes.

[Mass Haas]

According to the Jackson site, Huntsville's Cody Scarpetta will come off the disabled list (undisclosed injury, placed on the DL as of 8/11) to start Tuesday's matinee. If so, a corresponding move will need to be made.

[Mass Haas]

Generals Fall to Stars Monday

Brock Kjeldgaard homered twice as Huntsville trails in series 3-1

By Chris Harris, Jackson Generals

 

JACKSON, TENN. - Huntsville's Brock Kjeldgaard had his second multi-home run game at Pringles Park Monday, helping the Stars to a 6-4 win over the Generals. The Huntsville win ends the Generals three-game winning streak. Kjeldgaard homered twice in Huntsville's 6-3 win over Jackson at Pringles Park on August 13th. With the loss, the Generals elimination number for a playoff spot drops to just one game.

Kjelgaard was 4-for-4 for Huntsville with a single, double and two homers, coming just a triple short of the cycle. No Generals had a multi-hit game but Rich Poythress and Francisco Martinez finished 1-for-3 with a double and RBI apiece.

 

Steven Hensley (3-8) took the loss for Jackson, surrendering five runs and eight hits in seven frames on Monday night. Huntsville starter Dan Merklinger (9-8) picked up the win and Santo Manzanillo earned the save.

 

Huntsville started the scoring in the top of the second inning with three consecutive hits from Kjeldgaard, Sergio Miranda and Khris Davis. Davis' double scored Kjelgaard and Anderson De La Rosa grounded out, scoring Miranda. The Stars led 2-0.

 

Jackson made it 2-1 on a double from Poythress in the bottom of the second, but Huntsville quickly added two more on back-to-back homers from Zelous Wheeler and Kjeldgaard in the top of the third inning, taking a 4-1 advantage.

 

The scoring kept fast in furious as Jackson scored two runs in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly by Martinez and another on an error by Huntsville shortstop Hainley Statia that made the score 4-3.

 

Jackson tied the game with a triple from Nick Franklin that bounced off the center field wall scoring Scott Savastano. The game was tied at 4-4.

 

The Stars broke the tie with a two out RBI double by Sean Halton that scored Statia in the seventh and added another on a solo homer, the second of the game from Kjeldgaard, in the eighth to push the Stars lead to 6-4.

 

The Generals wrap up the five-game series with the Stars at Pringles Park Monday afternoon. Game time is set for 12:05 PM. RHP Yoervis Medina (0-0, 3.65) makes the start for the Generals against RHP Cody Scarpetta (8-5, 3.91) for the Stars. Monday night is Freed-Hardeman University Night. The game can be heard on FOX SPORTS 1460 WJAK and jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.

[CheezWizHed]

I saw the bust version of Arnett tonight, as opposed to the supposedly resurgent version who earned himself a promotion to A-ball.

 

I would imagine that they would try him in the BP sometime soon to see if he can consistently have that resurgent FB speed.

[filthyfrog]

I would imagine that they would try him in the BP sometime soon to see if he can consistently have that resurgent FB speed.

Is it just a coincidence that when I read "BP" in regard to Arnett, I first thought of batting practice? Sad to say that might be his most useful role.

[Mass Haas]

Timber Rattlers' win streak snapped

by Ricardo Arguello, Appleton Post-Crescent

 

GRAND CHUTE — The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers allowed four runs to score in two-out situations in dropping a 6-4 decision to Cedar Rapids in a Midwest League game at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Monday.

The loss snapped a four-game win streak for the Timber Rattlers (66-67, 28-35 second half) who were also eliminated from playoff contention.

"If you can get that two-out RBI, that's a killer and today (Cedar Rapids) got four of them. You have to give them credit," Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson said. "They had some good at bats … sometimes you have to tip your cap."

Cedar Rapids scored runs with two outs in the third, fifth, sixth and eighth innings.

The eighth saw some fireworks as Cedar Rapids' manager Brent Del Chiaro was tossed for arguing an obstruction call on Ricky Alvarez, the Kernels' first baseman with his team up 5-3.

Cedar Rapids picked off Wisconsin's Cody Hawn off first, but Hawn was awarded second base after the umpire ruled that Alvarez had obstructed Hawn during the rundown.

"It was bad base running on my part to get picked off in that situation," Hawn said. "The guy had a real good move and he caught me on my secondary lead and in the rundown I was trying to stay in it and working my way toward second and trying to cut the throwing angle, so I was working toward the grass.

"(Alvarez) threw it and he just ended up being in that spot, ended up running into him and getting obstruction. That's just how it goes."

Nick Ramirez followed with a RBI double to make the score 5-4 but that's as close as the Rattlers would get.

Wisconsin finishes its four-game series with the Kernels today and takes to the road to finish its season at Burlington and Beloit.

"We don't have a solemn clubhouse," Erickson said.

"Obviously we've had our ups and downs throughout the season, but we're right at .500 or a game under and have a chance to win this series at home and then we go on the road for six.

"The goal is to win more games than you lose and we still have some life in us. We still have some effort and I feel good about the last week."

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog Post-Game Thoughts -- news on Nick Ramirez you may not have realized, and an astute Billy Madison clip