Link Report for Sun. 4/29 -- Rattlers win another close game; Stars offense productive again

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Mark Rogers at Iowa (Cubs), 12:50 PM pre-game, 1:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Jeff Hem is the new play-by-play voice of the Sounds; follow him on Twitter @jeffhempbp; we'll link to his blog updates at On the Air…and Off

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $39.99 season-long package ($9.99 to pay for a single month). We imagine the audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link.

 

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Huntsville: RHP Josh Stinson at Mississippi (Braves), 12:45 PM pre-game, 1:00 gametime

 

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

 

I-Phone friendly audio link

 

Alex Cohen is the new play-by-play voice of the Stars; follow him on Twitter @alexmcohen. It's fantastic that Huntsville is returning to what will be a traditional broadcast format this year. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast.

 

MiLB.TV subsciption note: A total of 24 Stars' games (in Jacksonville and Tennessee) will be broadcast.

 

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Brevard County: RHP Hiram Burgos at home vs. Clearwater (Phillies), 4:05 PM gametime

 

Sorry, no audio for this series...

 

Once again this season, Brevard does not have its own audio coverage. It appears two teams in the Manatees North Division (within which the majority of games are played) have audio, and all six teams in the South Division have audio (at least for their home games), so there will be opportunities to listen to approx. 70% or Brevard's games this season, just all from the opponent's perspective. There are no Florida State League games on MiLB.TV this year.

 

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Wisconsin: RHP's David Goforth and Chad Pierce tandem at home vs. Bowling Green (Rays), 12:45 PM pre-game, 1:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link - 1280 AM WNAM

 

Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio.

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; Wisconsin is one of only two (Great Lakes) Midwest League clubs that have all their home games available via MiLB.TV; Chris' call provides the audio. So for the $39.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, all Timber Rattlers home games, and 24 Stars' road games (one Helena series this summer, too).

[Mass Haas]

Follow Sunday's action as it happens with box score / game log links:

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

[Mass Haas]

STANDINGS:

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

 

AA - Southern League North Division

 

Florida State League North Division

 

Midwest League Western Division

[Mass Haas]

To see tweets as to when the Link Report has been technically "completed" with available links, as well as to know when the new day's Report has been posted, please follow @Mass_Haas on Twitter

[Mass Haas]

Media notes:

 

Nashville

 

Wisconsin

[battlekow]

Khris Davis back in the starting lineup for the Stars.

[Mass Haas]

Nashville rained out...

 

DES MOINES, Iowa – Sunday’s scheduled finale between the Nashville Sounds and Iowa Cubs at Principal Park was postponed due to rain.

 

No make-up game has been announced at this time.

 

The Sounds return to Greer Stadium tomorrow to open a brief four-game homestand against the division-leading Omaha Storm Chasers, who swept Nashville earlier this week. Sounds right-hander Mark Rogers (0-2, 7.50) will make the start at 7:05pm CT against Omaha southpaw Mike Montgomery (2-0, 4.57).

[Mass Haas]

Very enjoyable 8 1/2-minute interview with Nashville (now reliever) Amaury Rivas via Jeff Hem's blog

 

Not only an excellent speaker in terms of English, but it's more than that -- very thoughtful in his answers, hard not to come away impressed. Rivas is eligible for minor league free agency at season's end. If he excels in his new role, it wouldn't be shocking to see him re-added to the 40-man roster at some point.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Wisconsin 5, Bowling Green (Rays) 2

 

Three-run eighth gives Wisconsin a victory

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers broke a 2-2 tie with three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and went on to defeat the Bowling Green Hot Rods 5-2 Sunday afternoon at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Ben McMahan knocked in the go ahead run with a single and Jason Rogers provided insurance with a two run double to hand Fond du Lac native Chad Pierce his first win as a Rattler.

 

Wisconsin (13-11) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Brandon Macias doubled with one out and Max Walla drove him in with a single to center.

 

Bowling Green (14-10) tied the game in the top of the second. Taylor Motter singled and stole second with one out. Motter stole third with two outs. An infield single by Matt Rice let Motter score to even the game 1-1.

 

The Hot Rods took the lead with an unearned run in the top of the sixth. Ryan Brett singled, stole second, and went to third on a grounder. The Rattlers brought the infield in and Rattlers starting pitcher David Goforth got Todd Glaesmann to send a ground ball to third. Macias came home and the throw beat Brett. However, Brett crashed into Rattlers catcher Rafael Neda and jarred the ball loose to score the go ahead run. But, the lead did not last.

 

Chadwin Stang led off the Rattlers half of the sixth inning and cracked his third home run of the season. Stang's line drive cleared the left field wall to tie the game 2-2.

 

Pierce came on in the top of the seventh in relief of Goforth to retire the side in order in that frame and again in the eighth. That set the stage for Neda to get a little revenge.

 

The Rattlers catcher started the Timber Rattlers eighth inning with a line drive double off the wall in left to put the go ahead run in scoring position for the Rattlers. John Dishon came on to pinch run for Neda after the two bagger.

 

McMahan was next and he could not get down a sacrifice bunt in two attempts. He stepped back into the back with a 1-2 count and grounded a single through the middle of the diamond. Dishon just beat the tag at the plate with a headfirst dive and the Rattlers lead 3-2.

 

Rogers tacked on two more runs with a double later in the inning for a 5-2 lead.

 

Pierce would allow a leadoff single in the top of the ninth, but he got a strikeout and a 6-4-3 double play to end the game. He struck out four over three scoreless innings and picked up the win.

 

The Timber Rattlers and the Hot Rods conclude their three game series on Monday afternoon. Andy Moye (1-0, 2.35) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. Bowling Green has Roberto Gomez (1-0, 4.95) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 12:05pm.

 

Monday is a Baker Tilly Business Persons Special. Show your business card when you purchase a ticket and receive a box seat ticket, a beverage and your choice of brat or hot dog for $11.50. The offer is also available to senior citizens. It is also a Qdoba Q*Monday with B104.7. Fans receive a free ticket to any Monday home game on the 2012 schedule when they purchase a lunch entrée at the Qdoba by the Fox River Mall on a Monday.

 

If you can't make it out to the game, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 11:45am. Monday's game is also available to subscribers of MiLB.TV.

 

HOME RUN:

WIS:

Chadwin Stang (3rd, 0 on in 6th inning off Ryan Carpenter, 0 out)

 

WP: Chad Pierce (1-0)

LP: Stayton Thomas (0-3)

 

TIME: 2:10

ATTN: 4,833

 

Wisconsin Box Score

Any of you that read TH's Brewer's Pitching Unclear in 2013 were probably surprised that instead of mentioning Drew Gagnon's continuing dominance in Wisconsin, he chose instead to highlight to rough the starts that Tyler Robers and Rafael Neda are having. I'm not sure what catchers have to do with the premise of the story or why either player's struggles are noteworthy, but that's why I don't write for the JSO. He did mention Tommy Toledo's ERA and AVE against which I guess is something.

 

I'm always torn for the Bowling Green series because I want the top prospects from each team to do well but I want the T-Rats to win. Complicated I know, but I'm sure I don't have to remind anyone of my affinity for the Rays organization. Speaking of which the Hot Rods have 3 first round picks from the last 2 drafts playing on this year's team; Tyler Goeddel, Jake Hager, and Drew Vettleson. Keep an eye on the pitching lines from this season series because the Bowling Green line-up is awfully talented.

 

The pitching today was very good, David Goforth's final line 6IP allowing 5H, 0BB, 2R, 1ER and curiously no strike outs. The end result was easily David's best of the season as he threw 68 pitches and 50 for strikes. Chris detailed every part of Chad Pierce's day above so no need to cover again it down here.

 

Brandon Macias and Rafael Neda paced the Rattlers with 2 hits and a double a piece, Jason Rogers also chipped in a double of his own. Macias got caught trying to steal, Goforth committed an error on a pickoff attempt, Carlos George committed a field error his 5th, and Neda committed his 2nd error on the missed catch. Goforth did pickoff Hager at 1st but the Neda and the pitchers failed to get any of the 3 runners who tried to steal.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

Pretty quiet recap overall, Chris didn't mention it was an IF single to the pitcher in his story.

Bowling Green Top of the 2nd

• Jeff Malm pops out to second baseman Carlos George.
  Taylor Motter singles on a line drive to right fielder Max Walla.
  With Cameron Seitzer batting, Taylor Motter steals (5) 2nd base.
  Cameron Seitzer grounds out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to first baseman Gregory Hopkins.
  With Matt Rice batting, Taylor Motter steals (6) 3rd base.
  Matt Rice singles on a ground ball to pitcher David Goforth. Taylor Motter scores.
  With Jake Hager batting, throwing error by David Goforth on the pickoff attempt, Matt Rice to 2nd.
  Jake Hager grounds out, pitcher David Goforth to shortstop Yadiel Rivera to first baseman Gregory Hopkins.

 

edit. Fixed season series, I know this was the last game of a 3 game set, poorly worded on my part.

[TheCrew07]

Sounds right-hander Mark Rogers (0-2, 7.50) will make the start at 7:05pm CT against Omaha southpaw Mike Montgomery (2-0, 4.57).

 

Mike Montgomery is Kansas City's #1 overall prospect, Odorizzi was listed at #4 though this week's hot sheet noted that a dominant AA campaign from Odorizzi and Montgomery's season continuing as it has means Jake would likely supplant Montgomery as the organization's best pitching prospect.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Huntsville 7, Mississippi (Braves) 3

 

Huntsville Downs M-Braves in Series Finale

By Miranda Black / Mississippi Braves

 

PEARL, MS-The Huntsville Stars plated three runs in the fourth and four runs in the fifth to defeat the Mississippi Braves 7-3 in Sunday afternoon's series finale at Trustmark Park. The two teams combined for 27 hits on the day.

 

Andrelton Simmons led the M-Braves (9-16) offense with a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate. While walking in his only other plate appearance, Simmons had two stolen bases on the afternoon. Adam Milligan also had two hits on the day, including a two-run home run in the fourth.

 

Huntsville (14-11) took a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning. Andy Gonzalez led off the with a single to left field before Hunter Morris launched his second homer of the season to give the Stars a 2-0 lead. A couple of outs later Josh Stinson doubled in Anderson De La Rosa from second to make it a 3-0 game.

 

Christian Bethancourt singled with two-outs in the bottom of the fourth, but exited the game with an undisclosed injury. Adam Milligan followed with a two-run homer into the visitor's bullpen to cut the Stars lead to 3-2. Mycal Jones then blooped a single into left center and Gary Moran walked before Todd Cunningham delivered a RBI-double to left, tying the game at 3-3.

 

Huntsville responded in the top of the fifth. Gonzalez singled and scored on a Hunter Morris double. Khris Davis followed with a double to plate Morris and extend the Stars' lead to 5-3. Anderson De La Rosa then blasted a two-run home run to make it a 7-3 contest.

 

Simmons and Keenan Wiley led off the bottom of the ninth with a single and double, respectively. However, a fly out, strike out, and a ground out ended the late threat.

 

Josh Stinson started for the Stars but did not factor in the decision. He went four frames for Huntsville, allowing three earned runs on seven hits, a home run, and three walks. He struck out one batter.

 

Roque Mercedes (1-0) picked up the win, limiting the Braves to just three hits and striking out three in two innings of work. Gary Moran (0-1) started and worked four and one-third innings for the M-Braves. He gave up five earned runs on eight hits and a homer while fanning two.

 

After an off day Monday, the M-Braves start a five-game series against the Mobile BayBears at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile. Lefty Jose Lugo (1-0, 1.80) will take on Mobile lefty Tyler Skaggs (0-2, 4.24) in game one of the series Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

 

Huntsville Stars (14-11): 7 R 15 H 0 E

Mississippi Braves (9-16): 3 R 12 H 1 E

 

W: Roque Mercedes (1-0)

L: Gary Moran (0-1)

 

Time: 3:14

Attendance: 2,022

 

Huntsville Box Score

Josh Stinson's afternoon was detailed above, and I love this Roque Mercedes quote from the Mississippi summary: "Roque Mercedes picked up the win, limiting the Braves to just three hits and striking out three in two innings of work". He did strike out 3, but when is giving up more hits than innings pitched limiting anything but damage? He did pitch better today but his reputation preceded him? Darren Byrd followed Roque and put up 2 nice innings allowing 1BB with 1SO and Rob Wooten pitched the final frame which is detailed above.

 

The Stars pummeled Braves pitching for 15 hits, opposing pitching Gary Morgan is extremely old for the league but he's been relatively successful up to this point in his MiLB career. As if on queue from Sessile Hunter Morris says "take that" and goes yard, he finished 2-5 with his other hit being a double. Josh Prince went 2-4 with a double, Andy Gonzalez went 3-5, Khris Davis went 1-2 with a double and was double switched out. Anderson De La Rosa went 3-5 and also added a double in addition to the big HR mentioned above. Finally starting pitcher Josh Stinson appears to be able to swing the bat a little bit he now has 3 hits on the season including a 2-3 effort with a double today. Prince got caught stealing a base, the Stars committed no errors, and Stinson picked off a runner on 1st. Unfortunately De La Rosa didn't get any of the 3 runners who stole bases in the game. Scooter Gennett is just 3 for his last 30 which has dropped his season line to .278/.288/.398 for a season OPS of .686

 

Huntsville Play By Play

Stinson had a shakey first.

Mississippi Bottom of the 1st

• Todd Cunningham flies out to center fielder Josh Prince.
  Andrelton Simmons singles on a line drive to center fielder Josh Prince.
  With Philip Gosselin batting, Andrelton Simmons steals (5) 2nd base.
  Philip Gosselin singles on a ground ball to third baseman Andy Gonzalez.
  Ian Gac flies out to center fielder Josh Prince.
  Joe Leonard grounds into a force out, fielded by shortstop Matt Cline. Philip Gosselin out at 2nd

 

This was the fun part of the game!

Huntsville Top of the 4th

• Andy Gonzalez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Adam Milligan.
  Hunter Morris homers (2) on a fly ball to right field. Andy Gonzalez scores.
  Khris Davis hit by pitch.
  Anderson De La Rosa grounds into a force out, third baseman Joe Leonard to second baseman Philip Gosselin. Khris Davis out at 2nd. Anderson De La Rosa to 1st.
  Matt Cline grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Ian Gac. Anderson De La Rosa to 2nd.
  Josh Stinson doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Adam Milligan. Anderson De La Rosa scores.
  Kentrail Davis reaches on fielding error by third baseman Joe Leonard. Josh Stinson to 3rd.
  Josh Prince grounds into a force out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to second baseman Philip Gosselin. Kentrail Davis out at 2nd.

 

Huntsville Top of the 5th

• Mathew Kennelly remains in the game as the catcher.
  Scooter Gennett pops out to second baseman Philip Gosselin.
  Andy Gonzalez singles on a line drive to center fielder Todd Cunningham.
  Hunter Morris doubles (12) on a fly ball to center fielder Todd Cunningham. Andy Gonzalez scores.
  Pitcher Change: Andrew Russell replaces Gary Moran, batting 9th.
  Khris Davis doubles (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Mycal Jones. Hunter Morris scores.
  Anderson De La Rosa homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Khris Davis scores.
  Matt Cline grounds out, third baseman Joe Leonard to first baseman Ian Gac.
  Josh Stinson singles on a line drive to right fielder Mycal Jones.
  Kentrail Davis called out on strikes.
  

[TheCrew07]

Chris has quite a bit of additional information on the game, including some very kind words about Goforth, video highlight's of the Stang HR, and more in today's 9 After 9.

[homer]

That's a really strange line from Goforth.

[Tedaldtada]

Manatees take down Threshers, 4-1

04/29/2012 9:03 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/04/29/6jEHeEVM.jpg

Manatees starting pitcher Hiram Burgos threw six shutout innings as Brevard County defeated the Clearwater Threshers 4-1 on Sunday evening at Space Coast Stadium. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

VIERA, Fla. - After being swept last week at Clearwater and losing the opening game of this series, the Brevard County Manatees recorded their first win of the season over their North division rivals as they defeated the Threshers 4-1 on Sunday evening at Space Coast Stadium.

 

Hiram Burgos (1-1, 0.99) - coming off of taking a no-hitter into the ninth in his last outing which was against the Threshers - threw six shutout innings and earned his first win of the season. Brooks Hall threw three innings of relief and earned the save.

 

Brevard County (11-12) got on the board first in the bottom of the second with two outs as Shawn Zarraga doubled to right field. He was then driven in by a RBI single by Shea Vucinich. Vucinich was thrown out on the play trying to stretch a single into a double.

Mike Walker gave the 'Tees a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth as he led off the inning with a solo homer to right field. It was his second home run of the season.

 

Clearwater (10-11) cut Brevard County's to 2-1 in the top of the seventh as the Threshers racked up three consecutive singles to start the inning against Hall. Kyle Lafrenz would ground into a double play to score Cody Asche for the run.

 

The Manatees added two insurance runs in the bottom of the eight as T.J. Mittelstaedt reached on an error that scored Juan Sanchez. Cody Hawn would then bring home Reggie Keen on a sacrifice fly to right. Keen was 2-for-4 on the night with a run scored and a stolen base out of the leadoff spot.

 

Brevard County and Clearwater will wrap-up their three-game set with a Monday matinee at 10:35 a.m. Brandon Williamson (0-0, 1.50) will get his second start for the Manatees, while the Threshers will send Brody Colvin (0-2, 4.43) to the mound.

 

Box Score

 

Despite rapping only 5 hits, the Manatees scored 4 runs. That was more than enough for this stellar pitching staff. Reggie Keen (2-4 SB) and Mike Walker (1-2 HR) led the way with hits. Three sacrifice hits and four walks for the 'Tees. Nick Shaw got into the game late and played SS.

 

Hiram Burgos (6 IP 5 H 0 R 0 BB 2 K 1 Pickoff) and Brooks Hall (3 IP 4 H 1 ER 0 BB 2 K) combined to severely hamper the opposing team's hitters. Three of the nine Clearwater hits were infield singles (2 bunt, 1 to the SS). 9:9 GO:FO for the Sea Cow pitchers. It is good to see good pitching. Sure helps to hide a cold offense too. Burgos has a 0.99 ERA now and hitters are batting .142 against him. Hall continues to progress towards his own starting spot in the rotation. A promotion will need to happen for that, however.

 

Game Log

Burgos easily could have had another perfect game going through four if not for some weak hits. A young Met lined a single for a hit to lead off the 5th inning.

 

Clearwater Top of the 1st

 

Peter Lavin grounds out to first baseman Cody Hawn.

Albert Cartwright flies out to center fielder Reggie Keen.

Brandon Tripp grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Cody Hawn.

 

Clearwater Top of the 2nd

 

Jim Murphy grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Cody Hawn.

Cody Asche singles on a ground ball to shortstop Juan Sanchez.

With D'Arby Myers batting, Hiram Burgos picks off Cody Asche at 1st on throw to Cody Hawn.

D'Arby Myers flies out to left fielder T. J. Mittelstaedt.

Clearwater Top of the 3rd

 

Brock Stassi flies out to left fielder T. J. Mittelstaedt.

Kyle Lafrenz grounds out, third baseman Michael Walker to first baseman Cody Hawn.

Edgar Duran grounds out, shortstop Juan Sanchez to first baseman Cody Hawn.

 

Clearwater Top of the 4th

 

Peter Lavin singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Michael Walker.

Albert Cartwright strikes out swinging.

Brandon Tripp flies out to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

Jim Murphy flies out to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

[Mass Haas]

Brad Krause impresses us again with post-game Rattlers thoughts and photos.

 

http://tratsbaseball.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/20120429_286000.jpg?w=565&h=375

 

Pre-game on Sunday, Brad also posted his weekly recap and reminded me that former Brewers farmhand LH reliever Caleb Thielbar is excelling with Minnesota's High-A team this season.

[Mass Haas]

More photos as the Appleton Post-Crescent has a gallery

 

The Post-Crescent game story includes a video interview with starting pitcher David Goforth

Includes some nice analysis from Rattlers Manager Matt Erickson...

[Mass Haas]

While technically percentage points behind, we're going to say Wisconsin is now in a three-way tie for first place in a very balanced division.

[Mass Haas]

Catching up on some Nashville video:

 

Sean Halton strokes an RBI double during the Sounds' 3-0 win over the Iowa Cubs

 

Caleb Gindl starts a double play from right field

 

Apparenly all PCL score graphics are really intrusive...

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Media Notes

[Mass Haas]

Maybe a helmet slam or a cuss word?

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 8th

Juan Sanchez walks.

Franklin Romero Jr. out on a sacrifice bunt to pitcher Hector Neris. Juan Sanchez to 2nd.

Brevard County Manatees right fielder Franklin Romero Jr. ejected by 1B umpire Ryan Clark.