Link Report for Sat. 5/5 - Rattlers Come Home On No-Hit High

[Mass Haas]

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[Mass Haas]

Saturday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Mark Rogers at Albuquerque (Dodgers), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 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 home vs. Chattanooga (Dodgers), 6:28 PM pre-game, 6:43 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 Brandon Williamson at Palm Beach (Cardinals), 5:35 PM gametime

 

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

 

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 in a tandem effort at home vs. Cedar Rapids (Angels), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 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 Saturday's evening 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]

OK Brewers, the schedules match up nicely, so honor these guys and make this happen!

[Mass Haas]

Baseball America Hot Sheet Chat:

 

Matty (Milwaukee, WI): Both seem to be pretty similar but which do you think will have the most success once reaching the majors: Jed Bradley or Taylor Jungmann?

 

Ben Badler: Bradley. For me, Jungmann's more of a back-end starter who's going to struggle to miss bats at higher levels.

[TheCrew07]

Lots of divisional prospects get a mention in this weeks' Hot Sheet.

 

No. 9 ALEN HANSON, SS Pirates

Team: low Class A West Virginia (South Atlantic)

Age: 19

Why He's Here: .400/.438/.567 (12-for-30), 8 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBIs, 2 BB, 4 SO, 2-for-4 SB

The Scoop: Hanson looks like the early breakout story of the 2012 season. He ranked as one of the top prospects in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League a year ago, even as he played through a finger injury that hampered his numbers. With a .402/.435/.675 slash line in 124 plate appearances, Hanson ranks third in the minors in hitting and 10th in OPS. He's reached base at least once in 25 of 27 games, and while he figures to cool off a bit, his bat is for real and he's quickly become one of the Pirates' most exciting prospects.

 

No. 12 TONY CINGRANI, LHP REDS

Team: high Class A Bakersfield (California)

Age: 22

Why He's Here: 1-0, 0.00, 1 GS, 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 SO

The Scoop: This shouldn't be possible. We're more than a month into the season and the pitcher who leads the minors in ERA is a pitcher from the California League. You know the California League? It's the one where one bad outing can make an ERA look like the moniker for Boeing's latest jet. Not only has the former Rice lefthander avoided a bad outing, he's yet to have a bad inning. Cingrani did allow a pair of runs, one of which was earned, in his second start of the season. Since then he's thrown 18 scoreless innings, allowing eight hits and three walks while striking out 26. Cingrani had an 8.59 ERA when Rice tried starting him in college, but his 0.32 ERA this year makes it clear that starting now suits him.

 

In the team photo:

2010 #2 overall selection Pirate Jameson Taillon, here's BA's scouting report on him:

There's no doubt that Taillon has more upside than any pitching prospect in the 2010 draft. The only debate is whether he's a better pitching prospect than fellow Texas fireballer Josh Beckett was at the same stage of his career. They have similar stuff, with Taillon having a bigger frame (6-foot-6, 225 pounds) and Beckett possessing a meaner streak on the mound and turning in a more consistent high school senior season. Taillon gave up 11 runs in a much-anticipated pitching duel with fellow Rice recruit John Simms in mid-March. His fastball command was out of whack, but he solved the problem and threw a 19-strikeout no-hitter a week later. He finished the year 8-1, 1.78 with 114 strikeouts in 62 innings, fanning 13 to win a first-round playoff game in his final start. Taillon owns the two best pitches in the draft: a heavy 93-97 mph fastball that has touched 99, and a hammer curveball in the mid-80s. He throws his heater with such ease that it looks like he's playing catch. He also has a hard slider and the makings of a changeup, though he rarely has needed more than two pitches to this point. He has a classic pitcher's body and strong makeup. With the Nationals zeroing in on Bryce Harper, Taillon is unlikely to become the first high school righthander selected No. 1 overall. He still could match or exceed two draft records shared by Beckett: the highest draft slot for a prep righty (No. 2), and the biggest guarantee ever given to a high school pitcher (a $7 million major league contract).

 

Not so hot:

• Ronald Torreyes, 2b, Cubs: Torreyes has shown some good things and some bad early in the high Class A Florida State League season. The pint-sized second baseman is hitting just .205/.274/.289 in 23 games, including a 1-for-25 (.040) stretch over the past week. The good news is that Torreyes' terrific hand-eye coordination and bat control have not deserted him. Even this past week, he has not struck out once, and he only has seven strikeouts all season. His early performance has been underwhelming, but as a 19-year-old in the FSL, there's no need to panic here.

 

• Gerardo Concepcion, lhp, Cubs: The Cubs gave Concepcion a rather stunning five-year major league deal worth $6 million in March, a move that was widely derided throughout the international scouting community. While the deal was seen as a significant overpay, Concepcion at least figured to be able to handle the low minors without much issue due to his success in Cuba's Serie Nacional at a young age. Instead, the 20-year-old's first two low Class A Peoria starts have resulted in 12 rus in 5 2/3 innings, including a start this week in which he couldn't even get out of the first. Concepcion is throwing strikes, but he's also struck out just two of the 32 batters he's faced, a pattern consistent with his middling strikeout rate in Cuba with a very hittable fastball that sits in the high 80s.

[Mass Haas]

Something different:

 

Cedar Rapids Manager Jamie Burke will manage his club for its game Saturday night in Wisconsin, then take a four-day leave, as pitching coach Chris Gissell did last week. The parent Los Angeles Angels are encouraging all of their minor-league coaches to take brief in-season sabbaticals.

 

Former Kernels Manager Tyrone Boykin (now a roving instructor) and hitting coach Mike Eylward will run the club in Burke’s absence.

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Media Notes

[Mass Haas]

Wisconsin Media Notes

[Mass Haas]

Given Taylor Green's recall and Edwin Maysonet's big league contract purchase Sunday, wonder if the Stars will lose the heart of their order after tonight's game to backfill.

 

Let the chain reaction discussion begin (we'll save the transaction thread for the formal moves).

[Mass Haas]

As was expected, last night's two injured players, Brevard catcher Shawn Zarraga (finger) and Wisconsin OF John Dishon (hand) are not in their respective starting lineups tonight. No word on possible DL stints at this time.

[Tedaldtada]

'Tees blow four run lead, fall 8-7 to Cards

05/05/2012 9:53 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

JUPITER, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees blew a four run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning as they fell 8-7 to the Palm Beach Cardinals on Saturday night at Roger Dean Stadium. It was the 'Tees first loss this season while leading after eight innings.

 

Brevard County (13-16) was up 7-3 going into the bottom of the ninth inning but allowed the Cardinals to score five runs, all with two outs. In the ninth, the combination of Stosh Wawrzasek and Alan Williams threw 2/3 of an inning and allowed five runs on five hits, while walking two. The game-winning hit was a two-run single by Niko Vasquez to complete the Palm Beach (14-15) comeback. For Williams it was his fourth blown save of the season.

 

The Manatees took a 2-0 lead in the second inning thanks to a two-run homer by Mike Walker. It was his second homer in as many nights and he went 4-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored on Saturday.

 

The Cardinals tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a Luis De La Cruz RBI single and a RBI groundout by Mike O'Neill off of Manatees' starter Brandon Williamson. Williamson (0-1, 4.85) went just four innings and allowed three runs - two earned - on five hits, while walking two and striking out four.

 

With the game tied 3-3, the Manatees plated three in the seventh to take a 6-3 lead. Nick Shaw's two-run single drove in both Adam Weisenberger and Franklin Romero Jr. Cody Hawn then drove in Shaw with a two-out double. Shaw was 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored on the night. He also extended his streak of reaching base in consecutive games to 21.

 

The 'Tees added an insurance run in the eighth as Shaw drove in Walker with a sacrifice fly to make it a 7-3 game.

 

Brooks Hall threw four shutout innings in relief of Williamson as he allowed just two hits and fanned three. Both Weisenburger and Shea Vucinich had multi-hit nights as Weisenburger was 3-for-3 and Vucinich went 2-for-4. Brevard County racked up 14 hits, but they went just 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.

 

The Manatees will look to get back on track as they square off again with the Cardinals on Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m. 2011 first round draft pick Taylor Jungmann (2-3, 2.72) will take the mound for Brevard County, while Palm Beach will send Carlos Martinez (1-1, 2.45) to the hill. Martinez played in the 2011 All-Star Futures Game.

 

Box Score

 

Good lord, that is a terrible way to lose. In my HS ball days, I experienced this sort of thing on both sides. Talk about a range of emotions on one field. Shake it off boys!

 

Brooks Hall got four very good innings tonight. 4 IP 2 H 0 R 0 BB 3 K 5:4 GO:FO

 

I mentioned yesterday that Mike Walker (4-5 2B HR) could use a hot week. After his best game of the year, Walker's OPS is up to .766. Catcher fill-in Adam Wiesenburger was a perfect 3-3 with a BB. His owns one of the better hitting lines on the team playing in about 1/3 of the games. With Zarraga nursing a hand injury, Adam may have his proverbial shot to make some noise. Nick Shaw stayed streaking with a 2-4 night.

 

Walker did commit his 5th error at 3B.

 

Game Log

 

Suffer through it. You'll be better for it.

 

Palm Beach Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitcher Change: Stosh Wawrzasek replaces Brooks Hall.

Luis De La Cruz singles on a ground ball to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

Ronny Gil called out on strikes.

Mike O'Neill walks. Luis De La Cruz to 2nd.

Vance Albitz flies out to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

Rainel Rosario singles on a ground ball to pitcher Stosh Wawrzasek. Luis De La Cruz to 3rd. Mike O'Neill to 2nd.

Pitcher Change: Alan Williams replaces Stosh Wawrzasek.

Chris Edmondson singles on a line drive to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr. Luis De La Cruz scores. Mike O'Neill to 3rd. Rainel Rosario to 2nd.

Nicholas Longmire singles on a ground ball to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr. Mike O'Neill scores. Rainel Rosario scores. Chris Edmondson to 2nd. Fielding error by right fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

Jonathan Rodriguez walks. Chris Edmondson to 3rd. Nicholas Longmire to 2nd.

Niko Vasquez singles on a line drive to left fielder T. J. Mittelstaedt. Chris Edmondson scores. Nicholas Longmire scores. Jonathan Rodriguez to 2nd.

[Tedaldtada]

73 pitches through 6 IP for Rogers. Down 2-0.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Wisconsin 4, Cedar Rapids 3

 

Rattlers make it a six pack of wins for the week

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers racked up their sixth straight victory with a 4-3 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels Saturday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Jason Rogers drove in a pair of runs, including what turned out to be an important insurance run, for Wisconsin.

 

Rafael Neda put the Timber Rattlers (17-11) up 1-0 with a run scoring single in the bottom of the second inning. Greg Hopkins reached on a single and stole second to start the inning. But, Hopkins was still at second with two outs. Neda got him home with a single to give Wisconsin the lead. Saturday night was the 21st time in 29 games the Rattlers have scored first.

 

Cedar Rapids (13-16) came back to tie the game in the top of the third on an unearned run against Timber Rattlers starter David Goforth. Kevin Moesquit reached on an error and took second on a wild pitch. Ryan Jones drove in the tying run with a single. But, that was all Goforth let in for the game. The right-hander from Mississippi allowed six hits, walked one, and struck out two over five innings.

 

Wisconsin came back to take the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Brandon Macias was hit by a pitch and Max Walla singled to send Macias to third with no outs. Rogers put the Rattlers up 2-1 with a sacrifice fly. Later in the inning, Walla scored on a wild pitch.

 

Rogers added an insurance run in the fifth. Macias led off the inning with a double. One out later, Rogers knocked him in with a single.

 

Chad Pierce relieved Goforth to start the sixth and worked three scoreless innings to keep Wisconsin up 4-1.

 

Seth Harvey took over in the top of the ninth inning, but was greeted by Chevy Clarke with a leadoff triple. An error on a Gary Mitchell grounder let Clarke score and put Mitchell on base. Harvey got a strikeout, but Mitchell stole second to get into scoring position. Wendell Soto's RBI single got Mitchell home to cut the Rattlers lead to one run and bring the go ahead run to the plate.

 

But, Harvey regrouped and struck out the next two batters to end the game.

 

Game two of the series is Sunday afternoon. Andy Moye (1-0, 2.11) is scheduled to start for the Rattlers. Cam Bedrosian (0-0, 0.00), the son of former major league pitcher Steve Bedrosian, is set to take the hill for the Kernels. Game time is 1:05pm.

 

Sunday is a Brewers Sunday presented by 107.5, The Fan. The first 1,000 fans to attend Sunday's game will receive a poster of the Rattlers right-hander as #3 in a series of ten that will be given away during the 2012 season.

 

Before the game fans can play catch on-field courtesy of 77 KIDS. Timber Rattlers will be wearing Brewers-themed jerseys on-field during the game and will be available for an autograph session after the game. Time Warner Cable customers can receive up to four half-priced reserved bleacher tickets when showing their TWC bill at time of ticket purchase.

 

If you can't make it out to the game, tune in for the game on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 12:45pm. The game is also available to subscribers of MiLB.TV.

 

WP: David Goforth (3-1)

LP: Jairo Diaz (1-3)

SAVE: Harvey (4)

 

TIME: 2:48

ATTN: 4,383

 

Wisconsin Box Score

I was looking at the league pitching stats tonight and WI isn't better than 2nd in any statistical category thus far, the Lansing staff (Toronto) has been outstanding. David Goforth pitched well again, in fact he has only one bad outing all year, but it was really bad, which is skewing his entire season line to this point. The Rattler pitchers really seem to be focusing on pitching to contact as the strike outs as a staff are trending down as the season progresses, which makes sense given the defense behind them. I don't have any problem with it because I believe guys like Gagnon and Goforth have enough that they can get hitters to strike out when they need it.

 

Gregory Hopkins continues to swing a hot bat going 2-4 with a double, Max Walla went 2-4, and Brandon Macias added a double. Goforth picked off 2 runners, at 3rd and 1st, and Walla stole a base. The Rattlers had 2 errors, Macias throwing his 4th, and Carlos George fielding which was his 6th.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

Goforth's POs came in the 2nd and 4th

Cedar Rapids Top of the 2nd

• Chevy Clarke singles on a line drive to right fielder Max Walla.
  With Gary Mitchell batting, David Goforth picks off Chevy Clarke at 1st on throw to Gregory Hopkins.
  Gary Mitchell singles on a line drive to left fielder Ben McMahan.
  Carlos Lugo grounds out to first baseman Gregory Hopkins. Gary Mitchell to 2nd.
  Wendell Soto pops out to shortstop Yadiel Rivera.

 

Cedar Rapids Top of the 4th

• Chevy Clarke grounds out, first baseman Gregory Hopkins to pitcher David Goforth.
  Gary Mitchell singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ben McMahan.
  Carlos Lugo walks. Gary Mitchell to 2nd.
  Wendell Soto grounds into a force out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Carlos George. Gary Mitchell to 3rd. Carlos Lugo out at 2nd. Wendell Soto to 1st.
  With Kevin Moesquit batting, David Goforth picks off Gary Mitchell at 3rd on throw to Brandon Macias

[Tedaldtada]

Albuquerque (Dodgers) 4 Nashville 2

 

Box Score

 

Mark Rogers had his best game. Rogers did make 11 pitches in the 7th before being pulled for Mike McClendon. Final line: 6 IP 3 H 2 R 2 ER 1 BB 4 K 1 HR 1 WP 1 HBP 5:6 GO:FO. Mike McClendon has clearly lost some of the mojo he had in 2011.

 

CF Logan Schafer (2-4 BB), SS Hainley Statia and LF Jordan Brown had 2 hits apiece. 2B Eric Farris went 1-3 with a BB. Taylor Green hit a "bon voyage" 2B. It is time for Caleb Gindl to step up and become the run producer for this team. He is currently batting .184. Maybe some reinforcements from AA will help.

 

A shade over 13,000 people attended this game. That surprised me. The Isotopes is one of my personal favorite team names.

 

Game Log

 

Rogers had 4 perfect innings on the night.

 

Albuquerque Bottom of the 1st

 

Elian Herrera grounds out, second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Sean Halton.

Ivan De Jesus flies out to center fielder Logan Schafer.

Josh Fields grounds out, second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Sean Halton.

 

Albuquerque Bottom of the 3rd

 

Josh Bard grounds out, second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Sean Halton.

John Ely strikes out swinging.

Elian Herrera flies out to center fielder Logan Schafer.

Albuquerque Bottom of the 4th

 

Ivan De Jesus lines out to right fielder Caleb Gindl.

Josh Fields flies out to right fielder Caleb Gindl.

Scott Van Slyke pops out to second baseman Eric Farris.

Albuquerque Bottom of the 5th

 

Jeff Baisley grounds out, catcher Paul Phillips to first baseman Sean Halton.

Trent Oeltjen lines out to first baseman Sean Halton.

Luis Cruz flies out to center fielder Logan Schafer.

 

Rogers' WP cost him today.

 

Albuquerque Bottom of the 6th

 

Josh Bard strikes out swinging.

John Ely flies out to left fielder Jordan Brown.

Elian Herrera singles on a line drive to center fielder Logan Schafer.

Ivan De Jesus singles on a ground ball to center fielder Logan Schafer. Elian Herrera to 3rd.

With Josh Fields batting, wild pitch by Mark Rogers, Elian Herrera scores.

With Josh Fields batting, Ivan De Jesus steals (1) 2nd base.

Josh Fields strikes out swinging.

 

Gameday

[TheCrew07]

Final: Huntsville 6, Chattanooga 3

 

Huntsville Box Score

I'm starting to warm up to Josh Stinson, he's been holding his own as a starter and pitched very well tonight. Josh went 5.1 IP, 4H, 2R, 0ER, 2BB, 1HBP, against 6SO while throwing 91 pitches and 60 for strikes. He was followed by Jesus Sanchez who's season line looks fantastic except for a low K rate. Jesus allowed a hit and walk in his 1.2 innings while striking out 3. Rob Wooten went the final 2 innings allowing a run on 3 hits and a walk, though he did strike out 4 batters.

 

Andy Gonzalez was a monster at the plate tonight going 4-4 with a HR. Don't look now but Scooter Gennett is starting to pick it up again going 2-4 on the evening and will carry a 4 game hit streak into tomorow's contest. Kentrail Davis, Khris Davis, and Josh Stinson(!) all doubled, Stinson is now 4-8 on the year with an OPS over 1, he'll have no talk of a DH being necessary for pitchers. Josh Prince and Gonzalez each swiped a base, Khris Davis was caught stealing, and Jeff Bianchi was picked off off first. The Stars committed 2 errors, a fielding error by Prince, and a passed ball by De La Rosa.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

The 4 run 4th, could have had even more...

Huntsville Bottom of the 4th

• Andy Gonzalez singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Anthony Jackson.
  Hunter Morris hit by pitch. Andy Gonzalez to 2nd.
  Khris Davis walks. Andy Gonzalez to 3rd. Hunter Morris to 2nd.
  Anderson De La Rosa pops out to second baseman Luis Nunez on the infield fly rule.
  Josh Prince out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Anthony Jackson. Andy Gonzalez scores.
  Josh Stinson doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Anthony Jackson. Hunter Morris scores. Khris Davis scores.
  Kentrail Davis doubles (6) on a fly ball to center fielder Anthony Jackson. Josh Stinson scores.
  Jeff Bianchi walks.
  With Scooter Gennett batting, Aaron Miller picks off Jeff Bianchi at 1st on throw to Travis Denker.

 

Here's something to keep an eye on. Was it a failed hit and run? Was Davis pulled because of the steal attempt on his own? Either way did he get injured (again) doing so? Most defensive replacements for the Stars have been of the double switch variety.

Huntsville Bottom of the 5th

• Pitcher Change: Javier Solano replaces Aaron Miller, batting 9th.
  Scooter Gennett singles on a ground ball to right fielder Blake Smith.
  Andy Gonzalez homers (3) on a fly ball to left center field. Scooter Gennett scores.
  Hunter Morris flies out to left fielder Kyle Russell in foul territory.
  Khris Davis doubles (5) on a line drive to left fielder Kyle Russell.
  Anderson De La Rosa strikes out swinging and Khris Davis caught stealing 3rd, catcher Gorman Erickson to third baseman Pedro Baez.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 6th

• Defensive Substitution: Lee Haydel replaces left fielder Khris Davis, batting 6th, playing left field.
  Pedro Baez strikes out swinging.
  Blake Smith walks.
  Pitcher Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Josh Stinson, batting 9th.
  Luis Nunez strikes out swinging.
  Gorman Erickson doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Josh Prince. Blake Smith to 3rd.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter J. T. Wise replaces Javier Solano.
  J. T. Wise strikes out swinging.

[And That]

While I appreciate Goforth's willingness to pitch to contact, I don't remember the last time I saw a guy who can bring gas into the mid-90's with some regularity have a K/9 of about 4.5. He's not walking anyone either, though - that's good.

[TheCrew07]

Chris' Nine after 9 for May 5, 2012

[HiAndTight]

While I appreciate Goforth's willingness to pitch to contact, I don't remember the last time I saw a guy who can bring gas into the mid-90's with some regularity have a K/9 of about 4.5. He's not walking anyone either, though - that's good.

 

 

We've heard a lot of Brewers pitching prospects talking about pitching to contact and that being a point of emphasis for them this year. None have said it's a organizational wide approach, but I've heard it referenced many times how this pitching coach wants pitchers to pitch to contact with the capability to get the K's when they need them.

 

We all love to see Thornburg's 11.5 K's per 9, but if it leads to him only going 5, I'd rather see it closer to 8.5 and going 7.

 

Just food for thought.

[TheCrew07]

I was looking for the Huntsville game story (the Stars' stories have been slow to come if at all this year) and came across this, it might be of interest to some.

 

Odorizzi on his game in Naturals' win

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Media Notes

[Mass Haas]

STARS TAKE SERIES AGAINST LOOKOUTS

 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - In the deciding game of a five-game series with the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Huntsville Stars found themselves on the right side of a 6-3 final score Saturday night at Joe Davis Stadium.

 

Down by a score of 2-0 at after a two-run single by Lookouts’ starting pitcher Aaron Miller in the second inning, the Stars offense strung together six unanswered runs to lead them to a victory. Beginning in the bottom of the fourth, the first three Stars batters of the inning reached base, the first scoring on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Josh Prince. After starting pitcher Josh Stinson helped out his own cause with a two-run double, right fielder Kentrail Davis drove him in with an RBI double of his own gave the Stars a 4-2 lead.

 

Then, in the fifth inning, following a leadoff single by second basemen Scooter Gennett, a two-run home run by Stars third basemen Andy Gonzalez gave the Stars all the insurance they needed.

 

On the mound, Stinson put together arguably his best outing of the year, giving up just two runs (none earned) and four hits in 5.1 innings to improve his record to 4-1 on the season. However, it was his first win in three starts with the Stars. The 24-year-old righty also struck out a season-high six batters en route to the victory.

 

On offense, Gonzalez led the way with a 4-for-4 night at the plate, including his third home run of the season. Gennett also went 2-for-4 with two singles and a run scored.

 

For the Stars, the series win was their second straight and their third in the last four. Overall, Huntsville is now 17-13 on the season and just two games out of first heading into a five-game series with first place Jackson.

 

The Stars will send LHP Dan Merklinger (1-2, 6.75 ERA) to the mound to square off against a Generals starting pitcher that is still yet to be determined. First pitch from Pringles Park is at 6:05 PM. Catch all the game action at www.huntsvillestars.com with the call by Alex Cohen.

[Mass Haas]

As Huntsville begins a showdown series with the Mariners' Jackson team for first place, they do lose their middle of the order, however.

 

***

 

Please do check out this story / video feature with quotes from Hunter Morris, always nice to see these interactions with the local community.

 

The video is in the right-hand sidebar.

Michael Sutterfield of Stevenson, Ala., is a fighter