Link Report for Sat. 5/26 -- Stars and Rattlers bats' explode; Brooks Conrad, AAA Superman

[Mass Haas]

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[Mass Haas]

Saturday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Mark Rogers at home vs. Round Rock (Rangers), 6:20 PM pre-game, 6:35 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 Hiram Burgos at home vs. Birmingham (White Sox), 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: Huntsville road games in four locales (Mississippi, Tennessee, Jacksonville and Pensacola) will be broadcast.

 

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Brevard County: RHP Brooks Hall at Dunedin (Blue Jays), 5:30 PM gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Dunedin 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.

 

***

 

Wisconsin: RHP David Goforth at Peoria (Cubs), 6:10 PM pre-game, 6:30 gametime; if form holds, we'll see RHP Chad Pierce in the tandem

 

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]

Please note the following from the Rattler Radio Blog:

 

If you listen to the Timber Rattlers on the internet feed see below information for IMPORTANT NEWS!!

 

There have been issues with the internet feed the last few nights and the station engineer gave me the story and a few tips on how to listen to the games.

 

The story: The station has moved to a new provider for the internet feed. The new provider is supposed to be able to automatically take out the commercials and go back into programming. There have been a few problems with that on their end, but here are the fixes he suggested.

 

#1: There is a new link or try the Main WNAM page and click on the big LISTEN LIVE button at the top.

 

#2: Download the Silverlight and Adobe Flash programs and start running them on your computer.

 

#3*: Be Patient. If you go to the link and there is dead air, hang with it the programming should come back on.

 

#4**: Test it out before the game.

 

*-This is the most important one. My blood pressure started to go up after I was at the new link and heard nothing for 45 WHOLE SECONDS! The NERVE!

 

**-This one is mine…but it makes sense.

 

If you are in the listening area, feel free to tune in on AM1280, WNAM.

 

__________

 

We'll post this for a few nights, the link in the Daily Menu matches the link Chris suggests.

[Mass Haas]

Follow Saturday'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

 

High-A - Florida State League North Division

 

A - 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]

Nashville Media Notes

[Mass Haas]

Wisconsin Media Notes

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Nashville Pre-Game Audio

Sounds broadcaster Jeff Hem with reliever Vinnie Chulk

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Media Notes

[Mass Haas]

Just keep telling yourself he's only 17, and will come back like a champ in 2013:

 

Via Tom Haudricourt:

 

Short at shortstop

 

It's no secret that the Brewers are thin at shortstop after dealing former top prospect Alcides Escobar to the Royals before the 2011 season in the Zack Greinke deal. That's why the loss of Alex Gonzalez for the season with a knee injury was so discouraging.

 

That shortage was the reason the Brewers claimed Jeff Bianchi, now at Class AAA Nashville, off waivers from the Cubs over the off-season. And why they signed former Houston shortstop Tommy Manzella a few weeks ago to play that position at Class AA Huntsville.

 

Now comes the news that shortstop prospect Orlando Arcia will miss the entire 2012 season after fracturing an ankle sliding into second base during a game in extended spring training. Arcia, 17, was slated to play rookie ball, either at Helena or Arizona, when that level begins play in June.

 

Arcia, a native of Venezuela, attracted attention last summer with a strong performance in the Dominican Summer League at age 16. In 64 games, he batted .294 with 16 doubles, six home runs and 36 RBI, with 30 walks and only 20 strikeouts in 218 at-bats.

 

Arcia also is impressive in the field with great range and a strong arm. At his age, there's plenty of time to bounce back from the injury, but it still is disappointing for the Brewers that he will not play in 2012.

 

"We're hoping he'll be able to do something by instructional ball (in the fall)," said Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash. "He had a plate put in the ankle by Dr. ( William) Raasch. It was a bad break.

 

"Missing the year certainly doesn't help. He should be able to play in our Dominican academy (over the winter)."

 

The Brewers do have another young shortstop they like, 20-year-old Yadiel Rivera, currently playing at low Class A Wisconsin. Selected in the ninth round of the 2010 draft out of Puerto Rico, Rivera is a solid defender who must improve his plate discipline.

 

Through 44 games for the Timber Rattlers, Rivera was batting .244 with 11 doubles, five homers and 17 RBI, with only six walks and 44 strikeouts. He saw a 10-game hitting streak end Friday.

[TheCrew07]

Well the news about Arcia just stinks, another of my personal favorites out of action this year, I'm like the Madden cover or something.

 

On the flip side have a night Gregory Hopkins, he is already 3-3 with 2HR and a 2B, a performance too good to wait to discuss until the recap.

[bkrause2]

Final: Brevard County 3, Dunedin 4

 

Brevard County Box Score

I guess I couldn't bring the Manatees any luck either. This was a rather sloppy night for Brevard and it cost them in a close one run game. Nick Shaw led off the game with a base hit but then got thrown out on a stirke 'em out, throw 'em out double play. Mike Walker singled in the 4th but promptly got picked off first. Miguel Velazquez and Shaw each had errors.

 

Brooks Hall got the start and worked five innings. He allowed three runs, two earned, struck out two and walked two. His defense did him no favors either. Hall gave up a leadoff double in the first, then a base hit that went under the glove of Velazquez for a two base error, and another hit for the first two runs. He worked in and out of trouble in the second and gave up a 3rd inning home run to Marcus Knecht. He should have been through the 4th inning cleanly but for Shaw's error that extended the inning. Hall got through the fifth with just a walk before giving way to Thomas Keeling and Greg Holle who eached pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Casey Medlen mowed through the Dunedin lineup in the eighth with D-Jays announcer Craig Durham marvelling at the curve that Medlen was flipping up there. But he gave up a double to start the ninth that would come around to score the game winning run for Dunedin, when Gabe Jacobo ripped a single over the Manatees five man infield to end the game.

 

Scott Krieger led the offense with a pair of hits, including his game tying two out RBI triple in the ninth. He was also hit by a pitch. Nick Shaw, Mike Walker and Cody Hawn each had two hits as well, including Hawn's fourth home run of the season.

 

As mentioned in the transactions thread, Joey Paciorek joined the Manatees today as they have lost three catchers to injury now in the past two days days. Brent Dean landed on the DL a couple days ago. Then Adam Weisenburger and Shawn Zarraga were both injured on plays at the plate last night. Weisenburger left the game after a 6th inning collision and Zarraga was injured running over the Dunedin catcher in the eighth.

 

The Sea Cows were going up against Asher Wojciechowski who is ranked as the Blue Jays 10th best prospect in Baseball America's 2012 Prospect Handbook. Wojciechowski is a big righty who is repeating High-A after spending 2011 with Dunedin as well. According to Durham, Wojciechowski was doing a really good job of mixing his pitches, throwing four pitches for strikes including a 93 MPH fastball, 82 MPH slider, 78 MPH curve, and mixing in a changeup for good measure.

 

Durham (who does an excellent job on the mic by the way) also made note of the fact that Vladimir Guerrero would be joining Dunedin for tomorrow's series finale with the Manatees.

 

Brevard County Play By Play

Brevard missed a chance to do some more damage in the 7th

Brevard County Top of the 7th

Pitcher Change: Trystan Magnuson replaces Asher Wojciechowski.

Mike Walker strikes out swinging.

Reggie Keen walks.

Cody Hawn singles on a line drive to center fielder Jonathan Jones. Reggie Keen to 2nd.

Miguel Velazquez called out on strikes.

With Parker Berberet batting, Reggie Keen steals (15) 3rd base.

Parker Berberet walks.Cody Hawn to 2nd.

Scott Krieger singles on a line drive to center fielder Jonathan Jones. Reggie Keen scores. Cody Hawn to 3rd. Parker Berberet to 2nd.

Pitcher Change: Boomer Potts replaces Trystan Magnuson.

Nick Shaw flies out to center fielder Jonathan Jones.

 

The Manatees 9th inning comeback to tie the game

Brevard County Top of the 9th

Cody Hawn grounds out, pitcher Boomer Potts to first baseman Gabe Jacobo.

Pitcher Change: Dayton Marze replaces Boomer Potts.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Franklin Romero Jr. replaces Miguel Velazquez.

Franklin Romero Jr. grounds out, second baseman Ryan Schimpf to first baseman Gabe Jacobo.

Parker Berberet singles on a line drive to right fielder Kenen Bailli.

Scott Krieger triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Kenen Bailli. Parker Berberet scores.

Nick Shaw flies out to center fielder Jonathan Jones.

[Mass Haas]

So happy for Vinny Rottino, 1st major league HR today.

 

It wasn't the greatest season I've seen in 11-plus years of Link Reporting (.834 OPS, age 24 season in A-Ball), but Vinny's 124 RBI in a single minor league season with Beloit in 2004 has to be the most remarkable single season-long number I've had the chance to chronicle.

[TheCrew07]

So happy for Vinny Rottino, 1st major league HR today.

 

I second this notion, he's been too good of a player not to earn a bench role on a MLB roster someplace and I've always admired his perseverance. He just keeps chasing his dream and that's about all you can ask of any ball player.

[bkrause2]

Final: Round Rock 3, Nashville 7

 

Nashville Box Score

Brooks Conrad is killing AAA pitching right now. He homered again tonight for the Sounds. That's eight of his last nine games with a home run. Jordan Brown followed Conrad's two run bomb in the first with a solo shot of his own.

 

Jeff Bianchi, fresh off the DL, continued to state his case for a roster spot in Milwaukee when another one of their shortstops inevitably goes down. He had two hits and scored a run in his first game back. Eric Farris went 2 for 4 with a double. Martin Maldonado had a single and a pair of walks, and Caleb Gindl went 2 for 4 and scored two runs. Good to see Gindl starting to heat up.

 

Mark Rogers started the game for Nashville and pitched pretty well despite allowing five walks. He tossed six innings and the only runs he allowed were a pair of solo home runs to former Major Leaguers Ryan Spilborghs and Brad Nelson. Rogers got through the first rather easily, only tossing five or six pitches. He seemd to struggle with his control the most when pitching out of the stretch in the 2nd inning with runners on base.

 

Rob Wooten pitched two scoreless innings of relief. He did take a line drive off his leg on the last out of the eighth inning though. Brian Baker came on to pitch the ninth but he was already warming up in the pen when Wooten was hit, so it seemed he was coming in for the 9th anyway. Here's hoping that won't turn in to anything serious for Wooten.

 

Finally, can we talk defense for a second? Man are Logan Schafer and Martin Maldonado fun to watch in the field. Schafer had a couple of loonnggg running catches in the third and the ninth, and almost robbed Nelson of his home run as well. Maldonado also made a sick throw to second to pick off a runner in the third. If the big league club can get things turned around, these two could definitely play a role in September.

 

Nashville Play By Play

First Inning Fireworks

Nashville Bottom of the 1st

Logan Schafer flies out to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs.

Jeff Bianchi singles on a fly ball to right fielder Joey Butler.

Brooks Conrad homers (10) on a line drive to left field. Jeff Bianchi scores.

Jordan Brown homers (2) on a fly ball to right field.

Corey Patterson flies out to center fielder Julio Borbon.

Andy Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Julio Borbon.

[bkrause2]

Brevard's comeback spoiled by Dunedin

Manatees fall 4-3 to first-place Jays on walk-off single

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees rallied to tie Saturday night's game in the top of the ninth inning, only to fall in the bottom of the ninth by the score of 4-3 to the Dunedin Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park.

 

Down 3-2 in the top of the ninth with a runner on first, the Manatees (19-28) were down to their final out. Scott Krieger made sure that he wasn't the final out of the game as he had a game-tying RBI triple to plate Parker Berberet to tie the game at 3-3.

 

In the bottom of the ninth, Dunedin's Kenen Bailli led off with a double off of Casey Medlen. Jonathan Jones then sacrificed Bailli over to third to put the winning run 90 feet away with one out. Gabe Jacobo then won it for the Blue Jays (32-17) on a RBI single that plated Bailli.

 

The Manatees were down 3-0 after four innings, but slowly started to chip away at Dunedin's lead. In the fifth, Cody Hawn hit a solo homer and then in the seventh, Krieger drove in Reggie Keen with a RBI single to cut it to a 3-2 game.

 

Manatees starting pitcher Brooks Hall allowed three runs - two earned - in five innings of work. He scattered six hits, while walking two and striking out two.

 

Shaw, Hawn, Krieger and Mike Walker all had two hits each for Brevard County. In the last ten games, Walker has had five multi-hit games.

 

Brevard County will look to avoid the sweep against Dunedin as the two teams close out their three-game series on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

 

2011 first round draft pick Taylor Jungmann (3-3, 2.90) will toe the rubber for the Manatees. In his last start on Tuesday against Charlotte, Jungmann allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings while striking out eight.

 

Lefty Egan Smith (5-3, 2.98) will get the start for the Blue Jays. In two relief appearances against the 'Tees this season, Smith has a 1-1 record with a 7.36 ERA.

 

Nine-time Major League All-Star Vladimir Guerrero is expected to be in Dunedin's line-up tomorrow against the Manatees. Guerrero signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on May 10.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Wisconsin 11, Peoria 3

 

Hopkins and Rogers go on rampage in Rattlers win

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

PEORIA, IL - Greg Hopkins, Jason Rogers, and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers seemed a little perturbed that their six-game winning streak ended in a walkoff loss at Quad Cities on Friday night. The Timber Rattlers banged out 16 hits and defeated the Peoria Chiefs 11-3 Saturday night at Peoria Chiefs Stadium. Hopkins and Rogers led the onslaught for Wisconsin. Hopkins homered twice, doubled, and drove in six runs. and Rogers had four hits, including a home run, and three RBI to move Wisconsin to 3-1 in the first four games of their 13-game road trip.

 

Hopkins gave the Timber Rattlers (31-18) a 1-0 lead in the second inning. His double drove in Nick Ramirez from second base. Later in the inning, Yadiel Rivera knocked in Hopkins with an infield grounder.

 

Wisconsin went up 3-0 in the third on an RBI single by Rogers. One out later, Hopkins hit his first home run of the night, a two-run shot to left, and the Rattlers pushed their advantage to 5-0.

 

Peoria (22-27) got to starting pitcher David Goforth for a run in the bottom of the third on a two-out solo homer by Marco Hernandez.

 

Hopkins struck again in the Rattlers half of the fifth inning. Brandon Macias singled and Rogers doubled to set the table. Hopkins drilled the three-run homer to left to put Wisconsin up 8-1.

 

Rogers got his turn to go deep in the sixth inning. Macias walked with one out and Rogers crushed his sixth homer of the season. The deep drive to left-center put the Rattlers up 10-1.

 

Goforth gave up a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on an RBI single by Zeke DeVoss and an RBI grounder by Wes Darvill. Goforth didn't walk a batter and struck out four over six innings before turning the game over to reliever Chad Pierce.

 

Chadwin Stang made it 11-3 for the Rattlers with an RBI single in the top of the seventh.

 

Pierce pitched three scoreless innings and struck out three to pick up his first professional save.

 

Game two of the four game series is Sunday afternoon. Will West (1-0, 3.60) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Michael Jensen (4-2, 2.92) is set to start for the Chiefs. Game time at Peoria Chiefs Stadium is 2:00pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 1:40pm.

 

HOME RUNS:

WIS:

Greg Hopkins (4th, 1 on in 3rd inning off Gerardo Concepcion, 2 outs)

Greg Hopkins (5th, 2 on in 5th inning off Gerardo Concepcion, 1 out)

Jason Rogers (6th, 1 on in 6th inning off Felix Pena, 1 out)

 

PEO: Marco Hernandez (2nd, 0 on in 3rd inning off David Goforth, 2 out)

 

WP: David Goforth (4-3)

LP: Gerardo Concepcion (1-4)

SAVE: Chad Pierce (1)

 

TIME: 2:46

ATTN: 3,501

 

Wisconsin Box Score

Just. Whup. The. Cubs! HOOAH! This game was a pleasure to listen to, the Rattlers just kept scoring runs. David Goforth might be the streakiest pitcher I recall covering and while he gave up 3 runs, he was basically on cruise all the way until the 6th inning when he then gives up triple, single, WP all right in a row to start the inning and you're left thinking "here we go again". Fortunately tonight he settled down and got out of it allowing just the 2 runs ending up with a final line of 6IP, 5H, 3R, 0BB, 2WP, 1HBP, 1HR, and 4SO while posting an 8:2 GO:FO ratio. Chad Pierce pitched the final 3 innings to earn his first save allowing a hit and a walk against 3 strike outs.

 

Chris usually covers the offense in great detail so I'll just provide the lines while I wait on the game story. Chadwin Stang went 3-6, Gregory Hopkins finished 3-5 with the 2HRs and a double, Jason Rogers went 4-5 with a 2B and HR, and Yadiel Rivera went 2-5. Every T-Rat had a hit except for poor Rafael Neda who's having an extremely tough season as he seems to just get pounded by deflections and bad hops every time he catches in addition to his offensive struggles. Stang was caught stealing for the 4th time, Max Walla was picked off 1st, and John Dishon stole his 7th base of the season.

 

The opposing pitcher Gerardo Concepcion is a guy whom I've highlighted in past LRs as pretty much everyone is continually bashing the Cubs for his signing. For those that didn't read those previous articles the Cubs gave him a 5 year MLB deal (yes a major league contract) for $6 million despite his very average stuff. A situation like this paints the Arnett drama from a couple of a years ago in a completely different light.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

David Goforth's night.

Peoria Bottom of the 1st

• Zeke DeVoss hit by pitch.
  Taiwan Easterling grounds into double play, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Gregory Hopkins to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Zeke DeVoss out at 2nd.
  Wes Darvill strikes out swinging.
  

 

Peoria Bottom of the 2nd

• Paul Hoilman called out on strikes.
  Ryan Cuneo flies out to center fielder Chadwin Stang.
  Yasiel Balaguert grounds out, third baseman Brandon Macias to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 3rd

• Oliver Zapata grounds out, pitcher David Goforth to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  Yaniel Cabezas pops out to shortstop Yadiel Rivera.
  Marco Hernandez homers (2) on a fly ball to left field.
  Zeke DeVoss singles on a line drive to left fielder John Dishon.
  With Taiwan Easterling batting, wild pitch by David Goforth, . Zeke DeVoss out at 3rd, catcher Rafael Neda to third baseman Brandon Macias.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 4th

• Taiwan Easterling flies out to right fielder Max Walla.
  Wes Darvill grounds out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  Paul Hoilman strikes out swinging.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 5th

• Ryan Cuneo grounds out, second baseman Gregory Hopkins to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  Yasiel Balaguert strikes out swinging.
  Oliver Zapata singles on a ground ball to left fielder John Dishon.
  Yaniel Cabezas lines out to right fielder Max Walla.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 6th

• Marco Hernandez triples (3) on a line drive to right fielder Max Walla.
  Zeke DeVoss singles on a ground ball to center fielder Chadwin Stang. Marco Hernandez scores.
  With Taiwan Easterling batting, wild pitch by David Goforth, Zeke DeVoss to 2nd.
  Taiwan Easterling grounds out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Zeke DeVoss to 3rd.
  Wes Darvill grounds out, second baseman Gregory Hopkins to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Zeke DeVoss scores.
  Paul Hoilman grounds out, third baseman Brandon Macias to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  

[bkrause2]

Jacobo Single Sinks Manatees in 9th

Blue Jays Win 5th Straight Over Brevard County

By Craig Durham

 

DUNEDIN, FL - When a game is tied in the bottom of the 9th at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium it is becoming less a question of if, and more of a question of how the Blue Jays will win it in 2012.

 

On Saturday night, in front of 1,154 screaming fans, it was Gabe Jacobo who became the hero with a walk off RBI single that sent the Blue Jays home 4-3 winners over the Brevard County Manatees in game two of a three game series.

 

The Blue Jays jumped out to 2-0 lead in the first inning as they came out of the gates with three straight hits, and it looked like that would be enough for Asher Wojciechowski to earn his third victory of the year.

 

Wojciechowski was in complete command of the Manatees hitters all night, and he surrendered just one run over six innings on a solo home run in the 5th. The righty finished the game with a season high eight strikeouts, and did not walk a batter.

 

Marcus Knecht blasted his eighth home run of the season to put the Blue Jays ahead 3-0 after three, but the Manatees started their comeback in the 5th with a Cody Hawn home run, and it just kept coming.

 

Trystan Magnuson allowed a run on two hits and two walks in the 7th, and Brevard County tied the game 3-3 with a two out rally in the top of the 9th against Dayton Marze.

 

But it was all for naught.

 

Kenen Bailli led off the bottom of the 9th with a double to deep center field, and a Jonathan Jones sacrifice bunt - just the Blue Jays fourth sacrifice bunt all year - moved him to third with one out ahead of Jacobo. The Blue Jays new leadoff hitter wasted no time jumping on a first pitch breaking ball from Casey Medlen, and the line drive single into left field scored Bailli to end the game.

 

The D-Jays are now 7-1 against the Manatees in 2012, and have won three straight in the middle of a 10 game home stand.

 

Egan Smith (5-3, 2.98) will take the hill in Dunedin on Sunday afternoon opposite Taylor Jungmann (3-3, 2.90) in the finale of the three game set. Vladimir Guerrero will be making his first start as a member of the Dunedin Blue Jays in the game that is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm. Tickets are just $6, and the game can be heard live on dunedinbluejays.com.

[bkrause2]

Sounds Derail Express, 7-3, To Extend Win Streak To Four

Rogers Earns 1st Triple-A Win, Conrad Homers For 4th Straight Game For Nashville

Nashville Sounds

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Brooks Conrad homered and drove in three runs and Mark Rogers hurled a quality start to lead the Nashville Sounds to a 7-3 triumph over Round Rock on Saturday evening in front of 8,111 fans at Greer Stadium.

 

Nashville (20-28) earned its fourth consecutive victory, matching the club's longest winning streak of the season.

 

Rogers (1-2) tossed a quality start to earn his first Triple-A victory in his 14th career start at this level for the Sounds. The right-hander held the Express to two runs on six hits over six innings of work, walking five batters and striking out three during his 97-pitch effort.

 

Conrad continued his incredible groove for Nashville, putting the home team on the board with an opposite-field, two-run homer to left-center off Round Rock starter Greg Reynolds. The roundtripper, which also plated Jeff Bianchi (single), was Conrad's eighth big fly in his last nine games and extended the veteran's hitting streak to 16 games. Conrad has also recorded an extra-base hit in each of his last 10 contests.

 

Jordan Brown followed Conrad's blast with his second homer of the year, a solo blast to right that upped the Nashville lead to 3-0. It marked the club's first set of consecutive longballs this season.

 

Left fielder Ryan Spilborghs put the visitors on the board when he led off the fourth inning with his second homer of the series, a solo shot off the left field foul pole. The blast off Rogers was the outfielder's fourth of the season.

 

Conrad drove in his third run of the night in the fifth when his bases-loaded fielder's choice plated Martin Maldonado from third to make it a 4-1 contest. The Sounds had loaded the bags with one out on a Maldonado walk followed by singles from Logan Schafer and Bianchi, who went 2-for-5 in his return from the disabled list, but managed only the one run in the inning as Brown flew out to end the frame.

 

Former Sound Brad Nelson pulled Round Rock back within a pair of runs at 4-2 when he led off the sixth inning with a solo homer to dead center that Schafer almost pulled back over the wall with a leaping stab. The roundtripper was Nelson's fourth of the year.

 

Nashville stretched its lead to 6-2 in the home half of the sixth. After Corey Patterson was hit by a Reynolds pitch to open the frame, Caleb Gindl, Eric Farris, and Maldonado recorded three consecutive singles, the third of which by the Nashville backstop brought in Patterson and chased Reynolds from the contest. Left-hander John Gaub came on and struck out Schafer for the second out before uncorking a wild pitch to allow Gindl to race home with the second run of the frame.

 

Sounds third baseman Andy Gonzalez singled in the bottom of the seventh inning to extend his season-best hitting streak to nine games. Brown was thrown out at the plate on the knock, however, as he attempted to score from second.

 

Nashville added its final tally in the eighth, loading the bases against Express reliever Mark Hamburger but netting only one run when Gindl scored on Schafer's double play groundout to up the lead to 7-2.

 

Round Rock closed out the evening's scoring with a run in the top of the ninth against Brian Baker, who made his first appearance for the Sounds since May 12. Michael Bianucci led off with a double to left field and came around to score on a one-out single by Tommy Mendonca.

 

The teams continue the series on Sunday afternoon with a 2:05 p.m. matinee. Right-hander Wily Peralta (1-5, 5.63) will man the bump for the Sounds to face Round Rock southpaw Michael Kirkman (3-1, 6.25).

[TheCrew07]

Final: Huntsville 12, Birmingham 4

 

Huntsville Box Score

Hiram Burgos had fantastic game going through 6 innings when it looked like he ran out of gas in the 7th giving up a walk and 2 singles to start the inning before being lifted for Brandon Kintzler who then allowed all of Hiram's inherited runners to score. His line of 6IP, 6H, 1ER, 2BB, and 8SO entering the 7th looks a heck of a lot better than the 6IP, 8H, 4ER, 3BB, and 8SO line after those 3 batters in the 7th. Hiram threw 102 pitches, 61 for strikes, and posted a 4:5 GO:FO ratio. Santo Manzanillo loaded the bases in the 8th giving up a single and 2 walks after he had 2 out but got out of the inning unscathed with a strike out. Jesus Sanchez pitched a clean 9th to close out the victory.

 

The real story of this game was the offensive explosion in the 3rd and the Stars pounded out 14 hits over the course of the game. Every Huntsville batter recorded a hit and the top of the order was fantastic: Josh Prince went 1-3 with a HR and a walk, Tommy Manzella 2-3 with a 2B and 2BB, Scooter Gennett extended his hit streak going 1-3 with 2BB, and Hunter Morris went 2-5 with a 3B. At the bottom of the order Kentrail Davis went 2-5 and Juan Sanchez 2-4, the 8-4 hitters were on base consistently all night long. Manzella had his 2nd error (fielding), Anderson De La Rosa his 4th passed ball, but Gennett did collect an unassisted DP.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

After scoring 1 in the first and 2 in the 2nd, the 8 run 3rd put the game away. Enjoy!

Huntsville Bottom of the 3rd

• Domnit Bolivar singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Jon Gaston.
  Jay Gibbons singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jon Gaston. Domnit Bolivar to 3rd.
  Anderson De La Rosa singles on a line drive to center fielder Jared Mitchell. Domnit Bolivar scores. Jay Gibbons to 2nd.
  Kentrail Davis singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jared Mitchell. Jay Gibbons scores. Anderson De La Rosa to 3rd. Kentrail Davis to 2nd on the throw.
  Pitcher Change: Nevin Griffith replaces Matt Wickswat.
  With Juan Sanchez batting, wild pitch by Nevin Griffith, Anderson De La Rosa scores. Kentrail Davis to 3rd.
  Juan Sanchez singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Jared Mitchell. Kentrail Davis scores.
  Josh Prince grounds into a force out, second baseman Tyler Saladino to shortstop Erik Morrison. Juan Sanchez out at 2nd. Josh Prince to 1st.
  Tommy Manzella walks. Josh Prince to 2nd.
  Scooter Gennett walks. Josh Prince to 3rd. Tommy Manzella to 2nd.
  Hunter Morris triples (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Jared Mitchell. Josh Prince scores. Tommy Manzella scores. Scooter Gennett scores.
  Domnit Bolivar grounds out, third baseman Corey Smith to first baseman Seth Loman. Hunter Morris scores.
  Jay Gibbons pops out to third baseman Corey Smith.

[bkrause2]

Reynolds, Express Fall at Nashville 7-3

Sounds scored three in the first inning and never looked back

roundrockexpress.com

 

Nashville, Tenn. –Brooks Conrad and Jordan Brown hit back-to-back homers off Greg Reynolds in the first inning for Nashville and Round Rock never recovered as the Sounds took down the Express 7-3 in Saturday night’s Pacific Coast League action at Hershel Greer Stadium. Nashville (20-28) leads the series 2-0. Round Rock (21-29) left nine runners on base, including two in the top of the ninth inning.

 

Nashville began their barrage off Reynolds with one out in the bottom of the first inning as Jeff Bianchi singled to right field. Conrad, an Express infielder for parts of four seasons from 2004 through 2007, followed with a two-run homer into the left field stands. Brown followed with a solo shot to right field to put the Sounds ahead 3-0.

 

The Express got on the board with a run in the top of the fourth on a solo home run by Ryan Spilborghs, his second in as many days. However, Nashville answered in the bottom of the fifth as Conrad grounded into a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded to extend the Sounds’ lead to 4-1.

 

Round Rock notched their second run in the top of the sixth with their second solo home run of the night, this time off the bat of Brad Nelson. Then for the second time, Nashville answered. Cory Patterson led off the bottom of the sixth and was hit by a Reynolds fastball. Two batters later, Caleb Gindl and Eric Farris singled back-to-back to load the bases with one out. Martin Maldonado then knocked a single to left field to drive in Patterson. Newly acquired left-hander John Gaub relieved Reynolds and stuck out Logan Schafer for the second out. Then with Bianchi batting, Gaub threw one in the dirt and it got past Dusty Brown to allow Gindl to score to make it 6-2. Gaub then stuck out Bianchi to end the threat.

 

Nashville added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth as Gindl scampered home while the E-Train rolled up a Schafer double play grounder with the bases loaded. Round Rock added another in the ninth as well. Tommy Mendonca singled home Michael Bianucci but Sounds reliever Brian Baker retired the top of the Express order to shut it down.

 

Mark Rogers (1-2) earned the win for the Sounds. He allowed two runs on six hits in six innings with five walks and three strikeouts.

 

Reynolds (3-4) got the loss for the E-Train. He allowed six runs on eight hits in five and one-third innings with two walks and five strikeouts. John Gaub made his Round Rock debut tonight after being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Thursday. He pitched one and one-third shutout innings with a walk and three strikeouts.

 

Conrad paced the Sounds with three RBI. Bianchi, Gindl and Farris each notched a pair of hits as well.

 

Spilborghs led the way for Round Rock with his home run and an outfield assist in the seventh inning. Julio Borbon added three hits to extend his hitting streak to 14 games.

 

Round Rock continues its four-game series Sunday at Nashville. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. CDT. Left-hander Michael Kirkman (3-1, 6.25 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Express opposite Sounds right-hander Wily Peralta (1-5, 5.63 ERA).

[Mass Haas]

The teams continue the series on Sunday afternoon with a 2:05 p.m. matinee. Right-hander Wily Peralta (1-5, 5.63) will man the bump for the Sounds to face Round Rock southpaw Michael Kirkman (3-1, 6.25).

 

Mike Fiers won't be in a Brewer uniform until Tuesday, but gotta believe he'll be in L.A. Monday to begin going over Dodger scouting reports, right?

 

Yes, all speculation for now, but logical, right?

 

The fact they haven't announced anything yet either is just keeping the Dodgers unprepared or means Tyler Thornburg is still in the mix. Stars off Sunday, does Tyler get on the bus to Tennessee?

[HiAndTight]

Well the news about Arcia just stinks, another of my personal favorites out of action this year, I'm like the Madden cover or something.

 

On the flip side have a night Gregory Hopkins, he is already 3-3 with 2HR and a 2B, a performance too good to wait to discuss until the recap.

 

 

I posted no less than 5 minutes ago how excited I was for rookie ball to see how Arcia could perform stateside this year. At age 17, you're so far away, but still, his exceptional play at age 16 in the DSL last year was really encouraging. Rivera hopefully develops, but Arcia looks like the stronger candidate to become a star SS.

 

Now getting to rookie ball at age 18(and who knows, if he performs well in instructional and plays well this winter, he could wind up in Wisconsin next year to open the season) obviously still gives you a LONG time to develop, but still...we need him to come along as quickly as his ability will allow.

 

[sarcasm]Maybe the Brewers should just play the rest of the season with TWO second basemen and use an exaggerated shift at every level.[/sarcasm] Seems like anyone with the title of Shortstop this year is just cursed.

[TheCrew07]

Nine after 9 for May 26, 2012