Link Report for Tue. 6/19 -- Latest: Nice updates from Southern League All-Star Game

[Mass Haas]

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[Mass Haas]

The Manatees get underway much too early for my Link Report preparedness this morning, but we'll set you up here for box score / game log viewing.

 

If you're in Lakeland, Florida, pop on over, because with no audio, that's the only way to follow this one!

 

Brevard County: LHP Jed Bradley at Lakeland (Tigers), 9:30 AM Central gametime

 

Brevard County Box Score / Game Log

 

High-A - Florida State League North Division 2nd Half Standings

 

The rest of your Link Report set-up, including the two All-Star contests tonight, will be up later today.

[Tedaldtada]

Bradley is getting shelled. 6-run 2nd for Lakeland. So very disappointing.

[markedman5]

Is it normal for high draft pick college pitchers to struggle at A ball?

 

I mean I know it happens but is a bad sign for their future at the major league level or do most of them need some time to settle in?

 

Bradley just turned 21. Jungmannn is a year older.

 

Jimmy Nelson is about the same age and pitched much better at that level before getting promoted.

[DHonks]

Jungmann has had a very good professional debut, while Bradley's stats are heavily skewedby his great start to the aeason

[markedman5]

Jungmann's ERA is closer to 4 then it is 3 and his whip is 1.29.

 

I would classify that as ok/decent not very good.

 

I guess I was just hoping they would be better at that level. Bradley has really struggled of late.

[Mass Haas]

Here's the rest of Tuesday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Claudio Vargas at home vs. Oklahoma City (Astros), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 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: Idle until Thursday for the All-Star break; the Stars were initially set to be represented in tonight's All-Star Game by five players -- first baseman and Huntsville native Hunter Morris, second baseman Scooter Gennett and pitchers Tyler Thornburg, Evan Anundsen and Jesus Sanchez.

 

Mr. Thornburg will be occupied elsewhere however (Miller Park), and Evan is on the DL with what he terms a very minor injury, so look for Morris, Gennett, and Sanchez in the box score. Morris and Gennett are both in the starting lineup.

 

The game will be played just outside of Knoxville in Kodak, Tennessee at Smokies Park, home of the Cubs' club at 6:15 PM Central, and MiLB.com has a preview and updated rosters here.

 

There is a home run contest at 5:00 PM in which Morris will compete.

 

Via Mark McCarter of the Huntsville Times: The Stars delegation will be on a North team that has a considerable win streak going. Since the Southern League was realigned from an East-West to North-South divisional format, the North has gone 7-0 in All-Star games.

 

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

 

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Wisconsin: Idle until Friday for the All-Star break; Eight Timber Rattlers will represent the Midwest League's Western Division Champions tonight -- RHP's Drew Gagnon, Mark Williams, Tommy Toledo, and Seth Harvey, and IF's Jason Rogers, Greg Hopkins and Yadiel Rivera. Rafael Neda is the reserve catcher. Hopkins is the starting second baseman.

 

The game will be played in Geneva, IL at the tongue-twisting Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, home of the Royals' Kane County club at 6:00 PM Central, and MiLB.com has a preview and updated rosters here.

 

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

 

Chris Mehring indicates he'll be tweeting updates @CMehring

 

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Helena: RHP Michael Schaub at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime

 

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

 

We're lucky to have Steve Wendt back on board for another H-Crew season.

 

**********

 

DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Angels, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until late afternoon at the earliest

[Mass Haas]

Follow the rest of Tuesday's action as it happens with box score / game log links:

 

Nashville

 

Southern League All-Star Game

 

Midwest League All-Star Game

 

Helena

 

DSL Brewers

[Mass Haas]

STANDINGS:

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

 

AA - Southern League North Division

 

High-A - Florida State League North Division 2nd Half Standings

 

A - Midwest League Western Division

 

Pioneer League North Division

 

DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris 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

[Tedaldtada]

Wendt describes Shaub's FB as "dancing".

 

Shaub is not pitching well by any means, and he is making the catcher work very hard, but his stuff is very intriguing.

 

*******

 

McFarland smoked a ground ball triple in the 1st into the gap. You don't see that unless the ball is absolutely crushed.

[nate82]

Jungmann's ERA is closer to 4 then it is 3 and his whip is 1.29.

 

I would classify that as ok/decent not very good.

 

I guess I was just hoping they would be better at that level. Bradley has really struggled of late.

 

I am not really worried about the stats of players in Rookie ball to High A as the stats are really meaningless at this stage. There are so many bad players that will put up great numbers at this level while some really good players put up some mediocre to bad numbers. I am more worried about velocity, movement, and other things than any of the stats right now.

 

Me personally I don't really care about the stats until AA and then again forgetting about the stats in AAA.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Oklahoma City 10, Nashille 6

 

RedHawks Score Late To Beat Sounds In Opener, 10-6

Nashville Rallies Back To Tie Game, But Gives Up Lead In The Eighth

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Oklahoma City RedHawks plated five late runs to hand the Nashville Sounds a 10-6 defeat in the opener of a four-game series on Tuesday night at Greer Stadium.

 

The Sounds (28-44) have lost 12 of their 13 games to the RedHawks in 2012, including the last 10 in a row.

 

Second baseman Eric Farris went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Outfielder Jay Gibbons also had two hits including a double and a run.

 

Both teams traded two runs in the first inning. After Brandon Barnes singled, Jimmy Paredes crushed his sixth homer of the season off the clubhouse in right-center.

 

Nashville came back and loaded the bases after walks to outfielder Logan Schafer and the rehabbing shortstop Cesar Izturis, and a single to rehabbing first baseman Travis Ishikawa. Third baseman Andy Gonzalez brought home the first run on an infield groundout. Gibbons then grounded a high chopper over the first baseman's head to bring home the tying run.

Audio: Jay Gibbons Game Tying Single

 

Oklahoma City's next three runs in the third inning again came via home run. After Paredes and Brett Wallace reached on singles, Mike Hessman belted his team-leading 20th homer of the season over the left field wall.

 

Consecutive two-out doubles from Gibbons and catcher Jason Jaramillo trimmed the lead to 5-3 in the home half of the third.

 

Nashville came within one run at 5-4 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Farris singled to right field, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on an infield groundout by Schafer.

 

The Sounds knotted the contest at 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth inning. Farris smoked a two-out double to left-center and scored the tying run on the following at-bat when pinch hitter Hainley Statia hit an RBI single to center. Statia is now hitting .556 (5-for-9) in pinch hitting opportunities this season.

 

Audio:Statia's game tying RBI

 

The RedHawks scored four runs to take a 9-5 lead in a crazy top of the eighth inning. Two straight doubles by the RedHawks put two runners in scoring position, while the second two-bagger of the frame appeared to be caught by Schafer in center. The centerfielder was then ejected along with manager Mike Guerrero for arguing the call.

 

After an intentional walk to load the bases, reliever Robert Wooten entered the game and issued two consecutive walks for the two first two runs. The final two scored during a bases loaded groundout to first base, which was mishandled by Wooten during an exchange.

 

The RedHawks tacked on their tenth run with an RBI double by Angel Sanchez in the ninth.

 

Entering the game as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth inning, Sean Halton added his fifth homer of the season for the final run of the contest. The pinch hit homer was the first for the Sounds in 2012 and first since Erick Almonte went yard on July 4, 2011 vs. Memphis.

 

Nashville starter Claudio Vargas gave up five runs on nine hits while striking out three in six innings. All five runs came on two homers allowed.

 

Reliever Amaury Rivas (3-4) was charged with three runs in one plus innings for the loss. Rob Wooten surrendered one run while allowing all three inherited runners to score in 1 1/3 innings. Victor Garate ended the game a run in 2/2 inning.

 

In his third rehab appearance, Travis Ishikawa went 0-for-1 with a fly out and two walks. Izturis went 1-for-4 with a single in his third rehab appearance.

 

Oklahoma City starter Wes Musick allowed two runs in one inning and left early due to an apparent arm injury. Mickey Storey (5-2) pitched a scoreless frame for the win.

 

The Sounds and RedHawks continue their series at 7:05 pm CT on Wednesday night at Greer Stadium. Right-hander Seth McClung (1-8, 4.75) will make the start for the Sounds against RedHawks righty Brian Bass (1-1, 4.57)

 

Nashville Box Score

So truth be told, I quit following Nashville about 6 weeks ago only checking in on Wily Peralta starts so I have some catching up to do. For example, I had no idea Amaury Rivas had pitched so poorly in May giving up 16 runs in 9 appearances. Rivas probably deserved a better fate considering the Schafer play and subsequent intentional walk before Wooten walked in 2 batters on him. Speaking of Rob Wooten, he certainly hasn't been dominant this season but this Sounds' staff has been just brutal. Only 2 pitchers with with more than 20 innings have an ERA under 3.5 and look at those WHIPs and rate stats... my goodness. For good measure Victor Garate gave up a run in the 9th to ensure every Nashville pitcher who made an appearance gave up a run.

 

Nashville Play By Play

It was game until this.

Okla. City Top of the 8th

• Defensive Substitution: Jeff Bianchi replaces shortstop Cesar Izturis, batting 2nd, playing shortstop.
  Scott Moore doubles (24) on a fly ball to center fielder Logan Schafer.
  Brad Snyder doubles (11) on a fly ball to center fielder Logan Schafer. Scott Moore to 3rd.
  Defensive Substitution: Caleb Gindl replaces center fielder Logan Schafer, batting 1st, playing center field.
  Nashville Sounds Manager Mike Guerrero ejected by 1B umpire Jason Arends.
  Nashville Sounds center fielder Logan Schafer ejected by 1B umpire Jason Arends.
  Amaury Rivas intentionally walks Angel Sanchez.
  Pitcher Change: Robert Wooten replaces Amaury Rivas, batting 9th.
  Carlos Corporan walks. Scott Moore scores. Brad Snyder to 3rd. Angel Sanchez to 2nd.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jake Goebbert replaces Mickey Storey.
  Jake Goebbert walks. Brad Snyder scores. Angel Sanchez to 3rd. Carlos Corporan to 2nd.
  Brandon Barnes lines out to third baseman Andy Gonzalez.
  Jimmy Paredes reaches on missed catch error by pitcher Robert Wooten, assist to first baseman Jordan Brown. Angel Sanchez scores. Carlos Corporan scores. Jake Goebbert to 2nd.
  With Brett Wallace batting, wild pitch by Robert Wooten, Jake Goebbert to 3rd. Jimmy Paredes to 2nd.
  Brett Wallace lines into unassisted double play, third baseman Andy Gonzalez. Jake Goebbert doubled off 3rd.

[Tedaldtada]

Manatees drop matinee to Lakeland

06/19/2012 2:03 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

LAKELAND, Fla. - A six-run second inning by the Lakeland Flying Tigers doomed the Brevard County Manatees as the 'Tees fell 9-4 at Joker Marchant Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

 

Jed Bradley (4-6, 5.03) had the shortest start of his professional career as he went just two innings and tied a season-high with four walks. He allowed six runs - all earned - on five hits and did not strikeout a batter for just the second time this season.

 

With the Manatees (29-39) leading 1-0, Bradley allowed a lead-off walk to begin the bottom of the second. The Flying Tigers (36-29) then strung together five consecutive hits, topped off by a Dixon Machado double, as Lakeland took a 4-1 lead.

 

Lakeland plated two more runs in the frame off of Bradley on a RBI ground out and a sacrifice fly, before Bradley was able to get out of the inning with Brevard trailing 6-1.

 

The Manatees were able to cut Lakeland's lead to just two runs in the top of the third. Mike Walker drove in two with a double and Shea Vucinich plated Walker with a single - both with two outs - as Brevard County trailed just 6-4. Walker was the only Manatee who had a multi-hit day as he went 2-for-3 with three RBI.

 

After the third inning, Brevard County was shut down offensively the rest of the way as they managed just two base runners and did not record a hit in the final six innings against the Flying Tigers.

 

Eric Arnett (3 IP), Philippe Valiquette (2 IP) and Eric Marzec (1 IP) combined to go the rest of the way after Bradley's early departure. Each reliever gave up one run with Arnett striking out three and Valiquette fanning two.

 

Brevard County will look to avoid the sweep in Wednesday night's series finale against Lakeland at 6:30 p.m.

 

Brooks Hall (1-3, 4.89) will get the start on the mound for the 'Tees, while the Flying Tigers will counter with Brian Stroud (0-1, 3.76).

 

Box Score

 

Not a good one from Jed Bradley today. ERA now a few ticks over 5.00 on the season. Eric Arnett is really making strides this season. His FIP is almost a full run higher than his 2.73 ERA, but I'll take it at this point. The thing that killed Eric, well along with some loss of command, was when his FB velocity dipped 5+ MPH. I am really, really hoping the same sort of thing does not happen to Jed and Taylor. Of course, Jimmy Nelson saw a dip and then a mid-season 2011 rise, so your guess is as good as mine. Back to Arnett, he really came up big tonight with his 3 IP 1 R 3 K pitching. Kept them in the game.

 

Mike Walker, the rock of the Manatee lineup, went 2-3 with a 2B and BB. I do try to dream on Walker, but his slash lines and production have been in steady decline as he moves up the ladder. He is impressive against righties and he has been playing multiple positions, so maybe he can be a corner utility guy down the road. Michael Reed went 0-2 with a BB. Nick Shaw is slumping in June.

 

Game Log

 

Sheesh.

Lakeland Bottom of the 2nd

 

James Robbins walks.

Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to center fielder Reggie Keen. James Robbins to 2nd.

Luis Castillo singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Jed Bradley. James Robbins to 3rd. Hernan Perez to 2nd.

Adolfo Reina singles on a line drive to right fielder Michael Reed. James Robbins scores. Hernan Perez scores. Luis Castillo to 3rd.

Daniel Fields singles on a line drive to right fielder Michael Reed. Luis Castillo scores. Adolfo Reina to 2nd.

Dixon Machado doubles (8) on a fly ball to right fielder Michael Reed. Adolfo Reina scores. Daniel Fields to 3rd.

Tyler Collins grounds out, shortstop Nick Shaw to first baseman Cody Hawn. Daniel Fields scores. Dixon Machado to 3rd.

Wade Gaynor out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder T. J. Mittelstaedt. Dixon Machado scores.

Avisail Garcia walks.

James Robbins grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Cody Hawn.

 

Brevard County Hitting and Pitching Leaders

[TheCrew07]

Midwest League All-Star Game Final: East 18, West 2 (not a typo)

 

Midwest League All-Star Game Box Score

In case you don't click on the box score link, the T-Rats players played for the West... what a thumping. The good news from this game was that Gregory Hopkins went 2-2 with a 2B. Jason Rogers and Rafael Neda both were 0-2 playing as substitutions.

 

Tommy Toledo and Drew Gagnon each pitched only a third of a inning without being charged for a run. Mark Williams was also clean pitching two thirds of an inning, unfortunately Seth Harvey was charged with 2 runs after another reliever allowed his 2 base runners to score. Divisional all-star prospects Kyler Burke (Cubs) and Heath Wyatt (Cards) were brutal on the mound being charged with 7 of the 18 runs.

 

Midwest League All-Star Game Play By Play

Harvey's 9th.

MID East All-Stars Top of the 9th

• Pitcher Change: Seth Harvey replaces Mark Williams.
  Jace Peterson doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Jamal Austin.
  Ryan Brett strikes out swinging.
  Kevin Pillar walks.
  Pitcher Change: Heath Wyatt replaces Seth Harvey.
  Ryan Wright singles on a line drive to center fielder Jonathan Goncalves. Jace Peterson scores. Kevin Pillar to 3rd.
  Joseph Winker singles on a line drive to right fielder Zeke DeVoss. Kevin Pillar scores. Ryan Wright to 2nd.
  Matt Helm singles on a line drive to center fielder Jonathan Goncalves. Ryan Wright to 3rd. Joseph Winker to 2nd.
  Chris Hawkins grounds into a force out, pitcher Heath Wyatt to catcher Rafael Neda. Ryan Wright out at home. Joseph Winker to 3rd. Matt Helm to 2nd. Chris Hawkins to 1st.
  Matt Rice singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Jonathan Goncalves. Joseph Winker scores. Matt Helm scores. Chris Hawkins to 2nd.
  Eugenio Suarez strikes out swinging.

[Tedaldtada]

Helena 10 Great Falls (White Sox) 8

Box Score

 

This was quite the game. Helena had their 5-run 4th and then kept slowly piling on more as Great Falls chipped away. The final was 10-8, Helena.

 

Michael Shaub started and basically had one really bad frame. He was commended for the impressive movement on his fastball. Catcher Emmanuel Quiles was chasing Shaub's offerings all over the place and was charged with 1 PB while Shaub had 3 WP's, at least one on a FB. He finished the evening by striking out consecutive batters. 2010 13th rounder Mike White came in next. He was pretty uneven. 2012 full season participant (Brevard) Conor Whalen made his 1st appearance. He got 7 outs, gave up 3 R, and struck out 5 en route to a highly flawed 1st save.

 

The bats were relentless. Lance Roenicke had 4 hits and a BB. Michael Garza (3-5 2B HR) was a beast. I was somewhat surprised to see his name in the clean up spot yesterday, but the HR he hit today was a bomb that one-hopped the building across the street from the stadium, so maybe my surprise was unwarranted. Raul Mondesi Jr hit a 3B to spark a big rally. Chris McFarland (2-5) hit a 3B on a scorching GB into the gap. 9-hitter SS Alfredo Rodriguez (2-4 2B) is off to a nice start. He was noted for some more very solid defense tonight. No Ruben Ozuna today. Instead, Yonki Hernandez (1-3 BB 2 SB) played CF.

 

The H-Crew was helped out immensely by 4 Great Falls errors.

 

Game Log

 

Take them however you can get them.

 

Helena Bottom of the 4th

 

Adrian Williams grounds out, shortstop D. J. Jarrad to first baseman Brent Tanner.

Alfredo Rodriguez singles on a line drive to center fielder Adam Heisler.

Raul Mondesi reaches on force attempt, throwing error by third baseman Thomas McCarthy. Alfredo Rodriguez to 2nd.

Christopher McFarland singles on a line drive to right fielder Kyle Robinson. Alfredo Rodriguez scores. Raul Mondesi scores. Christopher McFarland to 3rd. Throwing error by right fielder Kyle Robinson.

Adam Giacalone strikes out swinging, catcher Bryce Mosier to first baseman Brent Tanner.

Mike Garza doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Andrew Douglas. Christopher McFarland scores.

Lance Roenicke singles on a line drive to left fielder Andrew Douglas. Mike Garza scores.

Pitcher Change: Brandon Hardin replaces Thomas Royse.

Emmanuel Quiles singles on a line drive to center fielder Adam Heisler. Lance Roenicke scores. Emmanuel Quiles advances to 2nd, on throwing error by catcher Bryce Mosier.

Yonki Hernandez singles on a ground ball to pitcher Brandon Hardin. Emmanuel Quiles to 3rd.

With Adrian Williams batting, Yonki Hernandez steals (1) 2nd base.

Adrian Williams strikes out swinging.

 

Roenicke was out by a mile on this play. He was also picked off in the game.

 

Helena Bottom of the 6th

 

Pitcher Change: Zachary Isler replaces Brandon Hardin.

Adam Giacalone called out on strikes.

Mike Garza homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.

Lance Roenicke singles on a line drive to left fielder Andrew Douglas.

With Emmanuel Quiles batting, Lance Roenicke steals (1) 2nd base.

Emmanuel Quiles flies into double play, center fielder Adam Heisler to third baseman Thomas McCarthy. Lance Roenicke out at 3rd on the throw.

[TheCrew07]

Final: DSL Brewers 6, DSL Angels 3

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

Eduard Reyes was outstanding, but is also 21 years old and probably shouldn't be toiling in the DSL at this age. He went 7 IP allowing only 2H and 2BB against 4SO and committed a throwing error. Miguel Diaz had trouble in the 8th loading the bases with 2 walks but Felix Paulino got him out of the inning. Paulino had trouble of his own in the 9th giving up all 3 runs to the Angels, though only 1 was earned.

 

18 year old Elvis Rubio had a big day going 3-3 with a walk, double, and HR accounting for 5 of the 6 runs the Brewers scored. Raphachel Colatosti was the other Brewer to have a multi-hit day going 2-4. Carlos Belonis walked twice and stole his 8th base but then was caught stealing 3rd to end the first. The defense wasn't quite a good in this one as Sthervin Matos committed his 2nd error (throwing) and Carlos Pena had his 3rd passed ball.

 

DSL Brewers Play By Play

Crooked Runs in the 5th and 7th put the game away.

DSL Brewers Bottom of the 5th

• Francisco Castillo singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ranyelmy Mendoza.
  With Raphachel Colatosti batting, wild pitch by Ramon Rodriguez, Francisco Castillo to 2nd.
  Raphachel Colatosti singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ayendy Perez. Francisco Castillo to 3rd.
  Carlos Belonis walks. Raphachel Colatosti to 2nd.
  Elvis Rubio doubles (5) on a fly ball to left fielder Ayendy Perez. Francisco Castillo scores. Raphachel Colatosti scores. Carlos Belonis scores. Elvis Rubio out at 3rd on the throw, left fielder Ayendy Perez to catcher Enyelber Vivas to third baseman Steven Mateo.
  Juan Ortiz called out on strikes.
  Sthervin Matos flies out to right fielder Ranyelmy Mendoza.

 

DSL Brewers Bottom of the 7th

• Pitcher Change: Jose Reyes replaces Ramon Rodriguez.
  Francisco Castillo grounds out, pitcher Jose Reyes to first baseman Gabriel Villavicencio.
  Raphachel Colatosti singles on a ground ball to third baseman Steven Mateo. Raphachel Colatosti advances to 2nd, on throwing error by third baseman Steven Mateo.
  Carlos Belonis called out on strikes.
  Elvis Rubio homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Raphachel Colatosti scores.
  Juan Ortiz strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Brewers bounce back with victory vs. Voyagers

By AMBER KUEHN Independent Record

 

After Monday night’s loss to Great Falls, the Helena Brewers spoke of striking out less, manufacturing more runs and putting the ball in play in two-out situations.

 

The pep talk seems to have worked.

 

The Brewers recorded five two-out RBIs Tuesday at Kindrick Legion Field, taking advantage of timely hitting in a 10-8 win over the Voyagers for their first Pioneer League victory of the young season. Great Falls mounted a comeback in the eighth inning, scoring three runs against reliever Connor Whalen, but the southpaw struck out four straight batters and got Bryce Mosier to ground out to end the game.

 

Helena manager Jeff Isom was pleased with his team’s aggressive mentality following the win, which featured 14 hits and just one error for the hosts.

 

“The guys did a nice job tonight,” Isom said. “We’re trying to be aggressive, that’s the Milwaukee Brewer style.”

 

That was evident early on. When Brewers players Chris McFarland and Raul Mondesi Jr. recorded triples in the first and second innings, each took big leads off third, teasing Voyagers starter Thomas Royse. McFarland’s panned out, as he was able to come home on a fielding error by the visitors to tie the game.

 

Helena’s big inning came in the fourth, trailing 4-2. Alfredo Rodriguez and Mondesi came home on a McFarland single to tie the game, and McFarland advanced to third on Great Falls’ fourth error of the game. Following Adam Giacalone’s strikeout, Michael Garza smashed a two-out, RBI double to left field to give the Brewers their first lead of the game. By the end of the inning the hosts were up 7-4, and Garza made it a four-run advantage in the sixth with a solo shot to left field for Helena’s first home run of the season.

 

“It was a change-up following a fastball, the guy made a pretty good pitch,” Garza said of Zach Isler’s offering. “It felt pretty good when I made contact, but you just never know until it gets over the fence.”

 

Garza’s professional career has gotten off to a strong start. The 20th-round pick out of Georgetown was 3 for 5 with a pair of RBIs and finished a triple shy of the cycle Tuesday night, after going 2 for 4 in Monday’s season opener. So far, Kindrick has been kind to the 22-year-old third baseman.

 

“It’s a great field,” he said. “When you’re playing at home it’s always nice because you have the crowd behind you.”

 

The stands were speckled with 735 fans who braved the chilly weather and 18-mph winds. They witnessed a shaky start by Brewers starter Mike Schaub, who struggled with his command early on, but the crowd came alive during the fourth-inning rally. They cheered loudly when Mondesi made a diving stop on a line drive in right field, and when Whalen worked out of a jam late, the Brewer faithful filled the silence with steady claps.

 

“Whalen might have given up a few runs but he did a nice job of pitching himself out of it,” Isom said of the southpaw, who earned his first save after letting the Voyagers crawl back within one.

 

Reliever Michael White got the win, with just one earned run and two hits through 2.2 innings of work. The right-hander also walked three. Royse suffered the loss for Great Falls (1-1).

 

The Brewers will look to make it two in a row when they meet the Voyagers again tonight, this time at Great Falls’ Centene Stadium.

 

Photo Gallery

[Mass Haas]

Mobile's Alfredo Marte MVP as South wins Southern League All-Star Game

Gennett, Morris, Sanchez...

[Mass Haas]

Audio from Nashville — “Mondays with Mike (Guerrero)”…on a Tuesday due to yesterday’s day off

 

Jeff Hem's note -- Here is this week’s installment of “Mondays with Mike” with Sounds manager Mike Guerrero, though it comes on a Tuesday because the Sounds had the day off Monday. This week Guerrero talks about off days in the minors, the rehab assignments to the Sounds for Brewers infielders Cesar Izturis and Travis Ishikawa, the Sounds’ solid starting pitching lately (7 straight games where the starter hasn’t allowed more than 2ER), the continued great hitting of Logan Schafer, where to place certain guys in the batting order and Wily Peralta’s start last Sunday.

[Mass Haas]

Scooter Gennett audio interview with Joe Block on the Brewers' pre-game

[Mass Haas]

A year removed from tough season, Stars' Jesus Sanchez appears in Southern League All-Star Game

By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times

 

KODAK, Tennessee - This time a year ago, Jesus Sanchez was on a lake. He and some friends rented a boat when he had the three-day midseason break.

 

"It was a rough year," said the Huntsville Stars right-hander from Venezuela. "I wasn't doing good. I think I needed a break. I just wanted to hang around friends and not think about baseball."

 

Sanchez smiled, then added, "To be honest, I like it better this year."

 

Sanchez was one of three Huntsville Stars participating in the Southern League All-Star Game Tuesday, a game in which their North squad lost to the South 6-2 in front of an announced crowd of 5,406. That's well below the record 7,782 set in Huntsville in 2010.

 

The South's victory was its first in eight games since the league went to a North-South alignment in 2005.

 

Sanchez allowed a misplayed flyball that landed for a double, but struck out the other two batters he faced in the eighth inning.

 

"I was relaxed," he said. "It was nice to have fun with the other guys and make new friends."

 

Hunter Morris, after a slow start, cracked four homers in the Home Run Derby; another was a borderline fair-foul call. It wasn't enough to advance to the finals.

 

In two at-bats in the game, he had a strikeout and popout.

 

Second baseman Scooter Gennett was 0-for-4.

 

Tyler Thornburg, who won his first eight decisions, was also chosen to the team but learned on Monday that he had been promoted to the major leagues. He started for the Brewers on Tuesday night, allowing seven hits and five runs in 5 1/3 innings. he got no decision.

 

Evan Anundsen, the fifth Stars selection, was put on the disabled list last week and was unable to participate. He did attend the festivities and the game.

 

Jackson's Denny Almonte, who struggled during the home run derby, put the North on top with a leadoff homer in the first.

 

"I thought, 'All right, we're going to score some runs," said North manager Buddy Bailey of the Tennessee Smokies. "But that didn't happen. Good pitching always beats good hitting. And their pitching was better than our hitting."

 

Former Jacksonville State star Todd Cunningham, a Mississippi outfielder, singled home a run to spark a three-run South second, then Mobile's David Nick led off the third with a triple and scored on a wild throw. Teammate Matt Davidson was hit by a pitch and later scored on an RBI single by the Bay Bears' Alfredo Marte for a 5-1 lead. Marte, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and run scored, was named MVP.

 

All-Star notes

 

Three finalists, whose names have not been made public, have been chosen to fill the vacancy of Southern League president. Since the retirement last fall of the late Don Mincher, the spot has been filled on an interim basis by Steve DeSalvo. ... Participation in this game is obviously no guarantee for future success, but 14 players who were in the 2011 game have appeared in the major leagues this season. ... The home run derby winner was Jackson's Joe Dunigan, edging Tennessee's Justin Bour in the championship round. ... The 2013 All-Star Game has been awarded to Jacksonville in July 2013. Some officials were opposed to that late date, which comes after the second half has started, since many top prospects will have already earned promotions. ... The tentative 2013 schedule was given to teams, but it must go through several layers of tweaking and approval before it becomes final.

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Times All-Star Player Photo Gallery (from when they learned of their selections)

[Mass Haas]

Southern League All-Star Game an 'awesome experience' for Stars' Hunter Morris

By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times

 

Hunter Morris, the Stars' first Huntsville-born player, started in Tuesday's Southern League All-Star Game and participated in the Home Run Derby.

 

Morris shared his reflections on the All-Star Game and other matters with Times columnist Mark McCarter.

 

KODAK, Tenn. - It was an awesome experience being out here. I had a great time with it.

 

Obviously I wish I could have done a little better at the plate (0-for-2) but not the end of the world. I had a fun with it. Now I'll rest up for a few hours and get the second half of the season started.

 

I actually knew a decent number of the other guys on the team. Playing first base, I get to talk to most of them during the season. The position players anyway. It's a great group of guys. I didn't get to know as many of them as well as I'd like to, but hopefully this isn't the last time I'll see them at something like this.

 

Physically, I felt fine after the Home Run Derby. I got there and put a lot of pressure on myself to get started. It was a little taxing taking six outs before you get one out and try to regroup. It took more out of me mentally than physically.

 

Then they asked me to do the color commentary on the PA system. I had fun with that. I think it adds life to the game, and I think the fans liked it. I think more other guys should do that.

 

I did a home run derby in the fall for Tim Hudson's charity foundation in Auburn. I had a great time there. Tim's a great guy, had a good group of guys to compete with. Guys like Gabe Gross, Kevin Patterson, David Ross, guys I had played with, guys who had been with Auburn before me. I'd love to do this one along with Tim Hudson's and anybody who wants to invite me to another one along the road.

 

After Sunday's ballgame in Huntsville, we heard Tyler (Thornburg, Stars pitcher) was going to come up here for the All-Star Game, then drive over to Nashville and join the Triple-A team.

 

Then we found out he was starting in Milwaukee (Tuesday) night. I'm happy for him. I'm excited for him to get that opportunity. Everybody knows he's got a great career ahead of him. I'm glad to see him get started this early.

 

I talked to him Monday right before we started the off-the-field activities here. He was getting ready to fly up there.

 

We did a charity mini-golf tournament and had a lot of fun with that Monday. I actually did OK. I think I shot like a 32 and I had six or seven hole-in-ones. I putted it pretty well. Better than I do in my normal golf game.

 

We had a dinner at Neyland Stadium, which is pretty cool. As an Auburn guy, I'm obviously not a Tennessee fan, but being in one of the skyboxes for one of the biggest football stadiums in the country, it's cool. If you appreciate college football, you have to appreciate that.

 

I'm going to try to play golf (today) whether we go back early and I try to play when we get home, or maybe let my wife and son sleep in and get nine in over by the hotel and try to have something of an off-day.

 

Sunday turned out great with the bobblehead doll of me holding my son Tripp. Buck Rogers (Stars general manager) and Jill (Cacic, media relations director) did a great job putting that together and promoting it.

 

Some of the guys gave me a hard time, but they really liked it too. They thought it was one of the cooler ones they'd ever seen.

 

For me, it was exciting to know that once my son Tripp gets a little older and he understands, he's probably the only 1-year-old to have his own bobblehead, and with the impact that my family has on me in the game of baseball, that's one thing I treasure.

 

First baseman Hunter Morris, right, with pitcher Evan Anundsen

 

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