Link Report for Thurs. 6/21 -- Stars and Manatees Start 2nd Half Seasons on High Notes

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Marco Estrada makes his 2nd rehab start 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: RHP Josh Stinson at Jackson (Mariners), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

 

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

 

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 home vs. Dunedin (Blue Jays), 5:35 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.

 

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Wisconsin: Idle until Friday for the All-Star break

 

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Helena: RHP Leonard Lorenzo makes his stateside debut at Great Falls (White Sox), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:00 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.

 

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Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home vs. the not-so-artful Dodgers' kids; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league

 

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

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

DSL Brewers

[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

 

Rookie Advanced - Pioneer League North Division

 

Rookie - Arizona Summer League

 

DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris Division

 

***

 

NOTE: AAA Nashville does not play a split schedule. The other leagues, including the rookie leagues, do. When you click on a standings link for Huntsville, Brevard County or Wisconsin, you'll then be able to choose 1st half and/or overall standings in addition to the current 2nd half standings.

[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

 

Tyler Thornburg's first AAA start is set for Sunday...

[Mass Haas]

DSL box scores seem to be reported to MiLB.com at varying times based on the home club submitting the info. Since the Brewers only play four other clubs all season, we'll learn that the Tigers are apparently an early submit.

 

Starter Jorge Ortega turned 19 Wednesday, and apparently he didn't over-celebrate based on today's performance, nice. Always be interested when the Brewers make a Venezuelan signing (Gian Rizzo, Orlando Arcia, Ortega) -- their ratio per signing of interesting prospects from that country is pretty fantastic vs. their Dominican kids.

[Tedaldtada]

Jason Rogers hitting cleanup and DH'ing for the 'Tees.

[And That]

Clint Coulter is batting second and DHing for the Baby Brewers. Dustin Houle (8th round last year, also making his official pro debut) is doing the catching and hitting cleanup. It's an interesting situation because both of them need to get a lot of reps in behind the plate.

 

6th round HS pick Angel Ortega is leading off, playing shortstop. 13th round HS pick Alan Sharkey is batting 7th and playing first. Brock Kjelgaard is in the lineup on his rehab assignment.

 

2011 2nd round pick Jorge Lopez is the Brewers' opening day starter.

[TheCrew07]

DSL box scores seem to be reported to MiLB.com at varying times based on the home club submitting the info. Since the Brewers only play four other clubs all season, we'll learn that the Tigers are apparently an early submit.

 

I vote for standardization, make it within 2 hours of game completion! It's silly that the box didn't pop until after 1 AM CDT this morning.

[TheCrew07]

Final: DSL Brewers 1, DSL Tigers 0

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

I'm loving these low scoring well played games in DSL so far this year. As Mass alluded to Jorge Ortega was just lights out going 8 innings allowing 6 hits, 1 walk, and no runs against 6 strike outs. Eliezer Montano worked around a lead off walk in the 9th with the help of some good defense to close it out. We really need some accurate scouting reports on these latin kids.

 

No Brewer had a multiple hit effort though Carlos Belonis stole his 11 base but was also caught stealing for the 3rd time. Raphachel Colatosti got nabbed trying to thieve a base as well, his first caught stealing of the season. The Brewers played clean defense and Montano picked off a runner at 1B, the work on pick offs has apparently extended all the way down to the DSL as well, nice. Between errors, walks, and balks the young Brewers had plenty of base runners throughout the contest but couldn't push any runs across after the first.

 

DSL Brewers Play By Play

You don't see a single first inning run hold up very often, and what a clutch way to manufacture a 2 out run!

DSL Brewers Top of the 1st

• Francisco Castillo called out on strikes.
  Raphachel Colatosti grounds out, second baseman Gregoris Hidalgo to first baseman Lenny Pena.
  Carlos Belonis walks.
  With Elvis Rubio batting, Carlos Belonis steals (11) 2nd base.
  Elvis Rubio singles on a line drive to right fielder Ignacio Valdez. Carlos Belonis scores.
  Juan Ortiz flies out to center fielder Samuel Crafort.

 

Ortega worked some magic here, runners on 2nd and 3rd with no out...

DSL Tigers Bottom of the 6th

• Eurys Felipe singles on a line drive to right fielder Elvis Rubio.
  Manuel Joseph singles on a fly ball to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Eurys Felipe to 3rd.
  With Gregoris Hidalgo batting, Manuel Joseph steals (2) 2nd base.
  Gregoris Hidalgo pops out to second baseman Alejandro Mendoza.
  Lenny Pena pops out to third baseman Raphachel Colatosti.
  Ignacio Valdez flies out to center fielder Francisco Castillo.

 

Arguably the most exciting frame in the whole game to end it.

DSL Tigers Bottom of the 9th

• Pitcher Change: Eliezer Montano replaces Jorge Ortega.
  Ignacio Valdez walks.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Felix G. Santana replaces Sandy Acevedo.
  Felix G. Santana out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Eliezer Montano to second baseman Alejandro Mendoza. Ignacio Valdez to 2nd.
  Francisco Contreras reaches on a fielder's choice out, first baseman Jose Dicent to third baseman Raphachel Colatosti. Ignacio Valdez out at 3rd.
  With Felix A. Santana batting, Francisco Contreras picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, pitcher Eliezer Montano to first baseman Jose Dicent.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Nashville 2, Oklahoma City 1

 

Sounds Win Second Straight Over Oklahoma City, 2-1

Gibbons Goes Yard For Second Consecutive Game

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds beat the Oklahoma City RedHawks for the second day in row with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night at Greer Stadium.

 

The one-run victory was the club's PCL-leading 17th of the season. Eleven of the 15 games played between Nashville and Oklahoma City this season have been decided by two runs or less.

 

Nashville (30-44) was held to four hits, but two went for extra bases and were responsible for both runs. In his fifth rehab game while recovering from a left oblique strain, Travis Ishikawa went 1-for-4 with a double and the go-ahead RBI in the sixth inning.

 

Oklahoma City scored their only run in the opening frame on three consecutive two-out singles, highlighted by a Fernando Martinez RBI base hit to right field.

 

Outfielder Jay Gibbons crushed a game-tying solo homer off RedHawks reliever Aneury Rodriguez in the bottom of the fourth. Extending his hitting streak to a season-best five games, Gibbons' homer was his second in back-to-back contests and his fifth in nine games.

 

Nashville went ahead at 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning. After Caleb Gindl worked an inning-opening walk, Ishikawa cranked an RBI double off the wall in right-center. In his second rehab appearance while recovering from a right quadriceps strain, Nashville starter Marco Estrada gave up one run on six hits in five innings of work for a no decision. He also struck out three and walked one with 77 pitches (52 strikes).

 

The Nashville bullpen pitched well and didn't allow a run for the second straight game while following up with four scoreless frames from four different pitchers.

 

Amaury Rivas (4-4) worked around two hits for a scoreless inning and the victory. Brian Baker walked two and struck out one in a scoreless frame. Donovan Hand pitched a scoreless inning behind three great defensive plays from second baseman Eric Farris and shortstop Jeff Bianchi.

 

Jim Henderson struck out the side and stranded the tying run on second base to convert his sixth save of the season.

 

For the second time in the series, Oklahoma City's starter lasted only one inning. Armando Galarraga gave up one hit with a strikeout in a scoreless inning. Rodriguez (2-7) followed five innings in relief, allowing two runs on two hits, but came away with the loss.

 

The Sounds and RedHawks will conclude their season series at 7:05 pm CT on Friday evening at Greer Stadium. Nashville right-hander Wily Peralta (2-8, 5.96) will toe the rubber against Oklahoma City lefty Brett Oberholtzer (0-1, 6.75).

 

Nashville Box Score

Hey another win for Nashville, Marco Estrada was strong in his second rehab start as detailed above. He did have a balk, I'd be curious if it was called on a pick off move or what the exact circumstances were. I highlighted the part about Jay Gibbons above because he didn't have a single HR for Huntsville and has 5 since joining the Sounds, however his BA has dropped significantly with the increase in power, small sample alert, but something to keep an eye on. Gibbons also added an OF assist in the contest and Eric Farris stole his 20th base off our old friend Carlos Corporan.

 

Nashville Play By Play

[sfl2hnq17]

Man, my first link report and it isn't going to be very fun. I guess I'll just have to try my best.

[Tedaldtada]

Man, my first link report and it isn't going to be very fun. I guess I'll just have to try my best.

 

Good Lord.

 

If you were a top Brewers prospect in that Maryvale game, you had a horrible night.

[TooLiveBrew]

Huntsville 4, @Jackson 3

 

Huntsville Box

A Hunter Morris RBI single and two-run blast off the bat of LF Scott Krieger -- both with two outs -- in the first inning gave the Stars a 3-0 lead. Generals starter (and '05 Brewers 10th rounder) Steve Garrison settled in nicely, however, and tacked on six scoreless innings to his rough 1st. Jackson rallied back to tie, with single runs in the 3rd, 5th, & 7th innings. After a scoreless 8th, and one out in the top of the 9th, Kentrail Davis knocked a letters-high pitch over the rightfield wall to give the Stars the lead they wouldn't relinquish.

 

Huntsville starter Josh Stinson was tough in six innings: 5 H, 2 R/ER, 2 BB, 2 K, and a stellar 13:0 GO:AO ratio. Oh yeah, and all five hits allowed were singles. Brandon Kintzler worked in relief of Stinson, and seemed to struggle. He allowed one earned run on three hits in 1.1 IP, but also hit a batter and was charged with a WP. Mitch Stetter finished off the 8th for Kintzler, allowing one walk but no hits or runs. Jesus Sanchez came on and completely shut down the Jackson bats for the save.

 

Davis and Morris both finished 2-4, along with leadoff man CF Josh Prince. Krieger's only hit was the homer, but he also started off a 7-5-6 relay that nailed Jackson baserunner Leury Bonilla at third base to end the 5th inning (Bonilla attempted to go first-to-third on a single to left). Tommy Manzella, C Adam Weisenburger, and 2B Scooter Gennett also all went 1-4. Gennett & Morris both doubled. DH Domnit Bolivar and 3B Juan Sanchez went hitless tonight.

 

 

Huntsville PbP

Here's the kick-start 1st inning:

 

Huntsville Top of the 1st

-Josh Prince flies out to right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang.

-Tommy Manzella singles on a line drive to left fielder Kalian Sams.

-With Scooter Gennett batting, wild pitch by Steve Garrison, Tommy Manzella to 2nd.

-Scooter Gennett strikes out swinging.

-Hunter Morris singles on a ground ball to center fielder Denny Almonte. Tommy Manzella scores.

-Scott Krieger homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Hunter Morris scores.

-Domnit Bolivar called out on strikes.

 

I mentioned that Jesus Sanchez didn't exactly take it easy on the Generals, & here's what I meant:

 

Jackson Bottom of the 9th

-Pitcher Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Mitch Stetter.

-Jesus Sucre pops out to first baseman Hunter Morris in foul territory.

-Eric Campbell pops out to first baseman Hunter Morris.

-Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ralph Henriquez replaces Gabriel Noriega.

-Ralph Henriquez flies out to center fielder Josh Prince.

 

 

Huntsville Gameday

[sfl2hnq17]

AZL Dodgers 13, AZL Brewers 1

Arizona Box Score

The first game of the season down in Arizona didn't really go to plan. Jorge Lopez gave up a homer to start the game, then proceeded to retire the next three hitters in order (2 strikeouts). He didn't make it out of the second inning however. His final line was 1.2 IP 6runs (4 earned) on 4 hits, 3 walks and 2 strikeouts. Jeffrey Saba didn't fair much better giving up 4 ER in 3.1 innings.

 

Offensively there wasn't a whole heck of a lot going on either. Jose Pena, Alan Sharkey and Renaldo Jenkins all had 2 hits. Angel Ortega and Malcolm Dowell also collected a hit apiece.

 

Arizona PbP

The fateful second inning...AZL Dodgers Top of the 2nd

Paul Hoenecke grounds out, third baseman Jalen Harris to first baseman Alan Sharkey.

Webster Rivas singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jose Pena.

Throwing error by pitcher Jorge Lopez on the pickoff attempt. Webster Rivas out at home, right fielder Jose Pena to second baseman Renaldo Jenkins to catcher Dustin Houle.

Bladimir Franco walks.

John Sgromolo walks. Bladimir Franco to 2nd.

With Stefan Jarrin batting, wild pitch by Jorge Lopez, Bladimir Franco to 3rd. John Sgromolo to 2nd.

Stefan Jarrin walks.

With Anthony Jackson batting, wild pitch by Jorge Lopez, Bladimir Franco scores. John Sgromolo to 3rd. Stefan Jarrin to 2nd.

Anthony Jackson singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jose Pena. John Sgromolo scores. Stefan Jarrin to 3rd.

Jesmuel Valentin doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Jose Pena. Stefan Jarrin scores. Anthony Jackson to 3rd.

Noel Cuevas reaches on fielding error by third baseman Jalen Harris. Anthony Jackson scores. Jesmuel Valentin scores.

Pitcher Change: Jeffrey Saba replaces Jorge Lopez.

Tyler Ogle pops out to first baseman Alan Sharkey.

[Tedaldtada]

'Tees open second half with win

06/21/2012 10:16 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/06/21/pQWHr45i.jpg

Manatees starting pitcher Brooks Hall went a season-high six innings and allowed just one unearned run as Brevard County defeated Dunedin, 7-1 on Thursday night. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

VIERA, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees opened up the second half of the 2012 season on a high note as they defeated the Dunedin Blue Jays, 7-1 on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

The 'Tees received a quality performance from starting pitcher Brooks Hall (2-3, 4.23) as he went a season-high six innings and allowed just one unearned run. He yielded five hits, while walking two and striking out one.

 

Brevard (1-0 second half, 30-39 overall) broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the sixth by plating two runs. New Manatee Jason Rogers singled up the middle with one out to drive in Nick Shaw. Mike Walker then grounded out to third to score T.J. Mittelstaedt and give the 'Tees a 3-1 lead.

 

In the seventh, Brevard County busted the game wide open as they put four on the board. Shea Vucinich led the frame off with a single and then moved to second, two batters later on a single from Franklin Romero Jr. Nick Shawn then singled through the hole at second, plating both Vucinich and Romero Jr.

 

Following a Dunedin (0-1, 42-25) pitching change, the damage wasn't done as Mittelstaedt doubled to center to drive in Shaw. Rogers then drove in Mittelstaedt for the fourth run of the inning and the Manatees had a comfortable 7-1 lead.

 

The Manatees racked up 11 hits and went 5-for-12 with runners in scoring position on the night. Catcher Parker Berberet led the way at the dish as he went 3-for-4. Shaw, Rogers, Vucinich and Romero Jr. added two hits each.

 

Following Hall's departure from the game, Brian Garman and Casey Medlen held the Blue Jays scoreless for the final three innings. Garman struck out three in two innings of work and Medlen fanned two in the ninth.

 

Brevard County and Dunedin will square off in the second game of their three-game set on Friday night at 6:35 p.m.

 

Brandon Williamson (1-4, 6.21) will take the hill for the Manatees as he is looking for his first win since May 19. The Blue Jays will send Marcus Walden to the mound, who is making his first appearance since being promoted from Class A Lansing.

 

Box Score

 

Brooks Hall pitched very well if you care about runs only. It was a unimpressive line for those trying to project major league success on Brooks. 6 IP 5 H 1 R 0 ER 2 BB 1 K 1 WP 2:8 GO:FO. If you dream on Brooks Hall, you get Jake Odorizzi. At this point, I am hoping for Michael Fiers and praying he is not Josh Butler. Brooks turns 22 on 6/26, so the prospect clock is starting to tick. Casey Medlen and Brian Garman dominated the final 3 innings giving up a single hit and recording 5 K's. Both men are posting very solid seasons.

 

In effort to get Nick Shaw going again, him and Reggie Keen have swapped spots in the order. That is actually probably the best fit right now giving their skills and current production. Shaw went 1-4 with a BB. T.J. Mittelstaedt remains an effective 3-hitter going 1-3 with a 2B and a BB. New guy Jason Rogers went 2-4. The 7-9 hitters (Shea Vucinich, Parker Berberet, Franklin Romero Jr.) went 7-12 with 2 2B's.

 

Brooks Hall had one of his WP's changed to a PB post game.

 

Game Log

 

Must've been shallow.

 

Dunedin Top of the 2nd

 

Jon Talley singles on a ground ball to center fielder Reggie Keen.

Marcus Knecht flies out to center fielder Reggie Keen.

Jack Murphy walks. Jon Talley to 2nd.

Kevin Ahrens walks. Jon Talley to 3rd. Jack Murphy to 2nd.

Michael Crouse flies out to left fielder T. J. Mittelstaedt.

Jonathan Jones grounds out, pitcher Brooks Hall to first baseman Cody Hawn.

 

This is rather impressive.

 

Dunedin Top of the 4th

 

Jon Talley pops out to shortstop Nick Shaw.

Marcus Knecht pops out to first baseman Cody Hawn in foul territory.

Jack Murphy pops out to first baseman Cody Hawn in foul territory.

 

The switched WP/PB call kept Hall's ER column clean.

 

Dunedin Top of the 5th

 

Kevin Ahrens singles on a line drive to center fielder Reggie Keen.

Michael Crouse flies out to left fielder T. J. Mittelstaedt.

With Jonathan Jones batting, passed ball by Parker Berberet, Kevin Ahrens to 2nd.

Jonathan Jones singles on a line drive to left fielder T. Mittelstaedt. Kevin Ahrens to 3rd.

Kevin Nolan grounds into a force out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to shortstop Nick Shaw. Kevin Ahrens scores. Jonathan Jones out at 2nd. Kevin Nolan to 1st.

Ryan Schimpf flies out to center fielder Reggie Keen.

 

Three 2-out hits.

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 7th

 

Shea Vucinich singles on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Crouse.

Parker Berberet flies out to center fielder Jake Marisnick.

Franklin Romero Jr. singles on a ground ball to shortstop Kevin Nolan. Shea Vucinich to 2nd.

Reggie Keen grounds out, shortstop Kevin Nolan to first baseman Jon Talley. Shea Vucinich to 3rd. Franklin Romero Jr. to 2nd.

Nick Shaw singles on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Crouse. Shea Vucinich scores. Franklin Romero Jr.

Pitcher Change: Dayton Marze replaces Randy Boone.

T. J. Mittelstaedt doubles (13) on a line drive to center fielder Jake Marisnick. Nick Shaw scores.

Jason Rogers singles on a line drive to left fielder Marcus Knecht. T. Mittelstaedt scores.

Mike Walker flies out to right fielder Michael Crouse.

[Tedaldtada]

Great Falls (White Sox) 5 Helena 3

 

Box Score

 

20 years old for another month, Leonard Lorenzo made his stateside debut and was pretty decent. 5 IP 7 H 3 R 2 ER 3 BB 2 K 4:5 GO:FO. In his 2011 DSL season, he K'ed about 7.5/9 IP, but the most impressive stat was the .197 BAA he finished with. He paired with Elliot Glynn. 3 IP 4 H 2 R 1 ER 1 BB 2 K 1 WP 4:0 GO:FO. Glynn was passable last season in R-.

 

The hitters went cold tonight. I had a late softball game tonight, so I could not listen to the game. Chalk it up to tough pitching. 20 year old Kevin Berard started at SS. This Helena team is crowded with marginal prospect types who deserve regular AB's, Berard included. It will be tough to juggle for Isom. Emmanuel Quiles hit his first homer and walked in 4 PA's. Chris McFarland went 0-3 with a BB. Yonki Hernandez started in CF but Michael Reed PH for him late.

 

Berard made 2 errors tonight and Mike Garza made his 2nd error on the season. Raul Mondesi Jr. nailed another runner. That's 2.

 

Game Log

 

What the what?

 

Helena Top of the 2nd

 

Emmanuel Quiles reaches on fielding error by shortstop D. J. Jarrad.

Ruben Ozuna hits a sacrifice bunt. Throwing error by pitcher Cory McGinnis. Emmanuel Quiles to 2nd. Ruben Ozuna to 1st.

With Yonki Hernandez batting, wild pitch by Cory McGinnis, Emmanuel Quiles to 3rd. Ruben Ozuna to 2nd.

Yonki Hernandez strikes out swinging.

Kevin Berard reaches on a fielder's choice out, third baseman Steven Nikorak to catcher Zachary Fisher. Emmanuel Quiles out at home. Ruben Ozuna to 3rd.

Adrian Williams singles on a ground ball to third baseman Steven Nikorak. Ruben Ozuna scores. Kevin Berard scores. Adrian Williams to 2nd. Throwing error by third baseman Steven Nikorak.

Raul Mondesi grounds out, third baseman Steven Nikorak to first baseman Abe Ruiz.

 

Reed ended it.

 

Helena Top of the 9th

 

Michael Nemeth flies out to left fielder Yoandy Barroso.

Emmanuel Quiles walks.

Ruben Ozuna strikes out swinging.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Michael Reed replaces Yonki Hernandez.

Michael Reed grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Justin Jirschele. Emmanuel Quiles out at 2nd.

[TheCrew07]

Brooks Hall pitched very well if you care about runs only. It was a unimpressive line for those trying to project major league success on Brooks. 6 IP 5 H 1 R 0 ER 2 BB 1 K 1 WP 2:8 GO:FO. If you dream on Brooks Hall, you get Jake Odorizzi. At this point, I am hoping for Michael Fiers and praying he is not Josh Butler.

 

Preach on brother, I've just never been able to feel optimistic about Hall... low GO:AO rate, actually negative since he left AZ, a career WHIP of 1.457, career SO/9 of 6.5, career H/9 of 10.1, and surprisingly his BB rate has spiked to 4.7 so far this year. He still has plenty of time to turn it around, but the young man needs a better out pitch at the very least.

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Audio --

 

Jay Gibbons Homer

 

Travis Ishikawa RBI Double

 

Jim Henderson Records Final Out

[Mass Haas]

Sounds notebook

by Greg Sullivan, The Tennessean

 

Brewers prized pitching prospect Tyler Thornburg will join the Sounds today in Nashville, but plenty in the Sounds clubhouse were already talking about the 23-year-old right-hander and his unorthodox delivery on Thursday.

 

“He’s got a little bit of (Tim) Lincecum in (his delivery), but he’s got some Robb Nenn in there, too, and some other people. He’s unique,” Sounds pitching coach Fred Dabney said. “We’re excited.”

 

The Milwaukee Brewers promoted Thornburg from Double-A Huntsville to make a surprise major-league debut on Tuesday. He missed the Southern League All-Star Game to make the spot start for the Brewers.

 

He will make his Sounds debut with a start Sunday in Albuquerque.

 

The Brewers’ No. 4 prospect got a standing ovation after he was pulled from Tuesday’s start at Miller Park. After a strong start, the former Charleston Southern player allowed five runs and received a no-decision after running into trouble in the sixth inning.

 

“I would much rather this (outing) have happened than not happened,” Thornburg told MLB.com following his debut. “Now I can go back to Triple-A and work on some things that I need to do up here.”

 

Thornburg was 8-1 record with a 3.00 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 75 innings for Huntsville.

 

“He did well (against the Blue Jays). He kept us in the ballgame, but he also found out when you make mistakes up there, (batters) don’t miss ‘em,” Brewers executive Dan O’Brien said with a smile.

 

O’Brien has been in Nashville this week observing the Sounds.

 

“But this is a situation where he’s earned this (promotion) by virtue of how he’s pitched,” O’Brien said. “I think he’s just going to carry it forward from here. There’s a pretty good probability of that because he’s got three above-average pitches. On top of that, he’s a very good competitor. All of that says you’re going to enjoy what you see.”

 

“I played with him in Huntsville for a month and he impressed me,” said Sounds shortstop Jeff Bianchi. “He attacked the hitters, attacked the strike zone. He had a perfect game into the eighth (this April). He deserves this. He’s made it.”

 

Gibbons finds power: After a lack of power to start the season, Sounds slugger Jay Gibbons seems to have rediscovered his home-run swing.

 

The former major league slugger hit his fifth home run in nine games in the fourth inning on Thursday against Oklahoma City after starting the spurt with his first homer of the season on June 13.

 

“I think anywhere, minor leagues, major leagues…I don’t think I’d ever gone so long into a season without a homer,” Gibbons said prior to Thursday’s game. “I was starting to doubt myself there a little bit. I’m glad I hit a couple so I feel like I can still play this game.”

 

Gibbons has 127 major-league homers in parts of nine seasons.

 

It might get loud: Sounds first baseman Jordan Brown said he ran into a big White Stripes fan on the diamond in the first game of last Saturday’s doubleheader against the Omaha Royals in Nashville. First-base umpire Kellen Levy is a fan of the rock band.

 

Levy pointed into the third row of seats at Greer Stadium near the first-base dugout, as Brown jogged onto the field. Seated there was musician Jack White, who lives in Franklin, taking in a game.

 

“The umpire goes, ‘That’s Jack White. I can’t help myself, that’s Jack White.’ I said, ‘Yeah, that’s definitely Jack White,’ ” Brown said. “I feel like this is a city where you see a bunch of different musicians, but it’s tough to mistake Jack White.”

 

It may be the last White spotting for awhile, the local rocker, who released a solo album in April, is currently touring in Europe and follows that with tours of Australia and the US.

 

Is that Thunder?: The Oklahoma City RedHawks, who wrap up a four-game series with the Sounds today, have been more than a bit overshadowed on the Sooner State’s sports scene so far this summer.

 

But RedHawks manager and former Sound Tony DeFrancesco said there are no hard feelings about the Oklahoma City Thunder advancing so deeply in the NBA Playoffs. The RedHawks had a nine-game winning streak snapped earlier this month.

 

“No, no. The Thunder deserve all the attention. It’s a great story. They really brought the whole state together. I had a chance to go to a playoff game myself and see what it’s about,” DeFrancesco said. “I’m a big Thunder fan myself right now.”

 

Clemens connection: When former star major league pitcher Roger Clemens was acquitted Monday of all charges in his lengthy perjury trial stemming from accusations of using performance-enhancing drugs, it meant a huge sigh of relief for one former RedHawk.

 

Clemens’ eldest son Koby Clemens, 25, is currently playing in the Blue Jays’ organization but played first base all of last season for Oklahoma City.

 

“I know it bothered Koby probably all last season, his family life, but he didn’t show it. He was a good kid, very professional, and I really enjoyed having him,” DeFrancesco said. “He went out every day and competed. (The decision) is good for the whole family. It’s good for baseball. Koby’s a good guy. The family’s good people. They were around a lot last year and we wish them well.”

[Mass Haas]

As per the Jackson game story, Huntsville RHP Evan Anundsen is scheduled to come off the disabled list to make the start Friday. The Stars will not need to make a corresponding move.

 

***

 

Davis' Homer Sinks Generals

Huntsville is 7-4 against the Generals this season

by Chris Harris, Jackson Generals

 

JACKSON, TENN. (JUNE 21, 2012) - The Generals dropped the opener in the second half Thursday at Pringles Park, in front of 3,071, 4-3. A ninth inning home run by former Tennessee Vol star Kentrail Davis spoiled a 3-run comeback by Jackson. The Generals are 4-7 against Huntsville in 2012. The Stars are the only team in the league with a winning record against Jackson.

 

For the third straight game, the Generals started out allowing runs in the first inning. The Stars' Tommy Manzella reached on a single to left field and scored on a single from Huntsville native Hunter Morris. Scott Krieger capped off the inning with his first home run of the season, making the score 3-0.

 

After being hit by a pitch, Eric Campbell tallied the Generals' first run in the third inning making it 3-1 thanks to a single by Leury Bonilla.

 

Campbell scored his second run of the night in the fifth inning on a single to left field from Stefen Romero. The RBI was Romero's first since being promoted from Advanced-A High Desert on Thursday.

 

In the seventh inning, Campbell scored his third run of the night as Bonilla reached base on a fielder's choice to tie the game at 3-3.

 

Davis broke the tie in the ninth inning with a home run over the right field wall. The solo shot was Davis' first of the year and the eventual game-winning run.

 

Romero went 2-for-4 in his Double-A debut, picking up a double in the process. Kalian Sams also had two hits in the game.

 

Generals' starter Steve Garrison tossed 7.0 innings, allowing 9 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out five. Newly-promoted General RHP Jonathan Arias was given the loss after allowing Davis' homer in the ninth inning.

 

Huntsville's Mitch Stetter received the win in front of 3,071 at Pringles Park. Jesus Sanchez earned his 8th save of the year after pitching a perfect ninth inning.

 

The Generals continue their 5-game series with Huntsville on Friday night, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. RHP Forrest Snow (0-1, 1.59) takes the hill for Jackson against RHP Evan Anundsen (4-3, 3.30) for Huntsville.

[Mass Haas]

Nice to see the Stars and Manatees foil the respective league first-half champs and give them a taste of last place after one night.

 

Brevard's win was just the Manatees second in 10 meetings against Dunedin this season.

[Mass Haas]

Helena game summary via the Great Falls' site:

 

The Great Falls Voyagers (3-1) completed the home sweep of the Helena Brewers (1-3) Thursday night at Centene Stadium. The Voyagers were led by a strong pitching performance - allowing only four Brewers hits - from a pair of hurlers and an offense that scattered enough hits to take the win.

 

For the first time this season, the Voyagers didn't score first. Helped by three Voyager errors, the Brewers scored a pair of unearned runs off Voyager starter Cory McGinnis (0-0) in the second inning. The Voyagers got one run back in the bottom of the second as DJ Jarrad extended his hitting streak to four games. The Voyagers then took the lead in the third with two more runs off starter Lorenzo Leonard (0-0).

 

The Brewers tied the game moments later in the fourth with the only earned run allowed by McGinnis. Emmanuel Quiles blasted a pitch out of the park to left field for his first home run of the season to knot the contest at three. The run cost McGinnis the chance to earn the win as he left the game with the score still tied, but he still finished with just one earned run allowed in five innings along with four strikeouts.

 

The Voyagers were able to break the stalemate in the sixth as Abe Ruiz and Yoandy Barroso singled and doubled to start the frame - one of Barroso's four hits on the night - and Justin Jirschele's RBI pushed across Ruiz. Barroso scored on a passed ball, and the Voyagers went to the late innings with a 5-3 lead.

 

Lefty Ryan Bollinger (1-0) had entered the game in the sixth and was in-line for the win after the scoring. The southpaw from Mound, Minnesota (they always produce pitchers) completely silenced the Brewers for the final four innings, allowing no runs on only one hit.

[Mass Haas]

I had a huge "Mallory" crush as a teen, so this was an easy link from the Rattler Radio blog.