Link Report for Sun. 6/24

[Mass Haas]

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[Mass Haas]

Sunday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Brian Baker at Albuquerque (Dodgers), 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.

 

**********

 

Huntsville: RHP Hiram Burgos at Jackson (Mariners), 5:50 PM pre-game, 6:05 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.

 

**********

 

Brevard County: RHP Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Charlotte (Rays), 4:05 PM gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Charlotte 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 Burlington (Athletics), 1:40 PM pre-game, 2:00 gametime; RHP Chad Pierce will pitch in a tandem effort

 

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).

 

**********

 

Helena: RHP Michael Schaub at home vs. Billings (Reds), 1:50 PM pre-game, 2:05 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.

 

**********

 

Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home vs. the Diamondbacks' youngsters; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league

 

**********

 

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

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

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]

DVR Alert!

 

When the Timber Rattlers return home on Monday, they will be on TV on Time Warner Cable Sports 32 (7:05).

 

They will be up against a big Brewers - Reds broadcast (Gallardo / Latos), so kind of an odd scheduling choice. But that's what DVR's are for, so we give you the heads up. RHP Mark Williams is scheduled to start.

[Mass Haas]

Look for Nashville and Wisconsin media notes at the links just prior to their game times.

 

Huntsville's posting theirs more consistently. Rest your pointer under the "Roster" banner on the Stars' home page to see the link.

[Tedaldtada]

Player tweets suggest a Sea Cow rainout.

[bkrause2]

Final: Wisconsin 4, Burlington 5

 

Rattlers drop one in Burlington

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

BURLINGTON, IA - The Burlington Bees completed a three-game sweep of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to open the second half of the Midwest League season. Burlington edged the Rattlers 5-4 on Sunday afternoon at Community Field. The Bees rallied from a 4-2 deficit with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and held on for the win.

 

Max Muncy put the Bees (35-37 overall, 3-0 second half) in front with his first professional hit. Oakland's 2012 fifth round pick out of Baylor hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning made t 2-0 in favor of Burlington.

 

The Rattlers (44-28, 0-3) rallied for a run in the top of the second inning. Chadwin Stang doubled with one out. Lance Roenicke followed with a single to shallow left. Stang rounded third, but held. However, Roenicke rounded first base too far and drew a throw. But, the Bees had no one covering first base and Roenicke outran Chih-Fang Pan back to the first base bag as Stang broke for the plate to score the first Rattlers run.

 

It was Stang and Roenicke who started a two-out rally in the top of the fifth to put Wisconsin in front for the first time of the afternoon. Stang drew a two-out walk against Bees starter Drew Granier on a 3-2 pitch. Roenicke followed with a base hit to left to put runners on the corners.

 

Then, Brandon Macias dropped a drag bunt up the third base line for a single. The throw to first was wild and both Stang and Roenicke scored as Macias motored around to third base. Mitch Haniger followed with a single to left to send Macias home for a 4-2 lead.

 

Goforth rebounded from his rough second inning and shut the Bees through the fifth inning. He allowed one hit - the homer by Muncy - walked four and struck out four. But, he was not involved in the decision.

 

Chad Pierce relieved Goforth to start the bottom of the sixth inning and gave up singles to the first two batters he faced. Rashun Dixon was next and he doubled high off the wall in left field to drive in both runners. Muncy singled on the next pitch to score Dixon and give the Bees a 5-4 lead.

 

Stang reached first on a bunt single with one out in the top of the seventh and stole second base, but he was left stranded when the inning ended.

 

Burlington's bullpen shutdown the Rattlers over the final four innings of the game. Bees relievers extended their current scoreless streak to 18-1/3 innings with their work on Sunday.

 

The Timber Rattlers begin a six-game homestand on Monday night when they return home to face the Quad Cities River Bandits. Mark Williams (4-5, 2.15) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. Dail Villanueva (3-4, 4.19) is scheduled to start for Quad Cities. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

Monday is Peanut Free Night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. No peanuts will be sold or be on the premises to allow fans with peanut allergies to attend the game.

 

Monday is also US Cellular You Run the Show Night. Fans have selected many of the promotions that will occur during the game by voting on the Timber Rattlers facebook page. Fans voted to have the US Cellulatr drawstring backpack as the item that will be given away to the first 1,000 fans to enter stadium before the game.

 

Additionally, the Timber Rattlers and Fox Cities Social have set up an interactive scavenger hunt during the game for a chance to win prizes. There will also be a designated meet-up area for fans to catch up with their social media friends. Follow the action for "You Run the Show Night" on Twitter through the hashtag #tratnation.

 

It's a B104.7 Qdoba Q*Monday, too. Fans may receive a free ticket to this game or any Monday home game on the 2012 schedule when they purchase a lunch entrée at the Qdoba by the Fox River Mall on Monday.

 

If you can't make it out to the ballpark on Monday, you may catch Timber Rattlers action on the radio, on the internet, or on TV. The radio broadcast is on AM1280, WNAM and timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. If you subscribe to MiLB.TV, you can follow the video action. Sports32 will telecast the game to Time Warner Cable subscribers.

 

HOME RUN:

BUR: Max Muncy (1st, 1 on in 2nd off David Goforth, 0 out)

 

WP: Chas Mye (2-0)

LP: Chad Pierce (1-2)

SAVE: Jeff Urlaub (1)

 

TIME: 3:00

ATTN: 891

 

Wisconsin Box Score

 

Chadwin Stang led the Rattlers offense with a 2 for 3 day. He doubled, drew a walk, stole his 13th base of the season and scored two runs. Lance Roenicke got his first two hits as a Timber Rattler, batting out of the leadoff spot. He scored a run but also struck out twice and was caught stealing. Brandon Macias was 1 for 3 with a walk. Mitch Haniger had a single and stole his first base. Wisconsin had seven total hits, but Stang's double was the only one that went for extra bases. They were going up against Drew Granier who was the starting pitcher for the Western Division in the Midwest League All-Star Game.

 

David Goforth started and allowed two runs on just one hit over five innings. He struck out four, but also walked four. Chad Pierce came on in relief and gave up 3 runs in 2 2/3 innings. He also struggled with his control, walking four and giving up four hits. The damage could have been worse for Pierce as he loaded the bases in the eighth, but Mike Strong came in and struck out Bobby Crocker (Oakland's 10th best prospect according to Baseball America) to end the inning.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

 

The Timber Rattlers took the lead with three runs in the fifth inning

Wisconsin Top of the 5th

Yadiel Rivera strikes out swinging.

Tyler Roberts flies out to right fielder Eliezer Mesa.

Chadwin Stang walks.

Lance Roenicke singles on a line drive to left fielder Royce Consigli. Chadwin Stang to 3rd.

Brandon Macias singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Ryan Pineda. Chadwin Stang scores. Lance Roenicke scores. Brandon Macias to 3rd. Throwing error by third baseman Ryan Pineda.

Mitch Haniger singles on a ground ball to shortstop Sean Jamieson. Brandon Macias scores.

With Nick Ramirez batting, Mitch Haniger steals (1) 2nd base, . Mitch Haniger advances to 3rd, on throwing error by catcher John Nester.

Nick Ramirez strikes out swinging.

 

But Burlington scored three in the sixth to re-take the lead

Burlington Bottom of the 6th

Pitcher Change: Chad Pierce replaces David Goforth.

Chih Fang Pan singles on a line drive to left fielder Ben McMahan.

Eliezer Mesa singles on a line drive to right fielder Chadwin Stang. Chih Fang Pan to 2nd.

Rashun Dixon doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Ben McMahan. Chih Fang Pan scores. Eliezer Mesa scores.

Maxwell Muncy singles on a line drive to left fielder Ben McMahan. Rashun Dixon scores.

Royce Consigli strikes out swinging.

Ryan Pineda strikes out swinging.

John Nester called out on strikes.

[CheezWizHed]

SAVE: Jeff Urlaub (1)

Pointless thought to think: Urlaub means Vacation in German

[wibadgers23]

Maybe it's the fact that he's 24 yrs old, but I still feel like Burgos is flying under the radar a bit. He's put up some pretty good numbers since his promotion to Huntsville. 48.1 IP, 2.42 ERA, 49 SO, 19 walks.

[TooLiveBrew]

Mitch Stetter is trying to nail down the save for Huntsville, after a two-RBI double from Lee Haydel in the top of the 9th broke a tie... the Stars went on to take a 5-2 lead.

[Mass Haas]

Just going to include this as a for-what-it's-worth - no special tweet, just a Link Report bonus.

 

Actually, I'll copy this into a Transaction Rumor thread so if you want to discuss, do so there.

 

***

 

From a fan at the Nashville / Albuquerque game Sat. night -- said Mark Rogers was maxing out at 97.

 

Apparently there were an unusually high number of scouts on hand for this one (as many as 12-15 teams). The buzz around those scouts was that Rogers would be back in the big leagues soon.

 

My own thoughts because this could go in so many ways -- other than the fact that multiple scouts could have been there for any number of reasons, as after all, the Dodgers will likely move prospects as well.

 

Rogers, even with no minor league options left for 2013, would still be a prized power arm for another GM to acquire should the Brewers go into a buyer's mode.

 

The Brewers have never shown an inkling that Rogers would best be served in a relief role, and given the current big league's staff problem with relief bases on balls, it doesn't seem like it's a wise time to finally transition Mark now.

 

If the Brewers go into seller's mode, there are going to be big league rotation openings, certainly even one departure could conceivably free up a spot for Rogers. With no 2013 minor league options remaining, Doug and Ron would want to know what they have in terms of Rogers 2013 by seeing what he could do later this season on the big league level -- and in some ways, August innings mean much more than September innings.

 

I guess the best thing to take out of this is that Mark looks to be back on track (has been trending that way for a few weeks now), and that there's value there in terms of trade value and keeper performance.

 

FYI, there was no update re: his departure last night (possible hand issue?), so until we read otherwise, consider that a non-issue.

 

(Remember, please limit discussion posts on the topic to the Transaction Rumor Forum thread linked above, thanks.)

[Mass Haas]

Audio from Albuquerque — “Roaming the Outfield with Schafer”

 

Jeff Hem's note -- Tonight’s pregame interview is with Sounds outfielder Logan Schafer, who discusses his two-homer game and near-cycle Friday in Nashville, his hot hitting in June, the improvement in the home run department (7 already this year, 5 last year) and roaming the expansive outfield at hitter-friendly Isotopes Park.

 

***

 

Honestly, at this point, wouldn't every knowledgeable Brewers fan be willing to say goodbye to Nyjer Morgan (especially after today's gaffe) and just hand the likely long-term answer in CF the job on Monday in Cincinnati?

[Mass Haas]

VIERA, Fla. – Due to inclement weather stemming from Tropical Storm Debby, the scheduled game on Sunday, June 24 between the Brevard County Manatees and the Charlotte Stone Crabs has been postponed.

 

The game will be made up as part of a single-admission doubleheader on Monday, June 25 beginning at 5:05 PM (4:05 Central). Brevard County and Charlotte will play two seven-inning games.

[TooLiveBrew]

Huntsville 5, @Jackson 2

 

Huntsville Box

A two-run 1st for the Stars gave them a 2-0 lead they held until the Generals answered with their own two-run frame in the 5th. Zeroes were again posted by both clubs until the top of the 9th, when the Stars were finally able to break the tie and secure the win with a three-run, two-out rally... everything after two!

 

Huntsville starter Hiram Burgos continued his success with another strong outing: 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 5:3 GO:AO. The only real blip on Burgos's radar tonight was a two-run homer surrendered in the 5th. For some reason, however, he was lifted from the game after seven strong while being credited (in the box score) with just 81 pitches. On top of that, Burgos's most recent start was last Sunday... so I'm a little confused as to why his leash was so short in tonight's game. However, the Stars relievers held up their end of the bargain -- Darren Byrd worked a scoreless 8th, and Mitch Stetter and Jesus Sanchez combined to slam the door on the Generals in the bottom of the 9th. Stetter retired the first two Jackson players -- one K & one pop-up -- but was pulled after allowing a two-out single. Sanchez came on and struck out his only batter for the final out of the game.

 

Leadoff man LF Lee Haydel went 2-3 with a walk, and his two-run double in the top of the 9th was easily the Stars' biggest hit in the game. 2-hole hitter CF Josh Prince also had a two-hit night, finishing 2-5 with an RBI; his RBI came right after Haydel's big double in the 9th, and pushed the Huntsville lead out to 5-2. 2B Scooter Gennett, DH Scott Krieger, RF Kentrail Davis, and replacement SS Juan Sanchez each singled once, and were the only other Stars with hits. Krieger and C Anderson De La Rosa walked once apiece.

 

SS Tommy Manzella was removed from the game after the 3rd inning, and if I had to guess I'd guess that he got dinged up on a double-play turn in the home half of the 2nd inning. Even though we probably already know the answer (given that Tommy Manzella was the starting SS over Prince anyway), it'll be interesting to see if Prince will be the one to take over at SS now. Hey, a guy can dream!

 

 

Huntsville PbP

The top of the 1st definitely had a 'thank you very much' error by the Generals, but three straight singles to lead off the game really got things going:

 

Huntsville Top of the 1st

-Lee Haydel singles on a line drive to center fielder Denny Almonte.

-Josh Prince singles on a line drive to center fielder Denny Almonte. Lee Haydel to 2nd.

-Scooter Gennett singles on a ground ball to center fielder Denny Almonte. Lee Haydel scores. Scooter Gennett to 2nd. Josh Prince advances to 3rd, on throwing error by center fielder Denny Almonte.

-Hunter Morris strikes out swinging.

-Hainley Statia strikes out swinging.

-Scott Krieger walks.

-Kentrail Davis reaches on missed catch error by first baseman Eric Campbell, assist to catcher Jesus Sucre. Josh Prince scores. Scooter Gennett to 3rd. Scott Krieger to 2nd.

-Anderson De La Rosa grounds out, second baseman Stefen Romero to first baseman Eric Campbell.

 

I wonder if Davis's ball in play was a swinging bunt, or if Squeeze Fever! has trickled all the way down the organizational ranks.

 

And here's the decisive visitors' half of the 9th:

 

Huntsville Top of the 9th

-Pitcher Change: Jonathan Arias replaces Andrew Kittredge.

-Scott Krieger grounds out, third baseman Nate Tenbrink to first baseman Eric Campbell.

-Kentrail Davis singles on a fly ball to left fielder Chris Pettit.

-With Anderson De La Rosa batting, Kentrail Davis steals (10) 2nd base.

-Anderson De La Rosa walks.

-Juan Sanchez flies out to left fielder Chris Pettit.

-Lee Haydel doubles (3) on a line drive to center fielder Denny Almonte. Kentrail Davis scores. Anderson De La Rosa scores.

-With Josh Prince batting, wild pitch by Jonathan Arias, Lee Haydel to 3rd.

-Josh Prince singles on a line drive to left fielder Chris Pettit. Lee Haydel scores.

-With Scooter Gennett batting, Jonathan Arias picks off Josh Prince at 1st on throw to Eric Campbell.

 

Costly time for Prince to get caught leaning at 1B, but at least it didn't come back to haunt Huntsville.

 

 

Huntsville Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Maryvale trails 6-1 after two innings.

 

You want to be positive and also considerate to these young men, whether new to pro ball, new to the states, or just a year or two removed from high school.

 

Then you remember that all their opponent's are basically in the same boat, and you just have to say "yikes". You hate to see this get to laughable status.

[X-TAI]

Maybe it's the fact that he's 24 yrs old, but I still feel like Burgos is flying under the radar a bit. He's put up some pretty good numbers since his promotion to Huntsville. 48.1 IP, 2.42 ERA, 49 SO, 19 walks.

 

I think people spent to much time talking prospects and forget about others that are actually doing better than Top prospect.

[And That]

I gotta wonder if the the AZL Brewers pitchers are working on something really specific - like only throwing fastballs, or only throwing change-ups or something else wacky. That's the only explanation I can think of for this bizarrely terrible start to the season.

 

8-1 now after the top of the third.

[Mass Haas]

FYI, there was no update re: Mark Rogers' departure last night (possible hand issue?), so until we read otherwise, consider that a non-issue.

 

Hearing that it may have been a minor blister concern. Not confirmed, but makes some sense.

[Tedaldtada]

Helena 6 Billings (Reds) 4

 

Box Score

 

The Helena Brewers will be competitive at least, and they were very good tonight getting a big win against the undefeated Reds team and 2011 1st rounder Robert Stephenson.

 

Stephenson matched Helena starter Michael Schaub for a couple innings but Shaub and the H-Crew were too much. Shaub threw 6 innings giving up 4 H 1 R 1 ER 2 BB 2 K 1 HR 1 WP with a 9:3 GO:FO. Elliot Glynn came on and promptly blew the save. Naturally, Glynn ended up with the win despite his poor inning. Connor Whalen came on after another 3-run Helena inning and recorded a 6-out save.

 

2B Chris McFarland (2-3 BB SB) is flashing his above average hit tool early this season. Michael Reed (0-2 BB HBP) was on twice. Mike Garza (2-4 2B CS E (4)) had another big game and recorded the only XBH for the good guys. 9-hitter part-time player Yonki Hernandez (2-3 2 SB) is off to fast start.

 

A measly 315 people came out for the game in Helena despite the perfect day for baseball.

 

Game Log

 

Point-counterpoint. Yeah, I am cliche.

 

Billings Top of the 7th

 

Pitcher Change: Elliott Glynn replaces Michael Schaub.

Taylor Wrenn hit by pitch.

Robert Ramirez walks. Taylor Wrenn to 2nd.

Brennan May strikes out swinging.

Wagner Gomez called out on strikes.

Brandon Dailey homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Taylor Wrenn scores. Robert Ramirez scores.

Spencer Dickinson flies out to right fielder Raul Mondesi.

 

Helena Bottom of the 7th

 

Michael Turay grounds out, third baseman Robert Ramirez to first baseman Carlos Sanchez.

Yonki Hernandez singles on a line drive to center fielder Brennan May.

With Raul Mondesi batting, Yonki Hernandez steals (4) 2nd base.

Raul Mondesi strikes out swinging.

With Christopher McFarland batting, wild pitch by Jimmy Moran, Yonki Hernandez to 3rd.

Christopher McFarland singles on a ground ball to third baseman Robert Ramirez. Yonki Hernandez scores.

Michael Reed hit by pitch. Christopher McFarland to 2nd.

Pitcher Change: Sean Lucas replaces Jimmy Moran.

Mike Garza doubles (3) on a line drive to right fielder Jesse Winker. Christopher McFarland scores. Michael Reed scores.

Michael Nemeth flies out to right fielder Jesse Winker.

[TheCrew07]

Maybe it's the fact that he's 24 yrs old, but I still feel like Burgos is flying under the radar a bit. He's put up some pretty good numbers since his promotion to Huntsville. 48.1 IP, 2.42 ERA, 49 SO, 19 walks.

 

I think people spent to much time talking prospects and forget about others that are actually doing better than Top prospect.

 

I think the reality is that some players are just going to have to prove themselves at every level. Burgos is no different than Chris Cody or any other pitcher that has come before him with more moxie than stuff. Early in AA Hiram struggled early in games and settled in nicely late, his last 4 starts he has avoided that trend but is still walking too many hitters. He remains an intriguing prospect, but he's going to have to command the zone better to continue his success.

 

Mike Fiers has proven that there's more to pitching than just "stuff", but guys with "stuff" simply have more margin for error. It's the difference between any legitimate top of the rotation starter and the guys who follow, those top of the rotation types don't have to have their best stuff to succeed where RHP like a Suppan or Marcum (not saying they are similar pitchers, just the first control RHP that popped into my head) depend almost solely upon their command in every start. It's not bias, it's just experience watching what happens with prospects as they progress through the system.

 

I'll be honest, the comp I've had in my head for Hiram is Dave Bush, and I haven't really been able to shake it. It's certainly nothing personal towards Burgos or any prospect, or their families and/or friends that might read the forum, it's just rather cold and emotionless discussion on my part. I treat Thornburg the same way I do Scarpetta, Jungmann, Burgos, whomever... I'd guess that many of us who do the LR don't have many rooting interests in any particular player, but more a rooting interest in the system.

 

Personally I give it straight, I learned a long time ago that I'm a horrible liar so I write it pretty much exactly how I would would say it or coach it; here's what I like, here's what you need to do to improve, keep working hard, a pat on the back, and away they go... I give my unfiltered honest opinion every time out because I don't know any other way.

 

It's certainly rubbed people the wrong way, the Jungmann discussions are a good example, and knowing that is why I didn't want to LR on that team because I got the feeling people where taking my comments for something that wasn't my intent. I'm certainly not looking to offend or hurt anyone's feelings, but it has happened in the past with a Rogers' family member for example and to this day he remains one of the very few prospects I actually do take a rooting interest in. If that's the case here I'm truly sorry, I've never intended any offense.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Albuquerque 4, Nashville 2

 

Sounds Fall To Isotopes, 4-2

 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Scott Van Slyke's seventh-inning RBI double gave Albuquerque its first lead of the night and propelled the Isotopes to a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Sounds on Sunday evening at Isotopes Park.

 

The loss dropped Nashville (31-46) to just 2-15 in games decided by two runs this season. The Sounds had runners on base in every inning except the fourth but were only able to get a run to the plate in the third frame.

 

Logan Schafer continued his recent hot hitting for the Sounds, going 2-for-4 to produce his ninth multiple-hit effort in his last 15 games. Schafer is hitting .413 in June (31-for-75).

 

Shortstop Edwin Maysonet returned to the Sounds with a 2-for-4 evening after spending a month with Milwaukee and outfielder Corey Patterson stayed hot with the lumber, going 2-for-4. The veteran has recorded a knock in nine of his last 11 tilts.

 

Nashville missed out on an early scoring opportunity. After putting runners on second and third with only one out in the second against Isotopes starter Fernando Nieve, Dayton Buller struck out and Sounds starter Brian Baker grounded out to end the frame.

 

Baker returned the favor in the bottom of the frame, successfully working out of a one-out, second-and-third jam of his own. The right-hander popped up Brian Cavazos-Galvez then struck out Tyler Henson to keep it a scoreless contest.

 

The Sounds took a 2-0 lead against Nieve in the third without recording an RBI in the frame. Maysonet got things started with a one-out double to left and moved to third on a Schafer single. With Andy Gonzalez at the plate, Schafer stole second and Maysonet was able to score the night's first run when catcher Tim Federowicz misfired into center field. Gonzalez then singled to right, where former Sound Trent Oeltjen booted the ball which allowed Schafer to race home with the frame's second run.

 

AUDIO: Sounds' First Run

AUDIO: Sounds' Second Run

 

Henson put Albuquerque on the board in the fifth when he led off the home half of the fifth with a solo homer to left off Baker The infielder's third big fly of the year halved the Sounds' lead to 2-1.

 

Baker, who took a no-decision, turned in an admirable effort in a spot start for Nashville, limiting Albuquerque to one run on five hits while striking out a season-high five during his 4 1/3 innings of action.

 

The Isotopes knotted the contest at 2-2 with a two-out rally against Rob Wooten in the sixth inning. After the right-hander retired the frame's first two hitters, he allowed back-to-back soft singles up the middle to Cavazos-Galvez and Henson before pinch-hitter Alex Castellanos drilled an RBI double to left-center that bounced over the wall, likely saving the Sounds a run. With runners standing on second and third, Wooten recovered to catch Oeltjen looking at a called third strike to escape the jam without further damage.

 

Albuquerque took its first lead of the night in the seventh against Sounds reliever Amaury Rivas. Matt Angle led off with a single to right and moved to third on a well-executed hit-and-run single through the hole at shortstop off the bat of Joe Becker. Scott Van Slyke followed with a go-ahead RBI double into the left field corner that gave the 'Topes at 3-2 advantage. After former Sound Luis Cruz was walked intentionally to load the bases, Federowicz lifted a sacrifice fly to the track in left-center that advanced each runner a base, with Becker trotting to the plate with an insurance run.

 

Rivas kept the Sounds' deficit at two runs by stranding runners on second and third as he induced a groundout from Cavazos-Galvez before striking out Henson to end the frame.

 

The Albuquerque bullpen closed out the contest with two scoreless frames to secure the victory.

 

Angel Guzman worked around a two-out Patterson double to toss a scoreless eighth.

 

The Sounds made closer Josh Wall sweat after he took the hill for the ninth, loading the bases on a hit followed by a pair of two-out walks before Wall converted his PCL-leading 17th save in 18 chances by inducing a game-ending groundout off the bat of Gonzalez.

 

Cole St. Clair (3-0), who worked a scoreless relief inning behind Nieve for Albuquerque, picked up the victory. Nieve took a quality-start no-decision for the 'Topes after holding the Sounds to two runs in his six innings of work.

 

Rivas (4-5) absorbed the loss after giving up two runs in his two innings.

 

Second baseman Eric Farris singled in the sixth inning to extend the Sounds' longest active hitting streak to six games and Jeff Bianchi went 2-for-2 to run his season-best hit streak to four.

 

The teams continue the series with an 8:05 p.m. CT contest on Monday evening. Right-hander Seth McClung (1-8, 4.60) will man the bump for the Sounds to face Albuquerque right-hander Will Savage (9-3, 5.15).

 

Nashville Box Score

I gotta give it up for Brian Baker who pitched much better than I thought he would. It's disappointing that the sounds didn't do much against opposing starter Fernando Nieve who came into the game carrying an ERA over 7 in 11 starts. Caleb Gindl returned to the starting line-up today after missing a couple of games battling a bug that's been going around the Nashville clubhouse which was probably the last thing he needed.

 

Nashville Play By Play

[TheCrew07]

This is a Rookie level affiliate of the Cardinals, player stats linked in the original story

Johnson City falls pitch short of no-no

Jones, Aldrete, Rauh, Shaban combine on 8 2/3 hitless innings

By Sam Dykstra / Special to MLB.com

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/06/24/TF3tSnT6.jpg

Cory Jones went 7-0 with a 2.64 ERA for College of the Canyons in junior college ball this year.

 

One strike is all it would have taken, and to some on the Johnson City roster, it appeared that it had already been thrown. With one runner on due to an inning-opening walk, Cardinals reliever Ronnie Shaban -- who followed Cory Jones, Michael Aldrete and Jeff Rauh -- unfurled a 1-2 pitch that froze Bluefield batter Seth Conner with two outs in the ninth.

 

It was called a ball.

 

Some disagreed with home plate umpire Jimmy Lott.

 

"From where I was sitting in the bullpen, it looked right down the middle," Aldrete said. Shaban then threw a 2-2 fastball over the heart of the plate, and Conner grounded the ball up the middle for a base hit. No-hitter over, and you would have known it just by the sounds of the visiting dugout at Bluefield's Bowen Field.

 

"Everyone let out a scream because we all kind of wanted to it to happen," said Rauh.

 

Carlos Ramirez followed Conner's single with a two-RBI double. Shutout over. The Cardinals closer finally got the strikeout he was looking for when he got Christian Lopes swinging to give Johnson City a 4-2 victory.

 

The punchout was two batters too late for history, but that didn't seem to bother Shaban, who didn't quite recognize what was going on despite the screams.

 

"Honestly when the guy got the hit, it didn't even hit me," he said. "During the next batter, I looked up at the scoreboard to see what the count was, saw the hit on the board and thought, 'Well, there goes that. Let's just try to get one more out and get the win here.'"

 

Jones, the Cardinals' fifth-round pick in this year's Draft, was making his professional debut as the team's starter, and he showed it with his first four batters. The 6-foot-5 issued a walk, hit a batter, struck one out and had another base on balls -- a streak he attributed to first-game excitement.

 

"The first inning, I think I was a little too pumped," said the College of the Canyons product. "Then I got things under control, and my fastball and curveball were working pretty well. I was just overamped, but once I got over that, I was fine."

 

Following his opening four-batter stretch, the 20-year-old retired the remaining eight Blue Jays hitters he faced, four via the strikeout.

 

Aldrete, who earned his first professional win, took over for Jones in the fourth. and like the Cardinals starter, he experienced his only trouble in his first inning. After striking out Art Charles to open the fourth, the former San Jose State Spartan walked Jacob Anderson. But again like Jones, Aldrete rebounded to retire eight consecutive opponents.

 

The outing represented the first scoreless stretch of his career after the right-hander had surrender four earned runs on six hits over his first three innings. The biggest difference Sunday night appeared to be Aldrete's ability to keep the ball low in the strike zone.

 

"I don't think I threw one fastball above the knees, so obviously the command was there tonight," said the Cardinals' 39th-round selection. "The last few outings I had been up too much. The quality of the pitches was the same, but the location wasn't great. So I was working hard in batting practice and bullpens to iron out my mechanics.

 

"It was very reassuring. It was rough starting out as a professional and thinking, 'Should I be here?' I'm glad to be getting over that."

 

Rauh continued the perfect streak by retiring all three hitters he faced in the seventh. Two more walks by the 22-year-old righty put two men on with two outs in the eighth -- the first time Bluefield had a runner in scoring position since the first -- before striking out Matthew Dean to end the threat. Unlike Jones, Aldrete and Shaban (a 33rd-round pick), Rauh was not chosen in this year's First-Year Player Draft, but after allowing just two runs on four hits in his first two outings, he's happy he chose the St. Louis organization as a free agent.

 

"I had been talking to the Cardinals all year long, and when I didn't get drafted, they called me and asked if I wanted a shot," Rauh said. "Of course I did, and it's worked out pretty well. I love it. I'm living the dream."

 

Johnson City turned to Shaban in the ninth, and after the former Virginia Tech hurler couldn't close the deal, he shrugged off the potential feat and said he wasn't kicking himself for what could have been.

 

"Honestly no, not really," he said. "It would've been great obviously. But if it would have been Cory or someone pitching the whole game, it would have added a little something more, I think."

 

Michael Knox hit a solo home run in the fourth for the Cardinals. Carson Kelly finished 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

[sfl2hnq17]

AZL Diamondbacks 22, AZL Brewers 6

 

Arizona Box Score

Well one of the worst pitching and defensive displays you'll see. 28 hits, 5 walks, 8 wild pitches and an HBP split between 4 pitchers (Juan Fransisco, Alejandro Lavandero, Jonathan Armold and Jeffrey Saba). 1st rounder Clint Coulter had 2 passed balls, giving him 4 already just four games in; he is waiting for his first professional hit as well. 3 errors by the defense that didn't exactly help the cause.

 

Well the offensive output tonight was one more run than the previous three games combined. Jose Pena hit his 1st homer in the states in the sixth inning. Jose Sermo was on base twice with two hits (RBI), as was Angel Ortega with a single and a walk (2 RBIs). Recent draft picks Tyrone Taylor and Alan Sharkey also contributed base hits.

 

A-Crew PbP

Really wish I could find something that I find interesting but it is becoming a little problematic trying to write about these games.