Link Report for Sun. 7/1 - Wow, July already!

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Claudio Vargas at home vs. Iowa (Cubs), 6:20 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Jeff Hem is the new play-by-play voice of the Sounds; follow him on Twitter @jeffhempbp; we'll link to his blog updates at On the Air…and Off

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $39.99 season-long package ($9.99 to pay for a single month). We imagine the audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link.

 

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Huntsville: RHP Josh Stinson at Birmingham (White Sox), 3:45 PM pre-game, 4:00 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 Clearwater (Phillies), 12:00 PM gametime

 

Sorry, no audio for this series...

 

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 Chad Thompson at Quad Cities (Cardinals), 4:40 PM pre-game, 5:00 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link - 1280 AM WNAM

 

Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio.

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; Wisconsin is one of only two (Great Lakes) Midwest League clubs that have all their home games available via MiLB.TV; Chris' call provides the audio. So for the $39.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, all Timber Rattlers home games, and 24 Stars' road games (one Helena series this summer, too).

 

**********

 

Helena: RHP Leonard Lorenzo at Great Falls (White Sox), 1:45 PM pre-game, 2:00 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.

 

**********

 

Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Dodgers' complex at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix; 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 Sunday's action as it happens with box score / game log links:

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

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

 

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]

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.

[WV Brew]

Walk rates so far (selected players):

 

Halton 1 every 8 Plate Appearances

Schafer 17

Gindl 15

Farris 16

 

Josh Prince 7

Khris Davis 8

Ke. Davis 9

Haydel 14

Morris 15

Gennett 17

 

Mittelstaedt 8

Shaw 8

Vucinich 10

Walker 13

Hawn 13

Keen 18

Romero 50

 

Dishon 7

Rogers (WI only) 8

Walla 8

Macias 10

Stang 11

Neda 13

McMahon 17

Ramirez 18

Hopkins 48

Rivera 29

George 169

 

Prince and Mittelstaedt doing well. Kentrail Davis is at least taking his walks. Ditto for Walla. Hopkins with a breakout year but this is a bit disappointing. Romero and George?

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville video highlights from Saturday's game

 

***

 

Jason Rogers opens the day's festivities with a two-run blast for the 'Tees -- I'm calling it, 8-0 organizational sweep today!

[battlekow]

Gian Rizzo hasn't pitched since the 20th. Hope his name pops up today.

[Tedaldtada]

Yonki Hernandez is making it difficult to find everyone playing time in Helena.

 

With Reed, Mondesi Jr., Ozuna and Hernandez all deserving of playing time, it will be interesting to see if something happens promotions wise.

 

Maybe Mittelstaedt follows Kjeeldgaard to AA, McMahan to A+ and Reed to A? That could work.

[jwill535]

At what point does Garza prove that he is advanced for Helena and get a bump to Wisconsin?

[bkrause2]

Final: Huntsville 0, Birmingham 2

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

The Stars got shutout for the second day in a row, losing at Birmingham by a score of 2-0. Let's chalk it up to the extreme heat. 103 degrees for today's game. Not a lot of offense for the Stars in this one as they managed only four hits and struck out 13 times. Domnit Bolivar was on base three times with a double and a pair of walks. Kentrail Davis also added a double in four trips to the plate. Scooter Gennett and Adam Weisenburger each had a single for the other two Huntsville hits.

 

Josh Stinson started for the Stars and took the loss, giving up two runs in five innings of work. He gave up five hits, struck out three, walked six and hit a batter. Philippe Valiquette made his second appearance since being promoted from Brevard County and threw three shutout innings. Valiquette allowed just one hit.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

 

The only runs of the game came in the second inning.

Birmingham Bottom of the 2nd

Seth Loman grounds out, pitcher Josh Stinson to first baseman Hunter Morris.

Erik Morrison walks.

Luis Sierra singles on a line drive to left fielder Lee Haydel. Erik Morrison to 2nd.

Kenneth Williams singles on a ground ball to center fielder Josh Prince. Erik Morrison scores. Luis Sierra to 3rd.

With Daniel Wagner batting, Luis Sierra caught stealing home, catcher Adam Weisenburger to third baseman Juan Sanchez to catcher Adam Weisenburger, Kenneth Williams to 2nd.

Daniel Wagner singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Kenneth Williams scores.

With Tyler Saladino batting, Daniel Wagner steals (2) 2nd base.

Tyler Saladino flies out to right fielder Kentrail Davis.

 

Huntsville's best chance to score a run and the only time they had a runner past second base.

Huntsville Top of the 7th

Domnit Bolivar walks.

Kentrail Davis grounds out, second baseman Daniel Wagner to first baseman Seth Loman. Domnit Bolivar to 2nd.

Pitcher Change: Nevin Griffith replaces Cameron Bayne.

Adam Weisenburger singles on a line drive to center fielder Jared Mitchell. Domnit Bolivar to 3rd.

Juan Sanchez strikes out swinging.

Lee Haydel grounds out, pitcher Nevin Griffith to first baseman Seth Loman.

[bkrause2]

Final: Wisconsin 1, Quad Cities 3

 

Quad Cities stops Rattlers win streak

Wisconsin falls 3-1 to Bandits to start road trip

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

DAVENPORT, IA - Three Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers held the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to a single run Sunday evening at Modern Woodmen Park. That was enough to edge Wisconsin 3-1. Anthony Garcia drove in a pair of runs for the Bandits offense to help Quad Cities stop Wisconsin's winning streak at five games.

 

Stephen Piscotty, the 2012 first round pick of the Cardinals out of Stanford, doubled and went to third on an error to start the Quad Cities second inning. An RBI grounder by Garcia drove in Piscotty. David Medina followed with a solo homer to right for a 2-0 lead.

 

Quad Cities (42-37 overall, 7-3 second half) had a chance to blow the game open at that point. Rattlers starting pitcher Chad Thompson walked the next three batters to load the bases with one out, But, Thompson got out of the jam with a 1-2-3 double play to end the inning.

 

Wisconsin (49-30, 5-5) cut the two run deficit in half in the top of the fourth inning. Brandon Macias launched a long solo home run to left field. The homer was the second in as many games for Macias and made the score 2-1.

 

The River Bandits went back up by two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. A two-out single by Garcia made the score 3-1.

 

Wisconsin threatened a couple of times after the Bandits went up 3-1. Carlos George drew a leadoff walk in the sixth inning, but the Rattlers couldn't do anything with that. In the seventh, Nick Ramirez doubled and Cameron Garfield singled with one out, but the Rattlers stranded both runners.

 

Dail Villanueva, the starting pitcher for the Bandits, allowed a run on three hits over six innings. Travis Miller (2) and Ricky Martinez (1) worked the final two innings without allowing a run

 

In the top of the ninth inning, Mitch Haniger appeared to hit a leadoff home run, but the ball was ruled foul. Wisconsin would get a two out single from Ramirez, but that runner was left stranded, too.

 

The River Bandits extended their home winning streak to eight games with Sunday's win.

 

Game two of the series is Monday night at 7:00pm. Matt Miller (6-5, 4.07) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Quad Cities has Willy Paulino (2-5, 5.10) as their scheduled starter. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or TimberRattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:40pm.

 

HOME RUNS:

WIS:

Brandon Macias (5th, none on in 5th inning off Dail Villanueva, 1 out)

 

QC:

David Medina (6th, none on in 2nd inning off Chad Thompson, 1 out)

 

WP: Dail Villanueva (5-4)

LP: Chad Thompson (3-2)

SAVE: Ricky Martinez (1)

 

TIME: 2:39

ATTN: 1,738

 

Wisconsin Box Score

 

The Rattlers only run came on a home run by Brandon Macias. It was the fifth of the season for Macias. Nick Ramirez had a single and a double. Tyler Roberts went 1 for 3 with a double. Ben McMahan and Cameron Garfield each contributed a base hit and Carlos George drew the Timber Rattlers only walk. Ben McMahan committed his seventh error of the season.

 

Chad Thompson started for Wisconsin and really struggled with his control. He walked six, had a pair of wild pitches and hit a batter. He wound up going 4 2/3 innings but limited the damage to only three runs. Jacob Barnes came on in relief and threw 3 1/3 shutout innings. Barnes has been great in his last three appearances, allowing only two hits in 10 1/3 innings over that time. Today was no different as he allowed no hits and walked just one while striking out five.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

 

Quad Cities scored two in the second inning but it could have been much worse after Thompson walked the bases loaded with one out.

Quad Cities Bottom of the 2nd

Stephen Piscotty doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Ben McMahan. Stephen Piscotty advances to 3rd, on fielding error by right fielder Ben McMahan.

Anthony Garcia grounds out, second baseman Carlos George to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Stephen Piscotty scores.

David Medina homers (6) on a fly ball to right field.

Luis Mateo walks.

Roberto De La Cruz walks. Luis Mateo to 2nd.

With Casey Rasmus batting, wild pitch by Chad Thompson, Luis Mateo to 3rd. Roberto De La Cruz to 2nd.

Casey Rasmus walks.

Matt Williams grounds into double play, pitcher Chad Thompson to catcher Tyler Roberts to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Luis Mateo out at home.

[Tedaldtada]

Manatees thump Threshers, 10-3

07/01/2012 4:25 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees reached the double-digit mark in runs for the fifth time this season as they pounded the Clearwater Threshers, 10-3 on Sunday afternoon at Bright House Field.

 

The 'Tees (7-3 second half, 36-42 second half) tallied ten hits - eight of them for extra bases - and benefitted from three Threshers' errors as Brevard defeated Clearwater (5-6, 41-36) for just the second time this season in seven games.

 

Brevard jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a two-run homer by Jason Rogers. Clearwater would score their only run off of 'Tees starting pitcher Taylor Jungmann in the bottom of the second on a RBI ground out.

 

Jungmann (6-4, 3.51) threw six innings and allowed one run on three hits for his tenth quality start in 16 starts so far this season. He did not walk a batter and struck out three. The 12th overall pick of the 2011 MLB draft is 3-0 with a 2.40 ERA in his last five starts.

 

The Manatees busted the game open with a five-run fifth inning. The frame started with Shea Vucinich reaching on an error and then Parker Berberet doubled to right to put runners on second and third.

 

After a Nick Shaw strikeout, Reggie Keen reached base on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a throwing error by first baseman Drew Hillman. Vucinich scored and Berberet advanced to third, to put runners on second and third with one out.

 

T.J. Mittelstaedt then hit his 17th double of the season to center to score Berberet and give the 'Tees a 4-1 lead. Rogers then stepped up and hit his second homer of the game, a three-run shot, that gave Brevard a 7-1 lead.

 

Rogers is the first Manatee to hit two homers in a game since Brock Kjeldgaard did it on June 5, 2011 against Daytona. Ironically enough, Kjeldgaard capped off the 'Tees scoring on Sunday afternoon against Clearwater with a solo homer in the ninth.

 

Rogers is making a case for earning Florida State League Player of the Week honors in his first full week with the Manatees. Since Tuesday, he is hitting .428 (9-for-21) with three homers, ten RBI, nine runs scored and two stolen bases.

 

Brevard County and Clearwater will continue their three-game series on Monday night at 7:00 p.m.

 

Southpaw Jed Bradley (5-6, 4.68) will take the hill for the 'Tees as he looks to build on the seven inning complete game he threw this past Wednesday against Charlotte. In two starts against the Threshers this season, Bradley is 0-1 with a 8.10 ERA.

 

Lefty Adam Morgan (2-8, 3.82) will toe the rubber for the Threshers. Morgan has lost his last four starts but has a 1.35 ERA in two starts against Brevard in 2012.

 

Box Score

 

The glory is to be shared by hitters and starting pitcher Taylor Jungmann. Jungmann in particular needs to be commended for his solid play of late. He is the undisputed ace of this staff now, and with the revitalized offense, the pitchers need to hold up their end of the deal. Really, the only 'Tee who had a rough game was Eric Arnett. Shake it off, Eric.

 

Now, about that hitting barrage. Jason Rogers (2-5 2 HR BB) is making waves in the FSL and will likely take home some hardware for his efforts. T.J. Mittelstaedt (1-4 2B BB) made some things happen at the top and Cody Hawn (2-5 2B) and Shea Vucinich (2-5 2B) were powerful in the bottom half

 

Game Log

 

Mr. Rogers makes you pay!

 

Brevard County Top of the 5th

Shea Vucinich reaches on throwing error by third baseman Harold Martinez.

Parker Berberet doubles (5) on a line drive to right fielder Peter Lavin. Shea Vucinich to 3rd.

Nick Shaw strikes out swinging.

Reggie Keen reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by first baseman Drew Hillman. Shea Vucinich scores. Parker Berberet to 3rd. Reggie Keen to 2nd. Throwing error by first baseman Drew Hillman.

T. J. Mittelstaedt doubles (17) on a fly ball to center fielder Zach Collier. Parker Berberet scores. Reggie Keen to 3rd.

Jason Rogers homers (3) on a fly ball to left field. Reggie Keen scores. T. Mittelstaedt scores.

Brock Kjeldgaard grounds out, pitcher Austin Wright to first baseman Drew Hillman.

Hector Gomez flies out to center fielder Zach Collier.

[TheCrew07]

Sounds Win 13-12 Slugfest Over Iowa

Nashville Claims Sole Possession Of Second Place With Victory

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds edged the division-rival Iowa Cubs in a 13-12, slugfest marathon on Sunday night at Greer Stadium to gain sole possession of second place in the PCL American Conference Northern Division.

 

The 13 runs scored was the highest run-output by the Sounds (35-49) in 2012 and third double-digit scoring output, which have come against all three of the Sounds' divisional opponents. Nashville scored all 13 of its runs in the first five innings, highlighted by an eight-run fifth inning, which was a season-high.

 

The Cubs scored the final eight unanswered runs to trim the Nashville lead to one before Jim Henderson threw a scoreless ninth inning for his team-leading eighth save.

 

Shortstop Jeff Bianchi collected three hits for the second straight contest. Outfielder Caleb Gindl also had three hits to extend his hitting streak to a season-high six games while also matching a team-high with three runs scored.

 

First baseman Jordan Brown and first baseman outfielder Jay Gibbons added two hits, including his sixth homer of the season.

 

Every positional player on both teams recorded a hit, excluding Sounds catcher Jason Jaramillo.

 

Both teams traded runs in the first frame as consecutive two-out doubles from Adrian Cardenas and Josh Vitters gave Iowa a 1-0 lead. Nashville outfielder Jay Gibbons tied it up with a sacrifice fly after Gindl and Bianchi reached on hits.

 

Iowa scored three more runs in the second for a 4-1 advantage, beginning Dave Sappelt solo homer over the left field wall. The Cubs followed with four more hits in the frame, highlighted by Brett Jackson RBI double and Matt Tolbert RBI single.

 

Nashville answered by scoring two runs with two-outs to trim the lead to one run at 4-3. Third baseman Edwin Maysonet worked a two-out walk and was followed by a single from pitcher Claudio Vargas. Both runners advanced to scoring position on a wild pitch and scored as outfielder Logan Schafer hit a lazy fly ball to left field, which was dropped by Blake DeWitt.

 

Gibbons went yard over the right field wall in the next frame to tie the game at 4-4.

 

Nashville took their first lead of the game in the next inning as second baseman Eric Farris led off with a single. The speedster proceeded to steal second base, moved to third on a groundout, and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch.

 

The Sounds opened the flood gates in the fifth, sending 13 batters to the dish to plate eight runs. Gindl had two hits in the inning, who was the first Sound to collect two hits in a frame since Erick Almonte on August 10, 2011 at Reno.

 

Gindl scored the first run on a wild pitch and was followed by an RBI base hit by Brown to score Gibbons. On the ensuing at-bat when Farris hit a deep fly ball to center, Iowa centerfielder Brett Jackson committed his first error of the season to allow the next run to score.

 

Third basemen Edwin Maysonet recorded a two-run double and was followed by outfielder Logan Schafer knocking an RBI two-bagger to score Maysonet. Gindl scored the final run of the frame on a throwing error after previously reaching on his second hit of the inning.

 

Iowa chipped away at the lead, starting by plating two runs in the sixth, as Jackson tripled in the first run and scored the next on a sacrifice fly. The Cubs scored another run in the next inning as Josh Vitters doubled and scored on a Welington Castillo single.

 

The Cubs batted around to score five more runs to trim the lead to one at 12-13 in the visiting half of the eighth, beginning with two straight doubles from Tolbert and Cardenas. Blake De Witt then drove in Vitters on an infield groundout.

 

After a walk and hit by pitch by to load the bases, Henderson entered the game and offered up a three-run double on the first pitch to Blake Lalli. Brett Jackson made and last out of the inning.

 

Vargas scattered eight hits for four runs while striking out five in four innings of work. Reliever Victor Garate backed into the win after giving up two runs in 2 1/3 innings before departing due to an injury.

 

Amaury Rivas surrendered five runs on four hits in 1 1/3 innings. Henderson allowed all three inherited runners to score in his 1 1/3 innings.

 

Former Sound Frankie De La Cruz (1-4) allowed a season-high nine runs (seven earned) on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings.

 

The Sounds and Iowa Cubs continue their series at 7:05 pm CT on Monday evening at Greer Stadium. Right-hander Wily Peralta (3-8, 5.94) will take the mound against Iowa left-hander Chris Rusin (6-6, 5.01).

 

Nashville Box Score

Prior to 2011 the last time Amaury Rivas posted an ERA over 4 was as a 19 year old in Arizona but his last 2 seasons have been forgettable at best. In fact every Sounds pitcher aside from Jim Henderson who appeared in the game sports a season ERA over 5. Henderson shares equally in the blame though, every Sounds pitcher who appeared gave up runs.

 

Vitters and Jackson combined to go 5-10 with 3 doubles and triple, unfortunately Vitters' (he's still only 22) ascension in play at AAA is making it very difficult to continue to slap the overrated tag on him. Next year the Cubs will have Rizzo, Jackson, Vitters, and Castro... that's a nice young core to build around.

 

Nashville Play By Play

[TheCrew07]

Final: DSL Tigers 12, DSL Brewers 10

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

As the score would suggest there wasn't much quality pitching in this one, the only Brewer hurler with a clean day was Miguel Diaz who only pitched the final 3rd of an inning. The Brewers actually were leading 8-7 going into the bottom of the 8th before a 5 run frame sunk their hopes.

 

Jose Dicent went 2-3 with a 3B and HR, the only other multi-hit game came from 19yo C Natanael Mejia who posted a 2-4 effort. Carlos Belonis stole his 15th base and was caught stealing for the 5th time, Juan Ortiz also stole his 4th base of the season. Unfortunately the Brewers played their worst defensive game of the year as Belonis committed 3 errors (2 fielding, 1 throwing) and Ortiz committed his first error (fielding) though Ortiz did tally an outfield assist.

 

DSL Brewers Play By Play

A very busy game log if you dare.

[TheCrew07]

Marte's multi-hit streak reaches seven

Pirates prospect goes 2-for-4, homers, hikes average to .287

By Sam Dykstra / Special to MLB.com

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/07/01/UXyUhFH9.jpg

Starling Marte batted .325 with 28 RBIs in 29 games last month. (Carl Kline/MiLB.com)

 

Starling Marte got hot in June and he's showing no signs of cooling off in July.

 

The Pirates' No. 3 prospect went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs on Sunday as Triple-A Indianapolis posted a rain-shortened 8-3 victory at Louisville.

 

It was Marte's seventh consecutive multi-hit game and eighth in his last nine contests. Over that seven-game stretch, he's batting .484 (15-for-31) with three homers, two triples, two doubles, 13 RBIs and nine runs scored. No Minor Leaguer has as many total bases as Marte's 30 during that span.

 

It didn't take long for the 23-year-old outfielder to extend his run Sunday. He lined a single to center field off Bats starter Tim Gustafson in the opening inning to score Gorkys Hernandez with the game's first run. Two innings later, Marte smacked a solo homer to center off Gustafson. He popped out and grounded out in his final two at-bats.

 

The effort came a day after Marte was 3-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored against Louisville.

 

Marte's .287 average is at its highest point since April 28, when it stood at .288. After batting .236 in May, he hit .325 with four homers and 28 RBIs in June.

 

The native of the Dominican Republic and reigning Eastern League batting champion, he told MiLB.com last week that he needed some time to adjust to Triple-A.

 

"I feel more comfortable here now," said MLB.com's No. 32 overall prospect. "I've been putting in a lot of hard work, especially with my strike-zone discipline and my ability to pick up breaking pitches. I was nervous at the beginning of the year, but I definitely feel more comfortable at the plate."

 

Chase d'Arnaud added a solo homer and stole two bases out of the leadoff spot for Indianapolis. The older brother of top Blue Jays prospect Travis d'Arnaud is a perfect 22-for-22 on the basepaths and has not been caught stealing since Sept. 26, when he was with the Pirates.

 

Rudy Owens (7-3), Pittsburgh's No. 12 prospect, allowed two runs -- one earned -- on four hits and two walks while striking out five to get the win.

[Tedaldtada]

Great Falls (White Sox) 9 Helena 7

 

Box Score

 

The hitters were the story here. Chris McFarland (1-4 HR BB SB) hit his 1st pro homer, a grand slam. Michael Reed (2-5 SB) and Michael Garza (3-4 HR BB) both remain hot. Emmanuel Quiles (2-5 SB) and Yonki Hernandez (2-4 SB) banged out 2 hits each.

 

Leonard Lorenzo and the rest of the H-Crew pitchers were not their best.

 

Game Log

 

The game was essentially lost here.

 

Great Falls Bottom of the 1st

 

Adam Heisler reaches on fielding error by left fielder Ruben Ozuna. Adam Heisler to 2nd.

With Justin Jirschele batting, wild pitch by Leonard Lorenzo, Adam Heisler to 3rd.

Justin Jirschele singles on a line drive to left fielder Ruben Ozuna. Adam Heisler scores.

With Micah Johnson batting, throwing error by Emmanuel Quiles on the pickoff attempt, Justin Jirschele to 2nd.

Micah Johnson doubles (4) on a fly ball to left fielder Ruben Ozuna. Justin Jirschele scores.

With Kyle Robinson batting, Micah Johnson steals (7) 3rd base.

Kyle Robinson strikes out swinging.

With Yoandy Barroso batting, wild pitch by Leonard Lorenzo, Micah Johnson scores.

Yoandy Barroso singles on a fly ball to right fielder Yonki Hernandez.

Steven Nikorak grounds into a force out, shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez to second baseman Christopher McFarland. Yoandy Barroso out at 2nd. Steven Nikorak advances to 2nd, on throwing error by second baseman Christopher McFarland.

Thomas McCarthy singles on a line drive to right fielder Yonki Hernandez. Steven Nikorak scores.

Patrick Palmeiro flies out to right fielder Yonki Hernandez.

 

7-spot reply.

 

Helena Top of the 2nd

 

Emmanuel Quiles strikes out swinging.

Michael Nemeth singles on a ground ball to center fielder Adam Heisler.

Paul Eshleman grounds out, pitcher Cory McGinnis to first baseman Steven Nikorak. Michael Nemeth to 2nd.

Ruben Ozuna singles on a ground ball to shortstop Justin Jirschele. Michael Nemeth to 3rd.

Yonki Hernandez singles on a line drive to left fielder Yoandy Barroso . Michael Nemeth scores. Ruben Ozuna to 2nd.

Alfredo Rodriguez reaches on force attempt, missed catch error by shortstop Justin Jirschele, assist to second baseman Micah Johnson. Ruben Ozuna to 3rd. Yonki Hernandez to 2nd.

Christopher McFarland hits a grand slam (1) to left field. Ruben Ozuna scores. Yonki Hernandez scores. Alfredo Rodriguez scores.

Michael Reed singles on a line drive to center fielder Adam Heisler.

Mike Garza homers (2) on a fly ball to left field. Michael Reed scores.

Emmanuel Quiles singles on a line drive to left fielder Yoandy Barroso .

With Michael Nemeth batting, Emmanuel Quiles steals (1) 2nd base.

 

Multi-battle warfare on the basepathes.

 

Great Falls Bottom of the 7th

Pitcher Change: Elliott Glynn replaces David Otterman.

Steven Nikorak walks.

Thomas McCarthy out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Emmanuel Quiles to first baseman Michael Nemeth. Steven Nikorak to 2nd.

Patrick Palmeiro homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Steven Nikorak scores.

Zachary Fisher flies out to center fielder Michael Reed.

Adam Heisler singles on a ground ball to center fielder Michael Reed.

With Justin Jirschele batting, Adam Heisler steals (5) 2nd base.

With Justin Jirschele batting, throwing error by Elliott Glynn on the pickoff attempt, Adam Heisler to 3rd.

With Justin Jirschele batting, Emmanuel Quiles picks off Adam Heisler at 3rd on throw to Mike Garza.

[Mass Haas]

Sounds' Vargas tries to impress Brewers again

by Autumn Allison, The Tennessean

 

This is Claudio Vargas’ third time with the Brewers organization but his first time with the Nashville Sounds.

 

The starting pitcher, now in his 17th professional season, retired last year but now is trying for another shot at the majors.

 

“I am happy to be here,” said Vargas, 34. “This was the last team I thought would call. Got told they had too many people and a month later I get the call.”

 

The Dominican Republic native pitched for the Brewers in 2007 and from 2009-2010.

 

“2010 is the only time I did poorly,” said Vargas, who was 48-40 with a 4.83 ERA in eight major-league seasons. “My ERA got a little high (7.32), only pitched 20 innings. They (the Brewers) didn’t really give me the chance.”

 

In June 2011, Vargas announced his retirement only to return when the Brewers signed him as a minor-league free agent on May 14.

 

Between his retirement and return, the right-handed pitcher spent time with Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League and Vaqueros Laguna in the Mexican League.

 

While playing with Aguilas, Vargas switched from the starter/long reliever position he held in the majors to a closer. The switch had to be reversed after Vargas joined the Sounds.

 

“We had to build him up,” Sounds pitching coach Fred Dabney said. “He was basically a one-inning man while he was closing in Mexico.”

 

Building up Vargas included working his consistency and getting back up to 100-110 pitches per game.

 

“I feel good. Every fifth day I go to the mound and do the best I can. I do my job,” said Vargas, who is 2-1 with a 5.63 ERA in nine starts.

 

Now at an age when most players start considering retirement, Vargas won’t let age be a factor in his performance.

 

“I think I can still play, still pitch,” Vargas said. “I just work hard.”

 

In the six weeks he has been with the Sounds, Vargas has proved himself to be a much-needed addition to the rotation and has even added a slider. When pitching for the Brewers, Vargas had only three fully formed pitches.

 

But even with his continued building, is another run at the majors out of the question?

 

“Not at all. He has significant major-league experience and a track record,” said Dan O’Brien, special assistant to the Brewers general manager. “I can’t predict what is going to happen tomorrow, but in terms of him being a legitimate consideration, I’d go with yes.”

 

Sounds pitcher Claudio Vargas, who is back in the Brewers organization for the third time, is 2-1 with a 5.63 ERA in nine starts. / GEORGE WALKER IV/THE TENNESSEAN

 

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[Mass Haas]

We haven't seen Helena video this year yet, so even though this is from last week, you've got a Michael Reed web gem and extra-base rip, Chris McFarland base knock, etc.

 

VIDEO LINK

[Mass Haas]

Road game summary analysis from the Helena Independent Record

 

Chris McFarland’s grand slam to left field culminated in a seven-run second inning and gave the Helena Brewers an early 7-4 lead Sunday afternoon in Great Falls.

 

But the Voyagers pitched shutout baseball the rest of the way and took advantage of four Helena errors to rally for a 9-7 win in front of 1,131 fans Centene Stadium.

 

Mike Garza also homered for the Brewers, who pounded out a dozen hits but failed to make the most of opportunities late in the game for the second straight night. The visitors showed some aggression on the base paths with four stolen bags, but batted just 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

 

The Voyagers tied the game in a three-run fourth frame, then took the lead in the seventh when Patrick Palmeiro hit his first home run of the season — a two-run shot off Brewers reliever Elliot Glynn. Glynn was tagged with the loss, while David Putman got the win for Great Falls. Joe Dvorsky was credited with the save.

 

It was a short outing for both teams’ starting pitchers. Helena’s Leonard Lorenzo went 1 2/3, giving up four runs — two earned — and walking three. Great Falls’ Cory McGinnis was blasted by the Brewers, with seven runs — all but one unearned — on eight hits.

 

McFarland’s grand slam was his first long ball of the season and his only hit in Sunday’s contest. The Brewers were led at the plate by Garza, who was 3 for 4 with two RBIs.

 

Helena returns home tonight to take on the Voyagers at 7:05 PM (8:05 Central).

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Media Relations

 

A night after being shutout by the Mobile BayBears, the Huntsville Stars were blanked by the Birmingham Barons by a score of 2-0 in the first game of a three-game series from Regions Park on Sunday.

 

The Barons got all the run support they needed in the second inning with back-to-back RBI singles from right fielder Kenny Williams Jr. and second baseman Dan Wagner. Starter starter Josh Stinson was the hard-pressed losing pitcher on the day, falling to 8-4 on the year after giving up two runs on just five hits through five innings of work. On offense, the Stars were shutout by a score of 2-0 for the second straight game. They have now been held without a run for 21 consecutive innings.

 

Game two of a five-game series will begin on Monday as the Stars will send RHP Evan Anundsen to the mound (4-3, 3.76 ERA) to square off against Barons RHP Andre Rienzo (2-0, 0.49 ERA). First pitch is at 7:05 P.M.

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog - Nine After 9

[sfl2hnq17]

AZL Dodgers 4, AZL Brewers 1

 

Arizona Box Score

Maverick Lasker made his second appearance of the year and fared pretty well. He went 2 innings gave up 2 hits and struck out 1. Jorge Lopez then replaced and went 4 2/3, giving up 5 hits, 2 walks and 4 runs (the only runs of the game). Undrafted FA Ryan Fasano came in and got the last out of the 7th inning.

 

Defensively, there were no errors or passed balls. In fact, the defense was quite good. 3 double plays and Jose Pena gunned someone down at home plate.

 

Offensively, the A-Crew struggled though as a team they only had 5 strikeouts. Pena had another hit to run his hit streak to 4 games. The recovering Khris Davis had a hit to go with 2 strikeouts. Angel Ortega and Malcolm Dowell both added base hits.

 

A-Crew PbP

Really the only half inning that was interesting

AZL Dodgers Bottom of the 7th

John Sgromolo walks.

Bladimir Franco grounds into double play, third baseman Jalen Harris to second baseman Jose Sermo to first baseman Alan Sharkey. John Sgromolo out at 2nd.

Cory Embree singles on a ground ball to center fielder Malcolm Dowell.

Jacob Scavuzzo doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Khris Davis. Cory Embree scores.

Stefan Jarrin hit by pitch.

Pitcher Change: Ryan Fasano replaces Jorge Lopez.

With Jesmuel Valentin batting, wild pitch by Ryan Fasano, Jacob Scavuzzo to 3rd. Stefan Jarrin to 2nd.

Jesmuel Valentin walks. Wild pitch by pitcher Ryan Fasano. Jacob Scavuzzo scores. Stefan Jarrin to 3rd.

With Paul Hoenecke batting, Stefan Jarrin caught stealing home, catcher Dustin Houle to shortstop Angel Ortega to catcher Dustin Houle.

[Mass Haas]

Famous last name in the Helena - Great Falls game