Link Report for Fri. 7/6 -- Hunter Morris Southern League Player of the Month

[Mass Haas]

Audio from Memphis — “(Steve) Selby Speaks”

 

Tonight’s interview is with Redbirds radio announcer Steve Selby, a guy who has broadcast in Nashville and has been with the Redbirds for many years. He shares his thoughts about the Redbirds’ season so far and players like Matt Adams and Shelby Miller, the Cardinals’ playoff run last year and whether or not he thinks the layout and travel schedule for the Pacific Coast League will ever undergo significant changes.

 

***

 

Selby's a hoot -- enjoyable interview...

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO - Helena Brewers broadcaster Steve Wendt catches up with the Brewers rookie southpaw David Otterman, out of British Columbia

 

It's Thursday audio -- Otterman is tonight's starter...

[jwill535]

Hunter Morris celebrates player of the month with a HR.

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville video from Thursday -- Hitting approach discussion

[Mass Haas]

WOW! is right

 

Strongly suggest you check out the Timber Rattlers Twitter Feed from tonight

[bkrause2]

Final: Chattanooga 2, Huntsville 4

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

The Stars rode the bat of Hunter Morris to a 4-2 win and a series win over Chattanooga. Morris was 3 for 4 on the night and hit his 11th home run of the season. Josh Prince had a two for four night with a double, an RBI and scored a run. Scooter Gennett, Tommy Manzella and Hainley Statia had the other Huntsville base hits.

 

Josh Stinson started and allowed just two unearned runs in six innings to earn the win. Darren Byrd pitched an inning and 2/3 of scoreless ball, striking out four. Mitch Stetter retired the one batter he faced and Brandon Kintzler worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the save.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

 

The two unearned runs came after what should have been an inning ending strikeout

Chattanooga Top of the 4th

J. T. Wise flies out to center fielder Josh Prince.

Kyle Russell called out on strikes.

Pedro Baez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Tommy Manzella.

Matt Wallach walks. Pedro Baez to 2nd.

Aaron Miller strikes out swinging. Passed ball by catcher Adam Weisenburger. Pedro Baez scores. Matt Wallach to 2nd. Aaron Miller to 1st.

Rafael Ynoa singles on a fly ball to center fielder Josh Prince. Matt Wallach scores. Aaron Miller to 2nd.

Nick Buss grounds out, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris.

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 6th

Scooter Gennett pops out to first baseman J. T. Wise in foul territory.

Hunter Morris homers (11) on a fly ball to right field.

Hainley Statia called out on strikes.

Tommy Manzella flies out to right fielder Kyle Russell

[bkrause2]

Final: Wisconsin 11, Cedar Rapids 12

 

Kernels get last comeback to beat Rattlers

Borenstein's big night leads Cedar Rapids to 12-11 win

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Zach Borenstein's career night spoiled a huge comeback by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Friday night at Perfect Game Field. The Timber Rattlers scored eight times in the top of the eighth inning to storm back from a 10-3 deficit. But, Borenstein hit his second home run of the game with two outs and a runner at third in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Kernels a 12-11 victory. Borenstein went 4-for-5 with two homers, two doubles, and six RBI in the game.

 

The Kernels (37-48 overall, 5-10 second half) got the first run of the game. Eric Stamets was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Alex Yarbrough followed with a double to put runners on the corners with no outs. An RBI grounder to second by Frazier Hall scored Stamets for a 1-0 lead.

 

Wisconsin (51-33, 7-8) broke out in front with a pair of runs in the fifth inning. Cameron Garfield was hit by a pitch and Yadiel Rivera doubled to put runners at second and third with no outs. The double by Rivera was the first Wisconsin hit off Kernels starting pitcher Michael Johnson. It was also the last. Johnson left the game after the double by Rivera with a blister on his pitching hand.

 

Reliever Logan Odom could not hold the lead for the Kernels. Max Walla got the tying run home with a RBI grounder to first. Chadwin Stang sent Rivera home with a single for a 2-1 Rattlers lead.

 

Cedar Rapids tied the game in the bottom of the inning. Borenstein, who had doubled to lead off the frame, scored from third on a two-out wild pitch by Thompson.

 

Nick Ramirez pushed the Rattlers back in front in the top of the sixth inning with a long home run to right-center. The homer, his eighth of the season, was a solo shot to start the frame and make the score 3-2.

 

The Kernels answered with a two-out rally in the bottom of the sixth inning against reliever Jacob Barnes. Barnes walked the leadoff batter, but struck out the next two hitters was on the verge of getting out of the frame. But, Zach Wright tied the game by blooping a double down the right field line. Borenstein was next and he blooped a double down the left field line to send Wright home with the go ahead run. Trevor Hairgrove capped the inning with a single through the middle of the diamond to score Borenstein with a run for a 5-3.

 

The Kernels appeared to put the game away with five runs in the bottom of the seventh. Yarbrough doubled with two runners on base to knock in both runners. Later in the inning Borenstein welcomed reliever Stosh Wawrzasek with a three-run home run. That put the Kernels up 10-3 heading to the eighth inning.

 

Wisconsin loaded the bases with one out against Joe Melioris and Walla, a lefty, was due to hit. The Kernels went to get a lefty out of the bullpen, Stephen Tromblee. Walla worked the count to 3-1 and pulled a pitch past the first base bag. The ball rolled into the right field corner for a three-run triple to cut the Kernels lead to 10-6.

 

Adrian Williams kept the inning going with a walk. Stang followed with a bunt single to get Walla home and the score was 10-7.

 

Lance Roenicke loaded the bases with an infield single. Then, Brandon Macias dropped a single into center to score a single run. The score was 10-8 with the bases loaded again, one out, and Ben McMahan due to hit.

 

McMahan had already batted with the bases loaded once in the game. In the fifth inning, he flew out to right. In the eighth, McMahan drove a flyball to the wall in right field for another three-run triple and the Rattlers took the lead 11-10.

 

Closer Tommy Toledo came on to pitch the eighth inning and he worked around a two out single. In the ninth, he could not work around Borenstein. Andy Workman doubled with one out and took third base on a grounder to short for the second out of the inning.

 

Borenstein lined the first pitch he saw from Toledo over the wall in right for the game-winning home run.

 

Wisconsin returns home to begin a brief three game homestand against the Kane County Cougars. Game one of the set is Saturday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The Timber Rattlers have Matt Miller (7-5, 3.95) as their scheduled starting pitcher. Kane County plans to send Angel Baez (3-2, 2.52) to the mound as their starter. Game time is 6:35pm.

 

The Timber Rattlers and Fox River Mall invited Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, and Tiana to our castle for the game and they look forward to greeting fans under the first base picnic pavilion during the game as part of Storybook Princess Night.

 

The first 500 fans to attend the game will receive coupon packets, bracelets and feather boas compliments of Fox River Mall and the first 500 kids will also receive a princess toothbrush provided by Dental Associates. Exhibitors from the mall (Things Remembered, Great American Cookie Company, Pandora, and more) will be on the main concourse of the stadium with services and prizes like hand massages, beauty kits, and bracelets. Little princess fans may register to win Fox River Mall gift cards and Club Sassafras Princess Parties, too.

 

Plus, it's a Fly Away Saturday. One lucky fan will win charter airfare for two from Funjet Vacations and Fox World Travel at this game.

 

The Timber Rattlers are still celebrating Independence Day, so stick around after the game for a FOX-11 fireworks display!

 

If you can't make it out to the game, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:15pm. Saturday's game will also be available to subscribers of MiLB.TV.

 

HOME RUNS:

WIS:

Nick Ramirez (8th, 0 on in 6tth inning, off Logan Odom, 0 out)

 

CR:

Zach Borenstein (5th, 2 on in 7th inning off Stosh Wawrzasek, 2 out)

Zach Borenstein (6th, 1 on in 9th inning, off Tommy Toledo, 2 out)

 

WP: Ty Kelley (4-1)

LP: Tommy Toledo (7-1)

 

TIME: 3:28

ATTN: 3,402

 

 

 

Wisconsin Box Score

 

Ouch. That was a punch to the gut. Huge comeback by the Rattlers tonight with an 8 run eighth inning only to lose it in the ninth. Surprisingly with 11 runs scored, Wisconsin only had two guys with multiple hits. Chadwin Stang was 2 for 5 with 2 RBI, and Ben McMahan was 2 for 5 with a triple and 3 runs batted in. Nick Ramirez cracked his eighth home run of the year. Max Walla knocked in four runs. Brandon Macias went 1 for 3 and drew two walks. Not sure what happened with Carlos George but he came out of the game in the 5th inning and was pinch ran for by Adrian Williams who drew a pair of walks after staying in the game at second base.

 

Chad Thompson was the T-Rats starter tonight. He went five, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out four. Jacob Barnes followed and had a rough outing. He gave up seven runs, all earned in just 1 2/3 innings. Stosh Wawrzasek came in to relieve Barnes with two on in the seventh and promptly gave up a three run bomb. Tommy Toledo came in after the Timber Rattlers took the lead in the eighth. He worked a scoreless eighth before giving up the two run walk-off shot with two outs in the ninth.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

 

The 8th inning comeback

Wisconsin Top of the 8th

Ben McMahan singles on a line drive to center fielder Chevy Clarke.

Nick Ramirez strikes out swinging.

Cameron Garfield walks. Ben McMahan to 2nd.

Yadiel Rivera walks. Ben McMahan to 3rd. Cameron Garfield to 2nd.

Pitcher Change: Stephen Tromblee replaces Joe Melioris.

Max Walla triples (1) on a ground ball to right fielder Andy Workman. Ben McMahan scores. Cameron Garfield scores. Yadiel Rivera scores.

Adrian Williams walks.

Chadwin Stang singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Kevin Moesquit. Max Walla scores. Adrian Williams to 2nd.

Lance Roenicke singles on a ground ball to shortstop Eric Stamets. Adrian Williams to 3rd. Chadwin Stang to 2nd.

Brandon Macias singles on a line drive to right fielder Andy Workman. Adrian Williams scores. Chadwin Stang to 3rd. Lance Roenicke to 2nd.

Ben McMahan triples (5) on a fly ball to right fielder Andy Workman. Chadwin Stang scores. Lance Roenicke scores. Brandon Macias scores.

Nick Ramirez strikes out swinging, catcher Zach Wright to first baseman Trevor Hairgrove.

Cameron Garfield strikes out swinging, catcher Zach Wright to first baseman Trevor Hairgrove.

[And That]

A few thoughts...

 

Clint Coulter appears to be overmatched right now. It's been years since we've seen a 1st rounder get off to a great start.

 

Taylor Jungmann's K/9 is reaching Suppanish levels. I understand that a guy who gets a lot of groundballs doesn't need a ton of Ks, but this is a guy who was a big time college pitcher, pitching in A-ball, apparently without an out pitch?

 

I do like Chad Thompson.

 

At what point do we start paying a lot of attention to Jose Pena?

 

At what point does Jason Rogers get bumped to AA? He's Burgosed out with the Manatees already. He could rotate between 1B/LF/DH in the Stars lineup without upsetting the applecart too much. And not that it's a great applecart to begin with.

 

I'd like to see what Michael Garza could do in Appleton. Macias and/or Hopkins wouldn't be hurt with promotions.

[Tedaldtada]

Seven-run seventh propels 'Tees

07/06/2012 10:55 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/07/06/3sYbRwkf.jpg

Manatees starting pitcher Taylor Jungmann allowed one earned run in seven innings of work as Brevard County defeated Tampa, 10-2 on Friday night. Jungmann is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA since the All-Star break. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography) (Side note: no head whip evident here for Jungmann unless this is literally a few frames prior.)

 

VIERA, Fla. - A seven-run seventh inning capped off by a grand slam by Cody Hawn lifted the Brevard County Manatees to a 10-2 win over the Tampa Yankees on Friday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

Taylor Jungmann (7-4, 3.35) started on the mound for the 'Tees and went seven innings and allowed two runs - one earned - on five hits. The 2011 first round pick walked two and struck out two. Jungmann is 4-0 with a 2.18 ERA in his last six starts and has a 1.04 ERA in his first three starts of the second half of the FSL season. (That promotion timer is starting to quiver.)

 

The two runs that Jungmann allowed came in the top of the first. He allowed back-to-back singles to Mason Williams and Ramon Flores to start the game. Then Adnois Garcia reached base on a throwing error by third baseman Mike Walker; that allowed Williams to score and moved Flores and Garcia to third and second respectively.

 

After a walk to Slade Heathcott, Jungmann induced a double play ball off the bat of Kyle Roller which allowed Flores to score and make it 2-0 in favor of Tampa. Zach Wilson popped out to end the inning as the 'Tees escaped any further damage. Jungmann allowed just three hits in his next six innings of work after a shaky first inning.

 

Brevard (9-6 second half, 38-45 overall) cut Tampa's lead in half right away in the bottom of the first. Reggie Keen led off with a double, moved to third on a Nick Shaw ground out and then scored on a Jason Rogers ground out.

 

The game remained 2-1 in favor of the Yankees (8-7, 38-44) until the bottom of the sixth. Shaw led the inning off with a walk and then moved to third on a single by Rogers that put runners at the corners. Walker then ripped a double that hopped over the short fence in left to score Shaw and tied the game at 2-2.

 

The Manatees took the lead as Rogers scored on a wild pitch to make it a 3-2 game. Tampa retired the last three hitters of the inning in order to prevent any more damage.

 

The game blew wide open in the seventh and it started with a lead-off walk by Parker Berberet. Back-to-back singles by Franklin Romero Jr. and Reggie Keen loaded the bases and chased Tampa's Aaron Dott from the game as Kramer Sneed took the hill.

 

He was greeted rudely by Shaw as he singled to right to plate Berberet and Romero Jr. as the 'Tees extended their lead to 5-2. Rogers then stepped in and on the 3-1 pitch of his at-bat, Keen stole home to make it 6-2, as Rogers took ball four to put runners on first and second.

 

Walker then grounded out to move Shaw and Rogers up 90 feet each. After an intentional walk to Brock Kjeldgaard, Hector Gomez flew out to left for the second out of the inning.

 

Cody Hawn then stepped to the dish and had already struck out three times on the night. He would redeem himself in a big way and put the game out of reach as he drove a ball to right field that snuck over the fence for Brevard's first grand slam of the season. (bet that felt real good.)

 

Keen and Shaw set the pace offensively for the Manatees at the top of the batting order. Keen was 2-for-5 with two runs scored, while Shaw was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.

 

With their series win over the Yankees behind them, Brevard will open a three-game set with the Clearwater Threshers beginning on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. The Manatees currently have a half-game lead over the Threshers (9-7, 45-37) in the second half North division standings.

 

Southpaw Jed Bradley (5-7, 4.84) will take the hill for the 'Tees in the series opener. The 2011 first round draft pick has struggled against Clearwater this season as he is 0-2 with a 7.80 ERA in three starts against the Threshers.

 

Clearwater will send their own lefty to the mound as Adam Morgan (3-8, 3.55) will get the start for the Threshers. Morgan is 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA in three starts versus the 'Tees in 2012.

 

Box Score

 

There is a lot to digest in that game story. Most important is that the Manatees are in 1st place!

 

Taylor Jungmann is starting to buck a little bit. Unfortunately, I'm not sure the right pieces are available to back fill unless you think Matt Miller is ready for a bump. 7 IP 5 H 2 R 1 ER 2 BB 2 K 15:2 GO:FO as Jungmann powered through 29 hitters. The secret to his recent success has been the ground outs. Greg Holle and Eric Arnett put the game on lock, as they say, with a scoreless inning each. Arnett had 2 K.

 

The top of the order clogged the bases and Cody Hawn hit a huge grand slam to cap a 7 run inning. Reggie Keen (2-5 2B SB (28)) and Nick Shaw (3-4 BB) reached 6 times. Keen is essentially mirroring his 2011 slash line from WI. Small percentage drops across the board, but nothing major. Jason Rogers (1-3 2 BB) reached another 3 times in this one. Brock Kjeeldgaard is hitting .119 since returning from his ailment.

 

Mike Walker made his 15th error and Nick Shaw his 14th.

 

Game Log

 

7-run innings are always worth a post.

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 7th

 

Parker Berberet walks.

Franklin Romero Jr. singles on a ground ball to right fielder Adonis Garcia. Parker Berberet to 2nd.

Reggie Keen singles on a ground ball to center fielder Mason Williams. Parker Berberet to 3rd. Franklin Romero Jr. to 2nd.

Pitcher Change: Kramer Sneed replaces Aaron Dott.

Nick Shaw singles on a ground ball to right fielder Adonis Garcia. Parker Berberet scores. Franklin Romero Jr. Reggie Keen to 3rd.

Jason Rogers walks. Nick Shaw to 2nd. Reggie Keen steals (28) home.

Mike Walker grounds out, pitcher Kramer Sneed to first baseman Kyle Roller. Nick Shaw to 3rd. Jason Rogers to 2nd.

Kramer Sneed intentionally walks Brock Kjeldgaard.

Hector Gomez flies out to left fielder Ramon Flores.

Cody Hawn hits a grand slam (8) to right field. Nick Shaw scores. Jason Rogers scores. Brock Kjeldgaard scores.

Parker Berberet strikes out swinging.

[Tedaldtada]

Billings (Reds) 12 Helena 7

 

Box Score

 

Many Canadian pitchers were rocked in this one.

 

The hitters did their best to keep pace, but it was not enough. Also, big lineup shuffle in this one. New lead off hitter Michael Reed (4-5 2 2B BB) had his biggest night yet. I think we are all wondering what kind of hitter Reed is going to turn into. Is he a Mark Loretta type? I think we were all kind of dreaming for more, which just proves how unreal our expectations can be. Tonight's big game will skyrocket his slash line for now, but before tonight, that SLG% was lagging below the OBP%. New 3-hitter Chris McFarland (1-5 BB) has cooled a bit recently, so hopefully he picks it up. Adam Giacalone (1-3 2B 2 BB) has shown some good signs recently after that horrid start. Michael Turay (1-5 HR) went yard. Michael Garza (1-5 BB SB (5)) saw his average drop but he did engage in base larceny.

 

3 errors for the good guys including Alfredo Rodriguez's (1-3 SAC SB (5)) 6th.

 

Game Log

 

David Otterman was battling until the 4th.

 

Billings Bottom of the 4th

 

Robert Maddox singles on a line drive to right fielder Raul Mondesi.

Gabriel Rosa doubles (4) on a line drive to center fielder Michael Reed. Robert Maddox scores.

Jeff Gelalich walks.

Seth Mejias-Brean walks. Gabriel Rosa to 3rd. Jeff Gelalich to 2nd.

Robert Ramirez triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Michael Reed. Gabriel Rosa scores. Jeff Gelalich scores. Seth Mejias-Brean scores.

Pitcher Change: Michael White replaces David Otterman.

With Fray Sosa batting, throwing error by Michael Turay on the pickoff attempt, Robert Ramirez scores.

Fray Sosa singles on a line drive to left fielder Ruben Ozuna.

Beau Amaral flies out to left fielder Ruben Ozuna.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jon Matthews replaces Jesse Winker.

Jon Matthews strikes out swinging.

Daniel Pigott walks. Fray Sosa to 2nd.

With Robert Maddox batting, wild pitch by Michael White, Fray Sosa to 3rd. Daniel Pigott to 2nd.

Robert Maddox walks.

Gabriel Rosa grounds out, pitcher Michael White to first baseman Adam Giacalone.

 

The only 1-2-3 inning of the night was turned in by Leonard Lorenzo.

 

Billings Bottom of the 6th

 

Jon Matthews grounds out, shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez to first baseman Adam Giacalone.

Daniel Pigott strikes out swinging.

Robert Maddox grounds out to pitcher Leonard Lorenzo.

[DHonks]

Garza is quite Hurricane-like in stats!

[TheCrew07]

Vargas, Sounds Blank Memphis, 2-0

Maysonet, Gindl Homer To Provide Nashville Runs In Win

 

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Claudio Vargas combined with three relievers on a six-hit shutout and Edwin Maysonet and Caleb Gindl homered to lead the Sounds to a 2-0 victory over Memphis on Friday evening at AutoZone Park.

 

The win was Nashville's PCL-leading ninth shutout of the year, two better than any other club (New Orleans ranks second with seven). The Sounds (38-51) have won seven of their last 10 contests.

 

Vargas (3-1) twirled six scoreless innings, scattering five hits and striking out three batters, to earn the victory. It marked the right-hander's second quality start among his 10 Nashville outings.

 

After Mike McClendon followed Vargas with a 1-2-3 seventh, Juan Perez worked into and out of a jam in the eighth. The left-hander allowed runners to reach second and third with one out before striking out Mark Hamilton then inducing an inning-ending grounder from Eugenio Velez to escape with the 2-0 lead intact.

 

All-Star closer Jim Henderson closed things out with a perfect ninth, striking out Pete Kozma to close out the shutout and notch his team-leading 10th save.

 

Maysonet put the Sounds on the board when he led off the third inning with his first Triple-A homer of the season, a solo shot to left off Memphis starter Tyler Lyons.

 

· AUDIO: Edwin Maysonet Go-Ahead HR

 

Nashville center fielder Logan Schafer left the game early after injuring his right thumb during a headfirst slide into second on his team-leading 18th double to lead off the fourth.

 

The Sounds' middle infield -- shortstop Jeff Bianchi and second baseman Eric Farris -- turned an outstanding double play on a Cedric Hunter grounder in the bottom of the fourth to help Vargas escape a one-out, first-and-third jam.

 

· AUDIO: Bianchi & Farris Turn Two

 

Gindl (2-for-2), who replaced Schafer mid-game, doubled the Nashville lead to 2-0 with a two-out solo homer to deep right-center off Lyons. The blast, which landed in the Sounds' bullpen, was the outfielder's fifth big fly of the year.

 

· AUDIO: Caleb Gindl Solo HR

 

Lyons (0-4) remained winless for Memphis as he was saddled with a tough-luck loss after allowing only two runs, both on homers, and striking out eight Sounds batters over his seven frames of work.

 

The teams continue the series with a 6:05 p.m. meeting on Saturday. Right-hander Wily Peralta (4-8, 5.44) -- a winner in three of his last four outings -- looks to keep recent success going when he toes the rubber for Nashville to face right-hander Shelby Miller (4-7, 6.00), the St. Louis Cardinals' top prospect.

 

Nashville Box Score

Hopefully Logan Schafer is okay, he's had a ridiculous number of lame injuries that are probably the primary reason we have to endure Morgan on the MLB roster. Ya, ya, I know he provides all the flava...T-Plush... woowoo, and stuff, and that.

 

Quite the pitching match-up tomorrow from many points of view. For some reason this Nashville team makes me long for Frank Kremblas, it's too bad the Pirates were smart enough to move him into the front office, we could use a colorful minor league coach who works hard in more ways than one.

 

Claudio Vargas is on the short list of pitchers I will never watch in person again, for some reason I have this irrational hatred of how long it takes him to pitch. After screaming at the television incessantly every inning for an entire season I decided the problem must lie with me and not in his pitching style, as whatever he needs to do get outs... I wonder after a good start if some people on the other forums here will take notice and start beating the drum for his recall as well.

 

In case you didn't notice from the game stories Caleb Gindl has been pretty hot lately, he's hitting .371 over his last 10 games. It's always good to beat the Cards and Cubs minor league teams, prepares them for the future.

 

Nashville Play By Play

[TheCrew07]

Final: DSL Tigers 9, DSL Brewers 8

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

Well this game was played in a manner more reminiscent of our more recent DSL teams with 5 errors and 5 unearned runs in a high scoring loss. Milton Gomez has gone 5 innings and given up 2 earned runs in each of his last 3 starts, he did strike 4 today which was highest total of the season. The 6th inning was maybe the most poorly played inning at any level so far this season and they only gave up 4 runs. At least Victor Diaz pitched 2 scoreless innings to close it out, he still hasn't allowed a run but hasn't pitched a full 9 innings on the season yet.

 

Since pretty much everyone in the line-up had a defensive miscue they needed to make up for it with the bats and came up just a run short. Elvis Rubio led the way going 3-5 with a 2B but Juan Ortiz managed the only other multi-hit effort going 2-5 in the game. Raphachel Colatosti (man I have a hard time spelling that name for some reason) added a big 3 run double and Yunior Santana belted his second homer of the season.

 

Belonis had 2 errors, Dicent, Colatosti, and Rubio each added an error of their own and finally Martinez piled on with a PB in the middle of that terrible 6th.

 

DSL Brewers Play By Play

The Brewers put crooked numbers in the 2nd and 6th...

 

DSL Brewers Bottom of the 1st

• Francisco Castillo flies out to center fielder Samuel Crafort.
  Raphachel Colatosti strikes out swinging.
  Carlos Belonis singles on a line drive to right fielder Ignacio Valdez.
  With Elvis Rubio batting, wild pitch by Vijandrick Jacobs, Carlos Belonis to 2nd.
  Elvis Rubio doubles (7) on a line drive to right fielder Ignacio Valdez. Carlos Belonis scores.
  With Juan Ortiz batting, passed ball by Omar Oses, Elvis Rubio to 3rd.
  Juan Ortiz called out on strikes.

 

 

DSL Brewers Bottom of the 6th

• Jose Dicent walks.
  Yunior Santana homers (2) on a fly ball to right center field. Jose Dicent scores.
  Pitcher Change: Juan Falcon replaces Jesus Guzman.
  Carlos Pena grounds out to first baseman Lenny Pena.
  Kevin Martinez singles on a line drive to right fielder Ignacio Valdez.
  Francisco Castillo grounds out, shortstop Manuel Joseph to first baseman Lenny Pena. Kevin Martinez to 2nd.
  Raphachel Colatosti grounds out, third baseman Francisco Contreras to first baseman Lenny Pena.
  

 

...but gave up these innings back to back for the loss.

 

DSL Tigers Top of the 6th

• Pitcher Change: Miguel Diaz replaces Milton Gomez.
  Felix G. Santana walks.
  Manuel Joseph out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Miguel Diaz to second baseman Raphachel Colatosti. Felix G. Santana to 2nd.
  Omar Oses reaches on fielding error by shortstop Carlos Belonis. Felix G. Santana scores. Omar Oses to 2nd.
  Yerison Pena reaches on throwing error by second baseman Raphachel Colatosti. Omar Oses scores. Yerison Pena advances to 2nd, on throwing error by first baseman Elvis Rubio.
  Sandy Acevedo singles on a line drive to right fielder Yunior Santana. Yerison Pena to 3rd. Sandy Acevedo to 2nd on the throw.
  With Francisco Contreras batting, passed ball by Kevin Martinez, Yerison Pena scores. Sandy Acevedo to 3rd.
  Francisco Contreras walks.
  Pitcher Change: Felix Paulino replaces Miguel Diaz.
  Samuel Crafort singles on a line drive to right fielder Yunior Santana. Sandy Acevedo scores. Francisco Contreras to 3rd.
  Lenny Pena strikes out swinging.
  Ignacio Valdez lines out to third baseman Jose Dicent.

 

DSL Tigers Top of the 7th

• Defensive Substitution: Natanael Mejia replaces catcher Kevin Martinez, batting 9th, playing catcher.
  Felix G. Santana pops out to third baseman Jose Dicent in foul territory.
  Manuel Joseph doubles (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Francisco Castillo.
  Omar Oses walks.
  Yerison Pena called out on strikes.
  Sandy Acevedo triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Yunior Santana. Manuel Joseph scores. Omar Oses scores.
  Francisco Contreras flies out to center fielder Francisco Castillo.
  

[Mass Haas]

Sounds hit two home runs in shutout of Redbirds

By Luke Johnson, Memphis Commercial Appeal

 

Maybe it was the 42-minute weather delay, but both starting pitchers cruised through the opposing lineup like they had an important date after the game in Nashville's 2-0 win against Memphis on Friday night in AutoZone Park.

 

Redbirds starter Tyler Lyons (0-4) entered with an ugly 7.40 ERA in four starts since his June 15 debut, but he spent most of the night in control of his pitches and the Sounds bats.

 

The left-hander struck out eight in seven innings and gave up two runs. He spent much of the night pounding the strike zone, with 60 of his 94 pitches in for strikes.

 

But Lyons' evening was derailed by two homers despite what were at times blustery conditions.

 

"He threw his fastball on both sides of the plate," said Redbirds manager "Pop" Warner. "He made a couple mistakes … but usually that's not going to beat you."

 

After breezing through the first six batters, Lyons let a 1-0 fastball drift over the plate to Sounds left fielder Edwin Maysonet, who sent it over the left-field fence to lead off the third.

 

Caleb Gindl, who entered after Sounds starting center fielder Logan Schafer was hurt sliding into second base on a fourth-inning double, took Lyons deep to right-center field for the game's only other run in the sixth.

 

The homers were plenty against Lyons as his counterpart kept the balls in the park. Journeyman starter Claudio Vargas (3-1) turned in six shutout innings for the Sounds, stranding five runners.

 

"It was a solid effort," Warner said. "We kind of wasted a good outing by (Lyons). But give them credit, Vargas pitched good and their bullpen shut us down."

 

The 'Birds failed to cash in on several opportunities, with their best chance in the eighth.

 

Trailing 2-0, Memphis opened the inning with a walk and a single. Shortstop Ryan Jackson then bunted both over.

 

The stage was set — two runners in scoring position with one out and the Redbirds' Nos. 3 and 4 hitters coming up with a combined 23 home runs. But first baseman Mark Hamilton feebly chased strike three, and Eugenio Velez, who started in right field, grounded out to second and end the threat.

 

Sounds all-star Jim Henderson pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 10th save.

 

The Redbirds handed out replica World Series rings to the first 3,000 fans. The first reported fan set up at 10 a.m., waiting seven hours in blistering heat before the gates opened.

[Mass Haas]

Helena Independent Record staff analyze the box score and provide a game summary of the road contest --

 

Brewers trampled by Mustangs in Billings

 

The Helena Brewers outhit the Billings Mustangs handily, but were undone by 15 stranded base runners and three errors in a 12-7 Pioneer League road loss on Friday night.

 

Helena had its second straight horrible night batting with runners in scoring position in Billings, going 2 for 20 on Friday after going just 2 for 14 in Thursday’s 7-2 defeat.

 

The Brewers actually outhit the Mustangs 12-10, but Billings exploded for five runs in the bottoms of the fourth and eighth innings for the majority of their offense.

 

Billings’ Robert Ramirez went 3 for 4 with five runs batted in to lead that effort, while Gabriel Rosa was 2 for 5 with two runs scored and two runs knocked in on his pair of doubles.

 

Dan Langfield (2-0) pitched two innings of relief, allowing two hits and a run while striking out two to pick up the win for the Mustangs.

 

Erik Miller pitched the final 1.1 innings and allowed a hit while striking out two to pick up his first save of the season.

 

Helena starter David Otterman (0-1) lasted three innings and gave up six earned runs on just four hits to take the loss. Otterman hurt his cause by walking a pair of batters and plunking another in the Mustangs’ five-run fourth inning.

 

The Brewers wasted a 4-for-5 night from Michael Reed that included a pair of doubles but produced no runs batted in.

 

Michael Turay hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to finish 1 for 5 with three RBIs. Alfredo Rodriguez was 1 for 3 (plus two HBP's) and added his own pair of RBIs for the Brewers in the loss.

 

Last-place Helena next hosts Missoula today at 7:00 PM (8:00 Central) in the opener of a three-game home series that will run through Monday night.

[Mass Haas]

As nice a job as the Independent Record does, the Billings Gazette is amazing for Reds' fans. At today's link, more photos, video, and text, just enough Brewer references to make it worth a click.

[Mass Haas]

Borenstein’s walk-off homer gives Kernels unbelievable 12-11 win

By Jeff Johnson, Cedar Rapids Gazette

 

CEDAR RAPIDS — One of the most endearing things about the grand old game of baseball is that no matter how many times you watch it, there’s always the possibility of seeing something you’ve never seen before. Something that makes you go “unbelievable.”

 

It’s arguable many, if any, of the 3,402 folks on hand Friday night at ever steamy Veterans Memorial Stadium have seen anything like last night’s 12-11 win for the Cedar Rapids Kernels over Wisconsin. It was unbelievable.

 

Zach Borenstein’s no-doubter two-out, two-run home run to right saved the Kernels from what would have been their worst defeat of the Midwest League season. Hands down.

 

Wisconsin scored eight times in the eighth inning to take an 11-10 lead. But Borenstein bailed his club out big time with his fourth hit of the game, his second homer and fifth and sixth RBIs.

 

“This team has had so many tough losses,” he said, after watching game highlights with celebratory teammates on the in-house television in the Kernels clubhouse. “This would have been another one-run loss, probably the worst loss. I mean, they’re all tough. It just feels good to pick up some of the guys that have done so well all year.”

 

Where to begin here?

 

Wisconsin had not one, but two bases-loaded triples in the eighth. The second, from Ben McMahan, put them ahead for what looked like for good.

 

Five of the runs in the snowman inning were charged to Kernels reliever Stephen Tromblee. That’s unbelievable because Tromblee, a Midwest League All-Star Game participant, had allowed six runs coming in … all season.

 

Andy Workman bounced a double off the left-field wall with one out in the Cedar Rapids ninth. A Zach Wright grounder to short moved him to third, bringing up Borenstein.

 

The lefty swung at the first pitch he saw from Wisconsin’s Tommy Toledo, crushing a hanging breaking ball well over the fence and deep into the hot night. Needless to say, he was mobbed at home plate.

 

“I always look for a fastball, just trying to be on time,” Borenstein said. “I’ve just been working on some stuff with Ellie (hitting coach Mike Eylward). Just keep my hands back … recognize the pitch. I wasn’t really thinking much there. Just looking for something in the zone.”

 

Toledo, by the way, lost for the first time in eight decisions this season. He had allowed only 16 hits in 34 innings coming in.

 

Yep, just one of the those nights at the ballpark. One of those unbelievable nights.

[Mass Haas]

Yes, this Rattlers game deserved a fantastic Nine After 9 and Chris came through again.

 

The fact that the bus then arrived back in Appleton at an ungodly time just makes us hope Chris enjoyed his awkward nap.

 

Back at it tonight, boys!

[Mass Haas]

STINSON, MORRIS LEAD STARS TO SERIES WIN

 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – On Friday night, the Huntsville Stars got their first series victory in over a month with a 4-2 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts in the rubber match of a three-game series at Joe Davis Stadium.

 

Following a 5-3 loss on Thursday night, the Stars got on the board early on Friday. In the second inning, third baseman Hainley Statia led off the inning with a double to get in scoring position. Shortstop Tommy Manzella hit an RBI single to give Huntsville a 1-0 lead.

 

Chattanooga scored their only runs of the ballgame in the fourth inning off of Stars starter Josh Stinson. Third baseman Pedro Baez started things out with a single, followed by a walk by catcher Matt Wallach. Lookouts starting pitcher Aaron Miller helped his own cause by striking out and forcing a throwing miscue by catcher Anderson De La Rosa following the play to score Baez. One batter later, an RBI single by shortstop Rafael Ynoa gave Chattanooga a 2-1 lead.

 

Fortunately for the Stars, they scored the final three runs of the game for the win. Starting in the fifth inning, an RBI single by Josh Prince tied up the game at 2-2. In the sixth, a solo home run by first baseman Hunter Morris put the Stars up 3-2. Lastly, in the eighth inning, an RBI single from second baseman Scooter Gennett gave Huntsville all the run support they needed.

 

On the pitching side, Stinson improved to 9-5 on the season with the victory. The 24-year-old righty gave up just two runs (none earned) on six hits in six innings of work. The Stars also got 1.2 innings of scoreless baseball from RHP Darren Byrd and a scoreless ninth inning from reliever Brandon Kintzler. For Kintzler, the save was his second of the season.

 

Offensively, Morris paced the Stars with a 3-for-4 night at the plate. For the Huntsville native, his sixth inning home run was his team-leading 11th on the season. In addition to Morris, Prince also added two hits.

 

The victory for the Stars improved their record to 2-7 in series-deciding games. The series victory was also their first since the first week in June against the Mississippi Braves.

 

On Saturday, the Stars will continue their six-game game home stand with the opener of a three-game series against the Jacksonville Suns. First pitch is at 6:43 PM.

[Mass Haas]

Not sure what happened with Carlos George but he came out of the game in the 5th inning and was pinch ran for by Adrian Williams who drew a pair of walks after staying in the game at second base.

 

Chris mentioned that Carlos George got hit by a pitch on his throwing hand in Thursday's Nine after 9. Apparently as soon as a backup infielder was finally available when Adrian Williams arrived mid-game, he was immediately inserted for George, probably as a precaution.

[Mass Haas]

Self-indulgent toot of my own horn --

 

I scored the second-best nationwide Tuesday in MLB.com's Million Dollar Pick 'Em by correctly picking 13 of the 15 Tuesday games. (If you pick all games correctly on a Tuesday-Friday combo, you win $1 million.)

 

So now I'm in the running for the best weekly combined score, and that's $1,000 (not quite $1 million), wish me luck.

 

A sub-par 6-for-15 night (I did pick the Brewers) had me out of the running for the top prize. Turns out I would have needed to go 11-for-15 (not unreasonable) to go to a tiebreaker with one other player nationwide for the money.

[TheCrew07]

Yes, this Rattlers game deserved a fantastic Nine After 9 and Chris came through again.

 

The fact that the bus then arrived back in Appleton at an ungodly time just makes us hope Chris enjoyed his awkward nap.

 

Back at it tonight, boys!

 

Best movie quote drop ever! I still watch that movie at least once a month.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Arizona Dodgers 7, Arizona Brewers 3

 

Box Score / Game Log

 

Nice relief work by RHP's Jono (yes, Jono) Armold and Austin Hall couldn't salvage poor results from starter Jorge Lopez (pains me to type that).

 

Five errors - ugh.

 

Jose Pena still hot - nice.

 

Catcher Dustin Houle doubled twice.

 

Gotta believe Khris Davis (another HR!) will be ending his rehab stint soon and joining the Stars again.

 

***

 

We need to try and firm up Maryvale overnight Link Report coverage. If anybody's up late, jump in. Goal is to tweet out a completed Link Report by 8:00 AM Eastern each day. Thanks!

[battlekow]

We need to try and firm up Maryvale overnight Link Report coverage. If anybody's up late, jump in. Goal is to tweet out a completed Link Report by 8:00 AM Eastern each day. Thanks!

I'll take Maryvale until/unless someone else wants it.