Link Report for Thurs. 8/2 -- Stars no-hitter unconventional, but hey -- NO-HITTER!

[TheCrew07]

Final: DSL Tigers 7, DSL Brewers 4

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

Well the second half swoon continues... Pedro Peguero started again and didn't make it through his first inning, between his 3 outings this season he has exactly 2 IP and has been charged with 6 runs on 4 walks and only 1 hit. Eliezer Montano certainly didn't help him today coming and giving up a double to the first batter he saw allowing both inherited runners to score. Montano then gave up a run of his own in the 2nd on 2 singles and a wild pitch but he did manage to settle in and record 3 scoreless innings to end his day. After the Brewers tied it in the 6th Eliezer gave way to Miguel Diaz who gave up 2 in the 6th and then was charged with 1 in the 7th when Felix Paulino came on to get him out of a jam but let a run score on a wild pitch.

 

Elvis Rubio (2-4,2B) had a nice day as did Raphachel Colatosti (2-3,BB) but that was it at the plate.

 

The action on the basepaths was insane, I'll just copy below:

BASERUNNING

SB: Colatosti (12, 2nd base off Rosario, H/Oses), Castillo, F (25, 2nd base off Rosario, H/Rodriguez, S), Rubio (4, 2nd base off Guzman, Je/Rodriguez, S), Santana, Y (4, 2nd base off Falcon/Rodriguez, S), Ortiz, Ju (15, 2nd base off Burgos, C/Rodriguez, S).

 

Check out the box, the Brewers only had 1 player hitting over .270 and 2 over .250 in the lineup today.

 

DSL Brewers Play By Play

 

Digging a hole early...

DSL Tigers Bottom of the 1st

• Samuel Crafort strikes out swinging.
  Yerison Pena walks.
  With Manuel Joseph batting, wild pitch by Pedro Peguero, Yerison Pena to 2nd.
  Manuel Joseph walks.
  Lenny Pena walks. Yerison Pena to 3rd. Manuel Joseph to 2nd.
  Felix G. Santana out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Yerison Pena scores.
  Pitching Change: Eliezer Montano replaces Pedro Peguero.
  Sandy Acevedo doubles (4) on a line drive to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Manuel Joseph scores. Lenny Pena scores.
  Francisco Contreras grounds out, shortstop Raphachel Colatosti to first baseman Juan De Leon.

 

A nice comeback to tie.

DSL Brewers Top of the 6th

• Pitching Change: Emanuel Chavez replaces Harold Rosario.
  Alejandro Mendoza hit by pitch.
  Jose Dicent grounds out to first baseman Lenny Pena. Alejandro Mendoza to 2nd.
  Juan De Leon strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Emanuel Chavez. Alejandro Mendoza to 3rd. Juan De Leon to 1st.
  With Elvis Rubio batting, wild pitch by Emanuel Chavez, Alejandro Mendoza scores. Juan De Leon to 2nd.
  Elvis Rubio singles on a ground ball to shortstop Manuel Joseph. Juan De Leon scores. Throwing error by shortstop Manuel Joseph.
  Pitching Change: Jesus Guzman replaces Emanuel Chavez.
  With Juan Ortiz batting, Elvis Rubio steals (4) 2nd base.
  Juan Ortiz grounds out, second baseman Yerison Pena to first baseman Lenny Pena. Elvis Rubio to 3rd.
  Pitching Change: Juan Falcon replaces Jesus Guzman.
  Yunior Santana reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Manuel Joseph. Elvis Rubio scores.
  With Raphachel Colatosti batting, Yunior Santana steals (4) 2nd base.
  Raphachel Colatosti walks.
  Kevin Martinez walks. Yunior Santana to 3rd. Raphachel Colatosti to 2nd.
  Francisco Castillo flies out to center fielder Sandy Acevedo.
  

 

And the pen gives it all back...

DSL Tigers Bottom of the 6th

• Pitching Change: Miguel Diaz replaces Eliezer Montano.
  Francisco Contreras strikes out swinging.
  Felix A. Santana hit by pitch.
  With Omar Oses batting, Felix A. Santana steals (13) 2nd base.
  With Omar Oses batting, wild pitch by Miguel Diaz, Felix A. Santana to 3rd.
  Omar Oses hit by pitch.
  With Sandy Rodriguez batting, Felix A. Santana steals (14) home. Omar Oses steals (5) 2nd base. Omar Oses advances to 3rd.
  Sandy Rodriguez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Francisco Castillo. Omar Oses scores.
  With Yerison Pena batting, Sandy Rodriguez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Kevin Martinez to shortstop Raphachel Colatosti.
  Yerison Pena grounds out to first baseman Juan De Leon.
  

 

DSL Tigers Bottom of the 7th

• Manuel Joseph hit by pitch.
  With Lenny Pena batting, Manuel Joseph steals (7) 2nd base.
  Lenny Pena walks.
  Pitching Change: Felix Paulino replaces Miguel Diaz.
  Felix G. Santana hits a sacrifice bunt. Manuel Joseph to 3rd. Lenny Pena to 2nd. Felix G. Santana to 1st.
  With Sandy Acevedo batting, wild pitch by Felix Paulino, Manuel Joseph scores. Lenny Pena to 3rd. Felix G. Santana to 2nd.
  Sandy Acevedo strikes out swinging.
  Francisco Contreras strikes out swinging.
  Felix A. Santana pops out to shortstop Raphachel Colatosti.

[markedman5]

Combined no hitter by Huntsville with 11 walks! lol

 

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/brewers.html

[TooLiveBrew]

@Huntsville 3, Chattanooga 1

 

Huntsville Box

I don't know if anybody heard yet, but the Stars tossed a no-hitter tonight. I'll let the Stars' & Southern League's postgame tweets cover some of the details:

 

Stars: With five combined pitchers and 11 walks, the @HuntsvilleStars throw their first no-no since June 2nd, 2008 (David Welch).

 

SL: The five pitchers used are the most ever for a Southern League no-hitter.

Jimmy Nelson started the game, working four innings before being pulled due to his pitch count. As I noted in post #22 in today's Link Report, a Stars tweet prior to the game passed along that, "Nelson will be on a 'low pitch count' tonight. He's still rehabbing." Really excellent to see Jimmy come back so strongly; this was just his second start since June 30th. He finished with 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K, 6:1 GO:AO, 64 TP.

 

Dan Merklinger took over to start the 5th and struggled mightily with his command, walking four batters including a bases-loaded walk to force in the Lookout's lone run. R.J. Seidel took over with the bags still full of Lookouts, and retired the first batter he faced on a liner to shortstop Jean Segura. After retiring the first batter in the 6th, Seidel had command problems of his own... issuing a walk, then a WP to the next batter before walking him as well. Fortunately Seidel was able to gut it out, as he induced a soft liner to short and a groundball for a force out at second base to end the frame.

 

Next up was Darren Byrd, who issued a two-out walk in the 7th for his only free pass issued. Byrd got a flyout to end the inning, and induced three groundball outs to work a perfect 8th. The last out of the inning is listed in the game log as "Matt Wallach grounds out sharply, first baseman Hunter Morris to pitcher Darren Byrd"... I wonder if that was your obligatory 'holy crap' play that every no-hitter seems to have. The fact that it was a sharply hit ball and Byrd wound up having to cover 1B at least suggests it could've been a diving stop by Morris. I wouldn't be surprised to learn there were multiple web gems in this one -- the Stars danced out of danger several times. Really looking forward to video highlights from this one!

 

Stars closer Brandon Kintzler came on --

-- to work the 9th. Kintzler put down Chattanooga 1-2-3 with a lineout to RF, swinging strikeout, and 4-3 groundout to earn the save and secure the no-hitter! Nicely done Brandon, & see you in Milwaukee in September (my speculation).

 

I won't ramble on from there, since there's sure to be numerous recaps of this one before much longer. I'll just say congratulations to the Stars and their pitchers tonight!

 

Brock Kjeldgaard had the big hit for Huntsville: a two-out, three-run opposite-field homer in the 3rd off of Chattanooga starter Chris Reed (#5 LAD prospect, pre-2012 by MLB.com). The blast came after leadoff man Lee Haydel (single) and Segura (walk) reached consecutively. Reed didn't seem to have much trouble with command in this one, aside from walking Segura and then falling behind Kjeldgaard 2-0. Baseball can be a cruel game sometimes, just glad the gods smiled on the Stars in this one.

 

Haydel finished 3-4 with three singles. Segura had his first hitless game since joining the organization, but drew two BBs and reached on an error in the 5th. The only other Huntsville player with a hit was Hainley Statia, who finished 1-4. Kentrail Davis went 0-2 with a BB, and was lifted from the game as part of a double-switch to start the top of the 7th. Both Morris and Scooter Gennett went 0-4; Anderson De La Rosa was 0-3, but I'm guessing that's not exactly what he's going to remember about catching this game

 

 

Huntsville PbP

Looks like "Downhill Thunder" might've taken one off the shin or foot in the 3rd, kudos to De La Rosa for being heads-up & securing the out:

 

Chattanooga Top of the 3rd

-Matt Wallach grounds out sharply, pitcher Jimmy Nelson to catcher Anderson De La Rosa to first baseman Hunter Morris.

-Chris Reed walks.

-Rafael Ynoa walks. Chris Reed to 2nd.

-Nick Buss strikes out swinging.

-Blake Smith grounds out softly, catcher Anderson De La Rosa to first baseman Hunter Morris.

 

Kjeldgaard's longball came in the very next half-inning:

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 3rd

-Jimmy Nelson grounds out to first baseman J. T. Wise.

-Lee Haydel singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Nick Buss.

-Jean Segura walks. Lee Haydel to 2nd.

-Scooter Gennett called out on strikes.

-Brock Kjeldgaard homers (3) on a fly ball to right field. Lee Haydel scores. Jean Segura scores.

-Hunter Morris strikes out swinging, catcher Matt Wallach to first baseman J. T. Wise.

 

 

Huntsville Gameday

[DHonks]

I didn't realize Clint Coulter was sporting an OBP over .400. Good job young man!

[TooLiveBrew]

Here are all the top halves of tonight's innings in Huntsville:

 

Chattanooga Top of the 1st

-Rafael Ynoa strikes out on a foul tip.

-Nick Buss lines out to left fielder Brock Kjeldgaard.

-Blake Smith grounds out, shortstop Jean Segura to first baseman Hunter Morris.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 2nd

-J. T. Wise called out on strikes.

-C. J. Retherford grounds out, third baseman Hainley Statia to first baseman Hunter Morris.

-Luis Nunez walks.

-Brahiam Maldonado grounds into a force out, third baseman Hainley Statia to second baseman Scooter Gennett. Luis Nunez out at 2nd.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 3rd

-Matt Wallach grounds out sharply, pitcher Jimmy Nelson to catcher Anderson De La Rosa to first baseman Hunter Morris.

-Chris Reed walks.

-Rafael Ynoa walks. Chris Reed to 2nd.

-Nick Buss strikes out swinging.

-Blake Smith grounds out softly, catcher Anderson De La Rosa to first baseman Hunter Morris.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 4th

-J. T. Wise grounds out, shortstop Jean Segura to first baseman Hunter Morris.

-C. J. Retherford flies out to right fielder Kentrail Davis.

-Luis Nunez walks.

-Brahiam Maldonado strikes out swinging.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 5th

-Pitching Change: Dan Merklinger replaces Jimmy Nelson, batting 9th.

-Matt Wallach walks.

-Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Aaron Miller replaces Chris Reed.

-Aaron Miller grounds out, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris. Matt Wallach to 2nd.

-Rafael Ynoa strikes out swinging.

-Chattanooga Lookouts second baseman Rafael Ynoa ejected by HP umpire Brent Rice.

-Nick Buss walks.

-Blake Smith walks. Matt Wallach to 3rd. Nick Buss to 2nd.

-J. T. Wise walks. Matt Wallach scores. Nick Buss to 3rd. Blake Smith to 2nd.

-Pitching Change: R. J. Seidel replaces Dan Merklinger, batting 9th.

-C. J. Retherford lines out to shortstop Jean Segura.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 6th

-Luis Nunez flies out to center fielder Lee Haydel.

-Brahiam Maldonado walks.

-With Matt Wallach batting, wild pitch by R. J. Seidel, Brahiam Maldonado to 2nd.

-Matt Wallach walks.

-Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Anthony Jackson replaces Red Patterson.

-Anthony Jackson lines out softly to shortstop Jean Segura.

-Jake Lemmerman grounds into a force out, shortstop Jean Segura to second baseman Scooter Gennett. Matt Wallach out at 2nd.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 7th

-Defensive switch from center field to left field for Lee Haydel.

-Defensive switch from left field to right field for Brock Kjeldgaard.

-Pitching Change: Darren Byrd replaces R. J. Seidel, batting 7th, replacing right fielder Kentrail Davis.

-Defensive Substitution: Josh Prince replaces pitcher R. Seidel, batting 9th, playing center field.

-Nick Buss strikes out swinging.

-Blake Smith grounds out, shortstop Jean Segura to first baseman Hunter Morris.

-J. T. Wise walks.

-C. J. Retherford flies out to right fielder Brock Kjeldgaard.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 8th

-Luis Nunez grounds out, third baseman Hainley Statia to first baseman Hunter Morris.

-Brahiam Maldonado grounds out, third baseman Hainley Statia to first baseman Hunter Morris.

-Matt Wallach grounds out sharply, first baseman Hunter Morris to pitcher Darren Byrd.

 

Chattanooga Top of the 9th

-Pitching Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Darren Byrd, batting 7th.

-Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Gorman Erickson replaces Javier Solano.

-Gorman Erickson lines out to right fielder Brock Kjeldgaard.

-Jake Lemmerman strikes out swinging.

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

[Tedaldtada]

Jupiter (Marlins) 9 Brevard County 0

 

Box Score

 

So, depressing factoid of the day; Giancarlo Stanton is younger then every single Brevard County Manatee in the box score tonight. Stanton, who is rehabbing a minor surgery, hit a homer to lead a relentless barrage of hits and runs for Jupiter.

 

Andy Moye got crushed. Eric Arnett gave up runs in all 3 innings he pitched. The stretch-out continues with Arnett. Thomas Keeling saved some face with 2 IP 0 R and 2 K.

 

At the plate, many jabs were thrown but zero hay-makers were landed. 9 singles and 0 walks. A few guys managed 2 hits (Nick Shaw, Mike Walker, Joey Paciorek).

 

No errors in this one. So there is that.

 

Game Log

 

I am too moral of a person to suggest sifting through this one.

[Tedaldtada]

Billings (Reds) 9 Helena 4

 

Box Score

 

Holy crap, great outing by a lefty starter in the Milwaukee system! Taylor Wall was fantastic; 5 IP 3 H 1 R 1 ER 0 BB 6 K 1 WP 6:1 GO:FO. The 2012 22nd rounder from Rice turned things around after 3 pretty bad appearances. Stack successes. Manny Ruiz was among the relivers that got crushed. Manny in particular, as he only managed to get 1 out.

 

Raul Mondesi Jr. gunned a guy at 2nd. That's 7 by my (assuredly off) count, and 1st in long time. Mondesi also hit a homer, his team leading 4th.

 

Adam Giacalone (3-4 2 2B) is a man alone in this lineup at this point. With McFarland and Reed struggling a tad lately, Giacalone has picked up the slack. The struggling Kevin Berard (2-4 SB) had a good game.

 

Game Log

[Tedaldtada]

'Tees hammered by Jupiter, 9-0

08/02/2012 11:52 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

VIERA, Fla. - One night after the Brevard County Manatees shut out the Jupiter Hammerheads, the tables were turned as the 'Tees were blanked 9-0 by Jupiter on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

Despite nine hits, including two each from Nick Shaw, Mike Walker and Joey Paciorek, the Manatees (22-19 second half, 51-58 overall) had just one base runner get past second base and left eight men on base for the night. Jupiter (19-20, 55-54) starting pitcher Robert Morey threw eight scoreless innings, while Dane Stone pitched a scoreless ninth.

 

Reigning Florida State League Pitcher of the Week, Andy Moye (5-3, 5.13) took the hill for the 'Tees and ran into some trouble with two outs in the third as he gave up a walk to Marcell Ozuna and then a single to Christian Yelich. Next up to the plate was the rehabbing Giancarlo Stanton who took a 1-0 fastball from Moye and went opposite field for a three-run homer.

 

Moye would give up one more run in the third and then another two-out RBI in the fourth as Jupiter took a 5-0 lead. Moye went just four innings and gave up eight hits, while walking two and striking out three.

 

Eric Arnett relieved Moye in the fifth and didn't fare much better in his three innings of work as he four runs on six hits and two walks.

 

Brevard County has now closed out the interdivision portion of their schedule as the 'Tees went 24-22 against the South division in 2012.

 

The Manatees will open up a big three-game series on the road against the Tampa Yankees (25-16, 55-53) beginning on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Brevard is currently three games behind the first place Yanks.

 

Southpaw Jed Bradley (5-9. 5.23) will get the ball for Brevard as he is looking for his first win since June 27. The 2011 first round pick will look to start August off on the right foot as he was 0-3 with a 6.67 ERA in five July starts.

 

The Yankees will send righty Zachary Nuding (5-2, 3.67) to the mound. In his only other start against Brevard this season back on April 25, Nuding struck out seven in six innings of work en route to a win.

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/08/03/MfJpZZPP.jpg

(Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

[bkrause2]

Final: Burlington 1, Wisconsin 3

 

 

Back-to-back homers propel Rattlers to win

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - Yadiel Rivera and Chadwin Stang hit consecutive solo home runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie with the Burlington Bees on Thursday afternoon at Time Warner Cable Field at Fix Cities Stadium. Pitchers Eric Semmelhack, Maverick Lasker, and Kevin Shackelford made sure that was enough. The trio of Wisconsin hurlers held that 3-1 lead to the end of the game as Wisconsin defeated Burlington.

 

Rashun Dixon gave the Bees (53-55 overall, 21-18 second half) a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. He hit a leadoff home run off Eric Semmelhack. The homer was the second of the series and ninth of the season for Dixon. That was the only run for the Bees. Semmelhack would work around three hits and three walks over five innings and - thanks to just enough offense - he would pick up the win.

 

Wisconsin (64-44, 20-19) answered in the Dixon home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Mike Garza drove in Max Walla with a two-out single to tie the game.

 

The Rattlers continued their recent power surge to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Rivera cracked a one out solo home run to the Burlington bullpen beyond the wall in left-center for a 2-1 lead. Stang was next and he crushed a 1-2 pitch over the batter's eye in center. The back-to-back homers put the Rattlers up 3-1. Wisconsin had homered 28 times in 28 games in the month of July and the two homers on Wednesday gave them 30 home runs in their last 30 games.

 

Stang, who also doubled later in the game, pushed his hitting streak to 17 games with his two hits on Thursday. The 17-game hitting streak is tied for the second longest in the Midwest League this season. The Rattlers centerfielder is 26-for-73 (.356) during the streak.

 

Lasker took over for Semmelhack and tossed three scoreless innings. Kevin Shackelford tossed a scoreless ninth for his fourth save of the season.

 

The final game of the four game series is Friday night. Jacob Barnes (4-3, 3.24) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Julio Ramos (0-0, 0.75) is set to start for the Bees. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

Fang T. Rattler, the mascot of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers turns 18 this year and the Rattlers are throwing him a big party on Friday night. Numerous mascots from local businesses and sports teams will join the festivities. The annual mascot kickball game begins at 6:00pm on field. All of the mascots will help with promotions and interact with fans during the game. Just watch out for Gnaf T. Rattler, the evil twin of Fang. It is also Gnaf's birthday, but he is a little jealous of the attention that Fang is receiving on his big day.

 

There is a CANS 4 CAKE Food Drive with donations to benefit St. Joe's Food Program, too. Bring in a non-perishable food item as a donation and receive a slice of Fang's birthday cake.

 

It's also a North Shore Bank Family Night and children 12 and under eat free. Settle in after the game to watch a spectacular fireworks display. Children 14 and under may participate in Kids Run the Bases presented by Jernegan's Health Mart after the fireworks.

 

If you can't make it to the game, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show starting at 6:45pm. Friday's game is also available on MiLB.TV.

 

HOME RUNS:

BUR:

Rashun Dixon (9th, 0 on in 4th inning off Eric Semmelhack, 0 out)

 

WIS:

Yadiel Rivera (11th, 0 on in 5th inning off AJ Cole, 1 out)

Chadwin Stang (6th, 0 on in 5th inning off AJ Cole, 1 out)

 

WP: Eric Semmelhack (1-0)

LP: AJ Cole (5-3)

SAVE: Kevin Shackelford (4)

 

TIME: 2:41

ATTN: 2,639

 

Wisconsin Box Score

 

Eric Semmelhack got his first Timber Rattlers win, going five innings and allowing just one run on three hits. Maverick Lasker pitched three solid innings of relief, giving up just two hits. Kevin Shackleford pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save.

 

It looked like it was going to be a long day for Rattlers hitters, as Burlington starter A.J. Cole mowed them down in the first three innings. But they got to Cole for a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth. Yadiel Rivera and Chadwin Stang hit back-to-back home runs. Both were absolutely crushed. Rivera's in to the Burlington bullpen and Stang to straight away center field over the batter's eye. Stang finished the day 2-4. Max Walla, Michael Garza and Rafael Neda were all 1-3.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

 

Wisconsin Bottom of the 5th

Rafael Neda grounds out sharply, third baseman Wade Kirkland to first baseman Maxwell Muncy.

Yadiel Rivera homers (11) on a fly ball to left center field.

Chadwin Stang homers (6) on a fly ball to center field.

Max Walla called out on strikes.

Brandon Macias flies out to left fielder Rashun Dixon.

[Tedaldtada]

AZL A's 11 AZL Brewers 2

 

Box Score

 

Jeez, 3 stinkers for me tonight. At least I can write more positive things about Clint Coulter. Tonight he went 2-4 with a HR, a SB and a clean sheet on defense. He started so slow but now he is on track to be an AZL League All-Star (if there is such a thing). I love this kids upside.

 

Angel Ortega went 2-4 with 2 2B's. The 6'2" 170 lb 18-year old has flashed XBH power at times. I love this kids upside too.

 

Dionis Hinojosa went 2-3 with a 3B.

 

Danny Keller and Zachary Quintana split up the innings evenly tonight. Quintana continues to strike guys out (5 K in 4 IP) but he got nicked up along the way. Keller had another rough outing in what is becoming a pretty disappointing year for him. If you like meaningless comps, you could argue that Quintana is more advanced and having more success than Jake Odorizzi at the same age. Similar repertoires too. Keep a close eye on the 5'11" Quintana.

 

Jose Pena got a much needed breather.

 

Game Log

[TheCrew07]

After taking the lead the top of the 9th, 3 Nashville relievers give back 2 runs in the bottom, and the score is tied in the top of the ninth. This is a west coast conspiracy!

 

If by chance I fall asleep waiting for this game to finish I'll get Nashville in the AM.

[TheCrew07]

story popped as I finished my post, not editing my post so there may be repeat information

Final: Fresno 4, Nashville 3 (11 Innings)

 

Sounds Lose To Fresno In Extras, 4-3

Tyler Thornburg Tosses Five Shutout Frames In No-Decision

 

FRESNO, Calif. - Ryan Lollis connected with an RBI double in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Fresno Grizzlies a 4-3 win over the Nashville Sounds on Thursday night at Chukchansi Park in the second game of a four-game series.

 

With one out in the inning and Amaury Rivas (4-7) on the mound, Fresno pinch hitter Ydwin Villegas doubled to center field and scored the go-ahead run on the next play on Lollis' game-winning two-bagger.

 

Snapping a three-game winning streak, it was Nashville's (51-62) second extra-inning game in a row and eleventh this season (5-6 in those contests).

 

In his second Triple-A start and first since rejoining the Sounds after being optioned last week by the Brewers, Tyler Thonburg allowed three hits and two walks over five scoreless frames. The right-hander also struck out seven with 75 pitches (52 strikes) in a no-decision.

 

Fresno starter Eric Hacker also tossed a no-decision, striking out four while giving up three hits in seven scoreless innings.

 

The game was scoreless until the Grizzlies took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth. Reliever Donovan Hand entered the game and allowed a one-out walk to Todd Linden, who moved to scoring position on a passed ball. Brock Bond then hit an RBI single to right field to score Linden.

 

The Sounds struck back to take a 3-1 in the visiting half of the eighth. Grizzlies reliever Dan Runzler recorded the first two outs of the frame before allowing a couple of walks to outfielders Caleb Gindl and Khris Davis. Third baseman Taylor Green tied the game with an RBI single to left field, followed by a two-run base hit by first baseman Jordan Brown.

 

· AUDIO: Green RBI Single

· AUDIO: Brown Two-Run Single

 

Nashville briefly led, as the Grizzlies came back to tie the game at 3-3 in the next frame, plating two runs against three Sounds relievers. Bond delivered another RBI single, followed by a run-scoring line drive hit by Tyler LaTorre, both with two outs.

 

The Sounds and Grizzlies continue their series at 9:05 p.m. CT on Friday evening at Chukchansi Park. Nashville right-hander Hiram Burgos (0-0, 3.00) makes his second Triple-A start against Fresno righty Andrew Kown (4-6, 5.88).

 

Nashville Box Score

Tyler Thornburg was pretty solid, I love the 7 SOs in 75 pitches but in a continuing trend here since AA while he doesn't get hit much, the hits he gives up tend to be very loud. Tonight 2 of the 3 hits he gave up in this game were doubles off the wall... with better hitters and those are HRs, kind of reminiscent of Sheets early in his career. I really don't think his HR rate in the majors was as flukey as some do, I've been pointing out this XBH issue most of the season, I just think MLB hitters are more likely to hit those mistakes harder and hit them for HRs instead of doubles. Donovan Hand was saddled with an unearned run in his 2 innings. Mitch Stetter, Tim Dillard, and Rob Wooten gave up the 2 runs in the 8th, with each successive pitcher allowing the inherited runner from the pitcher before to score. Amuary Rivas gave up the game winning run on a sharp double after allowing a "hustle double" that probably could have been scored an error as it went off the heel of Maysonet's glove.

 

No Sounds player had a multi-hit game though Eric Farris, Caleb Gindl, and Jeff Bianchi all had a double.

 

Khrush Davis had his hit streak snapped as the Fresno pitchers walked him twice and hit him once in his 5 PAs.

 

The Sounds have only gotten Fresno 2B Brock Bond out once in 2 games. If you're saying, "Who?", you aren't alone, I had to look him up as well.

 

Nashville Play By Play

 

The 8th inning both ways...

 

Nashville Top of the 8th

• Pitching Change: Dan Runzler replaces Eric Hacker, batting 9th.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Sean Halton replaces Donovan Hand.
  Sean Halton strikes out swinging.
  Eric Farris flies out to right fielder Skyler Stromsmoe.
  Caleb Gindl walks.
  Khris Davis walks. Caleb Gindl to 2nd.
  Taylor Green singles on a line drive to left fielder Juan Ciriaco. Caleb Gindl scores. Khris Davis to 3rd. Taylor Green advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by left fielder Juan Ciriaco.
  Jordan Brown singles on a line drive to center fielder Ryan Lollis. Khris Davis scores. Taylor Green scores.
  Pitching Change: Dan Otero replaces Dan Runzler, batting 9th.
  Humberto Quintero grounds out, pitcher Dan Otero to first baseman Todd Linden.

 

Fresno Bottom of the 8th

• Pitching Change: Mitch Stetter replaces Donovan Hand, batting 5th, replacing first baseman Jordan Brown.
  Sean Halton remains in the game as the first baseman.
  Nick Noonan strikes out swinging.
  Conor Gillaspie singles on a line drive to left fielder Khris Davis.
  Todd Linden flies out to right fielder Corey Patterson.
  Pitching Change: Tim Dillard replaces Mitch Stetter, batting 5th.
  Juan Ciriaco walks. Conor Gillaspie to 2nd.
  Brock Bond singles on a line drive to right fielder Corey Patterson. Conor Gillaspie scores. Juan Ciriaco to 3rd.
  Pitching Change: Robert Wooten replaces Tim Dillard, batting 5th.
  Tyler LaTorre singles on a line drive to right fielder Corey Patterson. Juan Ciriaco scores. Brock Bond to 3rd.
  Skyler Stromsmoe strikes out swinging.

 

The Game.

Fresno Bottom of the 11th

• Skyler Stromsmoe flies out to right fielder Corey Patterson.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Ydwin Villegas replaces Scott Munter.
  Ydwin Villegas doubles (2) on a ground ball to center fielder Caleb Gindl, deflected by shortstop Edwin Maysonet.
  Ryan Lollis doubles (5) on a line drive to center fielder Caleb Gindl. Ydwin Villegas scores.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO: Helena Brewers broadcaster Steve Wendt takes a moment to chat with pitching prospect and former Oklahoma Sooner Damien Magnifico

[Mass Haas]

Brewers unable to repeat Wednesday's magic

Helena Brewers

 

One night after the Brewers mounted a five run rally in the bottom of the 9th, it seemed that it would be more of the same on Thursday. With one out and two men on Michael Reed ripped a line drive toward right field that was caught by Mustangs first baseman Carlos Sanchez. Sanchez then stepped on first for the double play to seal the Mustangs 9-4 victory.

 

The Brewers bats hit in game two of the three game series. All but one Helena hitter recorded at least one hit with Adam Giacalone and Kevin Berard pitching in multi-hit performances. Giacalone, who entered the contest hitting .500 in his last ten games, went 3-for-4 on the evening to raise his batting average to .341 on the season.

 

On the mound, the Brewers received a strong outing from starter Taylor Wall. The 22nd round selection lasted a season long five innings while allowing one run on three hits and no walks. The twenty-two year old lefty also poured in a career high six strikeouts to push his season total to 24.

 

Mustangs reliever Dan Langfield (Reds' 3rd round 2012 pick) earned his third victory of the season, while Helena's Martin Viramontes was tabbed with the loss. The defeat knocked the Fresno, California resident's record to 1-4. With the victory the Mustangs move to 4-1 in the second half, while the Brewers fall to 2-3.

 

The Brewers will face the Billings Mustangs in the rubber match the three game series tomorrow night at Kindrick Legion Field. First pitch is slated for 7:05 (8:05 Central).

 

Taylor Wall threw five innings of one-run ball Thursday night. (Sleeping Giant Photography)

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/08/02/hpSUfcHf.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Brewers' rally falls short in loss to Mustangs

By Amber Kuehn, Helena Independent Record

 

Considering the events that unfolded in Wednesday night’s game, the Billings Mustangs weren’t about to take a five-run lead for granted heading to the bottom of the ninth.

 

Twenty-four hours after Helena’s late-game heroics gave the Brewers a comeback victory at Kindrick Legion Field, the hosts found themselves in a similar situation Thursday. Back-to-back base hits by Kevin Berard and Chris McFarland gave the Brewers life, but Michael Reed lined into a double play to end the inning and erase any chance of history repeating itself. Billings came away with the 9-4 win, breathing a sigh of relief after blowing a four-run advantage an evening earlier. The Mustangs (4-1) are now tied for first with Missoula in the Pioneer League North Division second-half standings.

 

“We continue to battle on the offensive side no matter what the situation, that’s what I like about this club,” Helena manager Jeff Isom said afterward. “We give ourselves opportunities, I just wish we could see some of those at-bats we’re seeing late earlier in the game. But we do battle, we don’t give in and unfortunately we came up short. But I hate that we put ourselves in that situation on a nightly basis — it’d be nice to go out there with a lead going into the ninth a couple times.”

 

Helena led 3-1 after five frames, thanks to Raul Mondesi Jr.’s solo shot in the fourth and a pair of runs in the third plated by Reed and Berard. Brewers’ starter Taylor Wall had breezed through Billings batters in his best outing of the season, at one point retiring 10 in a row and allowing just three hits while striking out six. Seth Mejias-Brean’s RBI single in the first — which extended his hitting streak to a season-best 19 games — was the only damage done so far by the visitors.

 

The wheels came off the wagon in the sixth inning. Five straight Mustangs reached against Helena reliever Martin Viramontes. Mejias-Brean slammed an RBI double to tie the game, and Daniel Pigott followed with a two-run, go-ahead double that would give Billings the lead for good.

 

“We put a couple good at-bats together and once we get runners on, we’re real aggressive at getting guys home,” Mejias-Brean said.

 

The Mustangs third baseman has made consistency look easy in recent weeks. Mejias-Brean, one of only three players in the Pioneer League to record five hits in a game this season, credited his current hit streak to a strong mental focus.

 

“Right now I’m just seeing the ball really well,” he said. “I’m more focused on just getting good at-bats and putting good swings on the ball. Luckily it’s working out for me.”

 

Mejias-Brean said he tries not to think about the hit streak on the line when he steps to the plate, but admits it’s difficult when so much attention is given to it. After leaving it in doubt until his final at-bat Wednesday, he took the pressure off early with his first-inning single Thursday night.

 

“It feels good to get that first one out of the way and not have to think about it too much after that,” the eighth-round draft pick said.

 

Viramontes exited after giving up five runs on four hits in just two innings.

 

“He wasn’t on his game by any means,” Isom said. “A good hitting team like Billings, if you elevate pitches and give them stuff to hit, they’re going to take advantage of it and that’s what they did off of Viramontes tonight.”

 

Adam Giacalone continued his hot hitting for the Brewers (2-3), going 3 for 4 for the second straight night. The Brewers first baseman is hitting better than .500 over his last five games, and seems to have put his early season struggles behind him for good. Giacalone began his college career with just one hit and a dozen strikeouts in his first 27 at-bats, but Isom said he always saw promise in the 16th-round pick from the moment he showed glimpses of greatness in preseason minicamp.

 

“I remember looking on the stat sheet and seeing him at I think 0-for-20 at one point. It’s hard to believe it’s the same guy now, hitting .341 on the season,” the Helena skipper said. “It’s a credit to him. It bothered him a lot when he started his professional career out hitting zero, but he didn’t give in. He continued to work with Don Money and he knew he was a better hitter than what he was showing.

 

“He ended up making adjustments with his swing and he also caught up to the speed of the game a little bit. … He’s probably one of the better hitters in the league right now.”

 

Mejias-Brean would likely be considered among them as well. When asked if he could keep his streak going to 38 games, the Pioneer League record set in 2006, he smiled.

 

“I got it,” he said.

 

Billings and Helena close out the series Friday at Kindrick. Andrew Cisco is slated to start for the Mustangs, while the Brewers send right-hander Ryan Gibbard to the mound.

 

Helena Independent Record Photo Gallery

[Mass Haas]

Five Stars combine for no-hitter against Chattanooga

By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times

 

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Five Stars pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter against the Chattanooga Lookouts Thursday night, giving Huntsville a 3-1 victory.

 

Jimmy Nelson (four innings), Dan Merklinger (2/3s of an inning), R.J. Seidel (1 1/3), Darren Byrd (two) and Brandon Kintzler (one inning) teamed up for the accomplishment -- though they also combined to walk 11 Chattanooga batters.

 

It is the most pitchers to combine for a no-hitter in Southern League history. There is no record listed in the Southern League media guide for walks in a no-hitter; however, the major league record for most walks in a combined no-hitter is also 11, set by the White Sox' Blue Moon Odom (nine) and Francisco Barrios (two) in 1976.

 

The Stars got their runs on a three-run homer by Brock Kjeldgaard, who has just returned from High-A Brevard County. Lee Haydel had three hits for Huntsville, giving him nine hits in 13 at-bats in the past four games.

 

This is Huntsville's first no-hitter since David Welch beat the Lookouts June 2, 2008 in a seven-inning game at Chattanooga. The Stars' last combined no-hitter was in the 2007 playoffs, with Corey Thurman, Dave Johnson and Luis Pena pulling the trick.

 

The Lookouts managed only one hit in the past two games against Huntsville, with Johnny Hellweg, Daniel Meadows and Kyle Heckathorn combining for that one-hitter on Wednesday.

 

It enables the Stars to win the series three games to two and close to within four games of the division-leading Lookouts in the Southern League North.

 

The Stars open a five-game series with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Friday at 6:43 p.m. The Wahoos sport infielder Billy Hamilton, who, between the California League and a brief tenure in the Southern League, has 119 stolen bases in 103 games this year and is considered the fastest man in baseball. He's on pace to break Vince Coleman's record for most thefts in a season of 145, set in 1983.

 

The unsung hero of the no-hitter was catcher Anderson de la Rosa, who made a sparkling defensive play after a Matt Wallach smash up the middle on which Nelson made a move akin to a hockey goalie's kick-save. De la Rosa pounced on the ball and threw the runner out.

 

Manager Darnell Coles gave de la Rosa, who turned 28 on Wednesday, credit on how "he took control of the game, went out there (to the mound) and settled them down when they needed it."

 

It was a different sort of no-hitter to sit through, considering all the walks.

 

"First and foremost, you're trying to find a way to win the game," Coles said. "The no-hitter ended up being a by-product of that. The reality is, the no-hitter is the last thing you're thinking about.

 

"I can't say the pitchers were effectively wild, because we were always pitching in and out of trouble. There were some stressful innings, for sure."

 

The Lookouts had at least one runner on base in every inning but the first, eighth and ninth. Their biggest threat was in the fifth when Merklinger relieved Nelson and walked four men, three of them with two out, the last one bringing home Chattanooga's only run.

 

"(The walks) were scattered," Coles said. "Still, 11 walks is 11 walks. I don't know how you get around that portion of it."

[Mass Haas]

Nelson, Huntsville no-hit Chattanooga

Five Stars pitchers combine on 11 free passes, one run in feat

By Sam Dykstra / Special to MLB.com

 

Double-A Huntsville threw a one-hitter Wednesday. One day later, the staff arguably wasn't as good, but did eliminate that pesky word "one."

 

Brewers' No. 9 prospect Jimmy Nelson combined with relievers Dan Merklinger, R.J. Seidel, Darren Byrd and Brandon Kintzler on a no-hitter Thursday in the Stars' 3-1 win over Chattanooga.

 

It marks the second no-hitter in the Southern League this season -- Pensacola's Daniel Corcino and Wilkin De La Rosa combined on one June 16 -- and the 13th in Minor League Baseball. It was the Stars' first no-no since June 2, 2008 when David Welch achieved the feat over seven innings.

 

The back-to-back pitching performances had the team's starter in awe after the latest accomplishment.

 

"That was pretty impressive," Nelson said. "That's definitely two of the better games I've ever seen as far as not allowing solid contact."

 

Thursday's no-hitter, which included the allowed run and 11 walks, required five pitchers because Nelson was returning from a month-long trip to the disabled list due to shoulder fatigue.

 

The 6-foot-6 starter was only allotted 65 pitches for his outing and exited after 64 in the fourth inning. Nelson struck out four and walked four, and he took note of the opposing measures of his outing.

 

"I mean, you know the [no-hitter] is there when you leave," he said. "But I was more focused on getting better command of all my pitches. I was OK tonight, but I have to make sure that I don't shoot myself in the foot with bad command next time."

 

Accuracy woes continued to plague Stars hurlers one inning later. Merklinger issued a walk to Matt Wallach to open the fifth before retiring the next two batters consecutively. However, the 26-year-old southpaw issued three straight two-out walks to bring in Wallach for the Lookouts' only run of the evening. Seidel entered and forced C.J. Retherford to line out to escape the bases-loaded jam. But the righty gave up two additional walks in the sixth.

 

Although the night ended on a happy note, that stretch still irked Huntsville pitching coach Chris Hook.

 

"I was disappointed about it," he said. "We had some lefties and some [switch-hitters] coming up for their side, so we went with Merklinger to try to get them out. He had some issues throwing strikes, which you never like to see. R.J. was able to get the huge out in the fifth, but he fell into the same pattern too. On my end, I'm not real happy about that, but we were fortunate to get the outs when we needed them."

 

Byrd allowed one walk in the seventh, but pitched a perfect eighth to preserve the no-hitter. Finally, Kintzler, who has 16 games of Major League experience but was designated for assignment by the Brewers last month due to arm injuries and middling performance, set down the side in order in the ninth.

 

Those last three innings helped settle Hook's feelings about the night as a whole.

 

"You could see they took it upon themselves as a challenge," he said. "You could see the intensity on their faces. Obviously, they want to get those nine outs and finish up the win, but there was a little something extra too.

 

"Kintzler got a little pumped. You could see the big leagues in him. Sometimes, those guys don't care when they're at the lower levels, but he had a little bit extra emotion."

 

The most walks allowed in a Major League no-hitter was also 11 -- Blue Moon Odom (nine) and Francisco Barrios (two) combined for the White Sox on July 28, 1976. The most by an individual was Jim Maloney's 10 in a 10-inning no-hitter for the Reds on Aug. 19, 1965.

 

But does Hook think the high walk count dampens his team's feat? "To me, it does," he said. "The most gratifying thing really is beating a good Chattanooga team and taking the series. But that being said, sometimes you have these things happen in an ugly way, and this one had a capital 'U'."

 

Still, the Stars pitching staff has allowed only one hit in the past 18 innings -- something that Hook credits to the Brewers trade of Zack Greinke that brought Jean Segura, Ariel Pena and Wednesday's starter Johnny Hellweg to the Brewers and the Stars.

 

"Sometimes, you get a lift when you get new players, and these guys have been a big help," Hook said.

 

Either way, with just over a month left on the Southern League schedule and the Stars only four games back in the North Division, this run couldn't have come at a better time.

 

"It shows we have the ability and the pitches in our repertoire to handle anything right now," Nelson said. "We can shut down a lot of teams. There are always going to be times when things are going well or when you're struggling. But it's great when everything's coming together this late."

 

Jimmy Nelson is 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA in five starts for Double-A Huntsville. (Jason Clark photo)

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/08/03/5yljVwL9.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Marlins' Stanton homers in first rehab

Rehabbing Miami slugger hits three-run shot, plates four runs

By Danny Wild / MLB.com

 

***

 

And this from Florida Today (full article)

 

But there was no clowning around Thursday as Stanton was making his first rehab start at Space Coast Stadium for the visiting Jupiter Hammerheads.

 

“First rehab game tonight, let’s get it,” he tweeted shortly before the game.

 

Stanton hit cleanup and was the designated hitter Thursday night. His first appearance came leading off the second inning. He saw nine pitches, letting the bat slip dangerously from his hands into the stands before popping out to shallow left field.

 

But he looked like the player he was prior to his July 8 knee surgery when he came to bat in the top of the third inning with two on and two out. He belted the second pitch deep over the right field fence — the same exact spot he was parking them during batting practice.

 

He stroked an RBI single up the middle in the top of the sixth, making it 8-0 after striking out swinging on a high fastball to end the fourth with two on and two out. His final at bat, in the top of the eighth, saw him take a 1-0 fastball to the deepest part of right center field, about 400 feet where it was hauled in by centerfielder Reggie Keen.

 

“I got that one pretty good,” he said. “I put a good swing on it.”

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio blog - Video Highlights

[Mass Haas]

Brewers' trades shake up Sounds

by Nick Cole, the Tennessean

 

The Milwaukee Brewers were active leading up to Tuesday’s trade deadline, creating a trickle-down effect on the Nashville Sounds roster.

 

Within the past week, the Sounds have made roster transactions that have impacted 16 players.

 

“When you get close to the trade deadline, all the Triple-A teams expect a lot of movement,” Sounds manager Mike Guerrero said. “It just happens that we’ve had a lot more movement than others (this year).”

 

Outfielder Khris Davis, hitting .383 at Double-A Huntsville, is one of the newcomers who could have an impact bat for Nashville down the stretch.

 

“I’m seeing the ball well,” said Davis, who homered twice in his first three games with Nashville. “I’m just looking to bring some positive energy to the field and trying to help others get better.”

 

The Sounds have added some players with major league experience. Reliever Fautino De Los Santos, acquired from Oakland, has spent portions of the last two seasons in the A’s bullpen. Catcher Humberto Quintero, a 10-year major-league veteran who played 43 games with Kansas City this season, signed a minor-league contract and reported to Nashville this week.

 

Pitchers Jim Henderson, Mark Rogers and Mike McClendon were called up by Milwaukee.

 

Burgos sailing: Starting pitcher Hiram Burgos, 24, joined the Sounds last Sunday, marking his third stop in the Brewers system this season.

 

A sixth-round draft choice of the Brewers in 2009, Burgos had a 4.89 ERA with Class-A Advanced Brevard County last season. But this season, Burgos leads the minor leagues with a 1.65 ERA through 20 starts, according to the Sounds.

 

“All my pitches are working great and I’m throwing with a lot of confidence,” Burgos said. “I have changed a lot of things both on and off the field this season, and I feel like I’m where I need to be mentally.”

 

The Puerto Rico native is settling in with Nashville and taking some advice from his new teammates.

 

“I started the season in High-A and now I’m in Triple-A,” Burgos said. “The guys told me that this is the same game no matter what level you’re at, you’ve just got keep doing what you do and not change anything.”

 

Shakes for everyone: When Sounds outfielder Caleb Gindl made a smoothie for third baseman Taylor Green last season, he had no idea it was the start of a budding shake-making career.

 

“He started serving them up and I started getting hits,” Green said. “It just kind of carried on from there.”

 

Witnessing Green’s hot hitting, many of Gindl’s teammates started requesting one of his special hit-producing shakes. It has become so popular that Gindl now serves all of his teammates a smoothie before each game, sometimes making as many as 30.

 

“It’s a lot of work,” Gindl said of the ritual. “It really takes up a lot of my time.”

 

“They’ve been really good right from the start,” Green said. “He’s been perfecting the texture of it. He’s rivaling Smoothie King.”

 

As for the ingredients, Gindl will never tell.

 

“I can’t tell you, (it’s a) secret recipe,” Gindl said. “No vitamins (in them), just hits.”

[Mass Haas]

This is Huntsville's first no-hitter since David Welch beat the Lookouts June 2, 2008 in a seven-inning game at Chattanooga. The Stars' last combined no-hitter was in the 2007 playoffs, with Corey Thurman, Dave Johnson and Luis Pena pulling the trick.

 

To the archives! (Always fun to re-read, not just the no-hit game, but the others...)

 

Link Report for Mon. 6/2/08 -- Birthday Boy David Welch a Huntsville No-Hitter!

 

Link Report Fri 9/7/07 - No-Hitter for Huntsville! Dramatic Stay-Alive for Nashville

[Mass Haas]

Jimmy Nelson tweet

[brewmann04]

I notice Lee Haydel has put up some good # recently does he have any major league Potential?

[Mass Haas]

Via waaytv.com

 

http://www.waaytv.com/media/lib/158/0/7/0/07076ad4-2a78-4ed3-98ae-d0e5b50d31c9/Original.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Nice touch having catcher Anderson de la Rosa hold the scorecard...