Link Report for Thurs. 8/23

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Tyler Thornburg at Round Rock (Rangers), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

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

 

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

 

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Huntsville: RHP Jimmy Nelson at Mississippi (Braves), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:00 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.

 

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Brevard County: RHP Matt Miller at home vs. Lakeland (Tigers), 5:35 PM gametime

 

Sorry, no audio available 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.

 

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Wisconsin: RHP David Goforth at home vs. Cedar Rapids (Angels), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 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 Stars' road games from four Southern League locales.

 

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Helena: RHP Preston Gainey at home vs. Grand Junction (Rockies), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime

 

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

 

We're lucky to have Steve Wendt back on board for another H-Crew season.

 

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Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Rangers' complex in Surprise; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league

 

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

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

DSL Brewers

[Mass Haas]

STANDINGS:

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

 

AA - Southern League North Division

 

High-A - Florida State League North Division

 

A - Midwest League Western Division

 

Rookie Advanced - Pioneer League North Division

 

Rookie - Arizona Summer League

 

DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris Division

 

***

 

NOTE: AAA Nashville, Rookie Maryvale and the DSL do not play a split schedule. When you click on a standings link for Huntsville, Brevard County, Wisconsin, and/or Helena, 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]

Hoping I'm not the only one who will formally predict (Brandon Kintzler, Jesus Sanchez) which potential minor league free agents will be added to the Brewers' 40-man roster. Discuss in this thread with your own thoughts.

[Mass Haas]

Media notes:

 

Nashville

 

Wisconsin

[Mass Haas]

via ESPN Keith Law chat (h/t Jim Breen):

 

JB (NYC): Any chance the Brewers get rid of Bruce Seid and hire a new scouting director?

 

I have heard this rumor several times in the last few weeks, with former AZ scouting director (and former Milwaukee scout) Tom Allison as a possible replacement. I never want to see anyone fired, so please don't interpret this as an endorsement of such a move - I'm just passing it along as a rumor with some currency in the industry right now. I do think the success of so many of Allison's picks with Arizona (Parker, Miley, Goldschmidt, even lesser guys like Elmore and Collmenter) should have his name in consideration for open SD jobs this winter.

[Mass Haas]

McFarland, Eshleman, Yonki Hernandez, Turay -- not captioned, but some nice Helena photos via this Flickr feed

[TooLiveBrew]

Command has been a big issue for Nelson since getting bumped to AA. Hopefully he can harness the Downhill Thunder tonight.

[Tedaldtada]

Lakeland (Tigers) 10 Brevard County 2

 

Box Score

 

That caps off a 2-8 stretch for BC effectively knocking them ot of the playoff chase. 8 more (BC losses + Lakeland wins) will be the dagger.

 

Matt Miller made the start for BC. Despite having the strikeout pitches working (7 K), Matt gave up 5 runs in just 5 IP. The GB's were not coming as freely for Miller today. Tommy Toledo was called on next for an extended relief appearance. Tommy went 3 innings giving up bupkis. Wild Thomas Keeling was summoned to finish the game but he instead gave up a boat load of walks and runs. I have affectionately called Keeling "Wild Thomas Keeling' this season, but it needs to be said; he is improving his control. He deserves big-time credit for that. Nice work, Thomas!

 

Jason Rogers went 3-3 with 3 singles. Joey Paciorek had another 2 hits including a two-sacker. The big blow came from Cody Hawn who smoked his 11th homer.

 

Strong armed Johnny Dishon nailed another runner at home plate. He has got to have upwards of 10 assists now.

 

Game Log

[bkrause2]

Final: Cedar Rapids 3, Wisconsin 6

 

Rattlers make it two wins in a row

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers defeated the Cedar Rapids Kernels 6-3 Thursday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The Rattlers hit a pair of home runs and got a pair of solid pitching performances to defeat the Kernels for the second night in a row.

 

Cedar Rapids (48-81 overall, 16-43 second half) took the lead in the first inning. Zach Borenstein hit a two-out solo home run off Rattlers starter David Goforth for a 1-0 lead.

 

Wisconsin (74-54, 30-29) rallied with two outs in the bottom of the second inning. Lance Roenicke, who reached on a hit batsman, stole second and went to third on a throwing error with two outs. Carlos George doubled down the line in right to score Roenicke with the tying run. Chadwin Stang would single to right to score George. Stang took second on the throw home. Yadiel Rivera followed with another single to right to score Stang and the Rattlers were up 3-1.

 

Brandon Macias started the Wisconsin fourth inning with a line drive home run to left field that made the score 4-1. The homer was the eighth of the season for Macias.

 

Borenstein chipped away at the Rattlers lead. He hit a leadoff homer in the sixth inning off Goforth to cut Wisconsin's advantage to 4-2. Thursday was the second two-homer game for Borenstein against the Timber Rattlers.

 

The only runs Goforth would allow were on those solo homers by Borenstein. He tossed six solid innings and struck out six to put himself in line for his ninth win of the season.

 

Wisconsin had trouble adding on to their lead against Kernels starter Ryan Crowley. The left-hander struck out ten and walked just two over 7-1/3 innings.

 

In the seventh, Borenstein doubled in a run against Wisconsin reliever Brent Suter and Wisconsin's lead was down to 4-3.

 

The Rattlers got their insurance runs late in the game when Cameron Garfield came through for the home team. He greeted Kernels reliever Stephen Tromblee with a two-run home run to left field that put Wisconsin up 6-3. The home run was the tenth of the season for Garfield, who had two hits on Thursday to extend his hitting streak to ten games.

 

The pair of home runs pushed Wisconsin's round tripper count to 98 for the season. The franchise record for team homers in a season is 101 and was set in 2005.

 

Suter would get into a bases loaded jam with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, but got a strikeout - his fourth in three innings of work - to close out the Kernels and earn a save in his Timber Rattlers debut.

 

The final game of the homestand is Friday night. Chad Thompson (4-2, 5.06) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Cedar Rapids has Michael Johnson (4-6, 5.12) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

BirdZerk! has some quirks and you'll want to be here to enjoy his on field antics during the game on Friday night.

 

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

 

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

 

HOME RUNS:

CR:

Zach Borenstein (9th, 0 on in 1st inning off David Goforth, 2 out)

Zach Borenstein (10th, 0 on in 6th inning off David Goforth, 0 out)

 

WIS:

Brandon Macias (8th, 0 on in 4th inning off Ryan Crowley, 0 out)

Cameron Garfield (10th, 1 on in 8th inning off Stephen Tromblee, 1 out)

 

WP: David Goforth (9-8)

LP: Ryan Crowley (1-6)

SAVE: Brent Suter (1)

 

TIME: 2:44

ATTN: 3,411

 

Wisconsin Box Score

 

Cameron Garfield continued his breakout offensive season, going 2-4 with a double and a home run, and pushing his hitting streak to 10 games. Brandon Macias also had a home run, his eighth of the season. Yadiel Rivera and Chadwin Stang each went 2-4. Ben McMahan drew a pair of walks and Rafael Neda and Carlos George both had 1-3 nights.

 

David Goforth pitched six innings and picked up his ninth win. He allowed two runs on six hits, while striking out six. Brent Suter picked up a save in his Timber Rattlers debut, working the final three innings. He gave up just one run, but allowed five hits and walked two. Goforth and Rivera each had an error.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

 

Wisconsin Bottom of the 2nd

Gregory Hopkins called out on strikes.

Lance Roenicke hit by pitch.

Rafael Neda called out on strikes.

With Carlos George batting, Lance Roenicke steals (6) 2nd base, . Lance Roenicke advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Zach Wright.

Carlos George doubles (10) on a line drive to right fielder Zachary Borenstein. Lance Roenicke scores.

Chadwin Stang singles on a ground ball to right fielder Zachary Borenstein. Carlos George scores. Chadwin Stang to 2nd on the throw.

Yadiel Rivera singles on a line drive to right fielder Zachary Borenstein. Chadwin Stang scores. Yadiel Rivera out at 2nd on the throw, right fielder Zachary Borenstein to first baseman Frazier Hall to shortstop Eric Stamets to second baseman Alex Yarbrough.

[Tedaldtada]

Manatees crushed by Flying Tigers

08/23/2012 11:17 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/08/23/FGmEbzvc.jpg

Brevard County starting pitcher Matt Miller struck out seven, but allowed four earned runs in five innings as the Manatees lost their fourth straight game on Thursday night. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

VIERA, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees dropped their fourth game in a row and seventh consecutive to the Lakeland Flying Tigers by the score of 10-2 on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

Manatees (29-30 second half, 58-69 overall) starting pitcher Matt Miller (1-2, 9.00) was touched up for five runs - four earned - on eight hits in five innings of work. He yielded eight hits and three walks, while striking out seven in his third start with Brevard County. Lakeland (33-25, 69-54) jumped on Miller and the 'Tees early as the scored three runs in the second off of three hits, two walks and a hit by pitch.

 

Down 4-0, Brevard was able to cut Lakeland's lead in half in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a two-out, two-run home run by Cody Hawn, his 11th of the season.

 

The Flying Tigers plated an insurance run in the fifth off of Miller to take a 5-2 lead, but were then shut down for the next three innings by Tommy Toledo. Toledo allowed just one hit and walked two in three scoreless innings of relief.

 

Brevard County though was unable to cut into Lakeland's lead as they struck out 12 times on the night, went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.

 

Lakeland blew the game wide open in the top of the ninth as they roughed up Thomas Keeling for five runs on four hits and three walks, to take a 10-2 lead.

 

Jason Rogers and Joey Paciorek accounted for five of Brevard's six hits as Rogers went 3-for-3 and Paciorek was 2-for-4 with a double.

 

Rogers has been the 'Tees hottest hitter as of late, as he is hitting .526 (10-for-19) in his last five games and batting .384 (28-for-73) in the month of August.

 

The Manatees will look to snap their four-game skid as they welcome the Clearwater Threshers (32-26, 68-56) to Viera for a three-game set in the final home series of the regular season for the 'Tees.

 

Taylor Jungmann (10-6, 3.59) will toe the rubber for the 'Tees in Friday's series opener at 6:35 p.m., as he is looking to become the second 11-game winner in the Florida State League this season. Jungmann has been lights out in August with a 2-0 record and a 1.69 ERA in four starts.

[Tedaldtada]

Grand Junction (Rockies) 12 Helena 6

 

Box Score

 

Pretty much the only player worth mentioning in this spot is Chris McFarland. He had his best day as a pro with 3 XBH finishing 3-5 with 2 2B's and a HR, his team leading 5th. Raul Mondesi Jr. also hit his 5th HR, putting two 19 year old players atop the Helena leader board. But back to McFarland, he is now back to a .300 average and the extra base hits are starting to pour in with at least one in the last 5 games. This is a heck-of-a solid prospect to have near the back end of your organizational top-30.

 

The Rockies first pick in the 2012 draft, David Dahl, destroyed Helena after a routine night off yesterday. XBH's galore and Hunter Pence comparisons should really excite Colorado fans. Dahl might just be the Pioneer League MVP.

 

Preston Gainey and Michael Shaub pitched this one. Not much good to say here. Shaub in particular was rocked.

 

Game Log

 

Yeah, because you want to sift through this pile.

 

FIELDING

E: Gainey (1, throw), Hernandez, Yo (3, throw), Andrade (1, throw), Rodriguez (19, throw), Mondesi (6, fielding).

[Tedaldtada]

AZL Brewers 3 AZL Rangers 2

 

Box Score

 

The Brewers went head-to-head with the mighty Rangers tonight and snagged a sweet, sweet win. Austin Hall started and was pulled after 1 scoreless inning. Anthony Banda came in and promptly threw 5 fine innings against this ridiculous lineup. He allowed 4 H 2 R 1 ER 1 BB and 1 WP while notching 6 K. Joel Dicent was called on next for multi-inning relief work. He ended up throwing 3 spectacular innings striking out 4. Great game for the hurlers.

 

At the plate, Clint Coulter went 1-3 with a BB. Dustin Houle hit a 2B and Taylor Smith-Brennan smacked a 3B. Renaldo Jenkins had a hit and a walk. All of that was enough tonight.

 

Game Log

 

Eight 1-2-3 frames in this one.

[TheCrew07]

Sounds Drop Second Straight In Round Rock, 5-1

Thornburg Comes Away With Loss For Second Start In A Row

 

ROUND ROCK, Tex. - Chad Bell pitched five scoreless innings as the Round Rock Express handed the Nashville Sounds a 5-1 defeat on Thursday night at The Dell Diamond.

 

The Sounds have dropped the first two games of the five-game series and 17 of their last 21 games at The Dell Diamond since the beginning of the 2010 season.

 

Bell (4-4) scattered five hits while striking out five in five frames for the victory.

 

Outfielder Khris Davis snapped out of an 0-for-16 slump to double twice. Shortstop Andy Gonzalez and catcher Dayton Buller each had two hits. Second baseman Eric Farris (1-for-4) singled to extend his hitting streak to seven games.

 

Ryan Spilborghs gave the Express a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning with a two-run double. Two innings later, Matt Kata belted a solo homer in the fourth for the club's third run.

 

Former Sound Brad Nelson led off the sixth with a solo home run for a 4-0 Round Rock advantage. The long ball was Nelson's team-leading 22nd of the season. Robinson Diaz would tack on a two-out, RBI single later in the frame to conclude Round Rock's scoring.

 

The Sounds loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh, but only came away with one run in the process. Reliever Derek Hankins allowed an inning-opening walk and two singles before outfielder Logan Schafer hit a sacrifice fly to right to score outfielder Caleb Gindl.

 

Coming away with the loss in his second straight start, Nashville starter Tyler Thornburg (1-2) gave up three runs on three hits and a pair of walks in five innings of work. The 23-year-old also fanned six in 81 pitches, 50 for strikes.

 

Donovan Hand was charged with two runs in two innings. Jesus Sanchez allowed one hit in a scoreless inning.

 

The Sounds and Express continue their series at 7:05 pm CT at the Dell Diamond on Friday night. Right-hander Hiram Burgos (0-2, 4.30) seeks his first Triple-A win against Round Rock righty and Tennessee native Justin Grimm (2-2, 4.37).

 

Nashville Box Score

According to what Jeff said Tyler Thornburg isn't going past 85 for the remainder (unless I misunderstood what he said). Tyler only gave up 3 hits, but 2 were for extra bases including the HR, and a walk cost him a run on that 2B. Kind of the same story just cycling itself back around each time out...

 

The Sounds wasted plenty of opportunities with Andy Gonzalesz/b] (apparently) missing some signs, once on a hit and run when Taylor Green got caught stealing and once when apparently he thought a hit and run was on and got gunned at 2nd.

 

Gonzalez got hurt later in the game, I think it was on the steal attempt, but I know he left the game. Unfortunately I was only paying half attention at the time.

 

Nashville Play By Play

 

Tyler doesn't give up many but this generally the scenario.

Round Rock Bottom of the 2nd

• Brad Nelson walks.
  Matt Kata singles on a ground ball to right fielder Caleb Gindl. Brad Nelson to 2nd.
  Joey Butler strikes out swinging.
  Ryan Spilborghs doubles (20) on a ground ball to left fielder Khris Davis. Brad Nelson scores. Matt Kata scores.
  Alberto Gonzalez grounds out, third baseman Taylor Green to first baseman Sean Halton.
  Robinzon Diaz grounds out, third baseman Taylor Green to first baseman Sean Halton.
  

[TheCrew07]

Final: DSL Braves 9, DSL Brewers 5

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

Miguel Diaz started this one and went 4 innings allowing 4 runs, 2 earned, on 6 hits, a wild pitch, and 3 walks against 6 strike outs. Melvin Tejada pitched the next 2.2 allowing 3 runs, 1 earned. Joan De La Cruz came on to finish Tejada's 7th recording the final out and pitching the 8th, striking out 3 of the 4 batters he faced. Marcus Padilla gave up 2 in the 9th, outside of De La Cruz it was a pretty bad day on the mound.

 

Juan De Leon (2-4,HR) had the only multi-hit game and Kevin Martinez (1-3,2B) added the other XBH.

 

Once again the Brewers filled up the box score:

BASERUNNING

SB: Castillo, F (30, 3rd base off Flores/De La Cruz, A), Belonis (25, 3rd base off Concepcion/De La Cruz, A).

CS: Mejia, N (2, 3rd base by Caballero/De La Cruz, A).

 

FIELDING

E: De Leon, J 3 (4, fielding, fielding, fielding), Belonis (15, throw).

Outfield assists: Santana, Y (Obregon at 2nd base).

Pickoffs: Mejia, N (Monasterio at 2nd base).

 

DSL Brewers Play By Play

[TooLiveBrew]

@Mississippi 3, Huntsville 2

 

Huntsville Box

apoligies in advance, as I'm going to keep this very short since it's quite late...

 

Josh Prince, Hunter Morris, and Hainley Statia each had two hits for the Stars, with Morris and Statia driving in the only two Huntsville runs on the game. Scooter Gennett, Brock Kjeldgaard, and Adam Weisenburger added one single apiece.

 

Starter Jimmy Nelson finished with a line of: 5 IP, 6 H (all singles), 3 R/2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, WP, 6:2 GO:AO, 89 TP (51 strikes). Both BBs came in the 5th, and prior to that inning Nelson had allowed five singles, one WP, and one ER through four innings. Since he's coming off missed time due to injury, I'm not sure if I should feel underwhelmed or somewhat impressed by Nelson's past six starts. They certainly haven't been impressive in the cold statistical sense (4.65 ERA over 25.3 IP). Definitely not cause for concern, but not the progress most were hoping to see from Nelson at AA so far.

 

Kyle Heckathorn (2 IP) and R.J. Seidel (1 IP) combined to shut out the Braves from the 6th inning on.

 

 

Huntsville PbP

Huntsville's only offense came in the 2nd & 3rd:

 

Huntsville Top of the 2nd

-Defensive Substitution: Jason Christian replaces first baseman Joey Terdoslavich, batting 3rd, playing first base.

-Hunter Morris singles on a ground ball to right fielder Bobby Stevens.

-Brock Kjeldgaard walks. Hunter Morris to 2nd.

-Kentrail Davis flies out to left fielder Keenan Wiley.

-Hainley Statia doubles (9) on a line drive to right fielder Bobby Stevens. Hunter Morris scores. Brock Kjeldgaard to 3rd.

-Adam Weisenburger hit by pitch.

-Jimmy Nelson called out on strikes.

-T. J. Mittelstaedt flies out to center fielder Todd Cunningham.

 

Huntsville Top of the 3rd

-Josh Prince singles on a ground ball to shortstop Jaime Pedroza.

-Scooter Gennett singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Joe Leonard. Josh Prince to 2nd.

-Hunter Morris singles on a ground ball to right fielder Bobby Stevens. Josh Prince scores. Scooter Gennett out at 3rd on the throw, right fielder Bobby Stevens to third baseman Joe Leonard.

-Brock Kjeldgaard grounds into a double play, shortstop Jaime Pedroza to second baseman Philip Gosselin to first baseman Jason Christian. Hunter Morris out at 2nd.

 

 

Huntsville Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Media Notes

[Mass Haas]

Audio from Round Rock — “The Bake Show” (Ep. 2)

 

Jeff Hem's note -- Tonight’s interview is with Sounds right-handed starter Brian Baker (@TheBakeShow14), who is near the end of his first year in the Brewers system after seven with Tampa Bay (much discussed in this interview with Baker from late May). In this chat, Baker discusses his outing (5 IP, 2 R, ND) on Wednesday night in Round Rock, the nice run of starts he’s put together lately, what it’s typically like for minor league free agents during an off-season and his chances of re-signing with Milwaukee, his thoughts about the Pacific Coast League ballparks and cities compared to the other Triple-A league, the International League, and his ever-entertaining friendship with teammate Eric “The Kid” Farris (@eRoc86), who refers to Baker as “Show” or “The Show.”

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog -- Video Highlights with three lists

[Mass Haas]

Six run inning propels Rockies to win

Helena Brewers

 

The Brewers offense scored six runs through the first seven innings on Thursday night, but a six run 8th inning by Grand Junction propelled the Rockies to an eventual 12-6 victory.

 

The Brew Crew offense played a quality game and recorded eight hits while drawing four walks. Second baseman Chris McFarland homered for the second consecutive night and went 3-for-4 with three RBI, while Raul Mondesi Jr. went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the third inning. Mondesi's home run was particularly noteworthy as it came on his twentieth birthday.

 

The Rockies offense proved to be too much for the Brewers pitching staff on Thursday. First round draft pick David Dahl led the charge for Grand Junction going 2-for-5 with an opposite field home run in the fifth inning off of Preston Gainey. Dahl narrowly missed his second home run and a grand slam in the top of the eighth in which the ball would ricochet off the wall for a two run double. Dahl finished the evening with four RBI and now has 48 on the season.

 

Rockies reliever Alvin Mejias earned his fifth victory of the season to improve his record to 5-6 with an ERA of 5.58. For the Brewers Michael Schaub was tabbed with the loss, dropping his record to 1-2. His ERA currently sits at 7.30.

 

The Brewers return to action tomorrow night in game the final game of a four game series against the Grand Junction Rockies. First pitch is slated for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central).

 

Raul Mondesi Jr. homered on his 20th birthday (Sleeping Giant Photography)

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/08/24/7BEylWqm.jpg

 

***

 

Late rally lifts Rockies over Brewers

Helena Independent Record

 

The Grand Junction Rockies scored seven unanswered runs in the final two innings Thursday night, rallying to beat the Helena Brewers 12-6 at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

Helena took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Chris McFarland hit his fifth home run of the season. The Brewers pushed that advantage to 4-1 after a three-run third inning that included a long ball by Raul Mondesi Jr.

 

Grand Junction tied the game with a home run of its own, when David Dahl struck a two-run bomb in the fifth frame. An RBI double by McFarland in the seventh helped the hosts to regain the lead.

 

The Rockies peppered Helena reliever Michael Schaub (1-2) for seven runs on seven hits to put the game away. Grand Junction’s Alving Mejias (5-6) got the win in relief, allowing just two hits and a run through four innings of work.

 

McFarland, the Brewers second baseman, was the only Helena batter with more than one hit. He was 3 for 4 with a pair of runs scored, two doubles, a homer and three RBIs.

 

Wilfredo Rodriguez was 3 for 5 with two doubles and three runs scored to lead Grand Junction at the plate. Five players had multi-hit games for the Rockies.

 

NOTE: Helena Brewers pitcher Brent Suter was promoted to the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Wednesday. Suter, a southpaw out of Harvard, was selected by Milwaukee in the 31st round of this year’s June draft. He was 4-2 with a 3.92 ERA in Helena, with most of his appearances coming out of the bullpen. Suter made two starts and averaged nearly a strikeout per inning.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO -- Helena Brewers broadcaster Steve Wendt recently took a moment to chat with LHP Taylor Wall

[Mass Haas]

Sounds catcher's experience benefits pitching staff

by Nick Cole, The Tennessean

 

After spending the better part of 10 seasons in the majors, newly acquired catcher Humberto Quintero is settling into a leadership role with the Nashville Sounds in Triple-A.

 

“It is a good opportunity for me,” Quintero said. “After Kansas City designated me for assignment, I signed with the Marlins for 10 days. They didn’t put me in the big leagues, so I came here and they gave me the opportunity to play every day.”

 

Quintero hit .232 in 43 games for the Royals this season. He signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on July 28 after the organization traded former Sound George Kottaras to Oakland.

 

“He brings experience from the game at the highest level,” said Sounds infielder Edwin Maysonet, a teammate of Quintero’s in Houston in 2008 and 2009. “It’s like having another captain on the team. He pretty much runs the defense.”

 

Having caught All-Star pitchers such as Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte, David Wells and Jake Peavy, Quintero caught the attention of the Sounds’ pitchers.

 

“A couple of the pitchers have been asking me about how I call games,” Quintero said. “”I just try to tell the young guys to throw strikes early in the count and stuff like that. Try to get their breaking balls working better.

 

“I watch the games when I’m not playing and I watch a lot of video, both here and in the big leagues. So I’m comfortable that when I call for something, I know that it was the right pitch.”

 

The 33-year-old Venezuelan, in his 14th professional season, can communicate with every member of the Sounds pitching staff.

 

“He’s one of the best behind the plate,” Sounds starter and eight-year major-league veteran Claudio Vargas said. “We speak the same language, so we talk a lot even before the games. That makes me feel very comfortable with him catching.”

 

The Sounds have won three of the four games that Vargas has started with Quintero behind the plate.

 

Quintero is batting .266 with the Sounds, driving in 14 runs in 22 games.

 

Down the homestretch: The Sounds are finishing up their final road trip of the season with three games in Round Rock this weekend. The team will return home on Monday to play the season’s final eight games at Greer Stadium, where the Sounds are 34-30 this season, compared to 27-41 on the road.

 

Called up: Shortstop Jeff Bianchi was recalled by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. This will be Bianchi’s third stop with the Brewers after making his major-league debut on July 12. Bianchi is 0-for-13 with Milwaukee. He has a .317 average with the Sounds this season.

[Mass Haas]

Nashville video:

 

Sean Halton hits a three-run homer, his second of the night, as the Sounds fall to Round Rock, 7-6 (Wednesday)

 

Huntsville video:

 

Domnit Boliver swipes second base in the fourth inning of the Stars' 3-1 loss to Mississippi