Link Report for Tue. 8/28 - Pitching the story

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Tyler Thornburg at home vs. Iowa (Cubs), 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). 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 home vs. Birmingham (White Sox), 6:28 PM pre-game, 6:43 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.

 

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Brevard County: RHP's Drew Gagnon and Nick Bucci in a doubleheader at Lakeland (Tigers), 4:00 PM gametime; each contest slated for seven innings

 

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

 

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Wisconsin: RHP David Goforth at Peoria (Cubs), 6:10 PM pre-game, 6:30 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 Billings (Reds), 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.

 

**********

 

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

 

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DSL Brewers: Season complete; final stats and analysis here

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County Game One

 

Brevard County Game Two

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

[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 (FINAL)

 

***

 

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]

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

 

Huntsville is posting theirs more consistently (last did so Saturday, however). Rest your pointer under the "Roster" banner on the Stars' home page shortly before game time to see the link.

[Mass Haas]

Have yourself a game, Drew Gagnon! Way to preserve the shutout!

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 7th

Wade Gaynor singles on a ground ball to third baseman Mike Walker.

Dean Green hit by pitch. Wade Gaynor to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Austin Schotts replaces Dean Green.

Adolfo Reina flies out to center fielder Franklin Romero Jr. Wade Gaynor to 3rd.

James Robbins strikes out swinging. Austin Schotts steals (1) 2nd base.

Hernan Perez flies out to right fielder John Dishon.

[Mass Haas]

Audio from Nashville — A Chat with Brandon Kintzler

 

Jeff Hem's note -- Tonight’s interview is with Sounds reliever Brandon Kintzler, who worked two scoreless innings in Monday’s Sounds victory and has given up just two runs in 7 2/3 innings since coming up from Double-A Huntsville. Kintlzer, who is working his way back from a stress fracture in his right forearm that required surgery last year, discusses his road back, his major league debut in ’10 for Milwaukee, his 2 1/2 seasons of Independent League ball (’07-’09) and his thoughts about the upcoming off-season and being a minor league free agent.

[ramssuperbowl1999]

[jinx]

Holy crap out full season ball starters are doing well

[/jinx]

[JohnBriggs12]

Halton goes deep again, his 4th in his last 7 games. Halton and Morris have now combined for 40. True Morris has 24, but Halton's 16 are in about 160 fewer ABs.

[Tedaldtada]

G1: Brevard County 6 Lakeland (1st Place Tigers) 0

 

Box Score

 

Drew Gagnon may have made this little Manatee 2nd half comeback ripple into a full fledged tidal wave with his absolute Greinke-ian pitching performance today. Gagnon faced 26 hitters and recorded 21 outs. He allowed just 3 H, 1 BB and 1 HBP while setting down 7. The wind was blowing out to LF at about 10 MPH, so Gagnon is somewhat lucky his 4:9 GO:FO ratio did not hurt him. Drew's strengths are that he does not walk many or allow an absurd amount of hits but don't let that fool you. He can get on a roll with the K's and be dominant.

 

At the dish, Nick Shaw (2-3 2B BB) had a big game. He is sporting a nice .970 OPS over his last 10 games. Shea Vucinich went 2-4 with a SB and Franklin Romero Jr. went 1-3 with 2 SB.

 

Game Log

 

Haven't gotten to do this in awhile.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 1st

 

Luis Castillo flies out to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

Dixon Machado grounds out, shortstop Nick Shaw to first baseman Jason Rogers.

Tyler Collins flies out to center fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 2nd

 

Wade Gaynor called out on strikes.

Dean Green grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Jason Rogers.

Adolfo Reina doubles (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

James Robbins walks.

Hernan Perez flies out to right fielder John Dishon.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 3rd

 

Michael Rockett called out on strikes.

Luis Castillo strikes out swinging.

Dixon Machado pops out to second baseman Shea Vucinich.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 4th

 

Tyler Collins called out on strikes.

Wade Gaynor flies out to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

Dean Green strikes out swinging.

 

Brevard County Top of the 5th

 

Mike Walker grounds out, second baseman Hernan Perez to first baseman James Robbins.

Cody Hawn grounds out, second baseman Hernan Perez to first baseman James Robbins.

Parker Berberet grounds out, second baseman Hernan Perez to first baseman James Robbins.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 6th

 

Luis Castillo flies out to center fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

Dixon Machado grounds out, pitcher Drew Gagnon to first baseman Jason Rogers.

Tyler Collins flies out to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 7th

 

Wade Gaynor singles on a ground ball to third baseman Mike Walker.

Dean Green hit by pitch. Wade Gaynor to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Austin Schotts replaces Dean Green.

Adolfo Reina flies out to center fielder Franklin Romero Jr. Wade Gaynor to 3rd.

James Robbins strikes out swinging. Austin Schotts steals (1) 2nd base.

Hernan Perez flies out to right fielder John Dishon.

[Tedaldtada]

G2: Brevard County 4 Lakeland (1st Place Tigers) 1

 

Box Score

 

What a great night to be a player/fan/follower of the Mer-cows. Just fantastic 2 game set here. Nick Bucci was the man in G2. He recorded 15 outs, 8 via K and 2 GO, while allowing just 5 H 1 R and 1 BB. Then Big Haus Alan Williams nailed a nice 2 innings save with 2 K.

 

It has been a tremendously successful comeback for Bucci and he looks every bit the top-20 Brewers prospect that I expect the User P50 will have him ranked as. I have to imagine Nick will follow Khris Davis to the AFL to log more innings against upper echelon competition.

 

At the plate, Nick Shaw keeps raking (3-3 BB). Where would this offense be without him over this past week or so? Mike Walker awoke and went 2-4 with a 2B and a huge 3-run bomb in the 1st inning. That gives Walker 10. I had mentioned about a month ago that Walker really had a chance to open some eyes if he could finish strong. It just has not happened to date despite what his All-Star selection might suggest.

 

2 huge DP's helped keep this game in the flippers of the Manatees.

 

See you tomorrow folks!

 

Game Log

 

Hey, why not?

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 1st

 

Marcus Lemon strikes out swinging.

Dixon Machado called out on strikes.

Tyler Collins singles on a line drive to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

Wade Gaynor flies out to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 2nd

 

Dean Green doubles (8) on a fly ball to center fielder Reggie Keen.

Adolfo Reina singles on a fly ball to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr. Dean Green to 3rd.

James Robbins strikes out swinging.

Hernan Perez called out on strikes.

Michael Rockett called out on strikes.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 3rd

 

Marcus Lemon flies out to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

Dixon Machado flies out to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

Tyler Collins grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Cody Hawn.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 4th

 

Wade Gaynor walks.

Dean Green grounds into a double play, third baseman Mike Walker to second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Cody Hawn. Wade Gaynor out at 2nd.

Adolfo Reina strikes out swinging.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 5th

 

James Robbins strikes out swinging.

Hernan Perez strikes out swinging.

Michael Rockett flies out to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 6th

 

Marcus Lemon singles on a line drive to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

Dixon Machado singles on a fly ball to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr. Marcus Lemon to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Alan Williams replaces Nick Bucci.

Tyler Collins flies out to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

Wade Gaynor singles on a fly ball to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr. Marcus Lemon scores. Dixon Machado to 3rd.

Dean Green grounds into a double play, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Cody Hawn. Wade Gaynor out at 2nd.

 

Lakeland Bottom of the 7th

 

Adolfo Reina strikes out swinging.

James Robbins strikes out swinging.

Hernan Perez triples (4) on a line drive to left fielder Juan Sanchez.

Michael Rockett flies out to right fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

[Tedaldtada]

Dude, if Preston Gainey can hold on tight and David Otterman can have a night, I might just die a happy man.

[TooLiveBrew]

Wow. This was the kind of performance we've been waiting to see from Jimmy Nelson.

 

However, he was pulled after just 82 pitches. This has become a problem imo at Huntsville.

[Tedaldtada]

So BC is still 2.5 back of Dunedin and there are 4 teams above us. Unreal.

[bkrause2]

Final: Wisconsin 4, Peoria 1

 

Three-run ninth snaps Rattlers losing streak

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

PEORIA, IL - Mike Garza's ninth inning RBI single broke a 1-1 tie and led the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to a 4-1 win over the Peoria Chiefs Tuesday night. The victory helped the Rattlers avoid a sweep in Peoria and ended a four game losing streak.

 

Jorge Soler drew a walk to start the second inning. A balk allowed Soler to move to second base. An error with two outs let Soler score for a 1-0 Peoria (62-71 overall, 27-37 second half) lead.

 

That unearned run was all that Rattlers starting pitcher David Goforth would allow in the game. Goforth allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out five over seven innings.

 

Wisconsin (75-58, 31-33) tied the game in the fourth. Mike Garza hit a leadoff single. Lance Roenicke sacrificed him to second base. Rafael Neda's shar single to left got Garza to third. Carlos George sent a slow grounder to short. Neda was forced out at second, but George beat the throw to first to avoid the inning ending double play. That allowed Garza to score the tying run.

 

Nick Ramirez started the Rattlers half of the seventh inning with a double and was sacrificed to third base. But, the Rattlers could not cash in that opportunity.

 

The game remained tied until the top of the ninth inning. Ben McMahan singled to start the inning. Ramirez followed with a single to send McMahan around to third base. Garza stepped in and lined a single to left-center and McMahan scored to run that put the Rattlers up 2-1.

 

Wisconsin would score two more runs in the ninth inning thanks to a pair of errors that padded the lead to 4-1.

 

Santo Manzanillo, who relieved Goforth to start the eighth inning, gave up a leadoff single in the bottom of the ninth inning. But, Manzanillo got the first out on a foul popup and finished the game with a 4-6-3 double play.

 

The Timber Rattlers return to Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Wednesday night to begin a three game series against the Beloit Snappers. Chad Thompson (4-2, 4.72) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Beloit has David Hurlbut (5-6, 2.82) as their scheduled starting pitcher. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

The first 1,000 fans to attend Wednesday's game will receive a poster of Brewers pitching prospect David Goforth. This is poster #10 in a series of ten that have been given away this season.

 

Wednesday is also a Bang for Your Buck Night from 105.7 WAPL with $1 Cher-Make hot dogs, $1 Pepsi Products, and $1 Miller Beers!

 

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 at 6:45pm. Wednesday's game is also available to subscribers of MiLB.TV.

 

WP: Santo Manzanillo (1-0)

LP: Justin Berg (0-3)

 

TIME: 2:30

ATTN: 1,334

 

Wisconsin Box Score

 

Outstanding effort from David Goforth tonight. Seven strong innings of three hit ball. He allowed just one unearned run. Santo Manzanillo pitched the final two innings and surrendered just one hit to earn the win.

 

Michael Garza led the way for the Timber Rattlers offense, going 2-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Nick Ramirez also had a two hit night. He was 2-4 with a double before being lifted for a pinch runner. Adrian Williams was on base twice out of the leadoff spot, going 1-3 with a walk and also stole a piar of bases. Williams did commit two errors however. Ben McMahan, Rafael Neda and Lance Roenicke each chipped in a single as well.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

 

The Rattlers three-run game-winning ninth inning

Wisconsin Top of the 9th

Ben McMahan singles on a ground ball to shortstop Timothy Saunders.

Nick Ramirez singles on a line drive to left fielder Oliver Zapata. Ben McMahan to 3rd.

Mike Garza singles on a line drive to left fielder Oliver Zapata. Ben McMahan scores. Nick Ramirez to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Chadwin Stang replaces Nick Ramirez.

With Lance Roenicke batting, Chadwin Stang caught stealing 3rd base, catcher Chadd Krist to third baseman Dustin Geiger, Mike Garza to 2nd.

Lance Roenicke reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Wes Darvill. Mike Garza scores.

Pitching Change: Austin Reed replaces Justin Berg.

With Rafael Neda batting, wild pitch by Austin Reed, Lance Roenicke to 2nd.

Rafael Neda grounds out, third baseman Dustin Geiger to first baseman Jacob Rogers. Lance Roenicke to 3rd.

Carlos George reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Wes Darvill. Lance Roenicke scores.

Carlos George out at 2nd, catcher Chadd Krist to second baseman Wes Darvill.

[TooLiveBrew]

@Huntsville 4, Birmingham 0

 

Huntsville Box

"Downhill Thunder" rolled back into Huntsville in a very big way tonight. Jimmy Nelson tossed 7 IP of one-hit, shutout baseball. He walked two and hit one batter, and the lone hit he surrendered was a single in the 1st. 16 of the 24 batters Nelson faced were retired via strikeout, groundout, or popout. The Barons' only baserunners through the 7th came on the HBP and 2 BBs. Congratulations on this one, Jimmy. Barring Nelson telling his coaching staff he wanted to get shut down, why a guy with this kind of outing is pulled after only 82 pitches... is beyond what I can put into words without violating forum rules.

 

Kyle Heckathorn came on in relief and wriggled off the hook in his first inning of work, getting an inning-ending double play after he'd issued back-to-back one-out BBs. He then breezed through the 9th on just eight pitches to wrap this one up.

 

Huntsville scored 4 R on just 4 H thanks to 9 BB and some big hits from Kentrail Davis (2-4, 2B, 3 RBI) and Hunter Morris (1-4, HR, RBI, BB). Scooter Gennett (1-3, 2B, BB) was the only other Star with a hit. Hainley Statia, Josh Prince, and T.J. Mittelstaedt each walked twice. Brock Kjeldgaard walked once.

 

 

Huntsville PbP

The Stars broke into the run column in the 2nd, with aggressive baserunning being both friend and foe. To clarify the scoring play, it looks like the throw came in from CF to 2B/cutoff-man to the plate, where Mittelstaedt was safe... and Davis was nabbed trying to take third on the throw home:

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 2nd

-Brock Kjeldgaard walks.

-Kentrail Davis doubles (21) on a line drive to center fielder Brandon Short. Brock Kjeldgaard scores. Kentrail Davis out at 3rd on the throw, center fielder Brandon Short to second baseman Erik Morrison to catcher Miguel Gonzalez to third baseman Jake Oester.

-Josh Prince walks.

-With T. J. Mittelstaedt batting, Josh Prince caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Miguel Gonzalez to shortstop Tyler Saladino.

T. J. Mittelstaedt walks.

-Adam Weisenburger grounds out, second baseman Erik Morrison to first baseman Andy Wilkins.

 

Leading off the home half of the 4th, Morris got a 2-1 pitch practically on a tee and knocked it out to right:

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 4th

-Hunter Morris homers (25) on a fly ball to right field.

-Brock Kjeldgaard pops out to second baseman Erik Morrison.

-Kentrail Davis strikes out swinging.

-Josh Prince grounds out softly, pitcher Nick McCully to first baseman Andy Wilkins.

 

Given the dominance of Nelson and Heckathorn, two would've been enough in this one. But it was good to see the Stars tack on more, and again being aggressive on the basepaths paid off:

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 6th

-Hainley Statia walks.

-Scooter Gennett doubles (30) on a line drive to left fielder Brady Shoemaker. Hainley Statia to 3rd.

-Hunter Morris pops out to third baseman Jake Oester.

-Brock Kjeldgaard lines out softly to shortstop Tyler Saladino.

-Kentrail Davis singles on a ground ball to right fielder Trayce Thompson. Hainley Statia scores. Scooter Gennett scores. Kentrail Davis advances to 2nd, on a missed catch error by catcher Miguel Gonzalez.

-Pitching Change: Ryan Buch replaces Nick McCully.

-Josh Prince grounds out, second baseman Erik Morrison to first baseman Andy Wilkins.

 

 

Huntsville Gameday

[pogokat]

Clint Coulter going off...I for one have enjoyed watching our top pick dominate in AZ...it's been awhile since we've had this happen

[Tedaldtada]

Billings (Reds) 7 Helena 6

 

Box Score

 

Preston Gainey is the only starter in the system that had problems today but his teammates bailed him out with a late rally to tie it in the top of the 8th. The Reds promptly put one across in the bottom half before holding the Brewers in the 9th. Errors are a killer in final at-bat situations.

 

Gainey gave up 4 R in 4 IP mainly due to 2 HR's including one from a Reds top prospect (see below). Michael Schaub replaced Gainey and was slightly more effective. He gave up the 2nd homer to Winker. Michael Francisco gave up the GW inherited run (wild pitch) for Billings. I'd be fine if I never had to cover a game that the Billings Reds or the Dunedin Blue Jays (A+) play in ever again.

 

With the tree gold, Alfredo Rodriguez smacked a granny in the eighth to tie it up. Paul Eshleman had 3 H and Jose Pena added another 2, all singles. Pena is up to .300 in the Pioneer League now. Jose is my 18th ranked Brewers prospect and he is gaining steam. Needs to talk a walk though.

 

Adam Giacalone had a tough game in the field with 2 errors including a costly one in the bottom of the 8th.

 

Jesse Winker went yard twice for the Reds. His season line is very similar to Clint Coulter's only better in every facet. He is also 18 days younger and playing in the league directly above Clint. Jesse Winker was the 49th pick in the 2012 draft (we passed on him 3 times). Btw, I am not trying to say that we made the wrong picks. Way to early for crazy talk.

 

Game Log

 

Giacalone! No!

 

Billings Bottom of the 8th

 

Robert Maddox grounds out, shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez to first baseman Adam Giacalone.

Jeff Gelalich reaches on a fielding error by first baseman Adam Giacalone.

Robert Ramirez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Raul Mondesi. Jeff Gelalich to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Michael Francisco replaces Michael Schaub.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Brandon Dailey replaces Taylor Wrenn.

With Brandon Dailey batting, wild pitch by Michael Francisco, Jeff Gelalich scores. Robert Ramirez to 2nd.

With Brandon Dailey batting, wild pitch by Michael Francisco, Robert Ramirez to 3rd.

Brandon Dailey called out on strikes.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Daniel Pigott replaces Julio Morillo.

Daniel Pigott flies out to right fielder Jose Pena.

[TheCrew07]

Halton, Green Power Sounds Past I-Cubs, 7-3

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Sean Halton and Taylor Green each belted a three-run homer to power the Nashville Sounds to a 7-3 victory over the division-rival Iowa Cubs on Tuesday evening at Greer Stadium.

 

The win was the fourth in the last five games for Nashville (65-73). In the contest, the Sounds' two through five hitters combined to go 9-for-13 with seven RBIs and seven runs scored.

 

Right-hander Tyler Thornburg (2-2) picked up the win for the Sounds after holding Iowa to one run on seven hits over five frames of work, walking one batter and striking out a pair. He has allowed two runs or less in six of his seven Triple-A outings this season and lowered his ERA to 2.65 with the effort.

 

Halton (2-for-3) gave the Sounds a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when he crushed a three-run homer to left off Iowa starter Horacio Ramirez. The blast was the slugger's team-leading 16th roundtripper of the season. Logan Schafer (2-for-3) and Khris Davis (3-for-3), who had opened the frame with consecutive singles, also scored on the blast.

 

The I-Cubs got on the board with a run in the top of the fifth that made it a 3-1 contest. Matt Tolbert led off the inning with a double to right-center and later scored when Alfredo Amezaga, who drove in all three Iowa runs on the night, hit a two-out chopper to the right side of the infield that glanced off a leaping Thornburg's glove for an RBI single.

 

The Sounds extended their lead to 7-1 with four two-out runs off Ramirez in the home half of the fifth.

 

After the first two batters were retired, Schafer singled to start the rally and scored when Davis followed with an RBI double to the right-center wall. After the I-Cubs elected to intentionally walk Halton, Green (2-for-4) made them pay by lining a three-run homer over the right field wall for his seventh longball of the year, which chased the Iowa left-hander from the contest.

 

Ramirez (0-1) suffered his first loss of the year after surrendering seven runs on nine hits in just 4 2/3 innings of work.

 

Amezaga reduced the Cubs' deficit to 7-3 in the seventh when he slugged a two-out, two-run homer to left off Sounds reliever Juan Perez. The blast was the infielder's sixth of the year.

 

Nashville's attempt to get one of the runs back in the home half of the frame was stifled by Cubs left fielder Dave Sappelt, who threw out Davis at the plate as he attempted to score from second on Taylor Green's opposite-field two-out single.

 

The teams continue the series with another 7:05 p.m. contest on Wednesday evening. Right-hander Hiram Burgos (1-2, 3.93) will make the start for the Sounds and face Iowa left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith (3-5, 4.09).

 

Nashville Box Score

Tyler Thornburg's ERA and peripherals would suggest he's been dominant, but yet he hasn't had a dominant AAA start yet, he's been on this strange plateau since May going back to Huntsville. Every game it's something different, 1 game it's walks, the next it's XBHs, tonight it's just hits, nothing like the night he flirted with perfection... It's like he's in one of those Loony Toon cartoons where the dyke keeps springing a different leak every time he plugs one. However when you put it all together he still has a mighty fine line. I'm not sure it's progress, especially since he's stuck on the low pitch count and sitting 123 IP on the year after tonight, but he's certainly not regressing at all either. 2013 will be a huge a year for all of our young pitchers on this AAA staff, it will be time to find out what we have.

 

Speaking of low pitch counts and tired arms, I wonder if anything changed with the off day throwing regimen this year? Specifically I wonder what they are doing with long toss and for the workout the day after a pitcher has his start? A light workout of the affected muscle groups the day after pitching helps get lactic acid out of the muscles and significantly aids the recovery process, a limited long toss session is even effective from my experience and my preferred method when I'm asked for guidance. I know most pitching programs have running built in for stamina as part of the day after routine, but I love to get information on the complete 5 day cycle.

 

Nashville Play By Play

[Tedaldtada]

Brevard blanks Lakeland to open twin bill

08/28/2012 9:20 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

LAKELAND, Fla. -In their first game in three days, the Brevard County Manatees blanked the Lakeland Flying Tigers 6-0 in the first game of a twin bill on Tuesday night at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.

 

Brevard starting pitcher Drew Gagnon (1-2, 2.82) finally earned his first win with the 'Tees (32-30 second half, 61-60 overall) in his 11th start with the Sea Cows. Gagnon threw a seven-inning, complete game shutout as scattered three hits, walked just one and struck out seven. The Flying Tigers (34-27, 70-56) could only muster five base runners off of Gagnon on the night.

 

The Manatees spotted Gagnon a 3-0 lead before he even took the mound. Nick Shaw led off the game by drawing a walk and then moved to third on a single from Shea Vucinich. Jason Rogers then singled to right to plate Shaw and make it a 1-0 game.

 

A ground out from Mike Walker moved Rogers to second and Vucinich to third and Vucinich would then score on a RBI ground out off the bat of Cody Hawn. Then a two-out single by Parker Berberet would plate Rogers and cap off the scoring for the 'Tees in the first inning.

 

The 'Tees extended their lead to 4-0 in the second on a RBI single from Shaw that scored Franklin Romero Jr. Shaw drove in two more runs in the fourth as he drove in Juan Sanchez and Romero Jr. with a double.

 

The top of the order got the job done for the Manatees as Shaw, Vucinich and Rogers combined to go 5-for-11 with four RBI and three runs scored. Shaw and Vucinich had two hits each with Shaw driving in three runs.

 

*********

 

'Tees take game two to complete sweep of Lakeland

08/28/2012 10:16 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo

 

LAKELAND, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees won their fourth straight game as they completed a doubleheader sweep of the Lakeland Flying Tigers by winning the second game of Tuesday's twin bill in Lakeland by the score of 4-1.

 

Just like the first game of the double dip, the 'Tees (33-30 second half, 62-69 overall) scored three runs in the top of the first inning. The three runs came courtesy of recently named Florida State League Post-Season All-Star Mike Walker as he hit a three-run shot for his tenth homer of the season.

 

Three runs were all that Brevard starting pitcher Nick Bucci (2-2, 1.90) would need as he went five-plus innings and allowed just one run. He yielded five hits and walked one, while striking out a season-high eight. In five starts with the Manatees, Bucci has a ratio of 11.78 strikeouts per nine innings.

 

Brevard County's other run came in the third inning as Shea Vucinich plated Jason Rogers on a sacrifice fly to left field.

 

Nick Shaw went 3-for-3 in game two and was 5-for-6 overall in the doubleheader. Walker also had a double to go along with his three-run homer.

 

Alan Williams threw the final two innings in relief of Bucci and earned his third save of the season as he did not allow a run and struck out two Lakeland (34-28, 70-57) hitters.

 

The Manatees are now 15-5 in doubleheader games and are now 2.5 games behind first place Dunedin with five games to play, but still sit in fifth place.

 

Brevard County will go for the sweep of Lakeland on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. as Matt Miller (1-2, 9.00) will toe the rubber for the 'Tees. The Flying Tigers will counter with Luis Angel Sanz (11-3, 3.62).

[Tedaldtada]

AZL Brewers 8 AZL Reds 2

 

Box Score

 

More solid pitching in this one. David Otterman continues his 'rehab' assignment to Arizona with a pretty mice showing. He went 2 perfect innings with 2 K. Joel Dicent was next in line and he was superb besides one solo home run he allowed. He went 6 innings allowing just 4 H 1 R and 0 BB while notching 2 K and 6 GO. Alejandro Lavandero came in for the 9th to get the final 3 outs. He allowed a meaningless run before finishing off the Reds.

 

The bats were equally impressive lead by Clint Coulter (3-5 3B) and company. Deivi Mejia (2-4 HBP) and Jose Sermo (1-4 BB) produced in the middle while Angel Ortega (2-5 2B SB) and Taylor Smith-Brennan (1-3 2B 2 BB) produced near the bottom.

 

Game Log

 

3 run version 1.

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 6th

 

Edgardo Rivera singles on a ground ball to second baseman Avain Rachal.

With Jalen Harris batting, Edgardo Rivera steals (9) 2nd base.

Jalen Harris strikes out on a foul bunt.

With Clint Coulter batting, wild pitch by Jose Guzman, Edgardo Rivera to 3rd.

Clint Coulter triples (3) on a line drive to right fielder Jonathan Reynoso. Edgardo Rivera scores.

Jose Sermo walks.

Pitching Change: Austin Muehring replaces Jose Guzman.

Deivi Mejia singles on a line drive to left fielder Argenis Aldazoro. Clint Coulter scores. Deivi Mejia to 2nd. Jose Sermo advances to 3rd, on a fielding error by left fielder Argenis Aldazoro.

Taylor Smith-Brennan walks.

Angel Ortega flies out to right fielder Jonathan Reynoso.

With Jose Garcia batting, wild pitch by Austin Muehring, Jose Sermo scores. Deivi Mejia to 3rd. Taylor Smith-Brennan to 2nd.

Jose Garcia hit by pitch.

Pitching Change: Werleen Taveras replaces Austin Muehring.

Dionis Hinojosa grounds out, pitcher Werleen Taveras to first baseman Wilfrel Estevez.

 

3 run version 2

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 7th

 

Edgardo Rivera flies out to center fielder Adam Matthews.

Jalen Harris walks.

Clint Coulter singles on a ground ball to left fielder Argenis Aldazoro. Jalen Harris to 2nd.

Jose Sermo singles on a line drive to left fielder Argenis Aldazoro. Jalen Harris scores. Clint Coulter to 2nd.

Deivi Mejia strikes out swinging.

Taylor Smith-Brennan doubles (3) on a line drive to center fielder Adam Matthews. Clint Coulter scores. Jose Sermo scores.

Angel Ortega flies out to center fielder Adam Matthews.

[Mass Haas]

Jimmy Nelson's one-hit pitching leads Stars past Barons in Huntsville home finale

By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times

 

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The Huntsville Stars closed out their home season with a flourish Tuesday night, fittingly, led by representatives of the University of Alabama and Auburn University.

 

Jimmy Nelson, who pitched for Alabama, threw seven innings of one-hit ball, striking out five, in the Stars' 4-0 win over Birmingham.

 

Hunter Morris, who played at Auburn, had his 25th homer of the season. It leads the Southern League and ties him with Jose Canseco for the fifth-most homers in a season for a Huntsville player.

 

There was an announced crowd of 1,789, boosting the season total to 130,131, nearly 36,000 more than Huntsville drew in 2011.

 

The Alabama-Auburn connection got some help from the University of Tennessee faction. Kentrail Davis, a former Vol, doubled home a run in the first, then brought home two more runs with a sixth-inning single.

 

Kyle Heckathorn, a north Georgia native who occasionally sports a UT cap, threw two innings of hitless relief to follow Nelson. Andy Wilkins' two-out first-inning single was the Barons' only hit.

 

It was Nelson's second victory as a Star, his first since June 15.

 

Morris continues to be the Southern League's most productive hitter. He now has 104 RBIs, second in the league. He's seventh in Huntsville history for most RBIs in a season. With 274 total bases, he passed Scott Brosius to move into second in that category, behind Mike Coolbaugh's 303, set in 1997.

 

The Stars close the season with five games at Montgomery, beginning tonight.

[Mass Haas]

Brewers drop series opener in Billings

Helena Independent Record

 

Catcher Paul Eshleman went 3 for 4, and Alfredo Rodriguez hit the first home run of his professional career, but it wasn’t enough as the Helena Brewers fell 7-6 to Billings on Tuesday night at Dehler Park.

 

Rodriguez hammered a game-tying grand slam in the top of the eighth inning off of Mustangs closer Mo Wiley, who hadn’t given up an earned run all season prior to that. But Billings regained the lead in the home half of the inning, a crazy frame that featured skipper Pat Kelly’s ejection, a ball that got caught in the webbing of first baseman Adam Giacalone’s glove and the game-winning run scored on a wild pitch from Mike Francisco.

 

Jesse Winker recorded three hits for Billings, including two of three Mustangs home runs in the contest. Carlos Sanchez also smashed one out of the park.

 

The victory helped Billings maintain its grip on first place in the Pioneer League North second half. The Mustangs now have a league-best overall record of 39-28 and are 18-11 this half.

 

Wiley picked up the win despite giving up the grand slam, while Michael Schaub took the loss despite a good job on the mound for Helena. Preston Gainey started for the Brewers, giving up four runs on four hits through four innings of work.

 

The two teams meet in the Magic City again tonight. Billings sends 2012 3rd round right-hander Dan Langfield to the mound, while the Mustangs will face Brewers southpaw Taylor Wall.

 

Helena slipped to 8-21 in the scond half with the loss, 21-46 overall.

[Mass Haas]

Gagnon spins three-hitter for Manatees

Brewers farmhand earns his first Florida State League victory

By Ashley Marshall / Special to MLB.com

 

Drew Gagnon tries not to pay too much attention to box scores. But he'll be pleased to see his name in the win column tomorrow for the first time in two months.

 

The right-handed Brewers prospect scattered three hits over seven innings as the Class A Advanced Brevard County Manatees blanked the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 6-0, in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday.

 

He struck out seven batters and issued one walk in the first complete-game shutout of his young pro career.

 

"I glance at [the statistics] here and there, but I'm not threatened by them," said Gagnon, who has one start remaining this season. "I never think, 'Oh my God, I've given up four runs, that's going to hurt my ERA.' You progressively get worse if you worry about that instead of what's going on.

 

"I got my first [Florida State League] win today, so that was awesome. I had a lot of quality outings in Wisconsin, but this was definitely in my top three of the year."

 

In the second inning, Gagnon allowed a two-out double to Adolfo Reina and James Robbins followed with a walk, a problem the California native admits happens sometimes when he's forced to pitch out of the stretch for the first time in a game. But Gagnon induced a routine fly ball off the bat of Hernan Perez to end the inning.

 

He retired 12 of the next 13 hitters -- James Robbins doubled in the fifth, but was stranded at third base -- and he worked into and out of trouble in the seventh.

 

Wade Gaynor beat out an infield single to lead off the seventh and Gagnon hit Dean Green with a pitch. But then he retired the final three batters to complete the shutout.

 

"To be honest, the command was there with the fastball, and I was able to throw the changeup wherever I wanted," said Gagnon, selected by the Brewers in the third round of the 2011 Draft out of Long Beach State University. "It was one of those days where everything was working. I was throwing my curveball as an 0-2 or 1-2 pitch, and in the [final three frames], I had really good command of it.

 

"I was in that zone where whatever the catcher put down, I was happy to throw. I have been eliminating my walks quite well. I've been getting ahead in the count and my strikeout-to-walk ratio has been a lot better."

 

The 21-year-old was 6-1 with a 2.83 in 14 Midwest League games before his promotion. But since making his Class A Advanced debut June 30, he was 0-2 with a 3.15 ERA in his first 10 starts at the new level.