Link Report for Thurs. 8/30

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Claudio Vargas 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 Johnnie Lowe at Montgomery (Rays), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 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 Matt Miller at Daytona (Cubs), 6:05 PM gametime

 

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

 

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 Jacob Barnes at home vs. Beloit (Twins), 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 Ryan Gibbard at Great Falls (White Sox), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:00 gametime

 

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

 

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

 

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Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Season complete; final stats here

 

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DSL Brewers: Season complete; final stats and analysis here

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

[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 (FINAL)

 

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 (and did so for their most recent game). Rest your pointer under the "Roster" banner on the Stars' home page shortly before game time to see the link.

[Mass Haas]

Latest audio with Nashville Manager Mike Guerrero (from Monday 8/27)

[Mass Haas]

Rattlers Press Release:

 

Sports32 will televise Timber Rattlers playoff game on September 6

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Sports32 covered more Wisconsin Timber Rattlers games in 2012 than in any previous season. Now, they are adding at least one Midwest League playoff game to their schedule.

 

Time Warner Cable subscribers in the state of Wisconsin will be able to watch the Timber Rattlers play their first home playoff game since 2005 on September 6 at 6:35 PM. The Timber Rattlers will host Game Two of the first round series on September 6. The opponent of the Timber Rattlers in the series has not been determined yet.

[Mass Haas]

No Wisconsin Timber Rattlers were named to the 13-member Midwest Post-season All-Star Team.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO: Joe Block's Brewers Pregame Interview with Sounds LF Khris Davis

 

Kudos again to Block and the TMJ production crew for coordinating so many interviews with the prospects this season...

[Mass Haas]

Hey, good for him.

 

Recently-released LHP Dan Merklinger (career stats) was picked up by the Rockies and has been pitching for AAA Colorado Springs.

 

Merklinger's first Colorado appearance was a two-inning scoreless start -- talk about adventurous, though!

 

Tucson Bottom of the 1st

Daniel Robertson walks.

Andy Parrino walks. Daniel Robertson to 2nd.

Jedd Gyorko walks. Daniel Robertson to 3rd. Andy Parrino to 2nd.

Jesus Merchan pops out to second baseman Charlie Culberson on the infield fly rule.

Vince Belnome grounds into a double play, third baseman Brandon Wood to second baseman Charlie Culberson to first baseman Chad Tracy. Jedd Gyorko out at 2nd.

 

Tucson Bottom of the 2nd

Eddy Rodriguez doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Brandon Roberts.

Blake Tekotte flies out to right fielder Matt McBride.

Jonathan Roof walks.

Thad Weber out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Dan Merklinger to second baseman Charlie Culberson. Eddy Rodriguez to 3rd. Jonathan Roof to 2nd.

Daniel Robertson walks.

Andy Parrino flies out to center fielder Brandon Roberts.

[Mass Haas]

On a related note, catcher Jason Jaramillo has eight games under his belt for AAA Sacramento (Oakland).

[Mass Haas]

Catching up -- Rattler Radio video highlights from Wednesday

[TheCrew07]

AUDIO: Joe Block's Brewers Pregame Interview with Sounds LF Khris Davis

 

Kudos again to Block and the TMJ production crew for coordinating so many interviews with the prospects this season...

 

I do like the Powelesque prospect coverage by Joe this season, but his interview with Tunnell last night was pretty bad.

[homer]

Jose Pena is an extra base hitting machine.

[Tedaldtada]

Brevard County 6 Daytona (Cubs) 5

 

Box Score

 

Now just 1.5 back but still in 5th place. I'm pulling for a 5-way at this point.

 

Matt Miller started and was effective despite what the run total suggests. Miller has plenty of stuff, just needs to breakout with it. The relief was solid as usual with Wild Thomas Keeling and Casey Medlen picking up a win and save respectively.

 

The bats were making noise tonight. 4 homers, including 2 in the 9th inning alone. Mike Walker smacked 2. Joey Paciorek and Shea Vucinich had the others.

 

Hoping for lengthy story for this seemingly wild game.

 

Game Log

[Tedaldtada]

Great Falls (White Sox) 5 Helena 4

 

Box Score

 

Helena was in charge until GF pulled ahead for good with a 3-run 6th. That being the case, Ryan Gibbard was pretty darn good until that point. Jonathon Armold got his first taste of the Pioneer League and he did the only thing thinkable; he kept his ERA at 0.00 with a scoreless inning. Michael Francisco gave up a couple hits, but he made through his inning too.

 

At the dish, Adam Giacalone (2-4) and Michael Turay (2-3) each had 2 H. Raul Mondesi Jr. had a H a BB and a SB. Jose Pena hit a 3B. 30 of his 68 hits have gone for extras.

 

More typical fielding and base running probs for this club.

 

Game Log

 

I'm sorry I cannot be more thorough. I'm working from a carpet (no chairs or table) with a mobile device. Oh, and I moved for 15 hours today. G'Night!

[TooLiveBrew]

@Montgomery 10, Huntsville 3

 

Huntsville Box

After the Stars got off to a good start, scoring two runs in the 1st, the Biscuits rose back with nine unanswered runs (including seven in the 3rd) and took command.

 

Huntsville starter Johnnie Lowe retired Montgomery in order in the 1st, let in one run in the 2nd, and saw things completely unravel in the 3rd. I don't want to just bag on the guy here, so check the PbP section to see the 3rd. Lowe did get the first two outs of the 4th, but was chased thanks to allowing a BB and two 1Bs.

 

The Stars got a run back in the 5th on a solo HR from Hunter Morris, but Montgomery nullified that with a tack-on run in the home half of the frame. Huntsville loaded the bases with one out in the 3rd, got a 2B from Kentrail Davis to lead off the 6th, and loaded the bases with three straight two-out 1Bs in the 8th, but were unable to capitalize on any of those scoring chances. Every starter notched at least one hit in this one, but the Stars didn't get the big RBI swings they needed to rally back.

 

Lee Haydel and Hainley Statia joined Morris as the Stars with two hits each.

 

Scooter Gennett singled and scored in the 1st, but was lifted from the game entering the bottom of the 7th. Nothing jumps out from the game log as to why Gennett was subbed out; he handled the turn on a successful double play in the 5th, and struck out looking for the second out in the 7th.

 

R.J. Seidel, Tim Dillard, and Philippe Valiquette each worked a scoreless inning of relief.

 

 

Haydel: 2-5

Statia: 2-5, 2B

Gennett: 1-4

Morris: 2-3, 2B (39), HR (26), 3 RBI (107), 2 BB (39)

Brock Kjeldgaard: 1-4, BB, CS

Davis: 1-4, 2B (22), BB (51)

Josh Prince: 1-5

T.J. Mittelstaedt: 1-4

Adam Weisenburger: 1-3, E (5, throwing)

 

Lowe: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 9 R/6 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 7:5 GO:AO, E (2, throwing)

Dan Meadows: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 K, WP

Seidel: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Dillard: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, WP

Valiquette: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

 

 

Huntsville PbP

The final series of the season got off to a good enough start for Huntsville:

 

Huntsville Top of the 1st

-Lee Haydel grounds out, second baseman Derek Dietrich to first baseman Michael Sheridan.

-Hainley Statia doubles (10) on a line drive to right fielder Mikie Mahtook.

-Scooter Gennett singles on a ground ball to second baseman Derek Dietrich. Hainley Statia to 3rd.

-Hunter Morris doubles (39) on a fly ball to left fielder Omar Luna. Hainley Statia scores. Scooter Gennett scores.

-Brock Kjeldgaard walks.

-Kentrail Davis flies out to center fielder Ty Morrison. Hunter Morris to 3rd.

-With Josh Prince batting, Brock Kjeldgaard caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Mark Thomas to second baseman Derek Dietrich.

 

The disastrous bottom of the 3rd -- warning: this is not for the squeamish:

 

Montgomery Bottom of the 3rd

-Kyeong Kang walks.

-Mark Thomas homers (4) on a fly ball to left field. Kyeong Kang scores.

-Ty Morrison doubles (16) on a fly ball to right fielder Kentrail Davis.

-Shawn O'Malley walks.

-Derek Dietrich flies out to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Ty Morrison to 3rd. Shawn O'Malley to 2nd.

-Mikie Mahtook reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by second baseman Scooter Gennett. Ty Morrison scores. Shawn O'Malley to 3rd.

-Omar Luna reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by pitcher Johnnie Lowe. Shawn O'Malley scores. Mikie Mahtook scores. Omar Luna to 2nd. Throwing error by pitcher Johnnie Lowe. Throwing error by catcher Adam Weisenburger.

-Michael Sheridan doubles (24) on a line drive to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Omar Luna scores.

-Greg Sexton strikes out swinging.

-Kyeong Kang singles on a fly ball to center fielder Josh Prince. Michael Sheridan scores.

-Mark Thomas flies out to right fielder Kentrail Davis.

 

 

Huntsville Gameday

[bkrause2]

Final: Beloit 9, Wisconsin 2

 

Beloit bops Rattlers

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Beloit Snappers only outhit the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers by one on Thursday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. However, Beloit put together more run scoring hits for a 9-2 win over the Rattlers. Beloit pitchers also recorded fifteen strikeouts in the game.

 

Tyler Grimes, the number nine hitter in Beloit's lineup on Thursday night, launched a 2-2 pitch to left-center for a two-out, two-run home run. The Snappers (74-62 overall, 35-31 second half) were up 2-0.

 

Beloit added two runs to their total in the fourth inning. A walk and a single started the inning. Kennys Vargas singled in the first run. An RBI grounder by Drew Leachman knocked in the second run for a 4-0 lead.

 

Wisconsin (31-35, 75-70) came back in the bottom of the fourth inning. Brandon Macias singled with the bases loaded to drive in a pair of runs and the deficit was cut to 4-2.

 

The Rattlers put runners on second and third with one out in the fifth inning, but could not score. The Rattlers also put a runner in scoring position in the sixth and seventh innings, but stranded him both times. Wisconsin would leave a total of eleven runners on base as they were 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the game.

 

Beloit pounced on a Rattlers miscue in the eighth inning to extend their lead. They had runners at first and second with one out. AJ Pettersen blooped a single to right that would have just loaded the bases. But, the ball got away from Max Walla in right. Two runs scored and Pettersen took third base. Pettersen scored moments later on a wild pitch for a 7-2 lead.

 

Beloit added two more runs in the top of the ninth inning. Eddie Rosario's RBI double plated the first run. Leachman's RBI single made it 9-2.

 

The Rattlers went down in order in the ninth on a pair of strikeouts. The ninth inning was the only inning Wisconsin did not have a base runner.

 

Friday is the final meeting of the regular season between the Rattlers and the Snappers. Mark Williams (7-10, 3.81) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. Jason Wheeler (14-6, 3.44) is set to start for Beloit. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

A Static Cling Schedule for the 2013 Timber Rattlers season presented by BioLife Plasma Services will be given away on Friday night. BioLife Plasma Services will present the final postgame fireworks display of 2012 after Friday's game.

 

Friday is also the final North Shore Bank Family night. Children 12 and under eat free and 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 out to the game, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm.

 

HOME RUN:

BEL:

Tyler Grimes (6th, 1 on in 2nd inning off Jacob Barnes, 2 out)

 

WP: Tyler Rogers (2-2)

LP: Jacob Barnes (4-7)

 

TIME: 3:03

ATTN: 4,494

 

Wisconsin Box Score

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

 

Wisconsin Bottom of the 4th

Rafael Neda reaches on a missed catch error by pitcher Cole Johnson, assist to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Yadiel Rivera singles on a soft ground ball to shortstop Stephen Wickens. Rafael Neda to 2nd.

Max Walla walks. Rafael Neda to 3rd. Yadiel Rivera to 2nd.

Adrian Williams pops out softly to second baseman Tyler Grimes.

Brandon Macias singles on a soft line drive to right fielder Wang-Wei Lin. Rafael Neda scores. Yadiel Rivera scores. Max Walla to 2nd.

Chadwin Stang grounds into a double play, third baseman Adam Pettersen to second baseman Tyler Grimes to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Brandon Macias out at 2nd.

[TheCrew07]

Sounds Sweep Away I-Cubs With 6-1 Win

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds completed their first sweep of the season with a 6-1 victory over the division-rival Iowa Cubs on Thursday evening at Greer Stadium in the finale of a four-game series.

 

Nashville (67-73) extended its longest winning streak of the year to five games. The Sounds -- who never trailed during the entire four-game series -- won 10 of their 16 games against Iowa this season, the club's third straight double-digit win total against the I-Cubs.

 

The contest marked the end of the 2012 season for Iowa, which had its scheduled season-ending series at New Orleans canceled due to the effects of Hurricane Isaac.

 

Nashville took a 2-0 lead with a pair of fourth-inning runs against Iowa starter Yoanner Negrin (0-1).

 

Center fielder Logan Schafer (2-for-4) gave the Sounds a 1-0 lead in when he slugged his 11th home run of the season and second in two nights, a leadoff solo shot to right. With one out, Sean Halton doubled off the base of the left field wall and scored the frame's second run when Taylor Green (2-for-3) followed with a single to right.

 

· AUDIO: Logan Schafer HR

· AUDIO: Taylor Green RBI Single

 

The RBI knock by Green extended the infielder's longest hitting streak of the season to seven games (11-for-26, .423).

 

Iowa halved the lead to 2-1 in the fifth when Tony Campana led off with a bunt single against Sounds starter Claudio Vargas and scored on Adrian Cardenas' RBI double to left.

 

The Sounds got the run back in the home half of the frame with a two-out rally against Negrin. After the first two batters were retired, Schafer singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on Khris Davis' single to center to make it a 3-1 contest.

 

· AUDIO: Khris Davis RBI Single

 

Vargas (7-1) picked up his seventh win of the year after allowing one run on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. The veteran, who walked three batters and struck out six, did not suffer a defeat in any of his final 12 starts of the season and is tied with Wily Peralta for most wins by a Sound this year.

 

Corey Patterson increased the Nashville advantage to 5-1 in the seventh when he belted a two-run homer to right off I-Cubs reliever Miguel Socolovich. The blast, the veteran's tenth of the year, also scored Humberto Quintero, who preceded Patterson with a single.

 

· AUDIO: Corey Patterson Two-Run HR

 

The Sounds tacked on another run later in the inning when Eric Farris singled then stole second and third before scoring on a throwing error by Socolovich as he attempted to throw him out at third on his second steal.

 

· AUDIO: Eric Farris Steals Third, Scores On Throwing Error

 

The Sounds continue their final homestand of the year on Friday night by welcoming the cross-state rival Memphis Redbirds to Greer Stadium for the 7:05 p.m. opener of a four-game series. Right-hander Wily Peralta (7-10, 4.73) is scheduled to take the hill for Nashville and face Memphis right-hander Shelby Miller (10-10, 4.89).

 

Nashville Box Score

Whup up on the Cubs! I love me a sweep of a divisional rival, especially the Cubs and Cards affiliates. Why? I've never liked the Cubs since I saw first my game on WGN in the 80s, it was a Cubs/White Sox exhibition and a family friend was pitching for the Sox... there's nothing lovable about losers... The Cards, well I didn't really have a problem till they got all hypocritical regarding the unwritten rules of baseball.

 

Claudio Vargas ends his season in Nashville on a high note, he will not get another opportunity to start this year, though we might see him out of the pen on the 2nd or 3rd as the season wraps up. Then again, perhaps gets a September call, though I'd rather call up youngsters instead of him, but a solid case can be made that Claudio earned another look.

 

Jesus Sanchez is pretty good at baseball, it took him a while to develop after his positional change, but what a dominant season between 2 levels. His K rate did drop and his BB rate rise since his promotion to AAA, but 14 appearances isn't really enough to make any judgements, his tough stretch from Aug 7-19 looks to just be a blip on the radar at this point.

 

Brandon Kintzler seems to have settled in as well, I honestly think we have plenty enough depth in the minors to cover the MLB bullpen next year. Melvin will likely add a veteran arm since that's what he does, but I'll be surprised if he signs more than 1 or 2 guys.

 

Sean Halton has worked his way into the 1B discussion with an incredibly solid season in somewhat limited opportunities, he only has 348 ABs on the season, but look at the numbers he put up. Caleb Gindl has 99 more ABs than does Halton, and speaking of Caleb, he's crawled all the way back to respectable line after his horrid first 2 months of the season.

 

Nashville Play By Play

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Sounds infielder Erick Almonte says playing days just about done

by Nick Cole, The Tennessean

 

After 17 professional seasons, Sounds infielder Erick Almonte said the 2012 season probably will be the last of his baseball playing career in the United States.

 

“I’m going to go play winter ball and see what the future is going to be for next year,” Almonte said. “I’ve met so many people through the course of my career. Seeing different states and different stadiums across America, playing with a lot of different guys… it’s been pretty fun. A lot of bus rides and airplanes, but it’s been worth it.”

 

The 34-year-old said he plans to stay involved with baseball in some capacity, transitioning into a coaching or scouting role.

 

“For like the last five years I’ve been thinking about it,” Almonte said about the possibility of coaching. “I kind of like to give the younger guys some advice.”

 

Almonte signed with the New York Yankees as a non-drafted free agent in 1996. He spent the first seven seasons of his career as a shortstop in the Yankees system, finding himself behind Derek Jeter on the organizational depth chart. Almonte appeared in a combined 39 games for the 2001 and 2003 American League champion teams.

 

Almonte has played in the Dominican Winter League for 13 consecutive seasons.

 

“Baseball is the Dominican No. 1 sport and everybody follows baseball, so it’s exciting to play there,” he said.

 

Aside from a 16-game stint with the Brewers in 2011, Almonte has spent the past four seasons in Nashville.

 

“I really like the city and love the people,” Almonte said of Nashville. “I love the fans and I’ve had a chance to meet a lot of great people both inside and outside the stadium. It’s been a really good four years.”

 

Almonte hit .233 in 133 major league at-bats and holds a career .274 average in nearly 5,000 minor league at-bats. He has played in 33 games this season for the Sounds, hitting .203.

 

Arizona Fall League: Sounds outfielder Khris Davis has been selected to represent the Brewers in the Arizona Fall League.

 

“It’s an honor,” Davis said. “Hopefully I get the chance to go out there and get better. With the competition and pitching out there, it’s going to make my game come to another level.”

 

The AFL, founded in 1992, is a six-team league that features prospects from all 30 organizations.

 

Goodlettsville Little League to be honored: The Sounds will honor the U.S. champion Goodlettsville Little League team in pregame festivities on Saturday.

 

“Our players are excited to meet and interact with the Little Leaguers,” Sounds manager Mike Guerrero said. “We followed their championship run from the locker room during our recent road trip.”

 

The Little Leaguers will get to participate in batting practice with the Sounds, and each will throw an honorary first pitch. The Sounds will wear the Goodlettsville team’s Southeast hats during the game against the Memphis Redbirds.

 

Batter of the week: Sounds outfielder Caleb Gindl was named the Pacific Coast League batter of the week for Aug. 20-26. He went 16-for-30 (.533), hitting two home runs and driving in 10 runs.

 

Erick Almonte, who has played the past four seasons in Nashville, said he is retiring. / GEORGE WALKER IV, THE TENNESSEAN

 

http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20120831&Category=SPORTS04&ArtNo=308310067&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Nashville-Sounds-infielder-Erick-Almonte-says-playing-days-just-about-done

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio manages to find video highlights from the 9-2 loss

[Mass Haas]

Guess that the three called strike 3's were "questionable":

 

Brevard County Top of the 5th

Pitching Change: Matthew Spencer replaces Kyle Hendricks.

Jason Rogers walks.

Mike Walker walks. Jason Rogers to 2nd.

Cody Hawn called out on strikes.

Shea Vucinich singles on a ground ball to pitcher Matthew Spencer. Jason Rogers to 3rd. Mike Walker to 2nd.

Joey Paciorek called out on strikes.

Juan Sanchez called out on strikes.

 

Daytona Bottom of the 5th

Brevard County Manatees Manager Joe Ayrault ejected by HP umpire Ryan Clark.

[Mass Haas]

3 Brevard homers beat Daytona Cubs 6-5

By SEAN KERNAN, Daytona News-Journal Staff writer

 

DAYTONA BEACH -- Brevard County manager Joe Ayrault got thrown out and the Manatees' Mike Walker, Shea Vucinich and Joey Paciorek hit balls out of Jackie Robinson Ballpark Thursday night in a 6-5 victory over the Daytona Cubs.

 

Walker crushed two home runs, his 11th and 12th of the year, while Vucinich and Paciorek each smacked one long ball to highlight the Manatees' 12-hit attack.

 

"It's a good yard to hit in here," said Walker, who also hit two homers in a game against Fort Myers earlier in the season. "When the wind isn't blowing in you have a chance to hit it out. We really swung the bats well as a team."

 

Walker's first home run carried over the double-deck fence in right-center field and his second blast hit off the batter's eye behind center field.

 

Daytona starter Kyle Hendricks, one of the two players Chicago acquired in a trade for Ryan Dempster at the end of July, and reliever Eduardo Figueroa (3-5) each allowed two home runs.

 

"We basically lost the game on the long ball -- they hit four home runs," Cubs manager Brian Harper said. "I thought it was a good ballgame. Walker had a great game for them. Figueroa really has been throwing the ball great for us all season. He just had a couple of pitches that got hit."

 

Walker's second homer of the game broke a 4-4 tie and Paciorek's first home run for Brevard County proved to be the game-winning run because the Cubs came back with a run in the ninth.

 

Ayrault was booted by home plate umpire Ryan Clark after the manager had argued a called third strike to end the top of the fifth inning.

 

The Manatees (34-30 in second half, 63-69 overall) pulled within 1 1/2 games of first place in the FSL North. The Cubs (26-36, 56-74) have been eliminated from a playoff spot and will try to play the role of spoiler in the remaining three games against Brevard County.

 

Daytona was led by FSL All-Star outfielder John Andreoli, who had three hits in five at-bats, including a double, and scored a run.

 

Cubs prospect Javier Baez launched a solo home run to lead off Daytona's fourth. The Chicago Cubs' first pick of the 2011 first-year player draft belted a fastball over the scoreboard beyond left field to give the Cubs a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.

[Mass Haas]

Great Falls site:

 

Voyagers Hop Over Brewers

 

GREAT FALLS - The Great Falls Voyagers (36-33, 12-19) pulled a late comeback on the Helena Brewers (22-47, 9-22) for a 5-4 win Thursday night at Centene Stadium. The Voyagers are now 10-1 against Helena this season.

 

J.C. Casey struggled against the league-last Helena offense tonight as he allowed two runs in the first inning. The Voyagers fought back for one in the first and tied the game in the second when Zach Voight doubled and Angel Rosario singled him home for a 2-2 tie. Casey gave up two more runs in the fourth when Michael Turay singled home a pair and Helena led 4-2 through the middle innings.

 

Ryan Bollinger (4-3) pitched a scoreless sixth, his first appearance since injuring his back on August 18, and set up the Voyagers for a three-run, lead-taking sixth. Barroso and Tanner reached when Thomas McCarthy doubled to center to score Barroso, and Chris McFarland's throw to the plate became lodged in the backstop to advance both runners and tie the game 4-4. With McCarthy on third, Zach Voight drove a sacrifice fly to center to finish the rally and give the Voyagers a 5-4 lead.

 

David Putman struck out the side in the seventh and Brandon Hardin entered in the eighth to attempt a six-out save. Aside from a single in the eighth, Hardin had no troubled closing out the game for a 5-4 Voyagers win. The Voaygers play game two of four with the Brewers Friday night at Centene Stadium. The game starts at 7:00 (8:00 Central).