Link Report for Thurs. 6/20 - Despite an 0-8 Organizational Day, Plenty of News

[Eye Black]

Welcome to the Brewers system Garrett Cooper!

 

Two HR's in his first three at-bats!

 

[sarcasm]He may be in the Power 25 before the night is over![/sarcasm]

[brewmann04]

Guess some of the question aabout his power can be answered.

[TooLiveBrew]

I'm bushed again tonight, apologies for the simple post

 

Sounds Edged In Iowa, 6-4

Nashville Reliever Greg Holle Makes Triple-A Debut

Nashville Sounds

 

http://i.imgur.com/kh6rs7x.jpg

Frankie De La Cruz & Blake Lalli, archive photo (Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Nashville Sounds twice pulled to within one run of the Iowa Cubs Thursday night at Principal Park, but never got over the hump, losing by the final score of 6-4.

 

Sounds pitcher Frankie De La Cruz (1-7), in his first start since May 24, allowed a quick 3-0 lead to the Cubs in the first inning. With runners on first and second, infielder Junior Lake pushed a single past a diving Blake Davis to score Iowa's first run. Shortstop Donnie Murphy, 3-for-3, followed with a double down the right-field line to plate two more runs.

 

Nashville scored its first two runs in the fourth inning. Sean Halton hit a towering RBI triple off the centerfield wall to bring home Blake Lalli, who singled, before scoring on the next ball put in play: a ground out by outfielder Cole Garner.

 

The I-Cubs got one run back in the home half of the inning with a two-out RBI-double from right fielder Brian Bogusevic, 4-for-4.

 

Bogusevic's extra-base knock ended De La Cruz's night. The starter took the loss, his seventh, finishing with four runs on seven hits and three walks across 3 2/3 innings of work. De La Cruz fanned five Cubs, before being relieved by Travis Webb.

 

Webb entered with one runner on base and got out of the inning with a fly out to snap a stretch of five games in which Sounds relievers had let in their last nine inherited runners. The lefty worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings for the Sounds, retiring seven of his eight batters.

 

Blake Davis, 2-for-4, led off the fifth with a double to right field, moved to third on Webb's sacrifice bunt, and scored on a single from Hainley Statia to pull Nashville to within one for the second time.

 

But once again the Cubs pulled away, scratching two runs on four hits against Sounds reliever Michael Olmsted in the seventh.

 

Outfielder Khris Davis scored Nashville's final run in the eighth, driven home on a Hunter Morris groundout. Davis reached base on a lead-off single to right field and moved to third with Blake Lalli's double.

 

Sounds reliever Greg Holle made his Triple-A debut in the eighth inning, joining Nashville after 26 relief appearances in Double-A Huntsville. The 24-year-old fanned pinch-hitter Brent Lillibridge and walked Bogusevic before retiring the side in his hitless debut appearance.

 

Halton, 2-for-4, helped keep the Cubs off the board in the second inning by gunning down Iowa catcher Luis Flores at home plate on Bogusevic's second single of the game.

 

Cubs starting pitcher Yoanner Negrin (2-2) picked up the win for Iowa, allowing four runs to Nashville on nine hits over eight innings. Brian Schlitter netted the save, his fifth.

 

The Sounds conclude their Iowa six-pack with a doubleheader Friday night at Principal Park. Throwing for Nashville in game one will be RHP R.J. Seidel (1-3, 5.45) opposite Iowa's RHP Guillermo Moscoso (2-5, 4.88). The nightcap will feature RHP Johnnie Lowe (0-1, 3.72) against a Cubs' pitcher still to be announced. Baseball returns to Greer Stadium Thursday, June 27.

 

 

Nashville Box

 

 

Nashville PbP

 

 

Nashville Gameday

[TheCrew07]

Final: Cedar Rapids (Twins) 3 - Wisconsin 1

 

Kernels quiet Wisconsin in second half opener

Cedar Rapids pitchers hold Rattlers to a run

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - Christian Powell pitched seven strong innings and Travis Harrison had a hand in all the runs the Cedar Rapids Kernels scored in a 3-1 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Thursday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The game was the second half opener for both teams.

 

Timber Rattlers starting pitcher Eric Semmelhack retired the first five Kernels batters he faced in the game. Then, he walked Max Kepler on four pitches with two out in the top of the second. Harrison followed with a two-run home run to left on the first pitch of his at bat and the Kernels were up 2-0.

 

Harrison figured into a Cedar Rapids two-out rally in the top of the fourth. He doubled with two outs and none on base and went to third on a wild pitch. Michael Quesada drew a walk. Then, JD Williams drove in Harrison with a single to center and Cedar Rapids (41-28 overall, 1-0 second half) was up 3-0.

 

*LR note* Semmelhack deflected the single but couldn't get good glove on it.

 

Wisconsin (29-37, 0-1) got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth inning. They had the bases loaded with one out and Orlando Arcia at the plate. Arcia sent a slow chopper to second. The Kernels got the runner at second, but had no chance to get Arcia at first for the inning ending double play. Mike Garza, the runner at third, crossed home plate to tally the run on the play.

 

But, that was the only run the Timber Rattlers would get off Powell, who worked seven innings, allowed four hits, walked two, and struck out five.

 

The Timber Rattlers tried to stage a comeback in the bottom of the ninth against reliever Caleb Brewer. Victor Roache singled, his second hit of the night, to start the inning. Adam Giacalone followed with a single and Adrian Williams was sent to pinch run for Giacalone as he represented the tying run. But, Brewer rebounded to get a 6-4-3 double play and a strikeout against the next two hitters to end the game.

Wisconsin outfielder Michael Reed singled in the fourth inning to extend his on base streak to 37 games. That is the longest active on base streak in minor league baseball - and the third longest in MiLB - this season.

 

Game two is set for Friday night. Tyler Wagner (6-5, 3.32) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Cedar Rapids sends Josue Montanez (1-1, 4.66) to the hill. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

Friday night is North Shore Bank Family night. Children 12 and under receive a free hot dog and soda as part of family night. Plus, kids 14 and under may participate in Kids Run the Bases thanks to Molina Healthcare after the postgame fireworks display.

 

The Timber Rattlers will hold a Salute to Paper on Friday night with lots of paper-themed promotions and games. Plus, there is a Kimberly Clark Kleenex giveaway to the first 1,000 fans to attend this game.

 

If you can't make it out to the game, tune in for the television broadcast on My NEW32's Sports Showdown starting with their pregame show at 6:30pm. The radio broadcast is on AM1280, WNAM and timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. The game is also available to subscribers of MiLB.TV.

 

HOME RUN:

CR:

Travis Harrison (12th, 1 on in 2nd inning off Eric Semmelhack, 2 out)

 

WP: Christian Powell (1-1)

LP: Eric Semmelhack (1-3)

SAVE: Caleb Brewer (1)

 

TIME: 2:17

ATTN: 3,966

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

This start kind of sums up Eric Semmelhack in a nutshell, he pitches just well enough but then gives up runs in the most unnecessary ways. A 4 pitch walk and then a grooved FB for a HR, A runner on 2nd and then a WP.

 

As I mentioned above Max Walla made an outstanding defensive play, Bob and Brad were very complimentary of Max's tools talking about how injuries have held his development back. I'm not sure I agree, but it was nice to hear some high praise anyway. Michael Garza and Adam Giacalone also flashed the leather during the game, hopefully this team has turned the corner defensively and will start playing more sound baseball in the second half.

 

Victor Roache was really the only story offensively, he went 2-4 and once again his extra work with hitting coach Dusty Rhodes in the cage was thoroughly discussed. Tyrone Taylor was robbed of a bunt base hit and ended up 1-3, he beat throw but it was a bang bang play and the ump called him out.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

Prior to this double play Garza fouled a sac bunt attempt. I wasn't thrilled with the sacrifice attempt given the situation and how well Garza had been hitting, but this outcome was even worse.

 

Wisconsin Bottom of the 9th

• Victor Roache singles on a ground ball to shortstop Niko Goodrum.
  Adam Giacalone singles on a line drive to left fielder Max Kepler. Victor Roache to 2nd.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Adrian Williams replaces Adam Giacalone.
  Mike Garza grounds into a double play, shortstop Niko Goodrum to second baseman Jorge Polanco to first baseman Dalton Hicks. Victor Roache to 3rd. Adrian Williams out at 2nd.
  Alfredo Rodriguez called out on strikes.

 

Wisconsin Gameday

[Eye Black]

FINAL: Tampa 3, Brevard County 2

 

Brevard edged by Tampa to open second half

Manatees fall 3-2 to Yankees, just seventh one-run loss in 2013

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/0/9/0/51298090/cuts/Roenicke_5.20_v638e90p_wyodls10.JPG

Manatees right fielder Lance Roenicke, seen here in a game from earlier this season, went 2-for-4 in Brevard County's 3-2 loss to the Tampa Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Thursday night. In eight games thus far in June, Roenicke is hitting .444 (12-for-27). (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

TAMPA, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees started the second half of the season off on the wrong foot with a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Yankees on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

 

For the Manatees (0-1 second half, 37-31 overall), it was just their seventh loss in one-run games, compared to 19 victories in one-run contests.

 

Brevard County jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning against Tampa (1-0, 29-40) starting pitcher Michael Pineda, who was in town on a Major League rehab assignment. Three straight singles by T.J. Mittelstaedt, Yadiel Rivera and Mitch Haniger to begin the game put the 'Tees on the board as Haniger's single plated Mittelstaedt.

 

The Manatees would leave two on in the first but were able to plate another run against Pineda and the Yankees in the second with two outs. Brandon Macias started the rally with a single and that was followed by a walk from Mittelstaedt. Rivera would then reach first on an error by Yankees' third baseman Anderson Feliz that scored Macias to make it 2-0 in favor of Brevard County.

 

Tampa was able to get on the board against the Manatees and starting pitcher Cody Scarpetta (0-2, 7.45) with two outs in the bottom of the fourth. A solo homer off the bat of Yeral Sanchez cut the lead in half and after the next batter, Anderson Feliz drew a walk, Scarpetta's night was done.

 

Scarpetta, who went 3.2 innings and allowed two runs, both earned, on three hits. He walked two and struck out three in his third start of the season after coming off of Tommy John surgery last year.

 

Chad Pierce came in for Scarpetta and preceded to walk Angelo Gumbs and then yielded a ground-rule double to Saxon Butler that plated Feliz and tied the game.

 

The Yankees led off the bottom of the fifth with back-to-back singles off of Pierce from Mason Williams and Robert Refsnyder to put runners at corners with no outs. Refsnyder would be thrown out by catcher Rafael Neda trying to swipe second, but Ben Gamel drew a walk to make it first and third once again.

 

Gamel then tried to steal second and he was successful and the second baseman Mittelstaedt - who was playing second for just the second time this season - was unable to catch the ball cleanly. This allowed Williams to score from third to give Tampa the lead.

 

After Pineda exited the game following four innings of work, Brevard County was unable to touch Tampa's bullpen as the Yankees' relievers combine to strikeout six Manatee hitters in five innings.

 

Following Pierce's exit from the game after 2.1 innings, Mark Williams was able to keep Brevard in the game with two scoreless innings.

 

In the top of the ninth, the 'Tees had a chance to tie the game with a runner on third with no outs. Ben McMahan, the runner on third, would be out at home on a Neda fielder's choice for the first out.

 

Then with Macias at the plate and Neda on first and Lance Roenicke on second, Roenicke was picked off the bag by Tampa catcher Gary Sanchez. Macias would then strike out swinging to end the game. Roenicke was the only Manatee with a multi-hit night as he went 2-for-4. In eight games thus far in June, Roenicke is hitting .444 (12-for-27).

 

Brevard County and Tampa will continue their three-game series on Friday night at 7:00 PM in Tampa (6:00 Central). Jacob Barnes (4-2, 3.67) will toe the rubber for the Manatees as he looks to improve on his last three outings, in which he has allowed at least three runs in each of them. The Yankees will counter with southpaw Dietrich Enns (0-0, 0.00) who will be making his Florida State League debut. Enns went 4-1 with a 0.61 ERA in 19 appearances (one start) over 44.1 innings pitched in Class-A Charleston this season.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Brevard County Play-by-Play

[TheCrew07]

Steve comparing Angel Ortega to Alcides Escobar defensively is intriguing.

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Brewers 0, DSL Pirates2 7

 

The Brewers fell to 3-14 on the season and this game wasn't even really competitive. The Brewers gave up a run in the first and four more in the third. They never really threatened after that, collecting just four hits.

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

Starting pitcher Marcos Padilla allowed one run in his only inning of work, giving up two hits and walking a batter. He was charged with the loss. Melvin Tejada relieved him and gave up five runs, three earned, in three innings. Pedro Peguero gave up a run in two innings. Axel Cordero and Boanerges Nova each pitched a scoreless inning of relief.

 

Second baseman Gregory Nunez went 2 for 3 to bump his average up to .385. DH Juan De Leon went 1 for 3, and third baseman Raphachel Colatosti went 1 for 4. Juan Ortiz and Yerald Martinez each drew a walk. Center fielder Yunior Santana recorded an outfield assist. Ortiz and Colatosti each committed an error.

 

DSL Brewers Play-By-Play

 

The Brewers best chance to score came in the sixth when they loaded the bases

 

DSL Brewers Top of the 6th

Pitching Change: Alexander Gutierrez replaces Dario Agrazal.

Kevin Martinez pops out to second baseman Fredis Padilla.

Gregory Munoz singles on a ground ball to first baseman Carlos Munoz.

Daniel Leonardo grounds into a force out, second baseman Fredis Padilla to shortstop Bealyn Chourio. Gregory Munoz out at 2nd. Daniel Leonardo to 1st.

Raphachel Colatosti singles on a line drive to left fielder Steven De La Mota. Daniel Leonardo to 2nd.

Juan Ortiz walks. Daniel Leonardo to 3rd. Raphachel Colatosti to 2nd.

Leudi Otano grounds out, second baseman Fredis Padilla to first baseman Carlos Munoz

[battlekow]

Final: @Missoula 8, Helena 7

 

Helena box score

Hey! I didn't get a chance to listen to Steve, a situation that will remain fairly consistent throughout the season, so please do chime in with any tidbits he passed along.

 

So anyway, yeah, Garrett Cooper had an okay pro debut. The first baseman, taken in the 6th round out of Auburn, did his best Hunter Morris impression by homering twice, including on his first professional swing. 3B Taylor Brennan (nee Smith-Brennan) also went deep; he homered just once in 34 games last year in the AZL.

 

OF Jose Pena picked up where he left off in his breakout 2012, collecting three hits in five trips and swiping a bag. The pride of Whitefish Bay, 38th-round OF Charlie Markson, repped the Blue Dukes well with two hits in his pro debut. Besides Cooper and Markson, the only other position player making his pro debut was 7th-round OF Omar Garcia, who started in center and took an 0-5 collar.

 

Moundward, RHP Zach Quintana, the Brewers' third-round selection last year, got off to an uneven debut. He allowed five runs over his first two innings but rebounded to shut out the Osprey over the next two; he finished with a quality 7/2 K/BB in his four innings of work, decanting two wild pitches along the way. Righty reliever Sean Albury, dubbed the "Mad Bahamian" as one of the fun stories to come out of the 2011 draft, finally made it back into game action after shoulder surgery kept him out all of last year, striking out two in a perfect inning. Former Indians farmhand Estevenson Encarnacion made his Brewers debut with two shutout frames.

 

On the other side of the box score, the immortally named Jose Jose picked up the save for Missoula; no word on whether he's any relation to former Badger cager Duany Duany.

 

Helena play-by-play

Cooper went oppo for both of his jacks.

 

Missoula committed six errors--that is not a misprint. That said, after eight batters they'd already committed three errors, so really they got a lot better!

 

Helena Top of the 2nd

Taylor Brennan walks.

With Charlie Markson batting, throwing error by Felipe Perez on the pickoff attempt, Taylor Brennan to 3rd.

Charlie Markson strikes out swinging. Taylor Brennan scores. Charlie Markson advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by catcher Stryker Trahan.

Dionis Hinojosa reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Joe Munoz.

Renaldo Jenkins out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Jacob Mayers to first baseman Daniel Palka. Charlie Markson to 3rd. Dionis Hinojosa to 2nd.

Omar Garcia grounds out, pitcher Felipe Perez to first baseman Daniel Palka.

Angel Ortega grounds out, second baseman Antonio Alvarez to first baseman Daniel Palka.

[Mass Haas]

Anthony DeSclafani sharp as Suns stop Huntsville

 

DeSclafani dazzles in Double-A debut

Marlins right-hander spins six scoreless innings for Suns

 

Prospect the Marlins picked up in the blockbuster Reyes-Johnson-Buehrle trade...

 

***

 

Ariel Pena strikeout video (unfortunately it's at the plate for a pitch)

[Mass Haas]

Be sure to check this out from our Huntsville feature thread --

 

VIDEO: Nick Shaw’s Unusual Approach To The Batter’s Box

[Mass Haas]

Stars Shutout By Descalfani, Suns

Alex Cohen, Huntsville Stars

 

After dropping their second half opener on Thursday, the Huntsville Stars were shut out by the Jacksonville Suns by a score of 2-0 on Friday night at Bragan Field.

 

For the second consecutive start, Stars starting pitcher Ariel Pena took the loss when he came through with a quality start. The 24-year-old righty fell to 5-6 on the year after giving up five hits and two runs through six innings.

 

Pena put himself in line for the loss when he gave up a solo homer to Suns third baseman Ryan Fisher with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The homer for Fisher marked the first hit of the night for Jacksonville against Pena.

 

Two innings later, the Suns struck again with the longball off of Pena as shortstop Danny Black left the yard with a solo shot to put Jacksonville up 2-0. The two home runs given up by Pena puts him at nine for the season, a total that leads the Stars pitching staff.

 

Unfortunately for Huntsville, that run support was plenty for the Jacksonville pitching staff.

 

In his Double-A debut, Jacksonville righty Anthony Descalfani dazzled in his first start in a Suns uniform. The Miami Beach, Florida native gave up just two hits in six innings while striking out five batters to improve to 1-0 on the year.

 

To ensure Descalfani a victory in his Double-A debut, righty Arquimedes Caminero threw two scoreless innings and southpaw Grant Dayton struck out the side and stranded a runner in the ninth inning for his first save of the season.

 

On offense, first baseman Jason Rogers had three of the Stars four hits on the night. The only other hit on the night came on a double from third baseman Mike Walker.

 

Aside from Pena, Jacksonville-native Casey Medlen pitched two scoreless innings in relief in his return to his hometown.

 

The loss for the Stars marked the eighth time this year that they have been shut out offensively. It was also their shortest nine-inning game (2:16) this season.

 

The Stars and Suns will play game three of a five-game series at Bragan Field on Friday. Huntsville will send RHP Taylor Jungmann (7-6, 4.13 ERA) to the bump as Jacksonville will counter with RHP Jay Jackson (2-4, 2.91 ERA). First pitch is at 7:05 PM (6:05 Central).

[Mass Haas]

Via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

Audio from Iowa — Tyler (Thornburg) Talks

 

Here is tonight’s interview with Sounds right-hander Tyler Thornburg, who discusses his second straight quality start from Wednesday night in Iowa, his season to this point, his first major league victory (which included a post-game baby powder shower) and some differences between facing hitters at Triple-A and facing hitters in the big leagues.

[Mass Haas]

The Nashville game story has been updated with audio highlights:

 

Sean Halton's RBI-Triple

 

Hainley Statia's RBI-Single

 

***

 

Wouldn't blame you if you hadn't clicked on the Pacific Coast League standings link we provide in a while, considering the Sounds' miserable 25-48 season-to-date. Iowa, with their win over Nashville Thursday, moved into first place in the division at 36-38. So it's a shame the Sounds can't compete even in a very weak four-team race.

 

The big league club, AAA Nashville, and AA Huntsville are a combined 83-131, playing .388 ball.

 

Putrid.

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog - As always for home games, highlights to watch

 

***

 

I'll chime in with praise for 23-year-old Rice LHP Taylor Wall's fine work here (3 scoreless) and continued nice season.

[Mass Haas]

Michael Pineda 'feeling great' after rehab start vs. Manatees

[Mass Haas]

Starting pitcher Marcos Padilla allowed one run in his only inning of work, giving up two hits and walking a batter. He was charged with the loss.

 

Season debut for the 3rd year LHP, who won't be 20 until January. Good size at 6'2", but yet to put it together (career stats, only 8.2 IP in 2012).

[Mass Haas]

Left-handed pitcher Brent Suter joins Dave Walkovic on the Manatees' Pregame Show

 

Interesting chat, always take advantage of the audio interview links we provide...

[Mass Haas]

Osprey catch a break in opener

By AJ Mazzolini, The Missoulian

 

The Missoula Osprey got the best of Helena to open the Pioneer League season Thursday – despite the best efforts of the Brewers’ sluggers.

 

And their own defense.

 

The Osprey survived a near-crippling six errors on defense and a trio of home runs from Helena’s corner infielders to earn the opening day win 8-7 at Ogren-Allegiance Park.

 

The vaunted Osprey (1-0) offense looked as good as advertised, racking up five runs before the season was two innings old. But for every fastball punished and breaking ball yanked beyond the infield dirt, there was an Osprey fielder giving it back on the other end.

 

Some of that comes from the setting, Missoula first-year manager Robby Hammock said. Game 1 of the season under rainy conditions with a handful of players trying to acclimate to new positions? There’ll be some errors, he said.

 

“Well I know what we’ve got to work on,” Hammock said, though the game’s outcome helped maintain the smile on his face. “You have that many errors and you’re able to pull out a victory, I hope it shows them how good they can be if they catch the ball and throw the ball.”

 

Yet it was a Helena (0-1) error that helped set up Missoula’s game-winning rally.

 

The Brewers, fresh off a two-run top half of the fifth inning that earned them the 6-5 advantage, allowed Yorman Garcia to reach base on a bobbled grounder to shortstop Angel Ortega to start the bottom half. A walk followed before cleanup hitter Jake Mayers smacked Missoula’s third double of the evening, scoring both runs to take back the lead for the final time.

 

“He started off with a curveball and it was a ball, so I figured he was going to come back with a fastball,” said Mayers of duel with pitcher Ryan Fasano. “And actually it was right down the middle. I got a bat head on it and it got over the center fielder’s head luckily.”

 

Joe Queliz singled later in the inning to extend the lead to two runs, insurance the Osprey would need.

 

Helena came within a run in the top of the eighth when third baseman Taylor Brennan blasted a solo home run, the visitors’ third such big swing of the night. Osprey closer Jose Jose shut the door with a scoreless ninth inning to preserve the win and earn the save – but even that didn’t come without some excitement.

 

Jose put down the first batter with a strikeout before Ortega doubled and moved to third base on a passed ball. Jose buckled down, striking out Garrett Cooper for out No. 2 and getting a line out to right field for the final out of the game.

 

The Brewers got on the board first with a towering home run from Cooper, their first baseman, in the first inning on a ball that caromed off the foul pole near the lazily hanging windsock. A fly out in most parks, the shot left the yard in Missoula, just surpassing the short porch in right that’s 287 feet from home plate.

 

Cooper charged out of the box, expecting a ball off the outfield wall. He was a quarter of the way around the diamond before settling into his home run trot.

 

“Hitting it I was like, ‘That ball’s got a chance because the park’s so short out there in right field,’ ” he said. “It just kept carrying and hit the foul pole. It’s nice to come out from the college season and come up to your first at-bat and hit a home run. Can’t ask for much more than that.”

 

But the Osprey offense came running to their defense. Garcia hit run-scoring doubles in each of the first two innings, part of a 2-for-4 day in which he scored three runs.

 

Colin Bray led off for the Osprey in Missoula’s first at-bat of 2013 with a single before Garcia blasted a ball deep that sent Bray turning the final two corners of the diamond for a score. Garcia came around to give Missoula its first lead three batters later, advancing on a groundout to the left side and a wild pitch that wasn’t so wild.

 

A ball in the dirt from Helena starting pitcher Zach Quintana bounced only a few feet up the line from catcher Dustin Houle. Garcia never hesitated. He sprung for home, scoring easily when he caught even the covering pitcher off guard.

 

“That’s my play, aggressive all the time,” said Garcia, a Venezuelan, through an interpreter in his native Spanish. “I just tried to help the team.”

 

Garcia got to play the hero again in the second. With two runners on and two outs, he doubled to right to score a pair. His second double didn’t have the zip of the first, plopping over the first baseman’s head down the line. It was speed that got Garcia to second this time on “el bloop.”

 

He’d score later in the inning on highly touted catching prospect Stryker Trahan’s first hit of his Missoula career.

 

In between those big Osprey innings came the start of a very rough day in the field for the home team.

 

The Brewers scored a run in the top of the second, though there could have been many more. Missoula committed three of its half dozen errors on the night in that half inning before a pair of groundouts stranded two potential runs in scoring position.

 

Helena went for two runs each in the fourth and fifth innings to seize the lead back 6-5. Missoula committed errors in each inning, though only one of the four scores there was unearned.

 

In the mix was another home run from the Auburn University product Cooper, his second of the game to right field. This one – in the fifth inning – had no trouble clearing the fence.

 

Osprey starter Felipe Perez tossed six innings with four strikeouts and gave up the first six runs in the win. Only three were earned, though.

 

Helena’s Quintana pitched just the first four innings, striking out seven and allowing five earned runs. Fasano gave up the three runs in the fifth and was saddled with the loss as the Osprey won on opening day for the second time in two seasons, but just the third time in the club’s history dating back to 1999.

 

ARTHUR MOURATIDIS Photo for the Missoulian Missoula Osprey 1B Daniel Palka prepares to tag Helena's Jose Pena during a pick-off in the first inning on Thursday evening at Ogren-Allegiance Park.

 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/missoulian.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/a2/7a221fee-da23-11e2-96ee-001a4bcf887a/51c3c9fb3e35c.preview-620.jpg

 

More photos, including a nice broken bat image, and an unfortunately injured fan, at the lead link...

[Mass Haas]

The Helena Independent Record compiled this Brewers-centric summary even though it was a road game for the H-Crew

 

***

 

Brewers fall just short of Osprey in season opener

 

Missoula ended a string of season-opening bad luck against Helena, beating the Brewers 8-7 Thursday at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field.

 

Helena was 6-0 in season openers against the Osprey dating back to 2005, but came up just short in this one. Taylor Brennan homered on a fly ball to center field in the eighth inning to bring the Brewers within a run, but the visitors left the potential tying run stranded at third in the ninth.

 

It was a less-than-perfect game by the home team, which had six errors in the contest. Missoula also had to overcome a magnificent night by Helena first baseman Garrett Cooper, who crushed a pair of home runs in his professional debut. The sixth-round draft pick out of Auburn was 2 for 5 on the evening.

 

Brewers left fielder Jose Pena turned in a 3-for-5 performance to lead his team at the plate, and right fielder Charlie Markson also had a multi-hit game in his first game as a pro, going 2 for 4 with a run scored.

 

Brewers starting pitcher Zach Quintana struggled in the early going, allowing five earned runs through the first two innings of his debut in a Helena uniform. But the 19-year-old settled down after that, retiring seven straight at one point and striking out the side in the fourth frame. Quintana finished with seven strikeouts through four innings. Right-hander Ryan Fasano was tagged with the loss after giving up three runs — one earned — on two hits through just one inning of relief.

 

Osprey starter Felipe Perez picked up the win despite giving up six runs on seven hits through six innings of work. Jose Jose earned the save.

 

The Brewers (0-1) began the 2013 season on a positive note when Cooper went yard on the first swing of his career to give Helena a 1-0 lead in the first. But the Osprey responded with a pair of runs in the home half of the inning, then answered another Brewers’ run in the second with three of their own.

 

Cooper’s second home run of the game knotted things up in the fifth, and Dustin Houle’s RBI single later in the frame gave the Brewers the lead. But the advantage didn’t last long, with Missoula (1-0) lighting up Fasano for three runs in the bottom of the fifth.

 

Helena relievers Estevenson Encarnacion and Sean Albury — in his first game back from rotator cuff surgery — kept the Osprey off the board the rest of the way.

 

Missoula right fielder Yorman Garcia led the hosts at the plate, going 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles and three RBIs. Helena outhit the Osprey 11-8.

 

The two squads close out the short, two-game set tonight in the Garden City. First pitch is slated for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central), with southpaw Anthony Banda scheduled to start for Helena. Righty Blayne Weller takes the mound for Missoula.

 

Helena’s Taylor Brennan slides into third on a steal in the top of the second inning Thursday at Ogren-Alliance Park in Missoula. Arthur Mouratidis photo For the Independent Record

 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/37/e3754286-da38-11e2-8e19-001a4bcf887a/51c3ede665e6b.preview-620.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Noticed that Missoula's Chuck Taylor took the golden sombrero (four K's) in his season debut -- had to be the sneakers/cleats.

[Mass Haas]

Click the link for the video quotes from Michael Reed as well

 

***

 

Reed continues hot streak but Timber Rattlers lose to Cedar Rapids

by Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media

 

GRAND CHUTE — Michael Reed has become a persistent pest for pitchers in the Midwest League.

 

That’s because they can’t keep him off the basepaths.

 

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ productive left fielder has pushed his batting average to a team-high .301 and extended his on-base streak to 37 consecutive games Thursday night in a 3-1 loss to the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

 

Reed’s on-base streak is the longest in the Midwest League and third-longest in the minor leagues this season.

 

“It’s an honor, but I’m not trying to read too much into it,” said Reed. “I’m just trying to put together good at bats and successful days. If anything gets me to the big leagues, it will be that.”

 

Reed, a right-handed hitter with speed, leads the Timber Rattlers in walks (30), steals (16) and on-base percentage (.383). He is second behind fellow outfielder Tyrone Taylor in hits (68) and total bases (94).

 

“Pitch selection has been big for me,” Reed said. “I’m taking my time and getting good pitches to hit, but I’ve been aggressive, too. You have to be patiently aggressive in baseball, if that makes any sense.”

 

Reed started his on-base streak May 6 and has hit close to .320 in that span with 22 walks and 23 runs scored.

 

“He’s been good,” said Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson. “We’ve used him in a bunch of different roles. We had him near the bottom of the lineup early and then he showed he could get on base consistently, so then we threw him near the top of the order. He puts the ball in play and he has some speed, so he can put pressure on the defense. We’re going to try and give him as many at-bats as possible.”

 

Reed, 20, was a fifth-round pick out of high school by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2011 major league draft. His father, Benton Reed, was a former NFL football player who was a standout defensive lineman at the University of Mississippi. Benton Reed played three seasons in the league and started three games at defensive end for the New England Patriots in 1987.

 

Benton and the Reed family has visited Grand Chute to watch Michael play pro ball.

 

“When I was growing up, he’d talk to me a lot about mental toughness and I think he was the one who really gave me that competitive drive that you need to have for baseball,” Reed. “He doesn’t talk too much about his playing days. To be honest, he’s more of a college football fan than an NFL fan. But he says the players today are so much bigger and faster than when he was playing.”

 

Reed had one of just six hits Thursday for the Rattlers in their first game of the second half of the season. Wisconsin went 29-36 in the first half and finished seventh in the eight-team Western Division of the Midwest League.

 

Cedar Rapids starting pitcher Christian Powell limited the Rattlers to four hits over seven innings before getting relief help from Caleb Brewer. The Kernels, who went 40-28 during the first half of the season, are coached by Jake Mauer, brother of Minnesota Twins’ slugger Joe Mauer.

 

“We hit some balls good, but we’re still looking for that extra-base hit and trying to get some big innings going,” said Erickson. “Their starter (Powell) did a nice job. He was a sinker guy and got a bunch of ground balls.”

 

Wisconsin received a strong start from right-hander Eric Semmelhack, who gave up all three runs on six hits in six innings.

 

Semmelhack’s biggest mistake came in the bottom of the second inning when he surrendered a long two-run homer to left by third baseman Travis Harrison. A two-out walk preceded Harrison’s bomb.

 

“Semmelhack did a nice job, too,” said Erickson. “He gives up a two-out walk and the next guy pops one. That’s kind of the way it’s been going for us. We make one mistake and they get us.”

[Mass Haas]

Post-Crescent Timber Rattlers Photo Gallery - nice

[Mass Haas]

So I compiled all last night's post-game updates and links thinking "no way is the organization going 0-for-8 for the day". But, in this mostly sad 2013 Link Report season, we should know better.

 

***

 

Final: AZL Dodgers 9, AZL Brewers 8, ten innings

 

The Maryvale boys took an 8-5 lead into the bottom of the 9th, then this happened:

 

AZL Dodgers Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Alex Moore replaces Tanner Poppe.

Josh Henderson singles on a ground ball to center fielder Brandon Diaz.

James McDonald singles on a line drive to left fielder Elvis Rubio. Josh Henderson to 2nd.

Melvin Santana grounds into a force out, fielded by third baseman Eric Williams. Josh Henderson out at 3rd. James McDonald to 2nd. Melvin Santana to 1st.

Adam Law grounds out, first baseman Alan Sharkey to pitcher Alex Moore. James McDonald to 3rd. Melvin Santana to 2nd.

Justin Chigbogu singles on a ground ball to right fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. James McDonald scores. Melvin Santana scores.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jaylen Harris replaces Justin Chigbogu.

Josmar Cordero doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Elvis Rubio. Jaylen Harris scores.

Michael Ahmed grounds out, second baseman Francisco Castillo to first baseman Alan Sharkey.

 

Then, in the 10th, the A-Crew doesn't capitalize on a one-out triple and the Dodgers walk off:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 10th

 

Defensive Substitution: Cody Bellinger replaces Jaylen Harris, batting 4th, playing first base.

Pitching Change: Lenix Osuna replaces Bryan Munoz.

Brandon Diaz flies out to center fielder Adam Law.

Francisco Castillo triples (1) on a ground ball to right fielder James McDonald.

Eric Williams grounds out, pitcher Lenix Osuna to first baseman Cody Bellinger.

Tucker Neuhaus walks.

D' Vontrey Richardson grounds out to first baseman Cody Bellinger.

 

AZL Dodgers Bottom of the 10th

 

Jeffry Rojas grounds out, second baseman Francisco Castillo to first baseman Alan Sharkey.

Cristian Gomez reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Eric Williams.

Josh Henderson singles on a line drive to center fielder Brandon Diaz. Cristian Gomez to 2nd.

James McDonald singles on a ground ball to center fielder Brandon Diaz. Cristian Gomez scores. Josh Henderson to 2nd.

 

That's not to pick on 28th round Lee University RHP Alex Moore, better days to come, young man.

 

Yes, if you've been reading the board lately, that's THE D'Vontrey Richardson. Welcome back.

 

***

 

Many positives, though.

 

Leadoff man second baseman Francisco Castillo made a wonderful stateside debut after two DSL seasons, 4-for-6 with a triple. 2nd round competitive balance pick SS (yes, SS as he was promised a chance at, rather than 3B) Tucker Neuhaus was 0-for-3 but walked three times.

 

(By the way, we immediately seek permission to simply call Neuhaus a 2nd round pick going forward...)

 

Still just 18 (19 next month), LF Elvis Rubio made his stateside debut (two singles, walk). 13th round Kentucky high school catcher Tanner Norton was the DH in this one and also reached base three times with the same line as Rubio. 23rd round Texas high schooler Eric Williams, listed as a CF on draft day, singled as part of a 1-for-6 day, but started at third base. 8th round Florida high school CF Brandon Diaz singled and drove in a run as part of his 1-for-5 pro debut. Welcome aboard, guys!

 

Four Brewers reached base at least three times and all did at least once.

 

On the mound, rehabbing Nick Bucci (shoulder strain) had a rough start:

 

AZL Dodgers Bottom of the 1st

 

James McDonald walks.

Melvin Santana hit by pitch. James McDonald to 2nd.

Adam Law reaches on a fielding error by pitcher Nick Bucci. James McDonald to 3rd. Melvin Santana to 2nd.

Justin Chigbogu called out on strikes.

Julian Leon hits a sacrifice fly. Fielding error by right fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. James McDonald scores. Melvin Santana to 3rd. Julian Leon to 1st. Adam Law out at 2nd, right fielder D' Vontrey Richardson to shortstop Tucker Neuhaus.

Michael Ahmed walks. Julian Leon to 2nd.

Jeffry Rojas hits a ground-rule double (1) on a fly ball to left-center field. Melvin Santana scores. Julian Leon scores. Michael Ahmed to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Jorge Ortega replaces Nick Bucci.

Cristian Gomez flies out to left fielder Elvis Rubio.

 

Fantastic work by Venezuelan RHP Jorge Ortega, who celebrated his 20th birthday while on the mound in his stateside debut (stranded two of Bucci's runners, then two runs, only one earned, in 4.1 innings). Wonderful pro debut for 31st round University of Kansas 6'6" RHP Tanner Poppe, as he allowed only one lonely single in three scoreless frames, fanning five.

 

Arizona Brewers Box Score

 

Arizona Brewers Game Log

 

As usual, rookie league game logs can shorten your lifespan. The Dodger pitchers threw five wild pitches (Brewers none!). Six Brewer errors, though, including two by "new" 3B Eric Williams. Those led to five unearned runs, but three of those runs came in the 1st with the errors by the two veterans, Bucci and Richardson.

[Mass Haas]

We will update our transaction thread later this morning, but the overnight-updated roster for the Arizona Rookie League squad reveals some news:

 

30th round Miami high school SS Luis Aviles has signed.

 

19-year-old Venezuelan RHP Gian Rizzo has been moved to Maryvale after three 2013 Dominican Summer League appearances and a brilliant stat career line thus far. Sweet!

 

18-year-old OF Carlos Belonis, considered by many to be the Brewers' top Dominican League prospect, is listed on the 60-day Maryvale DL. Belonis was injured in the 2nd game of this DSL season. We'll work on learning the nature and severity of his injury. It obviously isn't good, a la Orlando Arcia, 2012.

 

LHP Will West, who split 2012 between Wisconsin and Helena, is on the Maryvale 7-day DL.

 

RHP Tyler Spurlin out of Rice is an undrafted free agent signee we hadn't mentioned on the board yet. Here's his bio from the Rice site.

 

OF Yonki Hernandez is back in Maryvale after spending 2012 in Helena.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

DSL Brewers

 

New MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Dassa full menu!

 

 

My favorite day of the summer.

 

An 0-8 organizational day! Favorite for sure!