Link Report for Sun. 6/30

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Johnnie Lowe at home vs. Oklahoma City (Astros), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Jeff Hem is the 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.

 

**********

 

Huntsville: RHP Ariel Pena at home vs. Chattanooga (Dodgers), 3:48 PM pre-game, 4:03 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Alex Cohen is the play-by-play voice of the Stars; follow him on Twitter @alexmcohen. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast. It appears four Southern League teams air their home games on MiLB.TV, and we'll let you know when those dates pop up on the schedule

 

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Brevard County: TBD at Lakeland (Tigers), 12:00 PM gametime

 

Sorry, for the first time this season, no audio at all for this series

 

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Wisconsin: RHP Leonard Lorenzo at home vs. Kane County (Cubs), 12:45 PM pre-game, 1:05 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 four Midwest League clubs that have all their home games available via MiLB.TV.

 

So for the $39.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, Stars' road games from four Southern League locales, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games.

 

NOTE: 32 of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel has seventeen games scheduled and WACY-TV My NEW32 plans to show fifteen games. We'll let you know when, but won't be providing day-before DVR reminders, so regularly check for proper channel and time planning (scroll to the bottom of this link).

 

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Helena: RHP Zach Quintana at Missoula (Diamondbacks), 5:50 PM pre-game, 6:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Voice of the Helena Brewers Steve Wendt is back on board, and this year he's added Twitter to the mix @steve_wendt. We've been treated to Steve's work for many years now (ten!); he is among the very best at the art of the pre-game interview, especially considering how at ease he makes all these first-time professional ballplayers.

 

MiLB.TV -- When the H-Crew makes their way to Idaho Falls (July) and Grand Junction (August), those games will be available for viewing online.

 

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

 

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DSL Brewers: Idle

[Mass Haas]

Programming Notes:

 

Sorry, for the first time this season, no audio at all for this Brevard series.

 

Dave, Andy and the crew return to the airwaves on Wednesday July 3rd.

 

***

 

DVR Alerts for Monday evening, Tuesday afternoon:

 

No Timber Rattlers TV Sunday, but --

 

Mon July 1 Kane County 7:00 PM My NEW32 (Pre-Game at 6:30)

Tue July 2 Kane County 12:00 PM Time Warner Cable SportsChannel

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

New MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

[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.

 

New this season: Helena has media notes; it's a unique link each day, but look for it just prior to game time each day within the "Stats and Scores" banner here.

[Mass Haas]

STANDINGS:

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

 

AA - Southern League North Division

 

High-A - Florida State League North Division

 

A - Midwest League Western Division

 

Rookie Advanced - Pioneer League North Division

 

Rookie - Arizona Summer League

 

DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris Division

 

***

 

NOTE: To view first half or overall standings for Huntsville, Brevard County, and Wisconsin, you'll notice options at the respective links for that. Otherwise it's second-half standings as the default view for those three leagues.

[Mass Haas]

Weather.com:

 

Nashville, TN

 

Huntsville, AL

 

Lakeland, FL

 

Grand Chute, WI (Appleton)

 

Missoula, MT

 

Surprise, AZ

[Mass Haas]

Happy 21st birthday to Helena RHP Danny Keller!

 

Enjoy that very first beer after tonight's game at your host family's house, son.

 

By the way, after an excellent 2013 debut back on the 22nd, Keller has been sidelined, and isn't listed in the upcoming H-Crew rotation. Hopefully OK...

[Eye Black]

SUSPENDED (2 inn.): Brevard County 6, Lakeland 0

 

Sunday's game in Lakeland suspended

Contest will resume in second inning with Brevard up 6-0

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

LAKELAND, Fla. - The scheduled game on Sunday, June 30 between the Brevard County Manatees and the Lakeland Flying Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland has been suspended due to inclement weather.

 

The game will resume on Monday, July 1 at 5:00 p.m. and will still be a nine-inning game. The contest will be picked up from the top of the second inning with one out and the Manatees leading the Flying Tigers 6-0.

 

Mitch Haniger hit a three-run home run in the top of the first, while Brandon Macias drove in two with a double in the second and Nick Ramirez also doubled in the second to plate a run.

 

Approximately 30 minutes after the completion of the suspended game, Brevard County and Lakeland will play Monday's regularly scheduled game and it will now be a seven-inning contest.

 

The Manatees return home to Space Coast Stadium on Wednesday, July 3 to take on the Daytona Cubs at 6:35 p.m.

 

 

Brevard County Abbreviated Box Score (Game to resume on Monday)

 

 

Brevard County Abbreviated Play-by-Play

[TheCrew07]

Final: Kane County (Cubs) 4, Wisconsin 3

 

Rattlers can't comeback on Sunday

Wisconsin's bid for back-to-back comeback wins falls short

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers had opportunities to rally for a second straight walkoff win against the Kane County Cougars. But, Kane County held on for a 4-3 win at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Reggie Golden hit a homer in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie in favor of the visitors.

 

The teams traded runs in the first inning. Kane County (32-44 overall, 2-8 second half) tallied an unearned run as Wisconsin pitcher Leonard Lorenzo mishandled a grounder back to the mound with two outs to allow a runner from third base to score. Michael Reed started the bottom of the first with a single and was sacrificed to second base by Alfredo Rodriguez. Tyrone Taylor continued his hot hitting with an RBI double to knock in Rodriguez and tie the game.

 

Taylor's hit moved his current hitting streak to 14 games.

 

Kane County went back in front with a run in the top of the third. Oliver Zapata singled with one out and the bases loaded to drive in a run for a 2-1 lead.

 

A quirky hit gave the Timber Rattlers (31-44, 2-8) a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Wisconsin had the bases loaded with two outs and Parker Berberet at the plate. He sent a bouncer back through the middle and the ball hit the second base bag to carom away from the Kane County infielders to score two runs.

 

But, Wisconsin could not hold the lead.

 

The Cougars loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the seventh against reliever Harvey Martin, who was making his Timber Rattlers debut. Then, Wilson Contreras singled to left on a 1-2 pitch to drive in the tying run.

 

Golden gave the Cougars the lead with a leadoff home run in the top of the eighth.

 

The Timber Rattlers had chances in the eighth and ninth innings. In the eighth, Mike Garza singled with one out and Tyler Roberts drew a walk with two outs. But, Michael Hamann came out of the Cougars bullpen to get the final out, a line drive off the bat of Orlando Arcia that carried right to Zapata in center.

 

In the ninth, Reed drew a walk to start the inning. Rodriguez went to bunt him to second base and an ill-advised throw to second was very late to give Wisconsin the tying run on second and the winning run on first with no outs. Taylor was asked to sacrifice both runners into scoring position. But, he popped the bunt up and it was caught in foul territory. Victor Roache, who had been robbed on chances for RBI in the first and seventh innings, popped out to left field on the next pitch. That brought Berberet back to the plate.

 

Berberet and Hamann battled to a full count and beyond as Berberet fouled off three straight 3-2 pitches. But, Hamann prevailed by getting Berberet to chase a high fastball for strike three to end the game.

 

Rodriguez entered the Midwest League record books with three sacrifice bunts on the day. Several players have had three sacrifice bunts in a Midwest League game, but the last time it happened was when Anthony Sylvestri of Kane County did it on June 29, 1993. Rodriguez had five plate appearances on Sunday with no official at bats. He also walked and was hit by a pitch in the game.

 

Game three of the five game series is Monday night. Eric Semmelhack (1-4, 4.50) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Kane County will counter with Jose Rosario (0-4, 6.00). Game time is 7:05pm.

 

Monday is Military Appreciation Night presented by American National Bank - Fox Cities and the Timber Rattlers would like to thank all of the current and former military personnel. Show your military ID and receive a free reserve bleacher seat. Friends and family of military personnel will get a $1 off their ticket as well.

 

The first 1,000 fans to attend the game will receive a Jonathan Lucroy Bobblehead. The bobblehead features Lucroy wearing the camouflage jersey from the 2012 Military Appreciation game. Timber Rattlers players will wear special "Stars & Stripes" caps during the game. Those caps will be available in a silent auction during the game.

 

Monday is also a Qdoba Q*Monday with 106.7, The KRUZ. Stop by either Qdoba location in Appleton, purchase a lunch entrée, and receive a free ticket to any Monday Timber Rattlers home game for the remainder of the regular season.

 

If you can't make it out to the ballpark, My NEW32's Sports Showdown will televise the game beginning with the pregame show at 6:30pm. The radio broadcast can be heard on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. Monday's game is also available to subscribers of MiLB.TV.

 

HOME RUN:

KC:

Reggie Golden (3rd, 0 on in 8th inning off

 

WP: Lendy Castillo (1-5)

LP: Harvey Martin (0-1)

SAVE: Michael Hamman (1)

 

TIME: 3:19

ATTN: 3,812

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

Leonard Lorenzo hit 94 in today's game, that's a couple more MPH than I thought he had. He was still working low 90s like usual and as Chris mentioned his own error cost him a run. Lorenzo threw 89 pitches in just 4 innings, only 49 for strikes.

 

Wisconsin managed just 7 hits, Michael Reed and Matt Garza both tallied a pair of hits.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

This was a sweet pick and throw by Garza and a good heads-up play by Berberet and Acria.

 

Kane County Top of the 4th

• Kevin Encarnacion doubles (1) on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Reed.
  Gioskar Amaya grounds into a double play, third baseman Mike Garza to first baseman Parker Berberet to shortstop Orlando Arcia. Kevin Encarnacion out at 3rd.
  Dan Vogelbach flies out to left fielder Victor Roache.

 

Runners on 1st and 2nd with no out in the 9th...

 

Wisconsin Bottom of the 9th

• Michael Reed walks.
  Alfredo Rodriguez hits a sacrifice bunt. Michael Reed to 2nd. Alfredo Rodriguez to 1st.
  Tyrone Taylor bunt pops out to third baseman Brad Zapenas in foul territory.
  Victor Roache flies out to left fielder Reggie Golden.
  Parker Berberet strikes out swinging.
  

 

Wisconsin Gameday

[sfl2hnq17]

As much as I like the fact that we seem to drafting younger guys, but geez, it can get frustrating following our farm system.

[TheCrew07]

As much as I like the fact that we seem to drafting younger guys, but geez, it can get frustrating following our farm system.

 

I forget where I read it, but I think I linked it in the draft forum, it was an interesting correlation between age and MLB impact... essentially the younger a player is when he breaks in, the more likely he is to make an a significant impact.

 

Young players can be frustrating with the ups and downs, especially in A ball and on down, but I'd rather have 3-4 legit prospects on each team and lose than a bunch of guys too old for the league and win.

 

I'll go looking for the article and link it if I find it with an edit in this post.

[sfl2hnq17]

Like I said, I think that they are drafting and signing the younger guys in the last few drafts. I'm just greedy and wish I could forwarded to see the development faster.

[Minigoon]

Final: Huntsville 5 Chattanooga 4 (WALK OFF WIN!!)

 

Back to Back 9th inning home runs from Adam Weisenburger and Mike Walker propelled the Stars to a come from behind win Sunday evening at The Joe. After getting a game tying home run from Shea Vucinich in the 7th, the Lookouts took the lead back in the top of the 8th to set up the bottom of the 9th heroics. This was the Stars 2nd walkoff win on the season, the other coming April 15th against the Tennessee Smokies.

 

Righty Ariel Pena got the start tonight for Huntsville. Pena, who had his turn skipped last time through the rotation, seemed a little off tonight. Pena worked 5 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4. Pena threw 91 pitches over those 5 innings, 54 for strikes. Alex Cohen mentioned during the broadcast that the Stars videographer had Pena between 91-93 tonight. That is down slightly from earlier this season. Pena's ground out to fly out ratio was 6-2. Pena allowed a home run today, his 10th allowed this season. That leads the Stars (tied with Andy Moye) and is 2nd most allowed in the Southern League.

 

The Huntsville bullpen worked 4 solid innings tonight. Frankie De La Cruz was first out of the pen tonight. He worked a scoreless 6th despite allowing a hit and a walk. Righty Kevin Shackelford made his AA debut tonight, working 2 innings out of the pen. Shackelford allowed 1 run on 1 hit while striking out 2. Greg Holle (3-2, 4.41) worked the 9th and picked up the win tonight. Holle worked a scoreless inning even though he allowed a walk, hit a batter, and committed an error. De La Cruz, Shackelford and Holle each had a 3-0 ground out to fly out ratio.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

The Stars took some time getting going offensively, as they were no hit through the first 5 innings. Shortstop Hector Gomez broke that up in the 6th with an infield single. They then recorded 8 hits over the last 4 innings. Hector Gomez, Chad Stang, and Adam Weisenburger each had 2 hits. Weisenburger also reached on a hit by pitch. The other 2 hits were the home runs from Shea Vucinich and Mike Walker. Vucinich also drew a walk. Nick Shaw walked twice and drove in a run. Kentrail Davis did not start, but did enter the game in the 6th and drew a walk and scored a run.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

 

The Stars finally got going in the 6th

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 6th

 

Hector Gomez singles on a ground ball to first baseman Angelo Songco.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Kentrail Davis replaces Frankie De La Cruz.

Kentrail Davis walks. Hector Gomez to 2nd.

Chadwin Stang singles on a fly ball to left fielder Osvaldo Martinez. Hector Gomez to 3rd. Kentrail Davis to 2nd.

Nick Shaw walks. Hector Gomez scores. Kentrail Davis to 3rd. Chadwin Stang to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Michael Thomas replaces Chris Reed, batting 9th.

Jason Rogers grounds into a double play, shortstop Miguel Rojas to second baseman Rafael Ynoa to first baseman Angelo Songco. Kentrail Davis scores. Chadwin Stang to 3rd. Nick Shaw out at 2nd.

Rene Tosoni grounds out, second baseman Rafael Ynoa to first baseman Angelo Songco.

 

Vucinich ties it up in the 7th

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 7th

 

Shea Vucinich homers (2) on a fly ball to left center field.

Adam Weisenburger singles on a ground ball to left fielder Osvaldo Martinez.

Mike Walker grounds into a double play, shortstop Miguel Rojas to second baseman Rafael Ynoa to first baseman Angelo Songco. Adam Weisenburger out at 2nd.

Hector Gomez singles on a bunt ground ball to catcher Matt Wallach.

Kentrail Davis pops out to third baseman Sean Burroughs in foul territory.

 

Weisenburger + Walker = W!

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Yimi Garcia replaces Hector Nelo, batting 9th.

Shea Vucinich strikes out swinging.

Adam Weisenburger homers (4) on a fly ball to left field.

Mike Walker homers (9) on a fly ball to center field.

 

Game 3 will be played tomorrow evening. Starting for Huntsvile (3-9 2nd half, 32-48 overall) will be right hander David Goforth (0-1, 13.50). Goforth will be looking to bounce back from a rough AA debut. Game time is scheduled for 6:43 Central with Stars play by play man Alex Cohen starting things at 6:28 with the pre game show.

[TheCrew07]

What we could become – Postgame post for June 30, 2013

[battlekow]

Final: @Missoula 7, Helena 4

 

Helena box score

Down 6-1 after three innings, Helena tried to mount a big comeback for the second straight night, pulling to within striking distance at 6-4 in the 7th, but that was as close as they could get. Zach Quintana had another disappointing start as he was tagged for six runs and 13 baserunners in five innings. Kind of surprised he made it past the 3rd, honestly. 9th-round LHP Tyler Linehan out of Fresno State made his pro debut with 1.2 scoreless innings.

 

Omar Garcia was back in the leadoff spot and promptly responded with an 0-4. Angel Ortega didn't mind being dropped to 9th, picking up two more hits. Dustin Houle also had two hits, including a double; Houle was behind the dish, with Clint Coulter DHing. Garrett Cooper walked once but struck out in his other three plate appearances.

 

Helena play-by-play

I'd be interested to know how many pitches Quintana threw. Seems like Tony Diggs was determined to leave him in there to take his lumps--after allowing the six runs and throwing four innings, Quintana was allowed to work himself into and then out of trouble while completing the 5th:

 

Missoula Bottom of the 5th

Jake Mayers grounds out, second baseman Nathan Orf to first baseman Garrett Cooper.

Daniel Palka walks.

Jake Miller flies out to left fielder Charlie Markson.

With Justin Bianco batting, wild pitch by Zach Quintana, Daniel Palka to 2nd.

Justin Bianco walks.

Denver Chavez pops out to third baseman Jalen Harris.

 

Down two, Helena had two on with two out in the 8th but Ortega couldn't cash in:

 

Helena Top of the 8th

Dustin Houle grounds out, shortstop Jake Miller to first baseman Daniel Palka.

Charlie Markson strikes out swinging.

Jalen Harris singles on a ground ball to shortstop Jake Miller.

With Nathan Orf batting, Jalen Harris steals (1) 2nd base.

Nathan Orf walks.

Angel Ortega strikes out swinging.

[TooLiveBrew]

Tim Dillard Becomes Sounds Career Wins Leader

Nashville's Caleb Gindl Goes Yard In 5-3 Series Finale Victory

Nashville Sounds

 

http://i.imgur.com/ym1bXUw.jpg

Tim Dillard (Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

• AUDIO: Sounds Win Final Out
  
• AUDIO: Blake Davis Go-Ahead Double
  
• AUDIO: Caleb Gindl Go-Ahead Home Run

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds rallied past the Oklahoma City RedHawks Sunday night at Greer Stadium to pick up the 5-3 victory and give relief pitcher Tim Dillard his 36th win as a Sound to become the club's career wins leader.

 

Dillard, who has pitched for Nashville in each of the last seven seasons, entered the game with 35 wins, tied with former Sound Keith Brown (1988-92) for the most in Sounds history.

 

The 29-year-old took the hill for Nashville with the game tied in the fifth inning and stayed in to face the minimum in his 2 1/3 innings of work. He inherited two runners from starter Johnnie Lowe and induced Carlos Perez into an inning-ending fly out to keep the score at three runs apiece.

 

He continued to strike out the side in the sixth and have each of his seventh-inning batters ground out.

 

In the home half of the seventh inning Caleb Gindl snapped the tie by hitting his ninth home run of the season. The solo shot to right field put the Sounds up 4-3 and Dillard in line for the milestone win.

 

Nashville added an insurance run later in the inning when RedHawks catcher Carlos Perez committed a throwing error when trying to pickoff Blake Lalli at third, and instead sent the ball into left field, which allowed Lalli to score.

 

The RedHawks held the initial lead after second baseman Marwin Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the first inning to score lead-off batter Jonathan Villar, who started the game with a triple to centerfield. Josh Prince got a piece of the ball at the wall, but could not make the out.

 

Jose Martinez's solo home run in the fourth put the RedHawks up 2-0 before, the Sounds strung together a three-run rally in the bottom of the inning to take a 3-2 lead over Oklahoma City.

 

First baseman Hunter Morris led off the frame with a double to centerfield and was driven in two outs later by Prince's shallow single into right-field.

 

Infielder Hainley Statia tied the game with an RBI double to left field on a well-struck ball that just got by Robbie Grossman. Blake Davis followed with an RBI double of his own for the go ahead run.

 

Down 3-2 in the fifth, Oklahoma City connected for three consecutive two-out singles to level the game and end Lowe's night. The right-handed pitcher, making his fourth start, allowed three runs on nine hits across 4 1/3 innings of work for Nashville. Lowe fanned two RedHawks and walked none, before giving way to Dillard.

 

Both Michael Olmsted and Rob Wooten recorded scoreless innings from the hill for Nashville. Wooten collected his 17th save.

 

Every Sounds player in the line-up recorded a hit; Scooter Gennett, Robinzon Diaz and Khris Davis each recorded two-hit nights.

 

The Sounds welcome the Round Rock Express, Houston Astros affiliate, to Greer Stadium Monday night for the first game of a three-game set. Throwing for Nashville will be RHP R.J. Seidel (1-3, 5.98) against Round Rock lefty Ryan Feierbend (4-2, 3.90). Fans attending the game will enjoy $1 hot dogs for Dollar Dog Night.

 

 

Nashville Box

 

 

Nashville PbP

 

 

Nashville Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Final: @AZL Royals 6, AZL Brewers 5

 

AZL Brewers Box Score

A-Crew led 5-0 after six innings, so a tough one to take here. Just-turned 20-year-old Venezuelan RHP Jorge Ortega (Venezuela again, Brewers should just focus all their Latin efforts there given their success ratio from that country) had posted good rate numbers in his first two pro years in the DSL (stats), and that looks to be translating to Maryvale as well. Not Gian Rizzo-ish, but very solid.

 

Only one of the four runs Tyler Spurlin allowed in the 7th was earned, but it wasn't a strong inning for him regardless. Scott Lieser allowed two runs in the 8th for the blown save. The two RHP's are among five non-drafted free agent signees currently on the the Maryvale staff.

 

The three young outfielders here -- 8th round Florida high school pick Brandon Diaz in left, 2012 8th round CF Edgardo Rivero in center, and 23rd round Texas high school pick Eric Williams -- combined to reach base in 10 of 13 plate appearances, with Diaz on base all four times up.

 

Williams has already seen action in all three outfield spots as well as two games at third base. He added an oufield assist and also stole three bases in this game, his first three successful attempts after one caught stealing earlier in the season. Have a game, young man!

 

AZL Brewers Game Log

 

Trying to rally, not the best of pinch-running experiences:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Andrew Brockett replaces Ronny Rios.

Brandon Diaz singles on a line drive to left fielder Cristian Cano.

Luis Aviles grounds into a force out, first baseman Samir Duenez to shortstop Logan Davis. Brandon Diaz out at 2nd. Luis Aviles to 1st.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Johnny Davis replaces Luis Aviles.

With Edgardo Rivera batting, Andrew Brockett picks off Johnny Davis at 1st on throw to Samir Duenez. Edgardo Rivera singles on a ground ball to shortstop Logan Davis.

Francisco Castillo strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Stars Complete Improbable Comeback

By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars

 

Trailing at one point 3-0 and then down 4-3 in the ninth inning, the Huntsville Stars came through with an improbable comeback and beat the Chattanooga Lookouts by a score of 5-4 on Sunday afternoon at Joe Davis Stadium.

 

Much like the Stars previous two games, the Huntsville bats started off slow. Through five innings, they were being no-hit by Lookouts starting pitcher Chris Reed, who only allowed three baserunners over that span.

 

In the meantime, the Lookouts broke out to an early lead against Stars starting pitcher Ariel Pena. With runners on first and second with one out in the second inning, an RBI single from outfielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez put Chattanooga on the board. Later in the inning, an RBI groundout by first baseman Angelo Songco gave the Lookouts a 2-0 lead.

 

Two frames later, a solo homer by shortstop Miguel Rojas to begin the fourth inning gave the Lookouts a three-run lead against Pena. The 24-year-old righty earned a no-decision on Sunday after giving up those three runs on six hits in five innings of work.

 

For the Stars, the comeback began in the sixth inning. After shortstop Hector Gomez broke up Reed's no-hit bid with a leadoff single, pinch-hitter Kentrail Davis walked and outfielder Chadwin Stang singled to load the bases with nobody out. During the next at-bat, second baseman Nick Shaw drew a four-pitch walk to score Gomez and put the Stars on the board. One batter later, Davis was plated on a run-scoring groundout by first baseman Jason Rogers to bring the Stars deficit to within a run.

 

During the next inning, outfielder Shea Vucinich led off the bottom of the seventh with a towering solo homer off of Lookouts reliever Michael Thomas to tie up the ballgame at 3-3.

 

After Chattanooga regained a one-run lead in the eighth inning against Huntsville reliever Kevin Shackelford, the Stars completed their comeback in the bottom half of the ninth inning.

 

With Lookouts closer Yimi Garcia in the ballgame, catcher Adam Weisenburger launched a solo homer with one out to tie the game. The next at-bat, third baseman Mike Walker duplicated that result with a solo homer to dead centerfield that ended the game in walkoff fashion for the Stars.

 

On the pitching side, Stars reliever Greg Holle improved to 3-2 on the season after earning the win with an inning of scoreless inning of relief. Shackelford, despite giving up a run in the eighth inning, gave up just one hit in two innings during his Double-A debut with Huntsville.

 

For Huntsville, the win was their second walkoff victory of the season.

 

On Monday, the Stars and Lookouts will play game three of a five-game series at Joe Davis Stadium. Huntsville will send RHP David Goforth (0-1, 13.50 ERA) to the bump to try to continue the momentum. Chattanooga will counter with RHP Andres Santiago (3-6, 4.90 ERA). First pitch is at 6:43 PM.

 

Audio Highlights from Alex - OH YEAH!

But where's the game-winning call on the HR by Walker?

[Mass Haas]

Brief Huntsville video highlights -- but alas, the TV crew never sticks around for the late innings...

[Mass Haas]

Via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

Audio from Nashville — “On the Mound with Rick Tomlin”

 

Here is tonight’s pregame interview with Brewers minor league pitching coordinator Rick Tomlin, who discusses all things pitching, such as hurlers like Johnny Hellweg, Tyler Thornburg and Jimmy Nelson, the planned skipped starts the Brewers are using for several pitching prospects throughout the system and his thoughts about a few standout pitchers — and potential future Sounds — at Double-A Huntsville like Ariel Pena, Taylor Jungmann and Drew Gagnon.

 

***

 

Lengthy but worthwhile -- listen now or come back to it later on...

[Mass Haas]

There is a full photo gallery from the Post-Crescent at the link.

 

Martin's Wisconsin debut spoiled by loss to Kane County

by Mike Woods, Post-Crescent Media

 

GRAND CHUTE — This is the story of Harvey Martin’s excellent adventure.

 

It began in Mankato, Minn., when his Minnesota State baseball team qualified for the NCAA Division II World Series. Then it was to Cary, N.C., where the Mavericks lost to Tampa in the national championship game.

 

Then it was back to Mankato, where Martin cleaned out his apartment and headed home to Farmington, Mich.

 

“I was at my parents’ house the day of the first round,” Martin, the newest member of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, said of the MLB Draft.

 

He was named the Division II National Pitcher of the Year so, logic seemed that somebody would scoop him up in the draft. But no one did.

 

“I’ve learned that nothing is automatic,” said Martin. “I mean, I think you think you’ve got a pretty good shot at it. I thought that was going to help me. It was a disappointment it didn’t happen.”

 

But the disappointment didn’t last long. A half hour after the draft ended, the Brewers called. And less than 48 hours later he was on a plane to Helena, Mont., site of the Brewers’ rookie league team.

 

He passed his physical, took part in a minicamp for a couple of days and made two appearances in Helena before the phone rang again. So just after roughly two weeks, he left his hotel room at 4 a.m. Saturday morning, flew to Minneapolis and arrived in Appleton at 3 p.m. Saturday.

 

Less than 24 hours after that, he was on the mound at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

 

“I didn’t doubt that I could be here,” said Martin, who threw 3 2⁄3 innings Sunday during a 4-3 loss to the Kane County Cougars. “That was my goal. I’m sure that’s everyone’s goal, obviously, is to bump up because we all want to play in the big leagues.

 

“So when I got to Helena, my next step to climb the ladder was to get to Appleton. And to me it was get to Montana and impress people. With not getting drafted, I wanted to come out strong and show the Brewers organization what I can do. I was fortunate enough to have two good outings and they liked me.”

 

Sunday did not turn out as well as he hoped, as he gave up the tying and winning runs in taking the loss. He gave up five hits total, two earned runs, struck out one and walked one. The winning run came on a solo homer by the Cougars’ Reggie Golden in the eighth inning.

 

“I was obviously really excited,” Martin said. “You get your name called, and I’ve been here for two days. This stadium is awesome. These fans are awesome. The coaching staff seems awesome, too, from what I’ve gotten to know.

 

“I felt like my changeup was working all day for me and the lone one I leave up the guy ends up hitting it out of the park. But it was a learning experience. I’ve had a lot excitement, a lot of stuff has been going on lately. I’m excited to get back at it and go out there.”

 

Rattlers manager Matt Erickson said he was impressed with what he saw.

 

“He had good tempo, good energy,” said Erickson. “He was in the bottom of the zone with his fastball. A little breaking ball and change-up, he mixed those in, too. It looked like there was an actual plan of setting up hitters. I thought he executed his pitches pretty good so I was pleased with how he threw the baseball.”

 

The dream scenario for Martin would have been to get the win. But more important, after a whirlwind month of June in which he traveled more that 4,500 miles, he’s living his dream.

 

“It’s been fun, that’s for sure,” he said.

[Mass Haas]

Brewers’ rally falls short in Missoula

Helena Independent Record

 

The Brewers’ winning streak came to an end in Missoula on Sunday, with the hometown Osprey holding off another late rally to deal Helena a 7-4 loss at Ogren Allegiance Field. Helena had won its previous six games to jump into the Pioneer League North Division lead.

 

And, as happened in Saturday night’s come-from-behind victory, the Brewers got things going in the later stages.

 

Trailing 6-1 after the third inning, Helena (7-4) started the top of the sixth with a Garrett Cooper walk.

 

Michael Ratterree’s fifth double of the season pushed Cooper to third, and Dustin Houle’s double on a liner to right scored both Cooper and Ratterree.

 

After a fly out and a strikeout, Houle stole third to give the Brewers a chance to push across another. But Nathan Orf’s chopper was stopped at short and the inning was over.

 

The Brewers managed to push across another run in the seventh — Angel Ortega, on with a single, came home on a Clint Coulter RBI single — and, again, had a runner on third with two outs. But, again, Missoula (4-6) regrouped to end the inning, this time on a Ratterree fly to left.

 

That, though, was as close as Helena would come. Geordy Parra came in in relief for Missoula, inducing a groundout and striking out two in the eighth. Silvino Bracho had the same line to close it out, then, in the ninth.

 

Zach Quintana (0-1) took the loss for the Brewers, giving up 10 hits, six runs and three walks in his five innings of work.

 

Missoula’s Bud Jeter, meanwhile, earned the win to improve to 1-1.

 

Offensively, Houle and Ortega were the lone Helena players to pick up more than one hit — the club had nine, all told.

 

Despite the loss, Helena still holds a one-game lead on Great Falls in the division. The Voyagers dealt Billings a 5-4 loss on Sunday — the fifth straight defeat for the reeling Mustangs — and will visit Helena for a two-game series starting on Tuesday at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

First, however, Helena will close out its three-game set in Missoula, with today’s game set for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central).

 

Helena’s Nathan Orf tags out Missoula’s Colin Bray at second base in the bottom of the second inning Sunday. Arthur Mouratidis Photo / The Missoulian

 

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[Mass Haas]

You'll glean additional details from the Missoula perspective in the Missoulian version of the news copy:

 

Osprey bullpen comes through in win over Brewers

By KARL SCHNEIDER for the Missoulian

 

The Missoula Osprey bounced back from Saturday night’s loss to even the three-game series against the Helana Brewers 1-1 with a 7-4 win Sunday evening at Ogren-Allegiance Park.

 

Seven Osprey batters combined for 11 hits, helping to build the team’s reputation for a potent offense.

 

“Our offense has been doing pretty well thus far. We have the potential on offense to put up some big numbers,” said Osprey manager Robby Hammock after the win. “We’re still not clicking on all cylinders offensively and we are still putting up enough runs to win games.”

 

The Osprey bats got to work early in the game, driving in three runs on four hits in the second inning.

 

But to keep things interesting the Brewers got themselves into position to put up a few runs of their own in the top of the third. With the bases loaded and only one out, Helena’s designated hitter, Clint Coulter, hit a shot to left field. Racing back to the wall, Osprey left fielder Chuck Taylor made a leaping catch as he crashed into the wall.

“I actually played it kind of wrong,” Taylor said with a smile. “I went in a little bit, then got back. I knew the wall was coming up close so I just leaped, caught it and banged against the wall.”

 

Although a run scored on the sacrifice fly, Taylor’s glove work kept the Brewers from taking the momentum from Missoula, which got out of the inning one batter later.

 

With two outs in the third and nobody on base for Missoula, Jake Mayers sparked a rally with a stand-up triple to deep center and scored on the next at-bat to stretch the lead to 4-1. With two outs and a runner on first, the Brewers almost escaped the inning with only one run scoring, but on a routine ground ball to Helena’s third baseman, Jalen Harris, the ball snuck by, keeping the inning going for an additional two runs.

 

After the third the O’s bats became relatively quiet, allowing the Brewers to score a few runs, haunting the fans with last night’s blown lead. But after the Osprey allowed Helena batters on base, they were able to get out the jams with minimal damage.

 

“We’ve been playing good defense,” Hammock said. “Our pitching has been stretched a little bit. There’s just a bunch of innings where we are trying to stretch guys out so it’s been unfortunate late in the game, but today it worked out nice.”

 

The highlight of the game came in the bottom of the eighth when Taylor struck again, this time from the plate. Down 0-2 in his at-bat, the switch-hitter smacked a leadoff home run to the opposite field.

 

“(The pitch) was up and away and luckily we’ve got that short porch over there,” Taylor said of the 287-foot right field wall. “I was just able to find the barrel and get it over there.”

 

Taylor, who after Sunday is batting a team-leading .385, and the Osprey will try to take the three-game series against the Brewers Monday evening at Ogren-Allegiance Park.