Link Report for Wed. 7/3 - OH MOYE! Andy's Huntsville no-hit attempt broken up after 8.1 innings

[Mass Haas]

Via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

Audio from Nashville — Sounds All-Star Rob Wooten

 

Tonight’s pregame interview is with Sounds reliever Rob Wooten, who Tuesday was named a Pacific Coast League all-star, the Sounds’ lone representative in the July 17 Triple-A All-Star Game. Wooten discusses the honor of being an all-star, his and the team’s season so far, the development of his cutter and split-finger, whether he feels pressure as a right-handed closer to throw harder than he does and why his former Sounds teammate Donovan Hand, now with the Brewers, has given him confidence.

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Brewers 9, DSL Cardinals 6

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

The Brewers bats came to life in a big way today, racking up nine runs on ten hits. Not surprisingly, Jorge Quiterio led the way, getting on base four times, going 2-for3 with two walks. He also stole a pair of bases and scored three runs. 17-year-old Yeraldy Martinez had his best game of the season as he went 3-for-5 and stole a base. Raphachel Colatosti also had a 3-for-5 game and stole a base. Yunior Santana had a double for the Brewers only extra-base hit.

 

Yosmer Leal's early struggles continued as he allowed three earned runs in just 1.2 innings. He allowed three hits and also walked three. After two scoreless innings in his first outing, Leal has allowed 15 runs in 6.2 innings in his last four appearances. Angel Ventura came on after Leal and gave up two runs, one earned in 5.1 innings. He struck out seven batters and has now K'd 35 in 28.1 innings. Axel Cordero worked the final two innings, allowing one unearned run.

 

DSL Brewers Play-By-Play

 

The game log hasn't been posted yet but with a nine run performance it will surely be worth taking a peak at once they have it up. Of course the five Cardinals errors may have helped the Brewers offense as well.

[Minigoon]

Final: Huntsville 2 Chattanooga 0

 

In the best pitching performance by a Huntsville pitcher this season, righty Andy Moye threw 8 1/3 innings of hitless baseball tonight leading the Stars to the 2-0 victory. Moye (4-9, 4.16) was in control all night. Stars radio broadcaster Alex Cohen noted Moye's success was his ability to spot all 3 of his pitches tonight in keeping the Lookouts off balance. Moye also had a little luck with a ball falling just foul and some help from his friends with first baseman Jason Rogers making a diving, over the shoulder catch in the 7th to keep the no hitter alive. So for Moye, 1 hit over 8 1/3 innings, 3 walks and 2 strike outs. 103 pitches tonight, 66 for strikes and a 7-9 ground out to fly out ratio. After Rafael Ynoa's single in the 9th, Kevin Shackelford was brought on to finish the game. He did just that, recording the final 2 outs in the 9th, including getting Dodger top prospect Joc Pederson to strike out, to record his first AA save.

 

This is the 2nd time Andy Moye has been involved in a one hitter against the Lookouts this season. In his first start of the season, Moye threw 6 innings of one hit ball against Chattanooga. Greg Holle pitched a hitless 7th to close it out as this game was a 7 inning game as part of a double header. In that game, Joc Pederson lead off the game for Chattanooga with a home run. Moye and Holle mowed the Lookouts down after that.

 

Fun Huntsville Stars no hitter info.

 

Last Stars no hitter was last season against, the Chattanooga Lookouts. That was a 5 pitcher, 11 walk no hitter.

Last Stars no hitter by a single pitcher was in 2008, authored by David Welch, against...the Chattanooga Lookouts. So, if there is going to be a no hitter thrown by a Stars pitcher, it'll probably be against the Lookouts.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

The Stars needed Andy Moye to be on top of his game tonight because the Lookouts pitchers held the Stars to only 2 runs on 3 hits. One of the 3 hits was Brock Kjeldgaard's 14th home run on the season. Brock never seems to hit any wall scrapers, they always seem to be crushed. With 14 home runs, Kjeldgaard is tied for 2nd in the Southern League. Nick Shaw and Jason Rogers each singled in the 6th, leading to the Stars 2nd run. With 2 outs, Shaw singled, stole second, and scored on Rogers's single. Catcher Adam Weisenburger drew a walk and second baseman Shea Vucinich was hit by a pitch to reach base for Huntsville.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

 

A fun game log to review tonight. A lot of 1-2-3 innings on both sides.

 

Brock goes deep.

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 2nd

 

Pitching Change: Steve Smith replaces Ross Stripling, batting 9th.

Rene Tosoni grounds out to first baseman Angelo Songco.

Brock Kjeldgaard homers (14) on a fly ball to left field.

Mike Walker grounds out, shortstop Miguel Rojas to first baseman Angelo Songco.

Shea Vucinich hit by pitch.

Adam Weisenburger lines out to shortstop Miguel Rojas.

 

The top of the 9th

 

Chattanooga Top of the 9th

 

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Brian Cavazos-Galvez replaces Greg Infante.

Brian Cavazos-Galvez pops out to third baseman Mike Walker.

Rafael Ynoa singles on a ground ball to center fielder Chadwin Stang. GRRRR!!!

Pitching Change: Kevin Shackelford replaces Andy Moye, batting 9th.

With Joc Pederson batting, wild pitch by Kevin Shackelford, Rafael Ynoa to 2nd.

Joc Pederson strikes out swinging.

Osvaldo Martinez walks.

Angelo Songco grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Jason Rogers.

 

Huntsville (5-10 second half, 34-49 overall) heads back on the road to start a 5 game series with the Tennessee Smokies (8-5 second half, 42-40 overall). Drew Gagnon (1-3, 7.54) should get the starting assignment tomorrow evening for the Stars. Gagnon will look to build on his fine start in his last game. Game time is scheduled for 6:15 Central with Stars Radio Broadcaster Alex Cohen on the air at 6:00 with the pregame show.

[Mass Haas]

Jimmy Nelson, Jacob Barnes, and Jorge Lopez would be headlining this Link Report on any other night.

 

Oh, Moye!

 

Great job, guys!

[LouisEly]

Wow, what a pitching day for the organization from top to bottom, Lohse to Lopez.

[brewmann04]

Nice to see that job well done looking for more of that though the next 2 months.

[brewmann04]

What mind of prospect is Michael Garza?

[Mass Haas]

Helena's Steve Wendt (paraphrasing): "Dustin Houle just a cannon for an arm, in ten years covering Pioneer League action, the best I've seen, maybe Salvador Perez of the Royals comparable. An absolute stud of an arm behind the plate."

 

Canadian kid won't be 20 until November...

[battlekow]

Helena's Steve Wendt (paraphrasing): "Dustin Houle just a cannon for an arm, in ten years covering Pioneer League action, the best I've seen, maybe Salvador Perez of the Royals comparable. An absolute stud of an arm behind the plate."

 

Canadian kid won't be 20 until November...

Makes it all the more interesting that he's sharing a roster with Clint Coulter. Of course, that's not a statement about Houle's overall defensive game, and Coulter has thrown out 18 of 39 would-be base-stealers so far this year (32%).

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog -- post-game notes from Chris and home game video highlights

[battlekow]

Final: @Helena 8, Great Falls 3

 

Helena box score

The Brewers got revenge for yesterday by limiting Great Falls to three runs despite allowing 17 baserunners (12 hits, five walks). Brandon Moore turned in a pretty nice quasi-start (it's hard to really know how to qualify pitching roles in the low minors; anyway, Moore started the game), going 3.2 shutout frames. Eduard Reyes followed and, after beginning his stateside career with a couple effective five-inning appearances, was quite ineffective, letting in three runs while getting just four outs. Andy Hillis picked up the win and preserved his 0.00 career ERA.

 

At the plate, Helena got a ton of production from the 1-4 slots. Charlie Markson stayed hot in the leadoff spot with two hits, including a double, followed by Michael Ratterree, who also doubled along with drawing two walks. Garrett Cooper rediscovered his power stroke by also collecting a double, as well as a single, and Jose Pena doubled twice to send his ISO soaring to near .300 (.277). Jesse Weiss also doubled.

 

TLDR: There were a lot of doubles.

 

Clint Coulter did not play after taking a foul ball off his mask in yesterday's game and leaving early. Hope he doesn't have a concussion.

 

Helena play-by-play

Reyes allowed six straight Voyagers to reach before being lifted:

 

Great Falls Top of the 5th

• Tyler Shryock walks.
  
• Danny Hayes doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Charlie Markson. Tyler Shryock out at home on the throw, center fielder Charlie Markson to shortstop Angel Ortega to catcher Dustin Houle.

 

Great Falls Top of the 6th

• Zach Voight singles on a fly ball to center fielder Charlie Markson.
  
• Tyler Williams singles on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Ratterree. Zach Voight to 2nd.
  
• Jacob Morris walks. Zach Voight to 3rd. Tyler Williams to 2nd.
  
• Dillon Haupt singles on a line drive to right fielder Michael Ratterree. Zach Voight scores. Tyler Williams to 3rd. Jacob Morris to 2nd.
  
• Pitching Change: Andy Hillis replaces Eduard Reyes.

 

I always find these kind of heroic-effort anti-rallies amusing:

 

Helena Bottom of the 6th

• Jose Pena doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Justin Jirschele.
  
• Taylor Brennan strikes out swinging.
  
• Dustin Houle strikes out swinging.
  
• Jesse Weiss strikes out swinging.

[TheCrew07]

Roache & Lopez put Rattlers over the top

Rattlers defeat Kane County 4-2

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers[/b]

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - Victor Roache had a hand in three runs and Jorge Lopez allowed just two runs as the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers beat the Kane County Cougars 4-2 Wednesday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Roache had three hits, drove in two runs, and scored once while Lopez struck out five over seven innings to pace the Rattlers to a win in the final game of the five game series between the teams.

 

Alfredo Rodriguez started the Wisconsin first inning with a single and a steal of second base. Michael Reed bunted to move Rodriguez over to third base, but Rodriguez was still at third with two outs. Roache came through with a double to center to send Rodriguez home for a 1-0 lead.

 

Kane County (32-47 overall, 2-11 second half) tied the game in the top of the third inning. Gioskar Amaya singled and a throwing error after a sacrifice bunt by Brad Zapenas put Cougars on second and third with no outs. Jorge Lopez retired the next two batters to keep the runners at second and third. But, a two-out, infield single by Dan Vogelbach drove in Amaya to tie the game.

 

Wisconsin (34-44, 5-8) retook the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Roache started the inning with a single. He went to third on single by Mike Garza. The Rattlers had runners at the corners with one out and Parker Berberet at the plate. Berberet sent a chopper back to the mound. Cougars starter Michael Heesch went to second for the force on Garza, but Berberet beat the throw to first deny Kane County an inning-ending double play to allow Roache to score the run.

 

Kane County rallied to tie the game again in the top of the sixth. Lopez walked Albert Almora to start the inning. Vogelbach was next and he lined a double to right-center to drive in Almora to make the score 2-2.

 

The Rattlers responded in the bottom of the sixth. Tyrone Taylor walked with one out. Then, Roache smacked a triple to the gap in right-center to knock in Taylor with the go-ahead run. Garza added an insurance run with a single over the drawn in infield to get Roache home for a 4-2 lead.

 

Lopez worked a scoreless seventh inning to hold the lead. The seven inning outing for Lopez was his longest as a professional. He allowed two runs - one earned - on five hits, walked a batter, hit a batter, and struck out five to put himself in position for the win.

 

Taylor Mangum came out of the Rattlers bullpen and pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts to preserve the win for Lopez and earn his fourth save of the season.

 

Roache needed a home run to hit for the first cycle in Timber Rattlers history, but popped out to second base when he led off the Rattlers eighth. Taylor's hitting streak ended at 16-games as he went 0-for-3 in the game, but those were about the only downers for the Rattlers as they won their third straight game and wound up with four wins in the five game series against the Cougars.

 

The Timber Rattlers begin a five-game road trip with a matchup against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Perfect Game Field on Thursday evening. Ryan Gibbard (3-1, 5.77) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. The Kernels have Josue Montanez (2-1, 4.28) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 5:05pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 4:45pm.

 

WP: Jorge Lopez (4-6)

LP: Michael Heesch (3-7)

SAVE: Taylor Mangum (4)

 

TIME: 2:11

ATTN: 4,705

 

I checked one last time before posting and sure enough Chris' post game is up. Mehring adds some notes on Taylor Mangum who I forgot to discuss below.

See them driven before you – Postgame post for July 3, 2013

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

David Chavarria for President! If you're asking whom then boo! He's the Rattlers pitching coach, and he's done a wonderful job with this pitching staff. Since May 12th Jorge Lopez has a 3.45 ERA in 47 innings. He's allowed 24 runs, 18 earned, and he's walked 23 while striking out 43. Lopez is listed at 6' 4" 165lbs, that seems about 10-15 lbs low, but the crazy part is that he still has projection left and is topping out at 96. If you can't tell I'm actually starting to get excited about Lopez again. I talked about his night in detail in some previous posts.

 

Unfortunately Tyrone Taylor's hit streak came to an end, he jokingly called it before the game when a TV crew was interviewing him and mentioned the streak, he fired back with a thanks for jinxing me. Look for his interview with one of the local TV stations later tonight or tomorrow.

 

Victor Roache smashed the ball his first 3 times up, the 2B and 3B were not misplayed gifts, they were rockets out to right center.

 

Mike Garza reminds me a little bit of Mat Gamel with the glove, he picks it very well but then makes throwing errors which leave you thinking, "Huh?". He's made a nice play with the glove in just about every game I've watched, but man does he throw a lot of balls away.

 

Speaking of which Adam Giacalone doesn't impress much with the bat, but man can he play some 1B. He scoops better than anyone the Brewers have had come through since the T-Rats have been an affiliate, and he'll flash the leather in the field making stellar plays on inbetween hops, line drives, and even a diving catch here and there.

 

I'm pretty sick of Dan Vogelbach, the Rattlers played a Fielder type infield shift against him and he still drove in runs. He tried to steal a base tonight and was actually safe, but called out by the ump, and it looked like his manager was giving him the business on the way back to the dugout. He's a stout dude, but again he moves better than you would think.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

Garza's 14th error on the season cost a run, his errors always seem to hurt badly.

 

Kane County Top of the 3rd

• Gioskar Amaya singles on a line drive to left fielder Victor Roache.
  Brad Zapenas hits a sacrifice bunt. Throwing error by third baseman Mike Garza. Gioskar Amaya to 3rd. Brad Zapenas to 2nd.
  Oliver Zapata pops out to shortstop Adrian Williams.
  Albert Almora grounds out, third baseman Mike Garza to first baseman Adam Giacalone.
  Dan Vogelbach singles on a ground ball to shortstop Adrian Williams. Gioskar Amaya scores. Brad Zapenas to 3rd.
  Jeimer Candelario flies out to left fielder Victor Roache.
  

 

 

Wisconsin Gameday

 

edit. And MH beat to it again.

[82brewcrew11]

I was at the T-Rats game tonight and TheCrew is pretty spot on (as usual) with the assessment of Lopez. I was concerned that his velo seemed to sit 90-92 and only touch 93/94. Just an observation though I had my nine year old with me so I did not see every pitch. I was expecting a little more than that. I also thought he was very poised and in control tonight. That may be normal for him, but I was impressed with his presence even after the defense really let him down in giving up that first run.

 

A few other observations:

 

Vogelbach can hit some, but I question how that body could ever be considered an every day player on an NL team. That man is the very definition of a fireplug.

 

Leonard Lorenzo is a very large human being.

 

I had a very good view of the T-Rats dougout and Arcia was standing on the rail almost the entire game. No boot, crutches, or anything else. He was limping noticeably coming off the field after the post game handshake line however.

 

Victor Roache can absolutely damage a baseball.......when he makes contact. i was most impressed by his double tonight. That ball was smoked. I would be inclined to think that this guy is going to be much more impressive the further he gets from that wrist injury.

 

Tyrone Taylor has a Hunter Pence type vibe to me. Not sure why, but that kept sticking in my head.

[Eye Black]

Final: Brevard County 5, Daytona 1

 

'Tees shave off Cubs with five-run seventh

Barnes throws seven scoreless in Brevard's 5-1 win over Daytona

By Andy Towne / Brevard County Manatees

 

AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS

 

VIERA, Fla. - On and off the field, the Brevard County Manatees hosted a successful "Pack the Park" night on Wednesday at Space Coast Stadium, by taking a 5-1 win over the Daytona Cubs and by helping the St. Baldrick's Foundation raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research.

 

A total of 19 coaches, players and staff members volunteered to have their heads shaved in support of St. Baldrick's over the course of the game, while a still undetermined amount of money was raised by St. Baldrick's to help fund childhood cancer research grants.

 

On the field, Manatees' (8-4 second half, 45-34 overall) starting pitcher Jacob Barnes (6-2, 3.44 ERA) hurled seven scoreless innings in his longest start of the season, as he held Daytona's (5-6, 42-35) offense to just three hits.

 

Barnes did not issue a walk and struck out three batters as he earned the win when Brevard all five of its runs in the bottom half of the seventh.

 

In the seventh, Yadiel Rivera started the big inning with a one-out triple. Rivera then scored on a Nick Ramirez single to get Brevard County on the board and break the scoreless tie.

 

Ramirez was erased on a Mitch Haniger fielder's choice, but Haniger eventually scored on Cameron Garfield's single up the middle after advancing on a wild pitch.

 

Cody Hawn kept the rally going with an RBI double to plate Garfield and then came across himself on a Greg Hopkins single, to make it 4-0. Hopkins was able to advance to third on the play thanks to a poor throw by Daytona left fielder Zeke DeVoss, who was charged with his second error of the game. Ben McMahan took responsibility for driving the final run home, in the form of Hopkins, on a single.

 

Rivera, Haniger and Hopkins each had two hits, while the other six hitters in Brevard County's line-up also recorded one hit each.

 

Dan Meadows took over for Barnes and went two innings as he surrendered one run in the ninth as the Cubs broke up the shutout. He also walked four and struck out three.

 

Both teams will play the middle contest of their three-game set on Thursday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach at 6:35 p.m. The series will conclude on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. back at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.

 

For the Manatees, the reigning Florida State League Pitcher of the Week Brent Suter (7-4, 2.87 ERA) will toe the rubber. The Cubs will counter with right-hander Ben Wells (5-6, 3.62 ERA).

 

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Every Manatees hitter had at least one hit tonight, so I figured why not list them all for tonight's report:

 

BC Hitters

Brandon Macias: 1-5, 2B, .229

Yadiel Rivera: 2-4, 3B, .262

Nick Ramirez: 1-4, RBI, BB, .237

Mitch Haniger: 2-5, SB, .262

Cameron Garfield: 1-4, RBI, .257

Cody Hawn: 1-3, 2B, RBI BB, .249

Gregory Hopkins: 2-4, 2B, RBI, .243

Ben McMahan: 1-4, RBI, .284

D'Vontrey Richardson: 1-4, .250

 

Yadiel Rivera was batting .216 at the end of May. Since the start of June he is hitting .351 (33-94) over that span. He also hasn't committed an error in his last 29 games.

 

BC Pitchers

Jacob Barnes (W, 6-2): 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 0 HR, 3.44 ERA

Daniel Meadows: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR, 1.08 ERA

 

Barnes again didn't put up much in the way of strikeout numbers, but he had an impressive outing otherwise. All three hits he gave up were singles, including one that was an infield single.

 

One other note: Brevard County Manatees Manager Joe Ayrault was ejected by the 1B umpire in the 7th.

 

 

Brevard County Play-by-Play

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog -- post-game notes from Chris and home game video highlights

 

Sorry TC07, I had read the game summary on the Rattlers site and at that point my brain told me it was already here as well. Normally the post-game post isn't batting leadoff .

 

Oh well, now we've linked to it thrice -- more hits for Chris!

[Mass Haas]

Unique Manatee Pre-Game Audio Interview -- RHP Chad Pierce and Radio Broadcaster Dave Walkovic chat as they get their heads shaved to fight childhood cancer on St. Baldrick's Night

[Mass Haas]

Similar Story, Different Result

Helena Brewers

 

The beauty of baseball is that each day brings a new game and with a new game brings a new story. On consecutive nights for the Helena Brewers, a part of the story was exactly the same, yet the result was totally different.

 

For the second straight night the Brewers slugged out 10 base knocks, but instead of getting shutout like Helena did on Tuesday, the team took advantage of the hits on Wednesday scoring eight times en route to a 8-3 victory over Great Falls.

 

And strangely enough, a night after Helena pitching allowed only one hit and lost, the Brewers allowed 12 hits on Wednesday yet found a way to win.

 

"You look at the scoreboard, same amount of hits that we had last night and we score eight runs tonight an no runs last night so that's just the way the ball falls," said Helena manager Tony Diggs.

 

After going 20 innings without scoring, it took Helena two outs to find the run column in this one. On the first pitch of the game Charlie Markson continued to swing a hot bat by pulling a double to left. Markson would advance to third on a passed ball and would eventually come home on a ground ball to third hit by Jose Pena.

 

"I don't think there was really any pressure, but it's nice to get off to a good start," said Diggs.

 

The Brewers kept the scoring coming in the third inning. With one out, Markson got his fifth straight hit, an infield single that took a wicked bounce on shortstop Tyler Shryock. Markson would steal second and score when Michael Ratterree hit a blooper that dropped in along the right field line for a double. Garrett Cooper would follow by slapping a grounder past the first baseman for another double as Ratteree scored Helena's third run of the night.

 

"That's always our approach, you look to use the whole field. Pitchers are taught for the most part to keep the ball on the outer half of the plate and if you can execute over there then you did a good job pitching. Well you try to teach hitters the same thing, to be able to handle that half of the plate and our guys did a good job of that tonight," said Diggs.

 

In the fourth Helena added picked up another run when Taylor Brennan reached on an infield single, advanced to second on a grounder, and scored on a double to right-center by Jesse Weiss.

 

The Voyagers chipped away in the top of the sixth off of Eduard Reyes. Reyes allowed back-to-back singles to Zach Voight and Tyler Williams and then walked Jacob Morris to load the bases. Dillon Haupt would follow with a base hit off the glove of second baseman Renaldo Jenkins to make it 4-1. That would be it for Reyes.

 

Andy Hillis would come into the game and get a pop out for the first out of the inning. Justin Jirschele would then hit a grounder up the middle in which Jenkins dove to his right and tossed to Angel Ortega to retire Haupt at second but Williams would come home on the play. Adam Engel would drive home Morris on a single up the middle and just like that it was a 4-3 game.

 

With the game close the Brewers pulled away in the seventh inning of off Sean Hagan. Helena would load the bases thanks to a walk, an error by Hagan on a throw to second, and another free pass.

 

With the bases juiced Cooper would rip a single between short and third to score a pair. He would finish the night 2 for 4 with three RBI.

 

Jose Pena would then follow with a double to right-center which scored Ratterree and Cooper would eventually score the eighth Helena run of the night on a single by Dustin Houle.

 

"The guys did a good job scoring four, they gave us a cushion and they carried it out to the end. It was a good game," said Diggs.

 

Helena starter Brandon Moore pitched 3.2 shutout innings before being lifted in the fourth for Reyes.

 

Andy Hills got the win after allowing a pair of hits in the sixth and seventh.

 

The Brewers will head to Great Falls on Thursday for a four game set and another day of the unpredictability of baseball.

 

Garrett Cooper photo by Seth Eikomstead

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/3/4/8/52651348/cuts/28_Garrett_Cooper_throwing_jbz33y2t_z3tf47i7.jpg

[Mass Haas]

LINK INCLUDES MANAGER MATT ERICKSON VIDEO INTERVIEW (several of his quotes noted below)

 

***

 

Lopez, Victor Roache showing promise for Timber Rattlers

by Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media

 

GRAND CHUTE — Jorge Lopez and Victor Roache have had their share of struggles this season, but both are high-ceiling players worth waiting for.

 

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ patience in the two paid off Wednesday night.

 

Lopez turned in a quality start, while Roache went three-for-four at the plate and knocked in two runs.

 

The combination lifted the Timber Rattlers to their third straight victory, a solid 4-2 win over Kane County before a large crowd of 4,705 at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

 

Lopez, a second-round draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2011 draft, went seven strong innings to pick up the win. He struck out five and walked just one to improve his record to 4-8, while lowering his ERA to 5.37.

 

“That was a good pitching performance by Lopez,” said Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson. “He was good with his fastball and with his command at the bottom of the zone.”

 

Lopez, a 20-year-old right-hander, scuffled throughout the first two months of the season, but threw the ball much better in June and has been coming on in recent weeks, allowing just one run in six innings in his previous start.

 

“Really, he’s been pretty good his last six starts,” said Erickson. “You can see him gaining confidence every time he goes out there. Earlier in the year, he probably wasn’t the most confident kid. But he’s got a big-time upside. If he can keep executing and keep gaining confidence, he’s going to be fun to watch down the stretch.”

 

Lopez threw strikes on 65 of his 98 pitches before Taylor Mangum finished up with two scoreless innings.

 

“I tried to attack with the heater,” said Lopez. “I had good control with my fastball and my command was good.”

 

Roache, a first-round pick by the Brewers in the 2012 draft, was the hitting hero for Wisconsin. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound left fielder drilled an RBI double in the first inning and followed with a single in the fifth and finished with an RBI triple in the sixth. He needed a home run in his final at-bat to hit for the cycle, but popped up on a 2-0 pitch.

 

“My timing at the plate was really on point tonight,” said Roache. “I just felt really comfortable in the box. I’ve been getting myself out by swinging at pitches out of the strike zone, but tonight I just let the pitcher come to me and I got a lot better pitches to hit.”

 

Roache, ranked by Baseball America as the Brewers’ seventh-best prospect, has considerable raw talent and has shown power this season. He leads the Rattlers in home runs (seven) and RBI (37), but he has struggled to get on base and is hitting just .225. Part of the problem is that Roache missed almost all of his first season of professional baseball following wrist surgery.

 

“On nights like tonight, you can see his potential,” said Erickson. “The ball really jumps off his bat. I think it’s only a matter of time for him. He lost all those at-bats last season and what he needs now is consistent at-bats. Hopefully, we can get him rolling in the middle of our lineup.”

 

The game was tied 2-2 before Wisconsin (34-44) took the lead for good in the sixth on Roache’s RBI triple, followed by Mike Garza’s RBI single.

 

Wisconsin's Victor Roache hits a double against Kane County during Wednesday's game at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute. / Photo by Dan Powers/Post-Crescent Media

 

http://cmsimg.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20130704&Category=APC020602&ArtNo=307040184&Ref=AR&MaxW=600&Border=0

[Mass Haas]

More Timber Rattlers Video Highlights via the TV Broadcast (Taylor Mangum, not Tyler)

 

Unfortunately, looks like a technical issue with the Victor Roache post-game TV interview link...

[Mass Haas]

More Timber Rattlers Video Highlights via the TV Broadcast (Taylor Mangum, not Tyler)

 

Unfortunately, looks like a technical issue with the Victor Roache post-game TV interview link...

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS EMBEDDED BELOW

 

***

 

Moye, Stars One-Hit Lookouts

By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars

 

Coming within two outs of giving the Huntsville Stars their second no-hitter in 11 months, starting pitcher Andy Moye dazzled on the hill and sent the home crowd happy with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday night at Joe Davis Stadium.

 

The 25-year-old righty improved to 4-9 on the season after giving a sole single to Lookouts second basemen Rafael Ynoa with one-out in the ninth inning, leaving the ballgame after that point while striking out two batters and walking three in the process. Righty Kevin Shackelford relieved Moye after a standing ovation and retired two of the last three batters of the game without a hit for his first save of the season, giving the Stars pitching staff their third one-hitter of the season and a 2-0 victory.

 

For Moye, it was the second time he was part of a one-hitter this season against the Chattanooga Lookouts. In his Double-A debut on April 7th at AT&T Field, Moye gave up one run on one hit as part of a seven-inning, one-hit, 3-1 victory against the Lookouts in game two of a doubleheader that day.

 

The other one-hitter this season for the Stars happened was on April 21st when four Huntsville hurlers combined to hold the Birmingham Barons to one hit at Regions Field.

 

In regards to no-hitters, the last time the Stars pitchers threw a no-hitter was on August 2nd of last year, as five Stars hurlers combined to hold the lookouts hitless while walking 11 batters en route to a 3-1 victory against the Chattanooga Lookouts. The Stars last complete-game no-hitter was by David Welch on June 2nd, 2008 against the Chattanooga Lookouts as well.

 

On offense, the Stars got all the run support they needed on a solo homer from outfielder Brock Kjeldgaard against Lookouts righty Steve Smith (L, 1-2).

 

In the sixth inning, the Stars put together a two-out rally to manufacture the final run of the ballgame. After second baseman Nick Shaw singled off of reliever Greg Infante and stole second base, first baseman Jason Rogers knocked him in with an RBI single to make the score 2-0 (audio).

 

Those three hits by Kjeldgaard, Shaw and Rogers were the only hits for the Stars bats on the night.

 

The victory for the Stars clinches their first series victory since a three-game set that was shortened by rain against the Jackson Generals at Pringles Park on May 28-30th. Overall, the Stars are now 9-6 against the Lookouts this season.

 

Wednesday's game was in front of a season-high 6,182 fans at Joe Davis Stadium.

 

On Thursday, the Stars will hit the road to start a five-game series at Smokies Park against the Tennessee Smokies. Huntsville will send RHP Drew Gagnon (1-3, 7.54 ERA) to the bump to try to continue the momentum. Tennessee will counter with LHP Eric Jokisch (6-7, 3.33 ERA). First pitch is 7:15 PM (6:15 Central).

 

Final Out

 

***

 

FYI - Kevin Shackelford (MiLB Player Page) consistently around 98 MPH, pumping in fastball after fastball, as per Alex.

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Video Highlights

 

Mr. Moye from Wednesday Night (Via the Huntsville Times)

 

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[Noche]

I like the Pence comparison. Thinking about Taylor the other day and the comp I thought of was Logan Schafer. I think TT could have a little more to him though.

[Mass Haas]

Brewers halt three-game skid

by Curt Synness, Helena Independent Record

 

The Helena Brewers put a halt to two streaks Wednesday night when they defeated the Great Falls Voyagers 8-3.

 

The win stopped Helena’s three-game skid, and when Charlie Markson scored on Jose Pena’s groundout in the first inning, it broke a string of 20 straight scoreless innings by the Brewers.

 

Helena went on to score two runs in third frame and one in the fourth, and then capped off its scoring with a big four-run seventh inning.

 

The triumph salvaged a split of the two-game Pioneer League series with Great Falls at Kindrick Legion Field, and moved the Brewers into sole possession of first place in the North Division.

 

The Brewers had the same number of hits Wednesday — 10 — as they did the night before, when they were shut out 2-0 by the Voyagers in the first game of the series.

 

Markson (two runs, double), Garrett Cooper (double, three RBIs) and Pena (two doubles, two RBIs) all posted two hits apiece.

 

Michael Ratterree and Jesse Weiss both chipped in with doubles.

 

“We started out well, and we just continued to add on after that,” Helena manager Tony Diggs said.

 

Great Falls actually outhit Helena 12-10, led by Dillon Haupt (3 for 3) and Danny Hayes (2 for 4, double).

 

The Brewers pitching and defense was just as impressive as the offense.

 

Four pitchers collaborated on the hill in the victory: Brandon Moore, Eduard Reyes, Andy Hillis and Ryan Fasano, with Hillis collecting the win — his first professional victory.

 

Voyagers starter Jake Sanchez took the loss.

 

In the field, the Brewers killed numerous Great Falls rallies with their glove work.

 

In the fifth inning, with two away, Great Falls shortstop Tyler Shyrock tried to score all the way from first on Danny Hayes’ double to centerfield. But Shyrock was cut down at the plate on a Markson-to shortstop Angel Ortega-to Dustin Houle relay.

 

Second baseman Renaldo Jenkins made a diving play on a force out to save a run in the sixth, and then in the eighth the hosts killed another Great Falls rally with a 3-6 double play.

 

Then in the ninth, Houle cut down the leadoff runner in an attempted steal to help seal the deal.

 

“The defense has played well all year,” Diggs said, “but to me, it’s always about pitching and defense anyway.

 

“We just played really well overall tonight.”

 

Photos by Eliza Wiley, Helena Independent Record

 

Brewers first baseman Garrett Cooper makes a spinning tag out on Great Falls' Zach Voight on a hot Wednesday night game at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

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Catcher Dustin Houle tags Great Falls shortstop Tyler Shyrock out at home as Shyrock tries to be the first to score for the Voyagers on Wednesday night in the top of the fifth inning. The Brewers won 8-3 to earn a split of the two-game series at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

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[Mass Haas]

Final: @Nashville 10, Round Rock 1

 

Prospects Lead Sounds' 10-1 Rout Of Express In Series Finale

Nelson Earns First Triple-A Win; Davis, Gennett, Morris All Homer For Nashville

Nashville Sounds

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Jimmy Nelson turned in an outstanding start and the Sounds belted three home runs in a 10-1 victory over Round Rock on Wednesday evening at Greer Stadium in front of 9,104 fans in the finale of a three-game series.

 

With the victory, Nashville (31-56) secured its third winning series of the year. The 10 runs scored were the most for the Sounds since May 23 and the club's fifth double-digit output of the year.

 

Nelson (1-2) earned his first Triple-A victory with a quality start for the Sounds, holding Round Rock to one run on three hits while fanning seven batters over seven innings. He has logged a 2.30 ERA in his five starts for Nashville.

 

Michael Olmsted closed out the win with a pair of scoreless frames as the two Nashville hurlers combined to hold Round Rock to only three hits on the night.

 

Scooter Gennett led off the bottom of the first with his second home run in the past three games (audio), a solo shot to right off Brad Mills. The blast was Nashville's first game-opening homer since Eric Farris hit a leadoff shot on July 25, 2012 against Memphis.

 

Gennett continued his torrid hitting since rejoining the Sounds with a 3-for-4 night that included a walk and two runs scored. The second sacker has hit safely in his last eight games at a .414 clip (12-for-29).

 

Nelson opened the game with four hitless frames before Round Rock rallied to tie the contest in the fifth. Mike Bianucci singled to open the frame, moved to second when Jim Adduci drew a walk, and scored on Jared Hoying's RBI single to left.

 

Shortstop Blake Davis kept the scored knotted in the sixth when he gunned down Leury Garcia at the plate as he attempted to score from third on Joey Butler's groundout.

 

Nashville broke the 1-1 deadlock with four two-out runs off Mills in the bottom of the sixth. Caleb Gindl provided the big blow with a bases-loaded, three-run double to left that was just out of the reach of a lunging Yangervis Solarte (audio). The two-bagger extended Gindl's hitting streak to six games, matching his best effort of the year. Josh Prince followed with an RBI single to plate Gindl and make it a 5-1 game (audio).

 

Mills (7-3) took the loss for the Express after giving up five runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings of work.

 

The Sounds exploded for five more runs in the seventh against Ryan Rodebaugh to make it a 10-1 contest. Gennett led off with a single and later scored on Robinzon Diaz's RBI single to left (audio). Diaz went 2-for-4 on the evening and has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games between Huntsville and Nashville (13-for-37, .351).

 

Hunter Morris and Khris Davis followed with Nashville's third set of back-to-back home runs of the year. Morris' opposite-field three-run shot was his team-leading 16th of the year (audio) and Davis' solo shot was his 10th on the year (audio). Both taters went to left field.

 

Davis put an accent on the Sounds' win with a game-ending diving catch of an Adduci liner in left field.

 

The Sounds travel to Memphis tomorrow to open a seven-game road trip that includes a four-game series against the cross-state rival Redbirds following by a three-game stop in Albuquerque. Left-hander Chris Narveson (1-4, 6.83) will man the bump for the Sounds in tomorrow's 6:05 p.m. Independence Day contest. Memphis will counter with right-hander Scott McGregor (2-4, 6.03).

 

Nashville Box Score

 

Nashville Game Log

 

Photo by Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds

 

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