Link Report for Fri. 7/12

[Mass Haas]

Late Inning Surge Dooms Stars

By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars

 

After mounting a come-from-behind victory one night earlier, the Huntsville Stars could not overcome a ninth inning surge from the Birmingham Barons as they took a 6-2 loss on Friday night at Joe Davis Stadium.

 

As they have in each of the first three games of the series, the Barons took the initial lead against Stars starting pitcher Taylor Jungmann. After designated hitter Michael Earley singled with one out in the second inning, Jungmann went through a stretch of walking three out of the next five hitters, including outfielder Keenyn Walker with the bases-loaded to make the score 1-0.

 

Much like Thursday night, the Stars resiliency allowed them to trade runs with the Barons.

 

In the top of the third inning, Huntsville provided the equalizer against Birmingham. Once Chadwin Stang was hit by a pitch to start the frame, he advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from second basemen Nick Shaw. Three batters later, a two-out RBI single from first baseman Mike Walker tied the game up at one run apiece.

 

After a fourth inning RBI single by second baseman Marcus Semien gave Birmingham back the lead, the Stars returned the favor in the bottom half of the fifth inning. With Shaw on first following a one-out walk, outfielder Rene Tosoni ripped an RBI double down the right-field line to knot things up at 2-2.

 

The score stayed that way into the ninth inning, where Birmingham nullified the Stars heroics from the previous night. Against Stars reliever Casey Medlen (L, 2-4), the Barons offense put the bases full with one out for outfielder Jared Mitchell. After four straight balls, Mitchell's bases-loaded walk gave Birmingham the lead for good. One batter later, a bases-clearing triple from Early gave the Barons all the run support they needed.

 

Earning the win in relief for Birmingham was reliever Taylor Thompson, improving to 4-2 on the year after blanking the Stars through the final two innings of the game.

 

En route to just his second no-decision of the year, Jungmann was pulled after two innings of work where he gave up a run on a season-high six walks. It was his second shortest start of the season.

 

On offense, Tosoni led the way with three hits for his second straight multi-hit game. Outfielder Shea Vucinich also chipped in with two hits.

 

The Stars will play game four of a five-game series at Joe Davis Stadium against the Birmingham Barons on Saturday. Huntsville will send RHP David Goforth (2-1, 4.60 ERA) to the bump while Birmingham will counter with RHP Michael Nix (3-1, 3.04 ERA). First pitch is 6:43 ET.

[Mass Haas]

Remember this from Thursday?

 

Via Alex's broadcast, there was no apparent reason for Jason Rogers to leave Huntsville's game after this half-inning:

 

Birmingham Top of the 2nd

 

Michael Earley singles on a fly ball to left fielder Brock Kjeldgaard.

Mike Blanke walks. Michael Earley to 2nd.

Daniel Wagner ground bunts into a force out, third baseman Mike Walker to shortstop Nick Shaw. Michael Earley to 3rd. Mike Blanke out at 2nd. Daniel Wagner to 1st.

With Marcus Semien batting, wild pitch by Ariel Pena, Michael Earley scores.

Marcus Semien grounds out, shortstop Nick Shaw to first baseman Jason Rogers. Daniel Wagner to 2nd.

Keenyn Walker grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Jason Rogers.

 

Birmingham Top of the 3rd

 

Defensive switch from shortstop to second base for Nick Shaw.

Defensive Substitution: Hector Gomez replaces first baseman Jason Rogers, batting 3rd, playing shortstop.

Defensive switch from third base to first base for Mike Walker.

Defensive switch from second base to third base for Shea Vucinich.

 

Barons win in a walk over Huntsville, with Stars' All-Star delegation shuffled again

Mark McCarter, Huntsville Times

 

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Of four Huntsville Stars originally voted to the Southern League All-Star team, only one will be heading to Jacksonville, Fla., for next Wednesday's game.

 

The latest casualty to the Huntsville list is first baseman Jason Rogers, who suffered an oblique injury on Thursday night and will be sidelined indefinitely. He's being replaced by Huntsville catcher Adam Weisenburger. Rogers had been ticketed to participate in the pregame home run derby.

 

Outfielder Brock Kjeldgaard was a late addition to the Southern League North squad, replacing Kentrail Davis. The Brewers promoted Davis to Class AAA earlier in the week.

 

Pitcher Ariel Pena was also named to the squad as a replacement for Chattanooga's Rob Rasmussen, who has been promoted.

 

Pitcher Taylor Jungmann, the starter in Friday's 6-2 loss to Birmingham, was one of the original selections and will be traveling to Jacksonville. Jimmy Nelson, who began the year in Huntsville before moving to Triple-A Nashville and received sufficient votes to make the team, was promoted before the squad was announced.

 

It was not a stellar performance by Jungmann, who walked six men in two innings of work. Huntsville pitchers allowed 11 walks, to just three by Birmingham.

 

Nonetheless, it was 2-2 going into the ninth. But Birmingham loaded the bases on a walk, single and error. Jared Mitchell walked to bring in the lead run, then Michael Earley cleared the bases with a double.

 

After Birmingham's first run, on a bases-loaded walk, Nick Walker tied things in the third on an RBI single before Marcus Semien put the Barons back up, 2-1, with an RBI single in the fourth. Rene Tosoni tied the score with a double in the fifth.

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog - Post-Game entry includes video highlights as per usual for home games

[Mass Haas]

Rattlers Report: Wisconsin loses in 13th inning

by Jim Oskola, Post-Crescent Media

 

GRAND CHUTE — The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers decided to work overtime on Friday night.

 

The Timber Rattlers scored a run in the eighth and one in the ninth to tie their Midwest League game against the Fort Wayne TinCaps and send it into extra innings at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

 

Fort Wayne spoiled the comeback, though, breaking through with two runs in the 13th to beat Wisconsin 8-6.

 

Despite the loss that left the Timber Rattlers with a 9-12 record in the second half of the Midwest League, the team is 9-6 since getting off to an 0-6 start after the Midwest League All-Star break.

 

The difference?

 

“We just started putting together some good games,” said Max Walla, who went four-for-six with a double and two RBI. “We’ve had some good energy and good all-around baseball. It’s been fun. We’ve had a lot of fun and continue to work hard and grind. Sometimes this game will sometimes slap you in the face and sometimes reward you big time.”

 

Wisconsin’s run in the eighth began with a two-out walk to Victor Roache. Mike Garza singled Roache to second.

 

After Chris Nunn came on in relief for the TinCaps, Adam Giacalone drew a walk to load the bases. Walla singled in Roache, but Garza was thrown out at the plate trying to score from second.

 

Roman Madrid replaced Nunn on the mound in the ninth and gave up a one-out single to Orlando Arcia, who stole second.

 

Alfredo Rodriguez tied the game with a single to center and took second on the throw home. Madrid then intentionally walked Michael Reed before Tyrone Taylor flew out to left and Roache struck out.

 

Wisconsin put runners on second in the 10th and 11th but couldn’t deliver. Walla hit a two-out double in the 10th but Tyler Roberts lined out to right.

 

The Timber Rattlers had a better chance in the 11th. Rodriguez hit a one-out double and Reed was again intentionally walked, but Taylor grounded to short to start a double play.

 

Fort Wayne’s Mallex Smith led off the game by drawing a walk and stealing second. He took third on a groundout to first and scored on a groundout to short.

 

Wisconsin tied the game in the second, when Garza led off with a walk and stole second. Walla singled in Garza but was thrown out trying to go to second.

 

After the TinCaps scored twice in the fourth, the Timber Rattlers scored three runs in the fifth.

 

Walla singled with one out and went to second on a single by Roberts. Arica tripled in both runners and scored on a squeeze bunt by Rodriguez.

 

Reed then singled and stole second, going to third on an infield single to short by Taylor, but Roache popped out to first to end the inning.

 

Fort Wayne took a 6-4 lead with two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh.

Key to the Rattlers coming back to tie the game was the job Michael Strong did out of the bullpen. Entering the game in the seventh inning, Strong allowed one run on three hits and a walk in 4 2⁄3 innings.

 

“A great effort,” Timber Rattlers manager Matt Erickson said. “He kept us right there and allowed us to get back into it. He’s a guy who has been involved in our tandem so he’s been extended in innings. He hasn’t done it in a while but he’s been out there for a number of pitches. I think he had 60-some pitches tonight but 4 2⁄3 innings and did a really nice job out of our pen today.”

 

The TinCaps began the 13th inning with singles by Diego Goris and Rodney Daal, who moved up on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Burke.

 

After Wisconsin reliever Taylor Wall intentionally walked Corey Adamson, he walked Luis Domoromo to force in the first run.

 

Tyler Stubblefield then grounded back up the middle off Wall and Daal scored while Williams threw to Arcia for the out at second.

 

Despite the loss, Wisconsin remains 3½ games out of first due to first-place Quad Cities losing to Bowling Green 4-3 and definitely in the hunt for a wild-card playoff berth.

 

“I told them that this series we’ve been very competitive up and down the line-up with tough outs,” Erickson said. “We’ve gotten some good outings out of our bullpen. Tonight we had some good outings. The first game we had five scoreless innings. Yesterday we had the last six. Anytime we can get some quality pitching and play good defense. We’ve played much better defense in the second half as opposed to the first half. There’s a belief a little bit that they’re finding ways to win some ball games. Obviously, when that happens things can start rolling.”

 

Wisconsin shortstop Orlando Arcia chases down a ground ball against Fort Wayne in Grand Chute on Friday. / Wm.Glasheen Photo/Post-Crescent Media

 

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[Mass Haas]

Via MyNewTV 32 VIDEO -- Additional Game Highlights of the Tin Caps - Rattlers

[Mass Haas]

Pre-game AUDIO: Helena Brewers catcher Dustin Houle talks about his transition to catcher and his playing history

 

High praise for his batterymate LHP Anthony Banda...

[Mass Haas]

Banda's Performance Not Enough

Hernandez's homer boosts Chukars to 6-3 win on Friday

By Zac Vierra / Helena Brewers

 

After a rough performance in his last outing, Anthony Banda bounced back in impressive fashion for Helena on Friday night. But unfortunately for the southpaw, he couldn't pick up the win as Elier Hernandez's two-run home run in the seventh inning proved to be the difference as Idaho Falls defeated Helena 6-3.

 

Banda (above) posted his third quality start of the season for Helena after allowing two runs on seven hits while tying a career high with six strikeouts.

 

"That was more than just a quality outing. That was him trying to reestablish who he was and what he does up there. He showed good command of his fastball today and used his off speed pitches real well," said Helena skipper Tony Diggs.

 

With the Brewers leading 3-2 in the seventh inning, Banda was replaced by Ryan Fasano and that's when things would start to go south for the Brewers.

 

To leadoff the seventh, Carlos Garcia would hit a sinking liner that right fielder Michael Ratterree got a glove on, but it got by him and Garcia motored to third on the error. He would tie the game in the next at bat when Alex Marquez pulled a single past the dive of Taylor Brennan at third.

 

The Chukars would then take the lead with one swing of the bat as Hernandez hit a line drive homer to left to give Idaho Falls a 5-3 lead.

 

Idaho Falls would add to the lead off Fasano in the top of the eighth when Frank Schwindel led off the inning with a double and would later score on a groundout.

 

Helena would bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning but Corey Rhoney got Angel Ortega to pop up and struck out Charlie Markson looking to end it and give the Chukars a series split.

 

"We made mistakes late in the game that might have cost us tonight but that's how it rolls sometimes," said Diggs.

 

The Brewers got on the board first in a wacky bottom of the third inning. Jalen Harris reached to start the frame when he hit a fly ball to right-center and Dominique Taylor and Elier Hernandez collided on the play.

 

Ruben Ozuna would follow by pulling a chopper into right for a single and on the play Harris tried to advance to third but he tripped about one third of the way there. When that happened, Hernandez tried to get Harris at second, but his throw was off the line, got by everyone, and became lodged behind the tarp on the third base line. Since the ball went out of play Harris was awarded home and Ozuna was allowed to go to third.

 

With Ozuna on third, the Chukars pulled the infield in and Omar Garcia hit a blooper to shallow left-center than dropped harmlessly in between a Bermuda Triangle of the left fielder, the center fielder, and the shortstop. Ozuna scored on the play.

 

In the fourth inning Harris would continue his hot streak to drive home another run. After Ortega pulled a double down the left field line, Harris smoked a two bagger into the gap in right-center to make it a 3-0 game.

 

It was his fourth double of the series and his seventh RBI on the homestand.

 

"He is swinging the bat well right now and not only is he swinging the bat well, he has hit in quality times with men in scoring position," said Diggs.

 

The Chukars would chip away off of Banda in the top of the fifth inning. Carlos Garcia would leadoff with a single and advance to second on a grounder. Humberto Arteaga would follow with a cue shot double down the first base line that scored Garcia. Hernandez would then hit a double over the head of the left fielder Ozuna and it was a 3-2 game.

 

Fasano would replace Banda in the seventh and the game would change dramatically in Idaho Falls' favor.

 

The Brewers will be back at it on Saturday night as the Ogden Raptors come to town for the only time this season. First pitch at Kindrick Legion Field is at 7:05 PM (8:05 Central).

 

Helena site photo of Anthony Banda by Seth Eikomstead

 

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[Mass Haas]

Chukars earn split with Brewers

Helena Independent Record

 

Idaho Falls scored six unanswered runs Friday night at Kindrick Legion Field to beat the Brewers 6-3 and leave Helena with a split of the four-game series.

 

After taking the early lead in the first three games of the set, this time the Chukars found themselves trailing the Brewers. RBI singles by Ruben Ozuna and Omar Garcia plated a pair of runs for the home team in the third inning, and Helena took a 3-0 lead in the fourth on an RBI double by Jalen Harris.

 

But back-to-back RBI doubles by the Chukars’ Humberto Arteaga and Elier Hernandez in the next frame trimmed Helena’s lead to a run.

 

The visitors took advantage of a pitching change in the seventh inning, when Ryan Fasano relieved Helena starter Anthony Banda at the top of the inning. The Chukars tied the game with an RBI single by Alex Marquez, then took their first lead of the game on Hernandez’s two-run shot to left field. It was the 18-year-old’s second home run of the season, as both came during this series with the Brewers.

 

An insurance run in the eighth gave Idaho Falls some extra cushion. But Helena had a rally brewing in the bottom of the ninth, when Josiel Martinez walked Harris, and Ozuna reached on a single. With two on and Garcia representing the tying run at the dish, Corey Rhoney came into the game and got Garcia to pop out to short on the infield fly rule. Charlie Markson then struck out looking to end the game.

 

Garcia stole his ninth base of the season to move into a two-way tie for first place in the Pioneer League.

 

Idaho Falls third baseman Hunter Dozier saw his 21-game on-base streak come to an end, as this was the only game all year he failed to reach. Dozier, a Kansas City Royals’ first-round pick who was taken eighth overall in this year’s draft and received a $2.2 million signing bonus, was also hitless for the second straight night, going 0-for-5 on Friday.

 

The Brewers begin a three-game set with Ogden tonight. Tristan Archer is the probable starter for Helena and will likely go up against Ogden’s Jonathan Martinez.

[Mass Haas]

Helena Box Score

 

Helena Game Log

[Mass Haas]

Nashville falls in 13 (box, game story with audio highlights), Maryvale wins in 11 (box)

 

Actually off to the airport, and although I'll be online later, if the earlybird Link Reporters can followup on those games, particularly Maryvale, so appreciated, thanks.

[Eye Black]

Final: Memphis 6, Nashville 3

 

Sounds Fall 6-3 In Extra Innings

Laffey Allows One Earned Run In Sounds Debut; Morris Homers

Nashville Sounds

 

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(Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

VIDEO: Hunter Morris Home Run

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds lost 6-3 in extra innings Friday night before 9,644 fans at Greer Stadium, as the Memphis Redbirds' Brock Peterson connected for a bases-clearing single that proved to be the game winner.

 

Tied 3-3 in the top of the 11th inning, Sounds reliever Travis Webb (1-4) loaded the bases with a two outs to set the table for Peterson's drive to centerfield. Webb took the loss, his fourth of the year, allowing three runs in two-innings of work.

 

The Redbirds took their first lead of the game in the top of the eighth inning as Tommy Pham sent one of Michael Olmsted's pitches over the right-field wall. But Nashville answered with an RBI-single from Blake Lalli in the home half of the frame, tying the game at three runs apiece.

 

Lalli's run in the eighth ended Memphis reliever Sam Freeman's consecutive scoreless innings streak at 25 2/3 innings.

 

Nashville scored first in the game on a solo home run from Hunter Morris to lead off the second inning. The hit was the Sounds' first of six hits on the night and Morris' 19th long ball of the season.

 

In the fourth inning, Pham singled through a drawn-in infield to score Brock Peterson from third base to tie the game at 1-1. Peterson reached base on a Josh Prince throwing error, making his run unearned.

 

Left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey allowed two runs, one earned, in his Sounds debut. The 11-year-pro allowed an RBI-single to Chad Huffman that put the 'Birds up 2-1 in the sixth inning before exiting the game after 5 1/3 innings of work. He walked two and fanned four.

 

The Sounds tied the game in the home half of the sixth inning when Scooter Gennett hit a triple down the right-field line that scored Kentrail Davis. The hit was Gennett's second three-bagger in as many days.

 

Tim Dillard also saw work on the hill, pitching 1 2/3 hitless innings, in which he struck out one. Olmsted finished with one run allowed in two innings of work, before Travis Webb entered in 10th.

 

Picking up the win for Memphis was Nick Greenwood (2-3), who pitched two scoreless frames for the 'Birds before Fernando Salas recorded his third save of the year with a hitless 11th.

 

Nashville surrendered one stolen base in the sixth inning to mark the team's 110 of the season, which matches the team total from 2012.

 

The Sounds will play game three of four against the Redbirds on Saturday night at Greer Stadium. Throwing for Nashville will be RHP Johnnie Lowe (0-1, 4.34) against Memphis' RHP Boone Whiting (4-4, 4.94). The first 1,000 through the gates will receive Sounds Cowbells courtesy of the Tennessee Beef Council and McDonald's. The 6:35 game will be followed by a fireworks show powered by Nashville's NEWS 2.

 

 

Nashville Box Score

 

 

Nashville Play-by-Play

 

 

Nashville Gameday

[Eye Black]

Final: AZL Brewers 5, AZL Padres 3 (11 Innings)

 

AZL Brewers Box Score

 

The game was tied 2-2 through the first 10 innings. The AZL Brewers brought 3 across in the top of the 11th and held on for the win.

 

Brandon Diaz, started in RF, but moved over to CF in the third inning in a defensive substitution (more below), Diaz hit 2 triples and recorded an RBI on his 4th inning triple. LF Johnny Davis had a 3 hit night which included both a double and a triple. Davis also walked once and had 2 stolen bases (both steals were of third base). 1B Alan Sharkey knocked in the first run of the 11th inning on a one-out double.

 

The pitching combined to hold the Padres squad to just 3 runs and 9 hits over 11 innings while striking out 10 and only issuing 2 walks. Gian Rizzo started the game and went 3.0 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. Rizzo walked 1 and struckout 3. Drew Ghelfi and Tyler Spurlin each worked 3.0 innings and each only gave up a lone hit. Ghelfi struckout 2 batters, while Spurlin recorded 3 strikeouts. Neither issued a walk. Scott Harkin was credited with the win after working 2.0 innings of extra inning baseball. Harkin allowed 1 run on 2 hits and 1 walk.

 

 

AZL Brewers Game Log

 

After having three balls hit his way to start the 2nd inning, Edgardo Rivera was removed from the game:

 

AZL Padres Bottom of the 2nd

• -Mason Smith flies out to center fielder Edgardo Rivera.
  -Jalen Goree singles on a ground ball to center fielder Edgardo Rivera.
  -Jake Bauers doubles (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Edgardo Rivera. Jalen Goree scores.
  -With Ricardo Valenzuela batting, passed ball by Paul Eshleman, Jake Bauers to 3rd.
  -Ricardo Valenzuela singles on a ground ball to left fielder Johnny Davis, deflected by third baseman Luis Aviles. Jake Bauers scores.
  -Rod Boykin grounds out, second baseman Francisco Castillo to first baseman Alan Sharkey. Ricardo Valenzuela to 2nd.
  -Franchy Cordero walks.
  -Gabriel Quintana pops out to third baseman Luis Aviles in foul territory.

 

AZL Padres Bottom of the 3rd

• -Defensive Substitution: Yonki Hernandez replaces center fielder Edgardo Rivera, batting 1st, playing right field.
  -Defensive switch from right field to center field for Brandon Diaz.
  -Franmil Reyes singles on a ground ball to pitcher Gian Rizzo.
  -With Jose Urena batting, Franmil Reyes steals (2) 2nd base.
  -Jose Urena strikes out swinging.
  -Mason Smith called out on strikes.
  -Jalen Goree grounds out, third baseman Luis Aviles to first baseman Alan Sharkey.

 

***

 

The Brewers breakthrough for two runs in the 4th:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 4th

• -Yonki Hernandez singles on a line drive to right fielder Jose Urena.
  -With Brandon Diaz batting, Yonki Hernandez steals (4) 2nd base.
  -Brandon Diaz triples (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Mason Smith. Yonki Hernandez scores.
  -Tucker Neuhaus grounds out, second baseman Jalen Goree to first baseman Jake Bauers. Brandon Diaz scores.
  -Paul Eshleman strikes out swinging.
  -Alan Sharkey strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Johnny Davis unsuccessfully tries to stretch his triple into an inside-the-park HR:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 5th

• -Joe Andrade grounds out, second baseman Jalen Goree to first baseman Jake Bauers.
  -Luis Aviles strikes out swinging.
  -Johnny Davis triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Jose Urena. Johnny Davis out at home, right fielder Jose Urena to first baseman Jake Bauers to catcher Ricardo Valenzuela.

 

***

 

Brewers push across 3 runs in the 11th, including manufacturing runs with a sacrifice bunt and a pop-up "double" to the second baseman:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 11th

• -Defensive Substitution: Cristhofer Martinez replaces third baseman Gabriel Quintana, batting 2nd, playing third base.
  -Pitching Change: Ivan Marcano replaces Wilson Santos.
  -Tucker Neuhaus singles on a ground ball to first baseman Jake Bauers.
  -With Paul Eshleman batting, wild pitch by Ivan Marcano, Tucker Neuhaus to 2nd.
  -Paul Eshleman flies out to right fielder Jose Urena. Tucker Neuhaus to 3rd.
  -Alan Sharkey doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Rod Boykin. Tucker Neuhaus scores.
  -With Joe Andrade batting, wild pitch by Ivan Marcano, Alan Sharkey to 3rd.
  Joe Andrade walks.
  -Luis Aviles out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Ivan Marcano to first baseman Jake Bauers. Alan Sharkey scores. Joe Andrade to 2nd.
  -Johnny Davis doubles (1) on a pop up to second baseman Jalen Goree. Joe Andrade scores.
  -With Francisco Castillo batting, Johnny Davis steals (3) 3rd base.
  -Francisco Castillo flies out to left fielder Mason Smith.