Link Report for Thurs. 7/25

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Johnny Hellweg at home vs. Albuquerque (Dodgers), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 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 Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Tennessee (Cubs), 6:28 PM pre-game, 6:43 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.

 

**********

 

Brevard County: RHP Chad Pierce at home vs. Bradenton (Pirates), 5:05 PM pre-game, 5:35 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link -- Select the link based on listed schedule

 

Manatees audio, hooray! Dave Walkovic is the first play-by-play voice of the 'Tees since 2007, he's joined by Andy Towne; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio. All home games and many road games are scheduled to be broadcast. When road games are only available via the opponents' audio feed, we'll let you know that.

 

**********

 

Wisconsin: RHP Eric Semmelhack at home vs. Clinton (Mariners), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link - 1280 AM WNAM

 

Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio.

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; Wisconsin is one of 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: Many of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel and WACY-TV My NEW32 will split duties. We'll let you know when and who, and will try to provide day-before DVR reminders, so regularly check with us.

 

**********

 

Helena: RHP Eduard Reyes at home vs. Billings (Reds), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 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 Grand Junction (August), those games will be available for viewing online.

 

**********

 

Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Idle

 

**********

 

DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Braves, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day

[Mass Haas]

Programming note, DVR Alert!:

 

The next three Timber Rattlers games (Thurs. through Sat.) are on TV.

 

Tonight's game is on TWC Sports 32. It'll be back to MyNew32 TV Friday and Saturday.

 

The always worthwhile Timber Rattlers Field Pass airs tonight at 6:00 PM. Then, following "The Roundtable" at 6:30, it's game time.

 

Of course, if watching live, synch it up with Chris Mehring's audio .

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

DSL Brewers

 

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: Brevard County has media notes; as of now, 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.

 

Also 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

 

Viera, FL (Melbourne)

 

Grand Chute, WI (Appleton)

 

Helena, MT

 

San Pedro de Macoris, DR

[TheCrew07]

Reds' super prospect Robert Stephenson does not suck.

 

Stephenson Blazes to first victory

[TheCrew07]

Nor does the Cards' Michael Wacha

 

Cards' Wacha remains in stride

[TheCrew07]

Nothing division related today.

 

Prospect Notebook: Astros’ Mike Foltyniewicz Stretches Out

[TooLiveBrew]

Cole Garner, Josh Prince, & Robinzon Diaz each have one RBI, & the Sounds lead 3-1 in the 6th. So far, so good for Hellweg (albeit with 4 BBs).

[Minigoon]

Final: Tennessee 10 Huntsville 5

 

The Stars jumped out to a 4-0 lead, then watched as the Tennessee Smokies broke out the long ball and rattled off 10 unanswered runs to win 10-4 Thursday night at The Joe. It was an off night for Stars starter Taylor Jungmann. Jungmann (9-6, 3.77) worked 5 innings tonight and finished with a no decision. Over those 5 innings, Jungmann allowed 3 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks while only striking out 1. One of the hits allowed was a home run. Only 40 of the 73 pitches Taylor threw were for strikes. He did post a solid 9-2 GO/FO ratio.

 

With Jungmann only going 5 innings, the Stars bullpen was needed to cover 4 innings. Frankie De La Cruz, who has been very solid since coming down from Nashville, struggled tonight. De La Cruz (1-2, 4.66) worked 1 2/3 innings, giving up 5 runs, all earned, on 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4. 2 of the hits allowed were home runs. De La Cruz's line could be a little misleading. He left the game with 2 outs and the bases loaded in the 7th. Righty Casey Medlen was called on to get out of the jam, but he couldn't. Medlen allowed a bases clearing double to the first batter he faced. Those 3 runs were charged back to De La Cruz. Arismendy Alcantara, who hit the double, was thrown out trying to stretch it into a triple. Arcenio Leon was brought in to work the last 2 innings. He allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 1. He also allowed a home run.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

Huntsville knocked out 10 hits and 7 walks but were only able to push 5 runs across the plate. They were led by Chadwin Stang, who stayed hot. Stang went 3-4 with a run scored and drew a walk. Stang now has a 9 game hitting streak. Right fielder Rene Tosoni added 2 hits, including his 11 home run on the season. Joey Paciorek went 1-2 with a walk and 2 RBI's before leaving as part of a double switch. Brock Kjeldgaard was 1-4 with a walk and an RBI. Jason Rogers went 1-3 with a run scored and 2 walks. Hector Gomez had a single and an RBI, and Nick Shaw had the other Stars hit tonight.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

 

The early innings were kind to Huntsville

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 1st

 

Chadwin Stang singles on a line drive to right fielder Rubi Silva.

Shea Vucinich strikes out swinging.

Rene Tosoni hit by pitch. Chadwin Stang to 2nd.

Jason Rogers singles on a line drive to left fielder John Andreoli. Chadwin Stang to 3rd. Rene Tosoni to 2nd.

Brock Kjeldgaard singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Rubi Silva. Chadwin Stang scores. Rene Tosoni to 3rd. Jason Rogers to 2nd.

Joey Paciorek walks. Rene Tosoni scores. Jason Rogers to 3rd. Brock Kjeldgaard to 2nd.

Adam Weisenburger grounds into a double play, third baseman Christian Villanueva to second baseman Jonathan Mota to first baseman Justin Bour. Joey Paciorek out at 2nd.

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 3rd

 

Rene Tosoni doubles (14) on a fly ball to left fielder John Andreoli.

Jason Rogers walks.

Brock Kjeldgaard flies out to right fielder Rubi Silva. Rene Tosoni to 3rd.

Joey Paciorek singles on a line drive to right fielder Rubi Silva. Rene Tosoni scores. Jason Rogers to 2nd.

Adam Weisenburger walks. Jason Rogers to 3rd. Joey Paciorek to 2nd.

Pitching Change: P. J. Francescon replaces Austin Kirk, batting 9th.

Hector Gomez out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher P. J. Francescon to first baseman Justin Bour. Jason Rogers scores. Joey Paciorek to 3rd. Adam Weisenburger to 2nd.

Taylor Jungmann grounds out, third baseman Christian Villanueva to first baseman Justin Bour.

 

Huntsville (14-18 second half, 43-57 overall) will look to get back on track tomorrow evening against Tennessee. Right hander Ariel Pena will take the mound for Huntsville. Game time is scheduled for 6:43 Central. Stars Radio Broadcaster Alex Cohen will be on the air starting at 6:28 with the pregame show.

[Eye Black]

Final: Bradenton 4, Brevard County 2

 

Brevard bounced by Bradenton

'Tees edged 4-2 despite some highlight reel defense

By Andy Towne / Brevard County Manatees

 

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Manatees shortstop Yadiel Rivera is tagged out at home plate in the bottom of the first inning of Brevard County's 4-2 loss to the Bradenton Marauders on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium in Viera. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

Audio: Game Highlights

 

Audio: Cameron Garfield Pregame Interview

 

VIERA, Fla. - Adrian Sampson led the visiting Bradenton Marauders to a 4-2 win over the Brevard County Manatees in the series opener between the two teams on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

The right-handed Bradenton starter held the Manatees (15-16 second half, 52-46 overall) to two runs, with one coming in the first inning and the other in his seventh and final frame. He fanned seven and did not issue as walk, as he scattered seven hits.

 

Four of those hits came from the combination of D'Vontrey Richardson and Yadiel Rivera from the top of the lineup as they each recorded singles in their first two at-bats.

 

After Richardson led off the first with an infield single, he sped around from first to third on Rivera's single to left and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Nick Ramirez.

 

Greg Hopkins provided the only other run for the Manatees offense, blasting a solo shot to left center field in the seventh. It was his sixth homer of the season.

 

Most of the Brevard County highlights came on defense, particularly from Richardson out in center field. On his first impressive play, he showed off his strong arm with a throw from the warning track in straightaway center to third base on one hop, just missing Willy Garcia by half a step as the speedster slid in safely with a triple in the second inning.

 

In the next at-bat, Jose Osuna was robbed of a sure base hit when Richardson laid flat out for a catch in right-center field. Garcia was able to tag up and score on the play, giving Osuna the game-tying RBI.

 

Benji Gonzalez singled and scored in the third, with Alen Hanson sending him in on a hard smash to the edge of the right field grass to give the Marauders a 2-1 (11-22, 37-64) lead.

 

Two more runs scored in the fifth for Bradenton with Osuna reaching on an error and then advancing to third on a single by Elias Diaz, which also put Diaz on second thanks to a T.J. Mittelstaedt error. Benji Gonzalez plated Osuna with a sacrifice fly and then Junior Sosa smashed an RBI double to score Diaz.

 

Brevard's outfield showed itself off again in the sixth, with Mittelstaedt fielding Dan Gamache's single then firing a strike to Yadiel Rivera, who cut the throw off and turned it on to Greg Hopkins to throw out Gamache in his attempt to stretch the hit to a double. Richardson then ended the inning with another horizontal grab on a line drive by Stetson Allie.

 

Manatees starting pitcher Chad Pierce (5-4, 3.53 ERA) was forced out of the game due to apparent injury with one out in the top of the fifth inning, though all four runs were charged to him. Only two of the runs were earned, but it was enough to hand him the loss. Pierce scattered four hits and did not walk a batter as he recorded one strikeout.

 

Alex Moore was the first man out of the bullpen as he kept the 'Tees in the game with 3.2 scoreless frames, in which he allowed just one hit and one walk. Dan Meadows also escaped a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the ninth after a hit batter and two walks, inducing a 1-2-3 ground ball and a liner right at shortstop Rivera.

 

Bradenton's bullpen came out with two near-perfect innings, featuring four strikeouts, no walks and one hit.

 

Brevard County and Bradenton will continue their series on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. Slated to take the mound are a pair of lefties, as Brent Suter (7-5, 2.60) gets the ball for the Manatees and Joely Rodriguez (1-3, 2.36) will toe the rubber for the Marauders.

 

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

 

Brevard County Play-by-Play

 

 

Brevard County is wearing Throwback Uniforms this weekend honoring their 20th season.

[gregmag]

Well, this is one of the less inspiring days on the farm I can remember in a while, except for the Helena offense.

[TooLiveBrew]

Sounds Hold Off 'Topes In Finale To Split Series

Nashville's Johnny Hellweg Nabs Ninth Win In 3-2 Victory

Nashville Sounds

 

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

Johnny Hellweg (Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

• AUDIO: Robinzon Diaz RBI Single
  
• AUDIO: Cole Garner RBI Double
  
• AUDIO: Josh Prince Sac-Fly
  
• AUDIO: Sanchez Records Final Out

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds held on to defeat the visiting Albuquerque Isotopes by a margin of 3-2 Thursday night at Greer Stadium to give Nashville the 2-2 series split.

 

Tied 1-1 in the fourth inning, Cole Garner helped the Sounds pull ahead with a double to the gap in right-center field, plating Kentrail Davis, who reached base on balls. Starting pitcher Johnny Hellweg (9-4) pushed a sacrifice bunt, his second of the night, to advance Garner to third. Josh Prince hit a sac-fly to drive in Garner and give the Sounds a 3-1 lead.

 

Hellweg limited Albuquerque to one run on four hits across six innings of work to pick up his ninth win of the year and seventh in a row. The 6-foot-9 hurler shaved his ERA from 2.61 to a league-leading 2.44 in his seventh consecutive quality start. He issued four walks and struck out four.

 

The unearned run in the fourth inning ended Hellweg's consecutive scoreless innings streak at 16 1/3 innings, the longest by a Sounds starter this season. Hellweg has only allowed one earned run in his last 32 innings with Nashville.

 

The Isotopes cut the Sounds lead to one run in the eighth inning off reliever Zach Kroenke, who pitched 1 2/3 innings for the team. Jesus Sanchez finished the game for Nashville to pick up his first save of the year. It is the first save recorded by a Sound other than Rob Wooten, who was called up to Milwaukee earlier in the day.

 

Albuquerque pitcher Rob Rasmussen took the loss, his fifth, allowing three runs on four hits over six innings.

 

Nashville took an initial 1-0 lead in the first inning when Robinzon Diaz, 1-for-3, hit a single to left field that scored Josh Prince from third. Prince singled to lead off the game and stole two bags.

 

Isotopes outfielder Chili Buss leveled the game in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly to center field. The fly scored Scott Van Slyke from third after stealing second and reaching the hot corner on a throwing error by catcher Anderson De La Rosa.

 

The Sounds hit the road Friday and head to Papillion, Neb. to take on the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals affiliate) in a four-game series. Throwing for Nashville will be RHP Jimmy Nelson (2-3, 3.29) opposite the Chasers' lefty Chris Dwyer (6-8, 3.63). Baseball returns to Greer Stadium on Tuesday, July 30, when the Sounds take on the Las Vegas 51s (Mets affiliate).

 

 

Nashville Box

 

 

Nashville PbP

 

 

Nashville Gameday

[battlekow]

Final: Billings 12, @Helena 11

 

Helena box score

Pretty crazy game. The Brewers were down 12-5 in the 6th but scored four in the 7th and two more in the 8th to pull to within one but couldn't quite close the gap. Still, they racked up 17 hits, so at least half the box score is fun.

 

Nathan Orf, Adam Giacalone, and Jose Pena each collected three knocks; it feels like Pena didn't even have three hits so far this entire month, so that must be a relief for him to break out a little.

 

On the mound things were less fun, particularly for starter Eduard Reyes, who was touched up for eight runs on 11 hits, including three homers, in five innings. Brandon Moore followed and continued his recent trend of getting hammered, letting in four runs (two earned) in his one inning of work.

 

On the bright side, Great Falls lost, so that makes Helena division champs of the first half of the season. Congrats to them.

 

Helena play-by-play

The H-Crew stranded a runner at third in each of the last three innings, including failing to plate what would have been the tying run with one out in the 8th:

 

Helena Bottom of the 7th

• Pitching Change: Fabian Roman replaces Scott Brattvet.
  
• Dustin Houle pops out to second baseman Ty Washington.
  
• Jose Pena grounds out, third baseman Avain Rachal to first baseman Robert Ramirez.
  
• Jesse Weiss hit by pitch.
  
• Taylor Brennan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jonathan Reynoso. Jesse Weiss to 3rd.
  
• Renaldo Jenkins doubles (3) on a ground ball to left fielder Gabriel Rosa. Jesse Weiss scores. Taylor Brennan to 3rd.
  
• Omar Garcia singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ronald Bueno. Taylor Brennan scores. Renaldo Jenkins to 3rd.
  
• With Nathan Orf batting, missed catch error by Robert Ramirez on the pickoff attempt, Renaldo Jenkins scores. Omar Garcia to 2nd.
  
• Nathan Orf triples (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Phil Ervin. Omar Garcia scores.
  
• Pitching Change: Austin Muehring replaces Fabian Roman.
  
• Michael Ratterree strikes out swinging.

 

Helena Bottom of the 8th

• Adam Giacalone singles on a line drive to center fielder Jonathan Reynoso.
  
• Dustin Houle singles on a ground ball to left fielder Gabriel Rosa. Adam Giacalone to 2nd.
  
• With Jose Pena batting, wild pitch by Austin Muehring, Adam Giacalone to 3rd. Dustin Houle to 2nd.
  
• Jose Pena singles on a ground ball to left fielder Gabriel Rosa. Adam Giacalone scores. Dustin Houle to 3rd. Jose Pena to 2nd on the throw.
  
• Jesse Weiss strikes out swinging.
  
• With Taylor Brennan batting, wild pitch by Austin Muehring, Dustin Houle scores. Jose Pena to 3rd.
  
• Taylor Brennan strikes out swinging.
  
• Pitching Change: Joe Mantoni replaces Austin Muehring.
  
• Renaldo Jenkins lines out to center fielder Jonathan Reynoso.

 

Helena Bottom of the 9th

• Omar Garcia strikes out swinging.
  
• Nathan Orf called out on strikes.
  
• Michael Ratterree reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Avain Rachal. Michael Ratterree to 2nd.
  
• With Adam Giacalone batting, Michael Ratterree steals (4) 3rd base.
  
• Adam Giacalone strikes out swinging.

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Braves 5, DSL Brewers 7

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

Jorge Quiterio 3-5, 2B, HR, 2RBI, SB

Sthervin Matos 2-3, 2B, HR, BB, 2RBI, SB

Gregory Munoz 2-3, 3B, 2BB

Juan De Los Santos 2-3, HBP, SB

 

Miguel Diaz 5.1 IP, 3R, 3ER, 6H, 5BB, 4K

 

DSL Brewers Play-By-Play

 

DSL Brewers Bottom of the 6th

 

Leudi Otano singles on a ground ball to center fielder Erison Mendez.

With Juan De Los Santos batting, Leudi Otano advances to 2nd on a balk.

Juan De Los Santos singles on a ground ball to center fielder Erison Mendez. Leudi Otano to 3rd.

With Natanael Mejia batting, Juan De Los Santos steals (3) 2nd base.

Natanael Mejia walks.

Pitching Change: Osman Manzanares replaces Jonathan Santiago.

Yerald Martinez pops out to second baseman Gerald Chin on the infield fly rule.

Daniel Leonardo hits a sacrifice fly. Fielding error by left fielder Jorge Cortes. Leudi Otano scores. Juan De Los Santos to 3rd. Natanael Mejia to 2nd. Daniel Leonardo to 1st.

Gregory Munoz singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kelvin Estevez. Juan De Los Santos scores. Natanael Mejia scores. Daniel Leonardo to 3rd.

Jorge Quiterio flies into a double play, center fielder Erison Mendez to second baseman Gerald Chin to third baseman Carlos Vasquez. Daniel Leonardo out at home. Gregory Munoz out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

Worth little to note, but --

 

AA first exposes pitchers to at-bats:

 

Taylor Jungmann is 0-for-16, 1st year at AA

 

Jimmy Nelson is 0-for-26 at AA/AAA

 

Ariel Pena is 0-for-21 in his career

 

Drew Gagnon is 0-for-12, 1st year at AA

 

Other Stars pitchers outside of Andy Moye are 1-for-32 this season while with the Stars (Brooks Hall with the single).

 

Moye is the one bright light, 4-for-18, two doubles

 

***

 

Catcher Adam Weisenburger has come back to earth after his wicked early pace, 7-for-53 (.132) in July

[Mass Haas]

Stars Spurned By Smokies Comeback

By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars

 

Leading at one point by four runs, the Huntsville Stars squandered an early advantage by losing 10-5 to the Tennessee Smokies in game three of a five-game series at Joe Davis Stadium on Thursday night.

 

The Stars got off to their early lead in the first inning against Smokies starter Austin Kirk. With the bases loaded and one out, an RBI single from outfielder Brock Kjeldgaard put the Stars on the board. One batters later, a bases-loaded walk drawn by third baseman Joey Paciorek made the score 2-0.

 

Two innings later, an RBI single from Paciorek and a successful suicide squeeze from shortstop Hector Gomez doubled up the Stars lead and upped it to four runs.

 

Unfortunately for the Stars, the rest of the game was dominated by the Smokies.

 

After four scoreless innings from Stars starting pitcher Taylor Jungmann, the Tennessee bats began their offensive surge in the top of the fifth. Following a one-out error from Gomez and walk issued by Jungmann, a three-run homer from Smokies shortstop Javier Baez cut the Stars lead to one.

 

With Jungmann out of the game after five innings, Smokies outfielder Rubi Silva welcomed Stars reliever Frankie De La Cruz (L, 1-2) to action with a solo homer that tied up the game in the sixth inning.

 

One inning later, the 4-4 tie was broken up by a solo homer from first baseman Justin Bour off De La Cruz. Later in the frame, a two-out, bases-clearing double from infielder Airesmendy Alcantara put the Smokies up by four and gave the Tennessee pitching staff all the run support they needed.

 

Five Smokies releivers combined to hold the Stars to just one run over the last six innings of the game. Righty Marcos Mateo improved to 1-0 on the season, earning the victory with 1.2 innings of scoreless baseball.

 

Tennessee scored their final two runs of the game on a solo homer from Baez in the seventh inning and a bases-loaded walk from outfielder John Andreoli in the eighth inning. For Baez, the two homers on the night give him four roundtrippers over the first three games of the series. The top prospect in the Cubs organization now has five homers in seven games played against the Stars.

 

Overall, the Smokies scored nine unanswered runs at one point of the game to complete their comeback.

 

For Huntsville, they scored their only other run of the game on a solo homer from outfielder Rene Tosoni in the bottom of the ninth (audio).

 

On offense, outfielder Chadwin Stang paced the bats with a 3-for-4 night at the plate. He now hit safely in his last nine games, tying him for the longest hitting streak on the season for the Stars with Tosoni, who reached the mark in early May. Tosoni also had two hits on Thursday.

 

The Stars will play game four of a five-game series at Joe Davis Stadium against the Tennessee Smokies on Friday. Huntsville will send RHP Ariel Pena (5-7, 3.56 ERA) to the bump while Tennessee will counter with RHP A.J Morris (3-1, 3.61 ERA). First pitch is 6:43 PM.

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County is wearing Throwback Uniforms this weekend honoring their 20th season.

 

Click on that link, it's an auction, less than two days remain.

 

***

 

Florida State League Team Batting -- rough year for this 'Tees group, as was anticipated on Opening Day

[Mass Haas]

Pre-game audio: Helena Brewers infielder Nathan Orf talks about his knack for getting on base and the different positions he has played

[Mass Haas]

Brewers Can't Rally, Clinch 1st Half Title

Billings wins, Helena reaches playoffs for first time since '10

Helena Site Game Story

 

Needing one win to clinch a playoff spot the Helena Brewers came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth trailing 12-11. After two quick outs, Helena's hopes came down to the bat Michael Ratterree, Helena's hottest hitter this season.

 

Ratterree would hit a popup a mile high in the infield and it looked like the game was over. But the Brewers had new life when Billings third baseman Avain Rachal dropped the ball and just like that the tying run was in scoring position.

 

With Adam Giacalone batting, Ratterree stole third to bring the tying run just 90 feet away. The scene was set for Giacalone, who just returned to Helena for his second stint with the team, to either tie the game with a base hit or win it with a homer.

 

Instead Joe Mantoni got Giacalone to strike out to end the game and hand the Mustangs a 12-11 win.

 

But little did the Brewers know, just minutes before they stepped to the plate in the ninth inning, they had already clinched the playoff spot that seemed to elude them in the ninth.

 

Thanks to Missoula's 9-6 win over Great Falls, the Brewers were officially the first half champions of the Pioneer League North. In September Helena will be in the Pioneer League Playoffs for the first time since the championship season of 2010.

 

"I know the guys will be happy to hear [that we clinched]. It's always good to be able to take a little bit of lift off and know that you are going to be in the playoffs but it doesn't end there, it has to be something where you continue to play hard and not worry about being there you just have to be prepared when you get there," said Helena skipper Tony Diggs.

 

It was a wild game in which the Brewers looked like they had no shot of even being in. Helena trailed 5-0 before they came to the plate and were down 12-5 in the sixth inning.

 

But Helena battled back and tried to earn the clinching victory.

 

Down by seven in the seventh inning, the Brewers rallied for four runs. With two outs, Jesse Weiss was hit with a pitch and Taylor Brennan hit a single to start the rally.

 

Renaldo Jenkins then hit an RBI double off the wall in left and Omar Garcia would then reach on an infield single as Brennan scored. Jenkins would later come home on an error by the first baseman on a pickoff attempt.

 

Nathan Orf would make it a three run game when he hit an RBI triple to gap in left center to score Garcia and just like that Helena was back in the ballgame.

 

In the bottom of the eighth the hits kept coming for the Brewers as Giacalone and Dustin Houle hit back-to-back singles to start the frame.

 

Jose Pena would then pull an RBI single into left to drive home Giacalone and when the throw went all the way home, Pena advanced to third.

 

After Weiss struck out, Austin Muehring uncorked a wild pitch and Houle came home to make it a one run game.

 

With the tying run at third, Brennan struck out and Billings brought Mantoni into the game. He would retire Jenkins on a liner to centerfield to end the threat.

 

Tyler Alexander would toss a 1-2-3 ninth inning to keep the game in reach but Helena couldn't pick up a comeback win in the bottom of the ninth.

 

"The biggest thing that we can get away from this game is that you look at it we had the tying run on third base. We were one swing away on a couple of occasions from being able to take the lead and it just didn't fall for us. But in a ballgame in which we fell behind 5-0 early it ended up being a 12-11 ballgame, they showed me pretty solid character," said Diggs.

 

The Brewers would tie a season-high with 17 hits in the contest including two by Ratterree who extended his hitting streak to 15 games. Orf, Giacalone, and Pena had three hits apiece in the loss.

 

Helena starter Eduard Reyes was handed the loss after he struggled for the first time this season. Reyes allowed eight runs on 11 hits and surrendered three homers including two of the bat of Phillip Ervin who was 4 for 4.

[Mass Haas]

2nd year Dominican RH starting pitcher Miguel Diaz (stats) is having a nice little season, we point it out here because he's doing it as an 18-year-old, could be a nice one to follow in Maryvale in 2014.

[TheCrew07]

With the rain delayed start I only made it through the 5th before I fell asleep last night.

 

Clinton defeats Rattlers 5-1

LumberKings get 14 hits to quiet Wisconsin

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattler

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Clinton LumberKings attacked the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers with 14 hits and cruised to a 5-1 win behind eight solid innings from Scott DeCecco on Thursday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

 

Clinton (48-53 overall, 15-17 second half) grabbed the lead in the top of the first inning. Alfredo Morales doubled with one out. Dario Pizzano singled to left and the LumberKings had runners on the corners. A chopper to third off the bat of DJ Peterson was mishandled for an error to allow Morales to score.

 

Wisconsin (42-55, 13-19) answered in the bottom of the first. Alfredo Rodriguez walked to start the inning. Michael Reed followed with a double to left-center and Rodriguez scored easily to tie the game 1-1.

 

Rattlers starting pitcher Eric Semmelhack got the first two outs in the top of the fourth inning. But, Martin Peguero got a seeing-eye single through the middle to keep the inning alive for the LumberKings. Ketel Marte followed with a double to the gap in right-center and Peguero raced home to put Clinton ahead. Alfredo Morales followed with a single to center to drive in Marte and Clinton was up 3-1.

 

The LumberKings used the longball to build their lead in the top of the fifth inning. DJ Peterson hit a home run to left-center to start the frame. Jordy Lara cracked a solo home run to left with two outs and Clinton was up 5-1.

 

That was it for the scoring.

 

DeCecco tossed seven innings, allowed five hits, walked three, and struck out four. DeCecco earned his eighth win of the season with the victory on Thursday.

 

Rodolfo Fernandez came out of the Wisconsin bullpen and tossed three scoreless frames. Taylor Wall worked a scoreless ninth in relief of Fernandez.

 

Mike Garza doubled with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning off Jochi Ogando. Parker Berberet followed with a walk, but Ogando closed out the game with a strikeout.

 

The final game of the series is Friday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Tyler Wagner (8-7, 3.61) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Clinton has Tyler Pike (6-3, 2.27) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

The first 1,000 fans to attend this game will receive a Fang "Bobble-TAIL" figure from U.S. Cellular. There will also be plenty of interactive and social media activities throughout the evening with the Rattlers and US Cellular hosting You Run the Show Night. Plus, kids 12 and under receive a free hot dog and soda as part of North Shore Bank Family Night. Children 14 and under may participate in Kids Run the Bases thanks to Molina Healthcare after the postgame fireworks display.

 

If you can't make it out to the ballpark for the game, My NEW32's Sports Showdown will have the television broadcast starting with their pregame show at 6:30pm. The radio broadcast may be heard on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. Subscribers of MiLB.TV may also catch the action.

 

HOME RUNS:

CLN:

DJ Peterson (1st, 0 on in 5th inning off Eric Semmelhack, 0 out)

Jordy Lara (9th, 0 on in 5th inning off Eric Semmelhack, 2 out)

 

WP: Scott DeCecco (8-7)

LP: Eric Semmelhack (1-6)

 

TIME: 2:26 (1:42 Delay)

ATTN: 3,233

 

Hope and invention – Postgame post for July 25, 2013

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

The T-Rats managed just 6 hits, Michael Reed had the only multi-hit game with a 3B and the 2B mentioned in the game story.

 

Garrett Cooper hasn't appeared since leaving the July 21st game with an apparent injury. Chris said it wasn't major a couple of days later but I haven't heard anything since.

 

Taylor Wall had back to back outings on July 7th and 12th where he gave up runs, otherwise he's been stellar lately.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

There was literally nothing to get excited about after 1st until the fake rally described above in the 9th.

 

Wisconsin Gameday