Link Report for Mon. 7/29

[TooLiveBrew]

Sounds Avoid Sweep With 4-2 Victory

Nashville's Aaron Laffey Nets First Win As A Sound

Nashville Sounds

 

http://i.imgur.com/6f4mr7c.jpg

Aaron Laffey, archive photo (Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

PAPILLION, Neb. - The Nashville Sounds edged the Omaha Storm Chasers by a 4-2 margin Monday night at Werner Park to avoid the four-game series sweep.

 

Tied 2-2 in the 5th, Sounds first baseman Hunter Morris, 2-for-5, gave Nashville its second lead with an RBI-triple into left-field.

 

The hit landed in the shallow outfield and was kicked into foul territory by the sliding outfielder to advance Morris three bags and score Eugenio Velez, who reached base on a ground rule double.

 

The Sounds held the lead the rest of the way, courtesy of a solid 103-pitch outing by starting pitcher Aaron Laffey (5-5), who scattered five Omaha hits across seven innings to allow just two runs. The lefty picked up his first win with the Sounds with the quality start.

 

Johnnie Lowe pitched a hitless eighth inning to set up closer Jesus Sanchez for his second save. Sanchez worked two quick outs in the ninth, but put runners on the corners before recording the final out.

 

Initially Omaha took a lead by scoring a run in the first inning on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly from Brian Fletcher in his first Triple-A plate appearance; but the Sounds answered in the top of the second inning with two runs to take a 2-1 lead. Josh Prince drew a bases-loaded walk for the game-tying run, while the go-ahead run scored on a double-play.

 

The Chasers leveled the game when Fletcher connected for his first Triple-A hit: a home run over the left field wall in the fourth inning. The solo shot was the last of Omaha's offensive highlights.

 

Omaha turned four double-plays against the Sounds, matching the most allowed by Nashville since Oklahoma City did so on April 29.

 

With the bases loaded in the top of the ninth inning, designated hitter Robinzon Diaz gave Nashville an insurance run with a sac-fly to score Blake Davis, 1-for-3, and make it a 4-2 game (audio).

 

Omaha's Justin Marks (4-11) was charged with the loss, allowing the Sounds three runs, one earned, on five hits and six walks over six innings of work.

 

The Sounds return to Nashville Tuesday night to host the Las Vegas 51s (Mets affiliate) to a four-game series. Throwing for Nashville will be RHP Johnny Hellweg (9-4, 2.44) opposite the Chasers' RHP Rafael Montero (2-2, 4.50).

 

 

Nashville Box

 

Nashville PbP

 

Nashville Gameday

[Minigoon]

Final: Huntsville 5 Jackson 3

 

Huntsville was the beneficiary of a couple Jackson Generals errors that helped the Stars win in come-from-behind fashion Monday evening. The Stars were down 3-2 when the Generals kicked a couple around in the 6th, leading to 3 unearned runs, providing the Stars the winning margin. Stars starter Andy Moye (5-11, 4.25) earned the win tonight. He went 5 innings, allowing 3 runs, none were earned, on 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batter while striking out 4. Moye needed 76 pitches, 55 strikes, to cover those 5 innings. He also posted a 5-3 GO/FO ratio. On the radar gun, Moye hit 93 tonight.

 

With Moye going the minimum 5, the Stars needed 4 innings out of their bullpen tonight. Casey Medlen was first up. He lasted just 2 batters, walking both, before being lifted. Greg Holle then came on. He allowed a single to the first batter he faced to load the bases. Holle was then able to Houdini out of it. He got a pop out to short and a double play to end the inning. He then worked a perfect 7th. The Stars then brought on Kevin Shackelford to work the final 2 innings. Shackelford was able to keep the Generals off the scoreboard and record his 3rd save in the process. Kevin allowed a hit and a walk while striking out 2.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

For the Stars offense, first baseman Jason Rogers picked up where he left off yesterday. Bones Rogers hit another 2 run home run in the first inning to give the Stars an early lead. Rogers also walked and scored twice. Jason now has a 10 game hitting streak. The home run was his 17th on the season, putting him in a tie for the league lead. The 2 RBI's gave him 70 on the season and increased his league leading total. Newly acquired Eric Patterson had a huge hit tonight for the Stars. His pinch hit, 2 out, 2 run single in the 6th put the Stars ahead for good. Patterson stayed in the game and finished the night 1-2 with those 2 RBI's. Right fielder Rene Tosoni was the only Stars hitter tonight with more than 1 hit, going 2-5 with a run scored. Brock Kjeldgaard reached base 3 times, one single and 2 walks. Catcher Adam Weisenburger recorded the Stars only other hit. He also drew a walk and scored a run. Center fielder Chadwin Stang reached base twice without recording a hit. He drew a walk and was hit by a pitch. Third baseman Joey Paciorek drew a walk to be the Stars only other baserunner tonight.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

 

See-You-Later Jason Rogers

 

Huntsville Top of the 1st

 

Chadwin Stang hit by pitch.

Nick Shaw grounds into a force out, pitcher Roenis Elias to shortstop Chris Taylor. Chadwin Stang out at 2nd. Nick Shaw to 1st.

Jason Rogers homers (17) on a fly ball to left field. Nick Shaw scores.

Brock Kjeldgaard strikes out swinging, catcher Michael Dowd to first baseman Ji-Man Choi.

Rene Tosoni grounds out softly, catcher Michael Dowd to first baseman Ji-Man Choi.

 

The Stars take the lead with some help from the Generals.

 

Huntsville Top of the 6th

 

Jason Rogers walks.

Brock Kjeldgaard called out on strikes.

Rene Tosoni reaches on a force attempt, fielding error by second baseman Jack Marder. Jason Rogers to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Stephen Shackleford replaces Roenis Elias.

Joey Paciorek grounds out, third baseman Ramon Morla to first baseman Ji-Man Choi. Jason Rogers to 3rd. Rene Tosoni to 2nd.

Adam Weisenburger walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Eric Patterson replaces Shea Vucinich.

Eric Patterson singles on a ground ball to left fielder Leon Landry. Jason Rogers scores. Rene Tosoni scores. Adam Weisenburger to 2nd.

Hector Gomez reaches on a throwing error by third baseman Ramon Morla. Adam Weisenburger scores. Eric Patterson to 3rd. Hector Gomez to 2nd.

Chadwin Stang walks.

Pitching Change: Nick Hill replaces Stephen Shackleford.

Nick Shaw grounds into a force out, fielded by third baseman Ramon Morla. Hector Gomez out at 3rd.

 

Huntsville (17-19 second half, 46-58 overall) will go for the series win when the 2 teams meet tomorrow night. Righty Taylor Jungmann (9-6, 3.77) will take the mound for Huntsville. Game time is set for 7:05 Central. Don't forget to join Stars Radio Broadcaster Alex Cohen starting at 6:50 for the pregame show. This game will also be available on MiLB TV for those with a subscription. Remember to turn down the TV sound and turn up Alex and the Stars Radio Network!

[TooLiveBrew]

Bones Rogers

Oh lord... thank you so much for linking to his Twitter account. Guy is a must-follow.

 

#besthashtagsintheBrewerssystem? #besthashtagsintheBrewerssystem

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS WITHIN GAME STORY

 

Stars Win Second Straight Against Generals

By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars

 

Following their series-opening victory on Sunday, the Huntsville Stars beat the Jackson Generals by a score of 5-3 on Monday night at The Ballpark at Jackson.

 

Exactly like he did in game one of the series, Jason Rogers gave the Stars an early lead over the Generals. With second baseman Nick Shaw aboard, Rogers launched his second two-run homer during the first inning in as many games to give Huntsville a 2-0 advantage (audio).

 

Unlike the previous night, the early lead for the Stars would not last. After holding the Generals hitless through the first two innings, Huntsville starting pitcher Andy Moye ran into trouble in the third. Following an error from shortstop Hector Gomez, Moye gave up a single to Generals second baseman Jack Marder and hit outfielder Julio Morban with a pitch to load the bases. With two outs, first baseman Ji-man Choi came through with a bases-clearing triple to give the Generals their first lead of the series.

 

Fortunately, the Stars were able to return the favor and execute on a few Generals miscues in the sixth inning. Following a leadoff walk by Rogers, an error from Marder put runners on first and third with one out. After a walk drawn by catcher Adam Weisenburger, pinch-hitter Eric Patterson came through with a bases-loaded, two-run single to put the Stars back up by one (audio). Later in the inning, a throwing error from third baseman Ramon Morla plated Weisenburger to make the score 5-3.

 

The two-run advantage was plenty for the Stars pitching staff. Once Moye exited the game before the sixth inning, righties Greg Holle and Kevin Shackelford (S, 3) each pitched two innings of scoreless relief to ensure the victory for the Stars (audio - final out).

 

With the victory, Moye improved to 5-11 on the season. He gave up three runs (none earned) on just three hits while striking out four and walking one.

 

For Rogers, the two-run homer in the first inning was his third roundtripper of the series over the first two games. During his current 10-game hit streak, Rogers is hitting .405 (15-for-37) with seven homers and 17 runs batted in. He is now tied for the Southern League-lead in homers with 17 while leading the league in runs batted in outright with 70.

 

Aside from Rogers on offense, the Stars got a two-hit night from outfielder Rene Tosoni.

 

On Monday, the Stars will play game three of a five-game series at The Ballpark at Jackson against the Jackson Generals. Huntsville will send RHP Taylor Jungmann (9-6, 3.78 ERA) to the bump to try to earn a series victory while Jackson will counter with LHP Anthony Fernandez (6-8, 2.99 ERA). First pitch is 7:05 PM.

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog - Postgame entry including video

[Mass Haas]

LINK INCLUDES VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH GARRETT COOPER (some quotes included below)

 

Cooper shows off power in Timber Rattlers loss

by Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media

 

GRAND CHUTE — It’s hard to tell just 27 games into his professional career if Garrett Cooper will launch the long ball on a regular basis.

 

But early signs suggest that Cooper could be a slugger in the making.

 

Cooper, Milwaukee’s sixth-round pick out of Auburn in June’s draft, socked four home runs in his first 16 games of rookie league ball with Helena to earn a quick promotion to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

 

Cooper displayed his power to Wisconsin fans on Monday night, slamming his first homer as a Rattler to provide the lone highlight in a 5-1 Midwest League loss to the Burlington Bees.

 

Cooper’s round-tripper was a bomb, a towering shot hit well over the wall in left-center field.

 

“It’s always good to get that first one on the board,” said Cooper, a right-handed-hitting first baseman. “It was a curveball that just hung there.”

 

When Cooper got to the dugout, he was ignored by Timber Rattlers teammates with the classic silent treatment often given to new players following their first home run. Moments later, they broke the silence with laughter and congratulated Cooper.

 

“I kind of knew that was coming,” said Cooper with a chuckle. “I’m the new guy who had just hit his first home run, so you kind of expect it.”

 

At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, Cooper looks like he could hit a lot of homers in professional baseball. He slammed two of them in his first pro game at Helena, including a home run on the first pitch thrown to him in pro baseball.

 

“This one took a little longer, but still felt really good,” said Cooper. “I had never played in a wood bat league before and I’m still adjusting. But I’ve performed fairly well so far.”

 

The 22-year-old Cooper had a game-winning triple Sunday and is hitting .263 in 11 games with the Timber Rattlers.

 

“He’s kind of an inside-outside hitter who uses the right-center field gap,” said Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson. “He shows a lot of power in batting practice and we’ll see if it correlates into the games.”

 

Cooper’s blast was one of just three hits the Rattlers generated off Bees left-hander Patrick Lowery, who went the distance with a rare complete game. Lowery changed speeds expertly and threw strikes, striking out six and not walking a hitter.

 

“He did a nice job, but I don’t think we made it very hard on him,” said Erickson. “We swung at some bad pitches early in the count and didn’t make many adjustments.”

 

The Rattlers also struggled in the field, committing four errors, all on throws.

 

“I was a little disappointed with our overall effort,” said Erickson. “We had a chance to bury them and get a sweep, and it didn’t happen."

[Mass Haas]

Walks Haunt in Loss to Missoula

Brewers walk a season-high 13 in 1st half finale

By Zac Vierra / Helena Brewers

 

On Sunday, Helena Brewers pitchers walked just one batter in a win over Missoula. A day later the scene was quite the opposite as Helena pitchers walked a season-high 13 and the free passes cost the Brewers in a 13-4 loss.

 

Things started out well for Helena as Brewers starter David Otterman tossed three no-hit innings to start the game. But once he was out of the game in the fourth inning, the Missoula offense went to work.

 

Jose Queliz led off the inning with a single off of Danny Keller and after Stryker Trahan walked, Joe Munoz ripped a double off the wall in left to plate Queliz. When left fielder Jose Pena bobbled the ball, Trahan came home to score.

 

Jake Miller would follow by pushing a bunt to the right side of the infield. Keller tried to scoop the ball to first but the toss was off the mark and Munoz scored on the error.

 

After Antonio Alvarez walked, Yorman Garcia hit a ball to shallow center and Omar Garcia dove but the ball went off his glove and Miller scored on what ended up being a double.

 

Alvarez would score the fifth run of the inning when Colin Bray hit a sac fly to center.

 

The Osprey would bat around for the second straight inning in the fifth as Keller loaded the bases to start the frame thanks to a hit, a walk, and a hit by pitch. After Keller got the first out of the inning via a strikeout, he was replaced by Juan Santiago.

 

Santiago would immediately throw a wild pitch as Queliz scored and then the walks would begin to hurt. Santiago walked a pair as the Osprey scored another run. After getting a strikeout, Santiago would walk another batter with the bases loaded to put Missoula up 8-0.

 

The Brewers would start chipping away in the bottom of the fifth when Taylor Brennan led off with a walk and scored on a double into the gap in right-center by Michael Turay.

 

Helena would get another run back in the bottom of the sixth thanks to walks as Mike Blake surrendered four straight free passes. The Brewers would score another run when Turay grounded into a double play and Michael Ratterree came home.

 

Brennan would later score on a passed ball to make it a four run game.

 

The Osprey would add three runs in the top of the seventh thanks to a sac fly by Chuck Taylor, a groundball by Daniel Palka, and a RBI single by Queliz.

 

Missoula would cap the scoring with two runs in the ninth.

 

It was a sloppy game in which the teams combined for 22 walks, three wild pitches, a passed ball, and a hit batter.

 

The Brewers offense was also limited as they managed only four hits on the night.

 

Blayne Weller picked up the win after allowing just one run on two hits in five innings. Keller was handed his first loss of the season for Helena.

 

It was the final game of an exciting first half that saw the Brewers clinch a playoff spot with a record of 23-14. After an off day on Tuesday, the Brewers will begin the second half of the season in Missoula on Wednesday.

 

Helena Site Photo of David Otterman by Seth Eikomstead

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/7/9/4/55229794/cuts/32_David_Otterman_P_2rc9m3jm_w9wybbd9.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Brewers drop first-half finale

by Curt Synness, Helena Independent Record

 

Missoula Osprey pitchers limited the Helena Brewers to four hits on Monday as the visitors rolled to a 13-4 Pioneer League win at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

Osprey starter Blayne Weller had a no-hitter going into the fourth inning and finished giving up just two hits in five innings of work. Weller, whose fast ball was clocked as high as 96 MPH during the evening, struck out six and walked three.

 

Helena’s Jose Pena broke up the no-hitter with a single with two outs in the fourth inning.

 

Five Osprey relievers followed Weller, who earned the win, to pitch the last four innings of the game.

 

Brewers starter David Otterman also had a no-hitter going for his three innings of work — although he walked five — but was lifted in the fourth for Danny Keller.

 

And that was the beginning of the end for the home team, as Keller gave up eight runs in 1 1/3 innings, all of them earned. Keller was saddled with the loss.

 

Helena also wound up using five pitchers.

 

Missoula rang up five runs in the fourth frame, three in the fifth, three in the seventh and two in the ninth.

 

The two teams combined for 22 bases on balls, with Missoula hurlers walking nine and Helena pitchers permitting 13 free passes.

 

Jose Queliz and Yorman Garcia paced the Osprey’s 11-hit effort with three hits apiece. Queliz scored two runs and posted two RBIs, while Garcia had a double and two RBIs.

 

Missoula teammate Chuck Taylor stroked a double and drove in two runs while Daniel Polka had a pair of RBIs as well.

 

Helena got on the board with a run in the fifth, on an RBI-double by Michael Turay.

 

In the sixth, the Brewers tallied three runs without a hit, using four straight walks, an RBI-ground out double play and two wild pitches.

 

The game was the final contest of the first half of the season. The Brewers had already claimed the North Division’s first half title, earning a spot in the postseason. They finish the half with a 23-15 record. That’s just one win shy of last year’s win total for the entire year.

 

Missoula, meanwhile, improves to 16-22 with the win.

 

The North will take today off, and these two teams will meet for another series on Wednesday, this time in Missoula.

 

All photos by Eliza Wiley, Helena Independent Record

 

Helena's Omar Garcia sneaks onto second base Monday night as the ball lands in the Missoula second baseman's glove.

 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c3/2c3ecbda-f8cb-11e2-9c1d-001a4bcf887a/51f73804e5af1.preview-620.jpg

 

Michael Ratterree prepares to bat under a Big Sky sunset Monday night at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/6e/36e0559a-f8cb-11e2-bbdc-001a4bcf887a/51f73817150a1.preview-620.jpg

 

Taylor Brennan scores against Missoula's pitcher Cody Geyer bringing Helena to a score of 4-8.

 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/17/417b4668-f8cb-11e2-b319-001a4bcf887a/51f73828b2e71.preview-620.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Tyler Cravy started for the Manatees tonight, as noted, vs. Jupiter.

 

The Hammerheads just brought in Kevin Cravey in relief.

 

Cravy, man, cravey...

 

Kevin Shackelford gets the save for Huntsville.

 

Same game, Stephen Shackleford blows the save for Jackson.

 

OK, now it's time to freak out!

[Mass Haas]

Final: @AZL Reds 4, AZL Brewers 3

 

AZL Brewers Box Score

 

A-Crew scored single runs in the 7th and 8th to get within one, but went down 1-2-3 in the 9th, falling to 10-22 and so far not taking advantage of the 2nd half standings reset, now 1-3.

 

We probably won't know about Tucker Neuhaus' injury status (see earlier post in this thread) soon unless Tucker tweets something out himself later today.

 

Thought Yonki Hernandez' HR might have been the first of his career, but it was his 5th, as he sneaks one in each of his pro seasons (two in his rookie 2010 DSL year).

 

Following up Marco Estrada's first rehab stint (one run, 4 K's in 2.2 IP), Eric Arnett retired all four men he faced, so a better outing for Eric than his first on Friday.

 

Brewer pitchers allowed three triples (ah, young legs) and two of those were surrendered by UW-Milwaukee's Josh Uhen, who is in need of a mulligan for 2013's rookie campaign. Wish granted, Josh, big things coming next spring for you.

 

AZL Brewers Game Log

 

This frame should have been so much more --

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 7th

 

Eric Williams singles on a line drive to center fielder Jose Fernandez.

Alan Sharkey doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Jose Fernandez. Eric Williams scores.

Yonki Hernandez doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Kevin Garcia. Alan Sharkey to 3rd.

Luis Aviles walks.

Brandon Diaz pops out to second baseman Yonatan Suero.

Francisco Castillo flies into a double play, right fielder Aristides Aquino to catcher Jose Duarte. Alan Sharkey out at home.

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO from Monday: Hunter Morris triples in Nashville's 4-2 win at Omaha

 

To left field, really?

 

How? Well, watch!

 

That's Scott Fletcher's son Brian, by the way. (Scott, 1992 Brewer!). Fletcher also homered, this was his first AAA game.

 

NOTE: Scotty turns 55 today (Tuesday), h/t to BrewCrewBall.

[Mass Haas]

Catching up, here's the

 

Helena Box Score

 

Jesse Weiss finally played in the field (first base), all seven of his previous games were at designated hitter. Jalen Harris on base three times, as he took his turn at DH. Nine walks last night for the team is good, 0-for-9 with RISP is not.

 

Helena Game Log

 

RHP Danny Keller showed promise in his opening stints this year, but the 2011 6th rounder from a California high school now sports a 9.04 ERA in 85.2 pro innings - walks have not been the problem.

 

Ugly lines across the board in this one, a rare team misstep in every facet.

[TooLiveBrew]

Michael Ratterree prepares to bat under a Big Sky sunset Monday night at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/6e/36e0559a-f8cb-11e2-bbdc-001a4bcf887a/51f73817150a1.preview-620.jpg

One thing I look forward to once the short-season leagues start is the sunset photos that always come from Helena.

[CheezWizHed]

One thing I look forward to once the short-season leagues start is the sunset photos that always come from Helena.

 

[sarcasm]I swear someone took that picture 5 years ago and they keep using the same one![/sarcasm]

 

Granted, this last week has produced some awesome sunsets over the Mississippi river, so I would assume they have had their share, too.

[CheezWizHed]

Actually, last year's was pretty close...

 

http://forum.brewerfan.net/viewtopic.php?p=800544#p800544

[TooLiveBrew]

Actually, last year's was pretty close...

 

http://forum.brewerfan.net/viewtopic.php?p=800544#p800544

 

Wow, yeah -- thanks for finding that shot from last year. Gorgeous, gorgeous sunsets at Kindrick Legion Field.