Link Report for Thurs. 8/8

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP R.J. Seidel at Colorado Springs (Rockies), 7:15 PM pre-game, 7:35 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Jeff Hem is the play-by-play voice of the Sounds; follow him on Twitter @jeffhempbp; we'll link to his blog updates at On the Air…and Off

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $39.99 season-long package ($9.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link.

 

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Huntsville: RHP Drew Gagnon at Chattanooga (Dodgers), 6:00 PM pre-game, 6:15 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

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

 

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Brevard County: RHP Jacob Barnes at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 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.

 

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Wisconsin: RHP Ryan Gibbard at Peoria (Cardinals), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 gametime; expect to see RHP Preston Gainey in a tandem role

 

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 Zach Quintana at home vs. Missoula (Diamondbacks), 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.

 

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

 

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DSL Brewers: at the DSL Yankees #1 squad, 9:30 AM gametime, although game data won't be available until later in the day

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

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, Wisconsin, and Maryvale, 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:

 

Colorado Springs, CO

 

Chattanooga, TN

 

Viera, FL (Melbourne)

 

Peoria, IL

 

Helena, MT

 

Phoenix, AZ

 

Boca Chica, DR

[Mass Haas]

Looking at the standings, we really have little drama here.

 

Helena is already in the postseason, and the Pioneer League playoff procedures don't seem to throw a bone for also winning the second half (like having more home playoff games). All Pioneer League playoff series are best-of-three only.

 

Both Huntsville and Brevard County could make a run, but each is really in need of an 8 or 9 out of 10 stretch.

 

Wisconsin, as you'll know if you read Chris' game notes or blog, is also (surprisingly) within shooting range of a wild-card opportunity, but recent stumbles really have them in the same boat as the Stars and Manatees.

 

When you look at the PCL standings, you realize that Nashville (despite their recent hot stretch) picked the wrong year to be abysmal. The division leader is only at .500, yet the Sounds are a non-factor.

 

Maryvale is 4-7 in the 2nd half, and could make a run themselves, currently three games out but last in their four-team division. The league site doesn't make it clear how the split-season will work, looks like this is a new concept for the league this year.

 

Don't ask about the DSL kids, they've already been mathematically eliminated.

[Mass Haas]

According to the Manatee media notes, Mark Rogers gets another rehab start Friday.

 

***

 

Unrelated and non-Brewer, but check out this fan catch in Dayton, lucky he didn't take his head off.

[TooLiveBrew]

Unrelated and non-Brewer, but check out this fan catch in Dayton, lucky he didn't take his head off.

 

Not sure if the catch itself, or the spliced-together animal 'reactions' were better

[TheCrew07]

Final: Peoria 2, Wisconsin 1 (10 Innings)

 

Chiefs tip Timber Rattlers in tenth

Peoria knocksWisconsin farther back in playoff chase

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

PEORIA, IL - Charlie Tilson and the Peoria Chiefs dealt a serious blow to the odds of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers making a trip to the 2013 Midwest League playoffs to defend their 2012 Championship. Tilson tripled in the winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning on Thursday night to defeat the Rattlers 2-1.

 

Wisconsin (48-63 overall, 19-27 second half) took advantage of a pair of Peoria errors in the top of the fourth inning to take the lead. Mike Garza reached on an error. Garrett Cooper followed with a one out single. Parker Berberet sent a high chopper off the plate to third and the throw to first was into the stands. That allowed Garza to score with Cooper moving to third and Berberet taking second base. But, the Rattlers couldn't extend their lead.

 

Peoria (62-51, 24-22) tied the game in the bottom of the fourth inning against starting pitcher Ryan Gibbard. Breyvic Valera singled with two outs. The count ran full on Trevor Martin. Valera took off before Gibbard went to the plate on the 3-2 pitch and Gibbard stepped off to throw to second, but no one was covering the base since the runner was going to be off with the pitch and there wouldn't have been a play on a walk (Valera would have been moved to second) or a strikeout (the inning would have been over). Gibbard's payoff pitch to Martin was a single to right to drive in Valera with the tying run.

 

Wisconsin dodged a Peoria run in the bottom of the fifth. Juan Herrera singled to start the inning, but was still at first with two outs. He stole second with Charlie Tilson at the plate. Tilson smacked a single to center and Herrera raced for the plate with the tie-breaking run. But, Herrera tripped and fell halfway between third and home. He got up and tried to score, but he was easily out at the plate.

 

Both teams had a chance in the ninth. Chiefs starter Silfredo Garcia went back out for the top of the ninth and gave up a single to Garrett Cooper. Adrian Williams came on to pinch run for Cooper. Garcia hit Parker Berberet when the Wisconsin hitter squared to bunt. Max Walla was next and he bunted back to the mound. Garcia threw to third to force Williams. Then, Garcia got out of the inning by getting Alfredo Rodriguez to ground into a double play.

 

Valera walked to start the bottom of the ninth. He was successfully sacrificed to second and the Rattlers elected to intentionally walk Ildemaro Vargas to set up a double play. Herrera sent a flare to shallow left and shortstop Orlando Arcia made a routine catch. The play turned into an inning ending double play because Valera thought the ball would drop and was two steps from third when Arcia made the catch. Valera was easily doubled up at second.

 

Arcia started the top of the tenth with a single against Dixon Llorens, but Llorens would strike out the next three Rattlers.

 

The Chiefs won the game in the tenth. CJ McElroy singled with one out. Tilson was next and he tripled into the corner in right field. McElroy scored without a play and the Chiefs picked up their third extra-innings win over the Rattlers at Dozer Park this season.

 

Garcia allowed the one earned run and used just 87 pitches over a career-high nine innings with one walk and four strikeouts for a no decision. Cooper was the only Timber Rattler with a multi-hit game.

 

The loss to the Chiefs knocked the Timber Rattlers five games behind Peoria in the second half Western Division Wild Card Race. There are just 24 games remaining in the regular season.

 

The final game of the series is set for Friday night at Dozer Park. Mike Strong (2-3, 3.14) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Brad Watson (2-4, 3.76) is set to start for the Chiefs. Game time is 6:30pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:10pm.

 

WP: Dixon Llorens (2-2)

LP: Preston Gainey (4-7)

 

TIME: 2:23

ATTN: 2,506

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

The Cardinals and their affiliates are the devil.

 

In a recurring theme the Rattlers had 7 hits but no extra base hits, Garrett Cooper had the only multi-hit game for Wisconsin.

 

Ryan Gibbard and Preston Gainey combined to pitch a pretty decent game.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

The Rattlers had a chance in the 3rd...

 

Wisconsin Top of the 3rd

• Alfredo Rodriguez called out on strikes.
  Orlando Arcia reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Juan Herrera.
  Tyrone Taylor walks. Orlando Arcia to 2nd.
  Michael Reed grounds into a double play, shortstop Juan Herrera to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Jeremy Schaffer. Tyrone Taylor out at 2nd.

 

... and in the 7th ...

 

Wisconsin Top of the 7th

• Parker Berberet singles on a line drive to left fielder Breyvic Valera.
  Max Walla flies out to left fielder Breyvic Valera in foul territory.
  Alfredo Rodriguez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Charlie Tilson. Parker Berberet to 2nd.
  Orlando Arcia lines out to left fielder Breyvic Valera.
  Tyrone Taylor grounds out, shortstop Juan Herrera to first baseman Jeremy Schaffer.

 

... and 9th...

 

Wisconsin Top of the 9th

• Garrett Cooper singles on a fly ball to left fielder Breyvic Valera.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Adrian Williams replaces Garrett Cooper.
  Parker Berberet hit by pitch. Adrian Williams to 2nd.
  Max Walla ground bunts into a force out, pitcher Silfredo Garcia to third baseman Trevor Martin. Adrian Williams out at 3rd. Parker Berberet to 2nd. Max Walla to 1st.
  Alfredo Rodriguez grounds into a double play, third baseman Trevor Martin to first baseman Jeremy Schaffer. Parker Berberet out at 3rd.
  
  

 

... Arcia tried to manufacture a run by himself in the 10th...

 

Wisconsin Top of the 10th

• Pitching Change: Dixon Llorens replaces Silfredo Garcia.
  Orlando Arcia singles on a line drive to right fielder Charlie Tilson.
  Tyrone Taylor strikes out swinging.
  Michael Reed strikes out swinging. Orlando Arcia steals (18) 2nd base.
  Mike Garza strikes out swinging.
  

 

... before being walked off quickly by Peoria in the bottom.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 10th

• Gerwuins Velazco strikes out swinging.
  C. J. McElroy singles on a fly ball to right fielder Max Walla.
  Charlie Tilson triples (5) on a line drive to right fielder Max Walla. C. J. McElroy scores.

 

Wisconsin Gameday

[Eye Black]

Final: Brevard County 5, Tampa 4

 

The game ended 3 hours ago, but still no game story out of Brevard County. I will link it in the morning unless someone else beats me to it.

 

AUDIO: Game Highlights

 

AUDIO: Brent Suter Pre-Game Interview

 

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

D'Vontrey Richardson went 2-4 with a double and an RBI. D'Vo is now hitting .342 at high-A this season. Nick Ramirez was the only other Manatee with multiple hits, also going 2-4. Yadiel Rivera and Mitch Haniger were both 1-4. Nicky Delmonico did not play in tonight's game after being hit by a pitch and removed in last night's game.

 

Jacob Barnes gave up 6 hits and 2 earned runs over 6.0 innings. He walked 4 and only recorded 2 strikeouts. In the 1st inning Barnes gave up an HR to Yankees prospect Peter O'Brien (his 20th this season in 95 games split between low-A and high-A).

 

 

Brevard County Play-by-Play

 

'Tees started off the game with 4 straight hits:

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 1st

• -D' Vontrey Richardson singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ben Gamel.
  -Yadiel Rivera singles on a ground ball to right fielder Taylor Dugas. D' Vontrey Richardson to 2nd.
  -Nick Ramirez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Ben Gamel. D' Vontrey Richardson to 3rd. Yadiel Rivera to 2nd.
  -Mitch Haniger singles on a line drive to second baseman Robert Refsnyder, deflected by pitcher Scottie Allen. D' Vontrey Richardson scores. Yadiel Rivera to 3rd. Nick Ramirez to 2nd.
  -T. J. Mittelstaedt pops out to second baseman Robert Refsnyder on the infield fly rule.
  -Cameron Garfield out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Ben Gamel. Yadiel Rivera scores.
  -Cody Hawn pops out to shortstop Ali Castillo.

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 4th

• -T. J. Mittelstaedt grounds out to first baseman Matt Snyder.
  -Cameron Garfield reaches on a throwing error by third baseman Peter O'Brien.
  -Cody Hawn walks. Cameron Garfield to 2nd.
  -Gregory Hopkins pops into a force out, shortstop Ali Castillo to pitcher Scottie Allen. Cameron Garfield out at 3rd. Cody Hawn to 2nd. Gregory Hopkins to 1st.
  -Brandon Macias singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ben Gamel. Cody Hawn scores. Gregory Hopkins to 2nd.
  -D' Vontrey Richardson doubles (5) on a pop up to shortstop Ali Castillo. Gregory Hopkins scores. Brandon Macias to 3rd.
  -Yadiel Rivera grounds out, shortstop Ali Castillo to first baseman Matt Snyder.

 

Manzanillo comes in and works out of a jam:

 

Tampa Top of the 8th

• -Ben Gamel walks.
  -Peter O'Brien strikes out swinging.
  -Matt Snyder singles on a fly ball to left fielder T. J. Mittelstaedt. Ben Gamel to 2nd.
  -Jeff Farnham singles on a ground ball to pitcher Matt Miller. Ben Gamel to 3rd. Matt Snyder to 2nd.
  -Taylor Dugas grounds into a force out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Gregory Hopkins. Ben Gamel scores. Matt Snyder to 3rd. Jeff Farnham out at 2nd. Taylor Dugas to 1st.
  -Jose Toussen singles on a ground ball to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Matt Snyder scores. Taylor Dugas to 2nd.
  *Pitching Change: Santo Manzanillo replaces Matt Miller.
  -Ali Castillo grounds out, third baseman Brandon Macias to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

[battlekow]

Final: @Helena 6, Missoula 3

 

Helena box score

 

Zach Quintana turned in his best start of the season, tossing five innings of two-run, no-walk ball (though he did hit a batter). Tyler Linehan complemented Quintana with four strong innings in relief.

 

Charlie Markson, whose bat had begun to cool, got the day off yesterday and responded with three hits today. Michael Ratterree continues to kill the Pioneer League; after two more hits and a HBP today his line sits at .346/.418/.610. Get the man a Timber Rattlers uniform. Jalen Harris, who's always easy to root for, contributed two hits and a walk. Dustin Houle picked a runner off third from behind the plate but also committed a throwing error.

 

Helena play-by-play

[Mass Haas]

Manatees hold on to top Tampa, 5-4

By Al Hernandez / Brevard County Manatees

 

VIERA, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees used a strange fourth inning to take the lead and they were able to hold on to it for a 5-4 win over the Tampa Yankees on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

Heading into the fourth, the Manatees (20-24 second half, 57-54 overall) and the Yankees (21-22, 49-62) were deadlocked at 2-2. That changed in the bottom half of the frame when the 'Tees were able to push two runs across on two hits, a walk, and a Tampa error.

 

With one out in the fourth, Cameron Garfield reached base via a throwing error by Tampa third baseman Peter O'Brien. Cody Hawn followed Garfield with a walk.

 

Greg Hopkins then popped a pitch up on the left side of the diamond that would get over the head of O'Brien and reach the outfield grass. Garfield, cautiously holding at second base, was then forced out at third when shortstop Ali Castillo retrieved the ball in left field and fired a strike to Yankees' pitcher, Scottie Allen, who was covering the bag.

 

With Hawn on second and Hopkins at first, Brandon Macias hit a ground ball into the hole between Castillo and O'Brien. O'Brien dove and deflected the ball into left field for a single. Hawn came around from second base to score the go-ahead run.

 

The defensive struggles for the Yankees did not end there though. D'Vontrey Richardson then came up and popped a ball up into shallow left field. With Castillo going out and left fielder Ben Gamel charging in, Gamel slid attempting to avoid a collision.

 

The ball landed in Castillo's mitt, but Gamel was unsuccessful in avoiding contact with his teammate. Gamel slid into Castillo, causing him to drop the ball and allow Hopkins to score Brevard's second run of the inning. Richardson was credited with a double as he ended up on second base on the play.

 

Both the 'Tees and the Yankees scored a pair of runs each in the first inning. Tampa scored both of its runs on a two-run home run of the bat of O'Brien. The Manatees scored their runs on a bases-loaded infield single by Mitch Haniger and a sacrifice fly off of the bat of Garfield.

 

After the Brevard County took the 4-2 lead in the fourth, the 'Tees tacked on another run in the bottom of the fifth inning when Hawn singled in Nick Ramirez from second base.

 

The Yankees were able to cut the 'Tees lead to just one run after they plated two runs in the top of the eighth inning.

 

With Matt Miller on the mound and the bases loaded, the Manatees defense was unable to turn a 6-4-3 double play off of the bat of Taylor Dugas, who beat the relay throw to first as Tampa scored their first run of the inning.

 

Jose Toussen then singled in the second run of the frame, making the game a 5-4 contest.

 

Santo Manzanillo then replaced Miller on the mound. Manzanillo was able to escape the eighth inning jam with just one pitch and then faced the minimum in the ninth inning to notch his second save of the season for the 'Tees.

 

Both starting pitchers earned decisions as Jacob Barnes (7-5, 3.22 ERA) earned the win and Scottie Allen was hung with the loss. Both Barnes and Allen went six innings each, as Barnes allowed two runs on six hits and Allen yielded five runs on nine hits.

 

The win for Barnes marked the first victory recorded by a Brevard County starting pitcher since Chad Pierce earned the win against Palm Beach back on July 12.

 

The Manatees will go for the three-game sweep of the Yankees on Friday night with first pitch set for 6:35 PM (5:35 Central).

 

Mark Rogers (0-0, 9.00) gets the start for the 'Tees. Tomorrow will be Rogers' second Major League rehab start in Brevard County. Tampa will be sending Bryan Mitchell (4-10, 4.84) to the mound.

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Brewers 3, DSL Yankees1 2

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

The Brewers won their second straight with a little help from Mother Nature in a rain shortened affair. Sthervin Matos led the offense with a 2-for-4 game that included him team leading fourth home run. Catcher Leudi Otaño also went 2-for-4. He had a pair of doubles. Juan Ortiz reached base twice with a single and a walk. Leadoff hitter Daniel Leonardo walked four times in five plate appearances. Victor Diaz picked up the win, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings. He struck out seven. Orlando Torrez allowed the other run, which was unearned, in his 1.2 innings of work. Boanerges Nova got the final out of the eighth. Doni Arias came on for the ninth and walked the leadoff hitter but then the rain hit again and the game was halted with the Brewers getting the victory.

 

DSL Brewers Play-By-Play

 

DSL Brewers Top of the 3rd

Roosevert Chal pops out to shortstop Jorge Mateo.

Daniel Leonardo walks.

With Juan Ortiz batting, passed ball by Ignacio Chevalier, Daniel Leonardo to 2nd.

Juan Ortiz grounds out to first baseman Allen Valerio. Daniel Leonardo to 3rd.

With Jorge Quiterio batting, wild pitch by Moises Cedeno, Daniel Leonardo scores.

Jorge Quiterio grounds out, pitcher Moises Cedeno to first baseman Allen Valerio.

 

DSL Brewers Top of the 7th

Juan De Leon strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Raynel Espinal. Juan De Leon to 1st.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Yunior Santana replaces Juan De Leon.

Yerald Martinez out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Ignacio Chevalier to first baseman Allen Valerio. Yunior Santana to 2nd.

Roosevert Chal lines out to center fielder Greidy Encarnacion.

Daniel Leonardo walks.

Juan Ortiz singles on a ground ball to right fielder Barfil Munoz. Yunior Santana scores. Daniel Leonardo to 3rd.

Jorge Quiterio strikes out swinging.

 

DSL Brewers Top of the 8th

Defensive Substitution: Bolivar Perez replaces catcher Ignacio Chevalier, batting 7th, playing catcher.

Pitching Change: Aderlis Reyes replaces Raynel Espinal.

Sthervin Matos homers (4) on a fly ball to left field.

Leudi Otano grounds out, shortstop Jorge Mateo to first baseman Allen Valerio.

Juan De Los Santos called out on strikes.

Yunior Santana strikes out swinging, catcher Bolivar Perez to first baseman Allen Valerio.

[Mass Haas]

Helena Pre-Game AUDIO: Outfielder Ruben Ozuna talks about his strong game on Wednesday, his approach at the plate, and his past

 

Another Brewers' Latin player approaches the mike, does just fine. Like Steve says, hard not to root so hard for Ruben and be "proud" of him after listening to this chat...

[Mass Haas]

Wow, hadn't thought once of the name of Mike McClendon all year, not once, until tonight's Colorado Springs game. Sorry, Mike.

[Mass Haas]

An early evening unplanned "nap" means I'm up extra-late with Jeff's audio. It's 11:30 Central and the Sounds are up in a dandy, 1-0 in the 7th. If you're here now, listen to the only Brewers audio now on air.

[Mass Haas]

Good luck to longtime Brewer LHP Mitch Stetter, released by the Angels Thursday.

 

Remember the 2009 strikeout streak?

[Minigoon]

Final: Chattanooga 2 Huntsville 1 (13 innings)

 

The Chattanooga Lookouts topped the Huntsville Stars 2-1 in 13 innings Thursday Night. Huntsville got a very strong pitching performance from Starter Drew Gagnon. Gagnon pitched 6 innings of shut out ball, allowing 1 questionably ruled hit, 2 walks and a hit batter while striking out 4. He posted a 6-5 GO/FO ratio while throwing 84 pitches, 50 for strikes. This was easily his best outing with the Stars.

 

Unfortunately, the Stars bullpen couldn't hold the slimmest of leads. After Gagnon exited, Greg Holle worked the 7th. He didn't allow a hit or a run but did walk 2 and struck out 3. David Goforth then worked a scoreless, hitless 8th while striking out 1. Kevin Shackelford was brought in to close out the 9th. Unfortunately, a hit batter, a wild pitch, and a base hit tied the game up. For the night, Shackelford worked 2 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits, 1 walk, 1 hit batter, 1 wild pitch and struck out 1. Huntsville then got 2 scoreless innings out of Casey Medlen. Arcenio Leon (1-7, 6.49) was brought in to work the 13th. He retired the first batter he faced, but then gave up the game winning home run.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

The Stars offense was only able to push 1 run across the plate tonight, despite out hitting the Lookouts 8-5. Stars second baseman Nick Shaw was on base 5 times. He went 2-3 with 3 walks drawn. Shaw has now drawn a team high 57 walks. Unfortunately, he didn't score. Brock Kjeldgaard also had 2 hits, going 2-5 tonight. He also reached on a hit by pitch.Jason Rogers reached base twice, a single and a walk, and scored the Stars only run. Anderson De La Rosa singled and drove in the Stars only run. Eric Patterson and Rene Tosoni also singled for the Stars. Shea Vucinich appeared as a pinch hitter and drew a walk.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

 

The Stars only run scored in the 6th

 

Huntsville Top of the 6th

 

Jason Rogers singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jeremy Moore.

Brock Kjeldgaard hit by pitch. Jason Rogers to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Onelki Garcia replaces Carlos Frias, batting 6th.

Defensive Substitution: J. T. Wise replaces pitcher Carlos Frias, batting 9th, playing first base.

Mike Walker grounds into a double play, pitcher Onelki Garcia to shortstop Miguel Rojas to first baseman J. T. Wise. Jason Rogers to 3rd. Brock Kjeldgaard out at 2nd.

Anderson De La Rosa singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jon Garcia. Jason Rogers scores.

Eric Patterson grounds out, second baseman Rafael Ynoa to first baseman J. T. Wise.

 

The Stars (20-26 second half, 49-65 overall) and Lookouts will play game 3 of this 5 game series tomorrow night. Righty Andy Moye will be on the hill for the Stars. Game time is set for 6:15 Central. Make sure you tune in starting at 6:00 to hear Stars Radio Broadcaster Alex Cohen with the pregame show.

[Mass Haas]

Final: @AZL Athletics 6, AZL Brewers 2

 

AZL Brewers Box Score

 

Positive first - we asked 17-year-old 1B David Denson for another extra-base hit yesterday, and he yanked a blast to right for a two-run shot in the 6th for the A-Crew's run total. Denson also singled.

 

Recently-turned 19-year-old cleanup RF Elvis Rubio singled and walked. Now hitting .330 with an OPS once again approaching 1.000, the young man simply avoids that 0-for-4 or 0-for-5 game that might drop his numbers.

 

Can't wait to see Denson and Rubio in Helena next year. There's always the chance some slugging college first base draft pick could keep Denson down in Maryvale for a second year since he's so young, but here's hoping otherwise.

 

AZL Brewers Game Log

 

Disappointing first half-inning:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 1st

 

Francisco Castillo walks.

Eric Williams flies out to right fielder Jonesy Zarraga.

With Tucker Neuhaus batting, Francisco Castillo steals (14) 2nd base, . Francisco Castillo advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Seongmin Kim.

Tucker Neuhaus grounds out, shortstop Piikea-Jiro Kitamura to first baseman Shawn Duinkerk.

Elvis Rubio walks.

David Denson strikes out swinging, catcher Seongmin Kim to first baseman Shawn Duinkerk.

 

***

 

Tucker Neuhaus has evenly split his SS / 3B time, but he committed two errors at 3B tonight. Seven errors in 20 games at short, now three in 19 games at third. Baseball Reference defensive numbers at that link.

 

Unfortunately, a 1-0 game became a 5-0 game in the 4th partly due to one of Neuhaus' miscues --

 

AZL Athletics Bottom of the 4th

 

Justin Higley singles on a ground ball to second baseman Francisco Castillo.

Jonesy Zarraga reaches on a force attempt, fielding error by third baseman Tucker Neuhaus. Justin Higley to 2nd.

Argenis Raga hit by pitch. Justin Higley to 3rd. Jonesy Zarraga to 2nd.

Piikea-Jiro Kitamura pops out to second baseman Francisco Castillo on the infield fly rule.

A. J. Kubala walks. Justin Higley scores. Jonesy Zarraga to 3rd. Argenis Raga to 2nd.

Seongmin Kim strikes out swinging.

Shawn Duinkerk singles on a ground ball to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Jonesy Zarraga scores. Argenis Raga scores. Kubala to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Alex Lavandero replaces Josh Uhen.

With Scott Masik batting, wild pitch by Alejandro Lavandero, Shawn Duinkerk to 2nd.

Scott Masik walks.

Billy McKinney hit by pitch. A. J. Kubala scores. Shawn Duinkerk to 3rd. Scott Masik to 2nd.

Justin Higley grounds out, pitcher Alejandro Lavandero to first baseman David Denson.

 

***

 

A little disagrement on the GIDP out call late --

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 8th

 

Eric Williams grounds out to first baseman Shawn Duinkerk.

Tucker Neuhaus walks.

Elvis Rubio singles on a ground ball to third baseman A. J. Kubala. Tucker Neuhaus to 2nd.

David Denson grounds into a double play, first baseman Shawn Duinkerk to shortstop Piikea-Jiro Kitamura to pitcher Cristhian Perez. Elvis Rubio out at 2nd.

 

AZL Athletics Bottom of the 8th

 

AZL Brewers Manager Nestor Corredor ejected by 1B umpire Kyle Wallace.

[Mass Haas]

Quintana, Linehan Combine For Gem

Pitchers dig deep in win, walk just a pair

By Zac Vierra / Helena Brewers

 

On a night when Brewers fans dug for treasure after the game, Helena manager Tony Diggs found a pair of gems on the pitching mound at Kindrick Legion Field. Zach Quintana and Tyler Linehan combined to limit Missoula to three runs on eight hits as the Brewers beat the Osprey 6-3 on Thursday.

 

The pair combined to walk just two and limiting the free passes was something Diggs stressed before the game.

 

"Controlling the game as far as walks goes is a big priority to us and we relayed that to them. These two seemed to take that to heart today. They did a good job making the guys put the ball in play and letting their defense play," said Diggs.

 

"We talked about when you walk a guy, you take your defense completely out of the game...But when you let them put the ball in play you have eight guys that can get out there and make a play," he added.

 

Quintana got the start and allowed just two runs on seven hits in five innings. He struck out three and didn't surrender a walk as he earned his fourth win of the year.

 

"Part of my game plan for tonight was just to throw strikes and throw to contact and obviously that worked out not walking anybody," said Quintana. "My fastball was working and I followed it with the change and it just worked out good."

 

Linehan came out of the bullpen in the sixth inning and finished off the game for the save allowing just one unearned run on one hit with four strikeouts.

 

"He's done a great job so it was good to see two starters go the whole game and give the bullpen a rest," said Quintana.

 

The Brewers took the lead in the second when Dustin Houle led off the inning with a double into the left-center gap and Jalen Harris dropped a single into right to score Houle.

 

Helena would put up a crooked number in the third as Charlie Markson hit an infield single with out, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a double by Ruben Ozuna to left.

 

Ozuna would then move to third on a passed ball by the catcher Jose Queliz and Michael Ratterree followed with a single to plate him.

 

After Taylor Brennan reached on a single, the runners would move into scoring position on a groundball back to the pitcher. Harris would then hit a bullet back up the middle for a single as Ratterree scored with ease. Brennan was also waved home and he beat the relay when he barreled over Queliz at the plate to make it 5-0 Brewers.

 

"[Missoula manager] Robby Hammock is a former catcher and he would let you know that's a clean play," said Diggs. "[brennan] busted his butt running around third base. You tell your kids you want them doing that every single day, every single play so that was a good, clean play."

 

The Osprey would get a run back in the fourth when Yorman Garcia hit an RBI single to plate Jake Mayers. Denver Chavez would then reach on a hit-and-run single.

 

With Colin Bray batting, Chavez attempted to steal second but the catcher Houle gave a Tom Brady-like pump fake that made Garcia break toward home. Houle would then fire to third and Brennan ran down Garcia to end the threat.

 

"We made some great plays behind [the pitchers] tonight," said Diggs.

 

The Brewers would add to their lead in the sixth when Renaldo Jenkins led off the frame with a bullet single to left, stole second, and stole third. With the infield in, Markson pulled a single between short and third to make it a 6-2 game.

 

Markson would finish the game 3 for 5 with a RBI and a run scored from the leadoff spot.

 

"I have been working with [hitting coach] Chuckie [Caufield] a lot on getting down early and hitting the inside pitch. I've been struggling with taking that pitch to left field I've been trying to do too much with it instead of just being simple. It worked a little bit today so hopefully I can carry it into the rest of the year," said Markson.

 

The Brewers will look for a sweep of the Osprey on Friday night. First pitch is at 7:05 (8:05 Central).

 

Helena Site photo of Zach Quintana by Seth Eikomstead

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/1/4/4/56401144/cuts/29_Zach_Quintana_P_tl32is2r_5e2x7786.jpg

 

***

 

Great job by Zac in Helena, to include the post-game quotes in his timely summaries.

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog - Postgame entry

 

Cathy Lee Crosby? Yup.

 

Chris: I’ve been saying this a lot this season, but….It was the damndest thing I ever saw. Read to learn what.

 

If Chris and I could ever meet and greet to bend a few elbows, there would be some fun conversation, and we'd have a hard time sneaking in baseball. To think, the San Pedro Beach Bums (I know I'm the only person in America that watched the entire -- and only -- season in '77), debuted with

. Now that's incredible.

 

And that's what you get at 2:00 AM eastern.

[Mass Haas]

Stars Fall in Extras to Lookouts

By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars

 

One night after the longest nine-inning game of the season (3:48), the Huntsville Stars lost a 13-inning marathon to the Chattanooga Lookouts at AT&T Field by a score of 2-1 on Thursday night.

 

With the game scoreless going into the sixth inning, the Stars were able to get on the board first and score their only run of the contest. To begin the inning, first baseman Jason Rogers led things off with a single and then advanced to second when outfielder Brock Kjeldgaard was hit by a pitch from Lookouts starter Carlos Frias. Once Frias was taken out of the game in favor of lefty Onelki Garcia, Stars catcher Anderson de la Rosa welcomed him to action with an RBI single that scored Rogers to put the Stars on the board.

 

For a while, it looked like that run would be plenty for the Stars pitching staff and starting pitcher Drew Gagnon. The 23-year-old righty had a perfect game through three innings, no-hitter through five innings, and gave up just one hit in six innings of shutout baseball. Righties Greg Holle and David Goforth came on to throw a scoreless seventh and eighth inning respectively.

 

Unfortunately for the Stars, Chattanooga was finally able to put some offense together in the bottom of the ninth. With righty Kevin Shackelford in the game, outfielder Jeremy Moore started off the inning by being hit by a pitch and advancing to second on a wild pitch. During the next at-bat, an RBI single from outfielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez tied up the game at 1-1.

 

The score stayed that way until the bottom of the 13th inning where the Lookouts were able to end their losing streak with one swing of the bat. After retiring the first batter he faced, Stars righty Arcenio Leon (L, 1-7) served up a solo homer that landed just over the right-center field wall to end the game.

 

On offense, the Stars were paced by two hits apiece from Kjeldgaard and second baseman Nick Shaw.

 

In a losing effort, the defeat takes the Stars record in extra innings to 3-4 on the year. They had won their two previous extra inning games. The 13 innings also marked the longest game of the season for the Stars in regards to innings played and second-longest when it comes to time this season.

 

Huntsville played a 13-inning, four hour and 42-minute affair against the Birmingham Barons on April 20 at Regions Field.

 

On Friday, the Stars will play game three of a five-game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts at AT&T Field. Huntsville will send RHP Andy Moye (5-11, 4.22 ERA) while Chattanooga will counter with LHP Chris Reed (3-9, 3.67 ERA). First pitch is 6:15 CT.

[Mass Haas]

Gagnon flashes best stuff in marathon

Huntsville right-hander yields just one hit across six innings

By Jonathan Raymond / MiLB.com

 

Drew Gagnon has hit some rough patches at times this year as he's aggressively moved through the Brewers system, but on Thursday, none of that was evident.

 

The 23-year-old was nearly untouchable for six innings, allowing just one hit and issuing two walks while striking out four as Double-A Huntsville went on to lose a 13-inning marathon to Chattanooga, 2-1.

 

Gagnon got a little bit extra rest between starts, and he said that definitely helped him regroup after lasting three innings and suffering the loss Aug. 2 against Mississippi.

 

"It was almost everything [that was working for me]," he said. "My changeup, throwing it in any count, it was good to have that thing back especially when you have command of the fastball like I did. The curve was there, I felt unhittable. Felt fresh, ready to go. Especially after the outing I had before that wasn't too pretty, gave me a little more time to relax."

 

The 2011 third-round pick came into his outing sporting a 6.22 ERA in his first 11 starts for Huntsville after his promotion from Class A Advanced Brevard County.

 

Even there, though, he had scuffled some, notching a 5.16 ERA in 45 1/3 innings. Last year, at the same level, he had registered a 2.82 ERA with 49 strikeouts and 18 walks in 67 innings. Prior to that, with Class A Wisconsin, he'd gone 6-1 with a 2.83 ERA, striking out 65 and walking 19, in 82 2/3 innings.

 

His strikeout and walk numbers were actually better with the Manatees this year (50 strikeouts and only 15 walks), however, leading to his promotion to the Southern League.

 

"I would say [the difference at Double-A] is you don't really get away with too many mistakes like you do in A-ball. And you've got to locate your fastball, that's the biggest difference right now," he said. "Little by little I've noticed [improvements]. Each time in between games, off the field, but you definitely learn how to pitch here."

 

The effort dropped his ERA with Huntsville to 5.61 in 61 innings this year. He's struck out 43 and walked 27.

 

Overall, he has a 5.42 ERA in 106 1/3 innings between Class A Advanced and Double-A. He has struck out 93 punchouts while walking 42.

 

The No. 15 Milwaukee prospect said he hopes he can take the form he showed Thursday night and extend it through his last few starts.

 

"I would just say I need to stay in tune with my delivery and thoughts and everything, not do too much and just make the pitch I need to make at that time," he noted.

 

Offensively for Huntsville, Anderson De La Rosa drove in the team's only run. Leadoff man Nick Shaw went 2-for-3 and walked three times.

 

Brian Cavazos-Galvez singled in Jeremy Moore to even things up for Chattanooga in the ninth, and Moore lifted a walk-off home run in the 13th.