Link Report for Sat. 8/31 -- Ratterree named Pioneer League MVP

[Mass Haas]

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[Mass Haas]

Saturday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Jimmy Nelson at home vs. Iowa (Cubs), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 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 Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Jackson (Mariners), 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.

 

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Brevard County: RHP Chad Pierce at home vs. Daytona (Cubs), 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 Tyler Wagner at Burlington (Angels), 6:10 PM pre-game, 6:30 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.

 

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Helena: LHP David Otterman 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.

 

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Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Season complete (23-33), final individual stats found here

 

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DSL Brewers: Season complete (26-45), final individual stats found here

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

[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, Helena 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:

 

Nashville, TN

 

Huntsville, AL

 

Viera, FL (Melbourne)

 

Burlington, IA

 

Helena, MT

[Mass Haas]

Via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

Audio from Music City — Sounds First Baseman Hunter Morris

 

"Tonight’s pregame interview is with Sounds first baseman Hunter Morris, who reflects on his and the team’s 2013 season; his first season at the Triple-A level, which includes both physical and mental demands; his defensive work at first base; and what may have surprised him most about baseball Triple-A compared to other levels."

[Mass Haas]

Ratterree Named League MVP

Diggs also honored as Manager of the Year

By Zac Vierra / Helena Brewers

 

On Saturday it was announced that Michael Ratterree was named the 2013 Ralph Nelles Award winner which is given to the most valuable player in the Pioneer League. Ratterree currently leads the league in RBI (54), runs (56), total bases (141), and slugging percentage (.618). He is also tied for the league lead in home runs with 12 and is fifth in the league with a .320 batting average.

 

Ratteree (photo below by Seth Eikomstead) was also named to the Pioneer League All Star Team.

 

This is Ratterree's first professional season after getting drafted by Milwaukee in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Rice. Ratterree has played in 58 games for Helena this season, the most of any Brewer, and he leads the team in runs (56), hits (73), doubles (20), triples (6), home runs (12), RBI (54), total bases (141), and slugging percentage (.618).

 

Helena manger Tony Diggs was also honored as the Pioneer League Manager of the Year. In his first season as manager of Helena, Diggs has led the team to an overall record of 40-27. The Brewers finished the first half of the season with a 23-15 mark and clinched a playoff spot in the process.

 

First baseman Adam Giacalone and pitcher Anthony Banda were named honorable mentions.

 

Jake Sanchez of Great Falls was named the Logan Hurlburt Pitcher of the Year.

 

The rest of the Pioneer League All-Star Team listed at the link.

 

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[TheCrew07]

Roache homers to tie franchise record, but Rattlers rally falls short in Burlingon

Wisconsin can't cash in late and fall 4-3 to the Bees

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

BURLINGTON, IA - Victor Roache hit a big home run for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers against the Burlington Bees Saturday night at Community Field. But, it wasn't enough for the Timber Rattlers as they dropped a 4-3 decision to the Bees.

 

Burlington (54-78 overall, 28-39 second half) scored first. Exicardo Cayones drew a leadoff walk and stole second base. Chevy Clarke blooped a single down the line in left with one out and Cayones beat the throw home for a 1-0 lead.

 

Wisconsin (59-74, 30-38) loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the third inning. Dustin Houle singled, Max Walla walked, and Tyrone Taylor was hit by a pitch from starter Tyler DeLoache. Michael Reed drove in Houle with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. But, the Rattlers stranded Walla and Taylor when the inning ended.

 

Rattlers starting pitcher Tyler Wagner tossed five innings in his final appearance of the season. He allowed one run and struck out six. Wagner left the game with the score still tied.

 

Burlington greeted Rattlers reliever Harvey Martin with consecutive singles to start the bottom of the sixth. Then, Clarke bunted up the third base line on a sacrifice attempt. Martin fielded the ball cleanly, but fired wildly to first base. The ball sailed down the right field line to let the two runners on base cross home plate. Clarke ended up at third base. He would score moments later on a sacrifice fly by Garrett Cannizaro for a 4-1 lead.

 

The Rattlers struggled offensively in the after their run in the third inning. Houle doubled to start the fifth inning, but was stranded when reliever Robbie Powell came on to get the final out. Powell tossed two more scoreless innings before turning the game over to Andres Perez for the top of the eighth inning.

 

Perez recorded the first out of the eighth, but walked Alfredo Rodriguez on four pitches. He got ahead of Roache 1-2, but Perez left the next pitch where Roache could reach it. The Wisconsin designated hitter lined a home run over the wall in left-center field for his 22nd home run of the season to cut the Burlington lead to a single run.

 

The home run by Roache allowed him to tie Khris Davis for the franchise's single season home run record. Davis set the mark with 22 home runs in the 2010 season.

 

Parker Berberet continued the rally with a walk and that was all for Perez. Jake Boyd took over on the hill for Burlington and gave up a single to Orlando Arcia and a four-pitch walk to Mike Garza. Boyd's first pitch to Houle almost hit the Rattlers catcher to force in the tying run. Bees manager Jamie Burke came out to the mound after that pitch by Boyd and made another call to the bullpen. This one was for side-winding right-hander Kurt Spomer to enter the game.

 

Spomer got Houle to ground into a 4-6-3 double play to escape the eighth with Burlington's slim lead still intact.

 

Walla started the Wisconsin ninth inning with a chopper over the mound. Shortstop Angel Rosa made a nice play and a strong throw to first, but the ball was missed at first base for an error and Walla reached second base with the tying run on the play. Taylor dropped a sacrifice bunt that moved Walla to third with one away. Reed was next and his high chopper looked like it would get over the drawn in infield. But, Cannizaro made a leaping grab of the high bouncer, looked Walla back to third and threw a strike to first for the second out. Spomer got the final out on a grounder to short and the Bees held on to send Wisconsin to its fourth straight loss.

 

Game two of the series is Sunday afternoon at Community Field. Jorge Lopez (7-8, 5.38) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Ryan Crowley (10-7, 3.17) is set to start for the Bees. Game time is 2:00pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 1:40pm.

 

HOME RUN:

WIS:

Victor Roache (22nd, 1 on in 8th inning off Andres Perez, 1 out)

 

WP: Robbie Powell (3-1)

LP: Harvey Martin (2-5)

SAVE: Curt Spomer (6)

 

TIME: 2:46

ATTN: 905

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

 

Wiscsonin Recap

[Minigoon]

Final: Huntsville 5 Jackson 3

 

The Huntsville Stars snapped their 5 game losing streak, defeating the Jackson Generals 5-3 Saturday Night at The Joe. Starter Taylor Jungmann turned in a solid outing in earning his 10th win on the season. Jungmann (10-10, 4.33) went 5 2/3 innings tonight, allowing 2 runs, both earned on 4 hits, 1 walk, and a hit batter while striking out 3. Jungmann threw only 70 pitches, 43 for strikes and recorded a 4-7 GO/FO ratio. Michael Olmstead followed Jungmann to the mound tonight and threw his 6th consecutive scoreless outing since joining the Stars. Olmsted worked 1 1/3 innings, allowing only a hit while striking out 2. Righty David Goforth worked the final 2 innings tonight. He allowed a run on 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 1. Goforth earned his 5th save in the process.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

The Stars wrapped out 9 hits and drew 6 walks, scoring 5 runs in defeating Jackson. Huntsville was led by Hector Gomez. Hector went 3-4 with a double, triple, RBI, and run scored. He's making a late season push to get his average above .200. Micah Owings also has found his swing in the last couple games. Micah went 2-3 with a walk, his first home run on the season, scored twice, and drove in 2. Brock Kjeldgaard reached base twice, once on a double and once via walk. Nick Shaw and Jason Rogers had identical lines, 1-3 with a single and a walk. Mike Walker was 1-4 with a double and an RBI. Catcher Shawn Zarraga drew 2 walks tonight. Chadwin Stang didn't record a hit but did drive in a run with a sacrifice fly.

 

Huntsville Play By Play

 

The Stars grabbed an early lead

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 2nd

 

Shawn Zarraga flies out to right fielder Jabari Blash in foul territory.

Micah Owings singles on a line drive to center fielder Denny Almonte.

Mike Walker doubles (15) on a fly ball to center fielder Denny Almonte. Micah Owings scores.

Hector Gomez doubles (12) on a fly ball to left fielder Leon Landry. Mike Walker scores.

Chadwin Stang grounds out, third baseman Gabriel Noriega to first baseman Steven Proscia.

Nick Shaw grounds out, pitcher Anthony Fernandez to first baseman Steven Proscia.

 

Huntsville (28-40 second half, 57-79 overall)and Jackson will play game 4 of this 5 game series Sunday afternoon. Righty Ariel Pena will look to go into the offseason on a high note as he takes the mound for his final start of the season. Game time is set for 4:03 Central. Make sure you tune in starting at 3:48 to catch the Voice Of The Stars Alex Cohen and the pregame show.

[TooLiveBrew]

Sounds Treat South Nashville To 7-2 Win

Nashville's Nelson Picks Up 5th Win; Blake Davis Homers

Nashville Sounds

 

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The Sounds honored 2013 LLWS participants South Nashville Little League (Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

• AUDIO: Blake Davis Hit Two-Run Homer
  
• AUDIO: Jimmy Nelson's Sac-Bunt
  
• AUDIO: Hunter Morris RBI Double

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds treated South Nashville Little League and 8,004 fans to a 7-2 win over the visiting Iowa Cubs Saturday night at Greer Stadium.

 

Prior to the game, the recent Little League World Series participants joined the Sounds on the field during the pregame festivities. The Sounds honored the team by wearing their Southeast Little League caps during the game.

 

Nashville got on the board in the second inning courtesy of Blake Davis' home run over the right-field wall. The homer, Davis' second of the season, gave Nashville the 2-0 lead.

 

Iowa cut into Nashville's lead in the third inning when Dave Sappelt scored on starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson's (5-6) throwing error. Nelson was trying to catch Sappelt stealing, but sailed the ball over third baseman Stephen Parker and into foul territory.

 

Nelson returned the Sounds lead to two runs in the home half of the fourth inning by laying down a sacrifice bunt that scored Josh Prince from third base. Prince had reached base with a leadoff single, moved to second on Parker's sac-bunt and moved to third on a passed ball.

 

Nelson picked up the win in his final start of the season, holding Iowa to two runs, one earned, on four hits over 5 2/3 innings pitched. The right-handed pitcher fired 10 strikeouts to match a career high. Tim Dillard closed out the sixth inning for Nelson.

 

Hunter Morris connected for a double, his 50th extra-base hit of the season, in the fifth inning to score Eugenio Velez and give Nashville the 4-1 advantage.

 

Velez, 2-for-5, hit a single in the first inning to extend his hit streak to 20 games. He has reached base in 34 consecutive games, extending the PCL's longest such streak of 2013.

 

In the sixth inning, Kentrail Davis added a run to the Sounds lead with his RBI single into left field, scoring Parker. On the following play Sounds catcher Blake Lalli, who reached base on a pinch-hit double, scored on a sacrifice fly by Velez.

 

The Sounds picked up their final run of the game in the seventh inning on Iowa's second error of the game. Attempting to throw out Robinzon Diaz at home plate, third baseman Mike Olt errantly threw past the catcher.

 

Iowa starter Yoanner Negrin (4-7) was charged with the loss, surrendering two runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings pitched.

 

Relievers Brent Leach, Johnnie Lowe, and Donovan Hand each pitched a scoreless inning for Nashville, combining to hold Iowa to two hits.

 

Cubs infielder Tim Torres and manager Marty Pevey were ejected in the top of the second inning after Torres was called out on strikes.

 

The Sounds will play their penultimate game of the season Sunday night at Greer Stadium against the Cubs. Throwing for Nashville will be LHP Zach Kroenke (5-16, 4.77) opposite Iowa's RHP Justin Grimm (3-3, 4.71). The Sounds will wear their military jerseys for Piedmont Natural Gas Military Sunday presented by Tennessee 811. Fans attending the game can bid on the jerseys in a silent auction during the game.

 

 

Nashville Box

 

 

Nashville PbP

 

 

Nashville Gameday

[battlekow]

Final: Billings 8, @Helena 6

 

Helena box score

The Brewers fell behind 7-2 and couldn't recover. Backup catcher Michael Turay was the offensive leader, ending up a triple short of the cycle. Taylor Brennan also reached base three times with a single, double, and walk. Newly minted Pioneer League MVP Michael Ratterree did not play.

 

Starter David Otterman continues to post abysmal K/BB numbers, today walking five in three innings while fanning two. He allowed six runs (four earned); honestly, I'm surprised his ERA is only 4.79. Andy Hillis, in contrast, tossed two scoreless frames to drop his ERA to 0.46.

 

Helena play-by-play

Angel Ortega was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 4th after participating in a rundown the previous inning.

[Eye Black]

Final: Brevard County 5, Daytona 1

 

'Tees end home slate with a bang, top Cubs 5-1

By Andy Towne / Brevard County Manatees

 

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Manatee starting pitcher Chad Pierce struck out eight hitters and allowed just one run over six innings as Brevard County was victorious in their 2013 home finale, by the score of 5-1, over the Daytona Cubs on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium in Viera. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

AUDIO: Game Highlights

 

AUDIO: Rafael Neda Pre-Game Interview

 

VIERA, Fla. - In front of 3,495 fans, the Brevard County Manatees came out on top in their 2013 home finale over the Daytona Cubs, by the score of 5-1 on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

The win was the 40th at Space Coast Stadium this year for Brevard County (29-37 second half, 66-67 overall), marking the most home wins for the Manatees since the 2007 season.

 

Returning from the brief rain shower that caused a 33 minute rain delay between the fourth and fifth innings, Brevard starting pitcher Chad Pierce struck out the first five men he faced in two perfect innings.

 

For the game, Pierce (6-6, 3.40 ERA) went six innings total and gave up just one run on six hits and a walk. He struck out eight batters, which was one short of his career-high.

 

Daytona (39-20, 74-51) opened the scoring in the second inning, after Dan Vogelbach drew a leadoff walk and scored two batters later on a double from Wes Darvill.

 

Brevard County ripped four doubles and scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Greg Hopkins led off with a double and then moved to third on an error.

 

Four batters later and with two outs, Nick Ramirez went opposite field for two bags and plated Yadiel Rivera. Mitch Haniger and Brandon Macias followed with a pair of RBI doubles to give the Manatees a 4-1 lead.

 

Yao-Lin Wang started for Daytona and held Brevard County to just two hits in three innings. He fanned four men. Ryan Searle took the loss as he allowed four runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts in four innings.

 

Cameron Garfield smacked a triple off the center field batter's eye and then scored on a single from Cody Hawn in the eighth to cap off the scoring. Garfield went 3-for-4 on the night.

 

Eric Arnett and Tommy Toledo combine to finish the game off with three scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Toledo went 1.1 innings to earn his 20th save of the season.

 

Brevard County's 2013 season concludes on Sunday evening at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach against the Cubs, with a 5:35 p.m. scheduled first pitch. Damien Magnifico (0-2, 5.26 ERA) will get the start on the mound for the Manatees.

 

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

 

Brevard County Play-by-Play

 

Chad Pierce finished with 8 strikeouts in 6 innings, including this very nice stretch where he recorded 5 straight:

 

Daytona Top of the 5th

• Defensive Substitution: Brandon Macias replaces third baseman Nick Delmonico, batting 5th, playing third base.
  
• Pin-Chieh Chen strikes out swinging.
  
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Anthony Giansanti replaces Elliot Soto.
  
• Anthony Giansanti strikes out swinging.
  
• Zeke DeVoss strikes out swinging.

 

Daytona Top of the 6th

• Dustin Geiger strikes out swinging.
  
• Dan Vogelbach called out on strikes.
  
• Chadd Krist pops out to shortstop Yadiel Rivera.

 

 

Manatees take the lead in the 5th behind 4 doubles and 4 runs:

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 5th

• Anthony Giansanti remains in the game as the shortstop.
  
• Gregory Hopkins doubles (25) on a line drive to right fielder Bijan Rademacher. Gregory Hopkins advances to 3rd, on a fielding error by right fielder Bijan Rademacher.
  
• Lance Roenicke strikes out swinging.
  
• D' Vontrey Richardson walks.
  
• Yadiel Rivera grounds into a force out, shortstop Anthony Giansanti to second baseman Wes Darvill. Gregory Hopkins scores. D' Vontrey Richardson out at 2nd. Yadiel Rivera to 1st.
  
• With Nick Ramirez batting, Yadiel Rivera steals (13) 2nd base.
  
• Nick Ramirez doubles (27) on a line drive to right fielder Bijan Rademacher. Yadiel Rivera scores.
  
• Mitch Haniger doubles (24) on a line drive to left fielder Pin-Chieh Chen. Nick Ramirez scores.
  
• Brandon Macias doubles (20) on a line drive to left fielder Pin-Chieh Chen. Mitch Haniger scores.
  
• With Cameron Garfield batting, wild pitch by Ryan Searle, Brandon Macias to 3rd.
  Cameron Garfield strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO links embedded in game story

 

***

 

Owings, Stars Snap Skid Against Generals

by Alex Cohen, Huntsville Stars

 

Owners of a five-game losing streak coming into the game, the Huntsville Stars bucked that dubious trend by beating the Jackson Generals by a score of 5-3 on Saturday night at Joe Davis Stadium.

 

As they did the previous night, the Stars offense took the initial lead on the ballgame in the bottom of the second inning. Following a leadoff single from designated hitter Micah Owings, back-to-back RBI doubles from third baseman Mike Walker (audio) and shortstop Hector Gomez (audio) against Generals starting pitcher Anthony Fernandez (L, 9-8) gave the Stars a 2-0 lead.

 

With the score remaining the same in the bottom of the fifth, the Stars were able to build on that lead. After a leadoff triple from Gomez, outfielder Chadwin Stang lofted a sacrifice fly to put Huntsville up by three.

 

That lead was plenty for Stars starting pitcher Taylor Jungmann. The Brewers 2nd ranked prospect snapped a three-start losing streak, improving to 10-10 on the year after giving up two runs on four hits in 5.2 innings pitched. Jungmann sent down the Generals in order through his first trip around the order, but gave up a two-run double to designated hitter Ramon Morla in the fifth inning as his only blemish on the night.

 

Huntsville tacked on their two insurance runs in the sixth inning on one swing of the bat. With outfielder Brock Kjeldgaard on base following a leadoff walk, Owings drove a ball well over the left-field wall for his first roundtripper in a Stars uniform (audio). Since starting the season 2-for-31 at the plate with the Stars, the former big league pitcher now has two straight multi-hit games and has five hits in his last eight plate appearances. His batting average has gone up 113 points (.067 to .180) in that time.

 

Aside from Owings, the Stars were paced offensively by three hits from Gomez. The former big league shortstop was just a homer away from the cycle.

 

To ensure the win for Jungmann and the Stars, righty Michael Olmsted tossed 1.1 innings of scoreless relief while reliever David Goforth gave up a run in two innings of work to notch his sixth save of the season.

 

The win for the Stars snaps a five-game losing streak overall and snaps a five-game losing skid against the Generals dating back to their last series at The Ballpark at Jackson in late July.

 

On Sunday, the Stars will play game three of a five-game series against the Jackson Generals at Joe Davis Stadium. Huntsville will send RHP Ariel Pena (7-9, 3.87 ERA) while Jackson will counter with RHP Trevor Miller (3-1, 4.01 ERA). First pitch is 4:03 CT.

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO from Friday:

 

Nashville's Johnny Hellweg strikes out Mike Olt in the second inning of a 3-2 win over Iowa (full at-bat)

[Mass Haas]

Friday Pre-Game Audio:

 

Helena Brewers Director of Marketing/Group Sales Nick Allen talks about his position the operations of the team & his path to Helena

 

***

 

Saturday Pre-Game Audio:

 

Helena Brewers catcher Jack Cleary talks about his first game with Helena and his season in Arizona

[Mass Haas]

Home Winning Streak is Snapped

Despite big night by Turay, Billings wins 8-6

By Zac Vierra / Helena Brewers

 

When the Brewers took an early 1-0 in the first inning on Saturday, it looked like Helena might be on the fast track to its ninth straight win at home.

 

Six unanswered runs by Billings later, and the Brewers found themselves in an unfamiliar position: trailing at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

Helena chipped away all night and even brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning, but ultimately the game belonged to the Mustangs who came away with an 8-6 victory.

 

"We just didn't do enough things to win," said Helena manager Tony Diggs. "We had a chance to push some extra runs across but we didn't. They just beat us today."

 

Trailing 7-3 in the sixth inning, the Brewers took advantage of a pair of errors to get back in the game.

 

With one out and Nathan Orf on first, Charlie Markson hit a grounder back to pitcher Nolan Becker but his throw to second drew shortstop Carlton Daal off the bag. The throw to first by Daal was then wild and instead ending the inning on a double play, the Brewers had another life.

 

Michael Turay (photo below by Seth Eikomstead) would immediately make the Mustangs pay as he blasted a 1-0 pitch from Becker to left for a three-run homer to make it a 7-6 game.

 

"Turay comes up with a big three-run blast that puts us back within one, keeps us in the game," said Diggs.

 

The Mustangs would get a run back in the seventh when Jose Ortiz and Ty Washington hit back-to-back doubles to make it 8-6.

 

The score would remain the same in the bottom of the ninth when Dionis Hinojosa led off the inning with a single. But the Brewers couldn't rally as Joe Mantoni retired the next three batters, two via strikeouts, to close out the game and earn his seventh save of the season.

 

"We had the tying run come up to the plate and we had three chances we just didn't do it tonight," said Diggs.

 

Angel Ortega made a pair of miscues in the game that cost his team three runs.

 

With the Mustangs up 4-1 in the third inning, Ortega made a two-out error on a groundball off the bat of Jhimmy Lopez that allowed a pair of runs to score.

 

After Helena got a run back in the bottom of the third when Clint Coulter hit an RBI single to plate Taylor Brennan, Ortega made a mental mistake that cost the Brewers another run.

 

With Gabriel Rosa on first Aristides Aquino hit a ball that went just off the glove of Ortega and into left field as Rosa went to third. When Ortega retrieved the ball in shallow left, he had his back to the plate and held onto the ball allowing Rosa to scamper home and score. Aquino would be credited with an RBI on the play.

 

Nathan Orf would pinch hit for Ortega in his next at bat.

 

Helena starter David Otterman was handed his fourth loss of the season after he allowed six runs, four of which were earned, in three innings. He didn't help his own cause walking five on the evening.

 

Turay led the offense with three hits and three RBI while Brennan, Hinojosa, and Ruben Ozuna chipped in with two hits apiece.

 

Before the game the Brewers learned that Michael Ratterree was named the 2013 Ralph Nelles Award winner, which is given to the most valuable player in the Pioneer League.

 

"You look at what he has done this entire season and you put up his numbers against anybody in this league and he deserves it. He has had a great season and hopefully he continues to do well and even into the playoffs. Solid young man deservedly wins an award that he put forth the effort in," said Diggs.

 

Diggs was named the manager of the year for the Pioneer League.

 

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[Mass Haas]

James Ridle photo, Blackfoot Media Group

 

Helena’s Michael Turay hits a double in the bottom of the first inning Saturday in a game against the Billings Mustangs.

 

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[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog - Postgame Entry

[KCBrewerfan34]

The real question, is this guy a legit prospect?