Link Report for Tue. 4/15 -- Manatees Enjoy Dodgertown Game On and Off the Field

[Mass Haas]

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[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Johnny Hellweg at home vs. Memphis (Cardinals), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

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

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $49.99 season-long package ($12.99 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's Brooks Hall and Drew Gagnon in a doubleheader at Mississippi (Braves), 4:45 PM pre-game, 5:00 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Steve Jarnicki is the new play-by-play voice of the Stars - welcome aboard! Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveJarnicki. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast.

 

MiLB.TV - It appears seven of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games (not the Stars). Mississippi does host MiLB.TV broadcasts - be among those hoping Steve's audio link synchs up nicely with your MiLB.TV investment.

 

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Brevard County: RHP Damien Magnifico at home vs. Lakeland (Tigers), 5:00 PM pre-game, 5:30 gametime - technically, it's a homegame in Dodgertown (see the significance in post below)

 

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

 

Dave Walkovic returns as the play-by-play voice of the 'Tees; 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 (or not at all), we'll let you know that.

 

No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV.

 

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Wisconsin: RHP Taylor Williams at home vs. Lansing (Blue Jays), 11:45 AM pre-game, 12:05 PM 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 $49.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, Stars' road games from seven Southern League locales, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games.

 

NOTE: Thirty-nine (!) of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (9) and WACY-TV My NEW32 (30) will split duties. We'll let you know when and who, and remember to refer to the Rattlers' full TV schedule so you can coordinate your DVR activity.

 

DVR Alert: Next TV game is Wednesday 4/16 (Time Warner Cable SportsChannel). We imagine the broadcast will begin at 7:00 PM as scheduled, although that may catch the end of Game One of the now-scheduled doubleheader.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville Game One

 

Huntsville Game Two

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

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 these just prior to the respective game times --

 

Nashville Media Notes - it's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Roster" banner on the Sounds' site.

 

Brevard County Media Notes - again, it's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Manatees' site.

 

Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog

[Mass Haas]

STANDINGS:

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Southern Division

 

AA - Southern League North Division

 

High-A - Florida State League North Division

 

A - Midwest League Western Division

[Mass Haas]

Sortable individual stat pages:

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

[Mass Haas]

Weather.com:

 

Nashville, TN

 

Pearl, MS

 

Vero Beach, FL

 

Grand Chute, WI (Appleton)

[Mass Haas]

A late addition to Monday's Link Report was the Brevard County audio, including all things triple play. Be sure you caught it by clicking here.

[Mass Haas]

Here's to you, Mr. Robinson

Baseball honors Jackie Robinson today, with a game in Vero Beach for the Manatees

John A. Torres, Florida Today

 

When Reggie Williams stands up and removes his Brevard Manatees ball cap for the playing of the national anthem tonight, there might be more than just a few goose bumps up and down his arms.

 

Who can blame him if his eyes get a little misty as well?

 

Williams not only experienced Holman Stadium as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers and as a Florida State League standout, but it is also the field where the great Jackie Robinson once fielded grounders and ran the bases.

 

Tonight, the Manatees travel to Vero Beach to face Lakeland in the first Jackie Robinson Celebration Game, on a day when baseball remembers and pays homage to the first African-American ever to play major league baseball.

 

"For me, it's special. It brings back fond memories of Dodgertown, playing in Vero Beach," said Williams, now a coach with the Manatees. "But it's a special event for a very special person who opened the door to people like myself. I think it's a grand occasion. Goose bumps? There's no doubt about it."

 

Today is the day when every level of professional baseball stops and honors Robinson in a variety of ways. Major leaguers have the privilege of wearing number 42, a small, yet poignant, way to honor the man who endured isolation, racism and other mental cruelties so that others might follow in his footsteps and perhaps have things just a little bit easier.

 

Since 1997, no big leaguer has been able to wear the number 42, except for players who already wore the number. With Mariano Rivera's retirement, no one can ever wear the number again — with one exception: April 15.

 

Since 2007, every player in the majors has worn the number on Jackie Robinson Day. In the majors, one jersey is signed by every player on every team in order to be auctioned to benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

 

There would never have been a Hank Aaron, Bob Gibson, Tony Gwynn or Willie Mays had it not been for Robinson. One could argue that we would have yet to see a person of color in the White House had Robinson not turned the other cheek and let his Hall of Fame baseball skills do the talking for him.

 

While Williams is thrilled to take part in the celebration, he is not sure the younger players can totally grasp what Robinson did.

 

"I don't know if they can really connect with Jackie like maybe the way I could," he said. "Times have changed so much, you know, our society is multi-cultural now. Back when I grew up in the '60s — Martin Luther King, the civil rights movement — I could connect with that as a kid and now that I'm grown, I can reflect back on those days."

 

But the young players in the Manatee clubhouse — no matter their color — just might surprise Williams, in a good way.

 

"It's very exciting. Just what he'd done for the game and for the African-American players, it's definitely an honor to go there and have a chance to play where he played before," said 22-year-old outfielder Victor Roache. "I can't wait to get out there and just be on the field and take it all in."

 

It likely won't hit 22-year-old catcher Cameron Garfield until he steps in the batter's box for the first time.

 

"Anytime you get to go out and represent him in a way, it's an honor," Garfield said. "I'll probably have to step out and take a deep breath and kind of live it up a little bit."

 

Wise words. Maybe we should all step out of the batter's box today, take a deep breath and live it up a little.

 

Thank you, Jackie.

[Mass Haas]

From the Rattlers:

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Tuesday’s Midwest League game between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Lansing Lugnuts at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium will start a little later than originally scheduled. The new start time is tentatively set for 5:05 PM.

 

The snow on Monday and the low temperatures early Tuesday morning left the field unplayable for its original 12:05 PM start time. Since Monday’s game is already being made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, the teams agreed to push back the start time five hours in an effort to play the game.

 

The Timber Rattlers grounds crew and front office will reevaluate the field conditions at 2:00 PM today to make a final decision on whether Tuesday’s game will be played.

 

This three-game series between the Rattlers and the Lugnuts is the only meeting of the season between the teams. If today’s game is not played, it will not be rescheduled.

[Mass Haas]

Link Report Bonus -- An interesting read via Jack Moore, posted at Disciples of Uecker (where pretty much everything is top notch regardless):

 

The 2008 Huntsville Stars and the Fickle Nature of Prospect Waves

[Mass Haas]

Again from the Rattlers:

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Tuesday’s game between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Lansing Lugnuts at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium has been cancelled. The game, originally scheduled to start at 12:05 PM and pushed back to a 5:05 PM start, was called off due to a combination wet grounds and cold temperatures. This game will not be rescheduled.

 

The teams will try to play a doubleheader on Wednesday night to make up for Monday’s snowout game. Game one of the twinbill is scheduled to start at 5:05 PM. A minor league doubleheader is scheduled for two seven inning games with a thirty minute break between the end of game one and the start of game two. Fans with tickets for Wednesday will be admitted to both games.

[Mass Haas]

Audio via Jeff Hem's blog:

 

"It’s a Monday, which means our weekly Monday with the Manager conversation with Sounds skipper Rick Sweet. He discusses the team’s series so far, having to play Omaha 12 times out of the first 20 games of the season and the importance of working in off days for players even when they’re playing well."

[Mass Haas]

Yet more audio via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

"Tonight's interview is Part 1 of a two-part chat with Dan O'Brien, a special assistant to GM Doug Melvin for the Sounds' parent-club Milwaukee Brewers. In Part 1, we discuss the Brewers' start, the Sounds' start and the depth in the organization that led to certain decisions with both clubs' rosters to start the year."

[Mass Haas]

Final, Game One: @Mississippi 3, Huntsville 2, eight innings (scheduled for seven innings)

 

Huntsville Game One Box Score

 

Formal write-up from Steve a bit later.

 

Greg Hopkins, playing second base tonight, had three of the Stars five hits. Huntsville also drew five walks, but a 1-for-6 RISP night netted only the deuce in the runs column. Starting pitcher Brooks Hall was only 1-for-11 at the plate in 2013, but he's already 2-for-4 this season, cracking an RBI triple here. Josh Prince (LF here) stole two bases, and is now 6-for-6 in that dept. (25-for-33 last season).

 

On the mound, Hall was solid, RHP Arcenio Leon was very good in middle relief, and unfortunately, RHP Kevin Shackelford didn't retire any of the three men he faced and took the loss. See the box for the lines, thanks.

 

Huntsville Game One Game Log

 

We have a D'Vontrey Richardson early exit to concern us --

 

Huntsville Top of the 2nd

 

Greg Hopkins lines out to center fielder Matt Lipka.

Adam Weisenburger grounds out, third baseman Kyle Kubitza to first baseman Seth Loman.

Nick Shaw walks.

Brooks Hall triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Matt Lipka. Nick Shaw scores.

D' Vontrey Richardson pops out to second baseman Emerson Landoni.

 

Mississippi Bottom of the 2nd

 

Defensive Substitution: Brock Kjeldgaard replaces center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson, batting 1st, playing right field.

 

Hall got two big GIDP's to end his 2nd and 5th innings, then Leon did the same in the 6th.

 

Unhappy ending --

 

Mississippi Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Kevin Shackelford replaces Arcenio Leon, batting 7th, replacing catcher Adam Weisenburger.

Defensive Substitution: Shawn Zarraga replaces pitcher Arcenio Leon, batting 8th, playing catcher.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Joe Leonard replaces Ronan Pacheco.

Joe Leonard doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Brock Kjeldgaard.

Matt Lipka doubles (3) on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Kevin Shackelford. Joe Leonard to 3rd.

Emerson Landoni singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Prince. Joe Leonard scores. Matt Lipka to 3rd.

 

The darn bunt double!

[Mass Haas]

Miller Park Prospects -- Nice article by Brad with farmhand quotes on all things weather-related

[DHonks]

Magnifico the Magnificent?

[TheCrew07]

Redbirds Double Up Sounds In Series Opener, 8-4

Hunter Morris Hits First HR Of Year For Nashville

Nashville Sounds

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The cross-state rival Memphis Redbirds belted three home runs en route to an 8-4 victory over the Nashville Sounds on a chilly Tuesday evening at Greer Stadium.

 

Nashville (5-7) dropped its seventh game in the last 10 contests and fell to 1-3 in series openers this season.

 

Catcher Robinzon Diaz went 2-for-3 to extend the Sounds' longest hitting streak of the young season to six games, while first baseman Hunter Morris homered as part of a 2-for-4 evening for Nashville.

 

Memphis left fielder Joey Butler (3-for-4) spotted the visitors a 2-0 first-inning advantage when he belted a two-out, two-run homer to right off Sounds starter Johnny Hellweg. The blast was the slugger's third of the year.

 

The Sounds halved the deficit to 2-1 in the home half of the initial frame. Elian Herrera led off with a double to left against Redbirds starter Tim Cooney and later scored on a two-out single off the bat of Sean Halton, who has hit safely in his last six starts at a .375 clip (9-for-24).

 

Memphis extended its lead to 4-1 in the fifth with a two-out rally against Hellweg. With a runner on first and two down, Oscar Taveras and Butler posted consecutive singles to plate one run. After Scott Moore drew a walk to load the bases, Xavier Scruggs followed with a single to right that plated Taveras to extend the Redbirds' lead to three. On the play, right fielder Caleb Gindl gunned down Butler at the dish as he also attempted to score. It marked the third outfield assist of the night for Nashville, one by each outfielder.

 

Morris pulled the Sounds back within one in the sixth when he belted his first home run of the year, a two-run blast to right off Cooney that also plated Diaz (walk).

 

Cooney (3-0) won for his third time in three starts for the Redbirds, holding Nashville to three runs in his 5 1/3 innings while striking out five.

 

Hellweg (1-2) suffered his second loss for the Sounds after allowing four runs on six hits in six innings of work.

 

Memphis center fielder Randal Grichuk made it a two-run lead for the visitors in the top of the seventh when he connected for a one-out solo homer to left off Sounds reliever Brent Leach.

 

Ed Easley tacked on the Redbirds' third roundtripper of the night in the eighth with a two-out solo shot to left off Dustin Molleken and Memphis closed out its scoring in the ninth with a two-run Scruggs double against Alfredo Figaro.

 

Nashville added its final run in the bottom of the ninth against Jorge Rondon. Herrera opened the inning with a triple to center and scored on Irving Falu's sacrifice fly.

 

The teams continue the series with an 11:05 a.m. Education Day contest on Wednesday, when thousands of area school children will attend the game as a reward for reaching their goals in the Nashville Sounds Reading Club program. Brewers top prospect Jimmy Nelson (1-1, 3.00) will make the start for the Sounds and face Memphis southpaw Tyler Lyons (1-0, 4.50).

 

Nashville Boxscore

If you look at the boxscore you'll see that Johnny Hellweg's K:BB ratio is backwards, which tells you all you need to know. Hunter Morris was (2-4,HR) but he only has 1 BB on the entire year. I've listened to a hand full of games now and it's tough to tell from the radio call how good the pitches he's putting in play are, but there's no way he's selective enough as a hitter with only 1 walk. Caleb Gindl has had a rough start to the season offensively as well, his OPS is under .550.

 

Nashville Recap

 

Walking the opposing pitcher to lead off an inning never works out well... Thankfully the OF assist from Gindl limited the damage.

 

Memphis Top of the 5th

• Tim Cooney walks.
  Greg Garcia grounds out, pitcher Johnny Hellweg to first baseman Hunter Morris. Tim Cooney to 2nd.
  Randal Grichuk lines out to second baseman Irving Falu.
  Oscar Taveras singles on a ground ball to third baseman Taylor Green. Tim Cooney to 3rd.
  Joey Butler singles on a line drive to right fielder Caleb Gindl. Tim Cooney scores. Oscar Taveras to 2nd.
  Scott Moore walks. Oscar Taveras to 3rd. Joey Butler to 2nd.
  Xavier Scruggs singles on a line drive to right fielder Caleb Gindl. Oscar Taveras scores. Joey Butler out at home on the throw, right fielder Caleb Gindl to catcher Robinzon Diaz.

 

Nashville Gameday

[bkrause2]

Final: Lakeland 1, Brevard County 7

 

Brevard tops Lakeland 7-1 at Historic Dodgertown

'Tees score five in first in inaugural Jackie Robinson Celebration Game

By Andrew Luftglass / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/0/5/0/72210050/cuts/Taylor_4.15_640x360_hnffi94d_nzx2z83o.jpg

Manatees center fielder Tyrone Taylor hit his Minor League-leading ninth double of the season on Tuesday night as Brevard County defeated the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 7-1 in the inaugural Jackie Robinson Celebration Game at Holman Stadium at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.

 

VERO BEACH, Fla. - In front of a packed house of 4,019 fans, the Brevard County Manatees defeated the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 7-1 in the inaugural Jackie Robinson Celebration Game at Holman Stadium at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach on Tuesday night.

 

Brevard County (8-4) got off to a hot start in the first inning against Lakeland's (7-5) Jordan John. After the 'Tees surrendered a run in the top of the inning, they came back with five of their own.

 

The rally started when leadoff man Tyrone Taylor hit his Minor League Baseball-leading ninth double down the left field line. Taylor moved to third on a groundout by Orlando Arcia and then came home on an RBI groundout by Cameron Garfield that tied the score at 1-1.

 

John then hit Victor Roache with two outs and followed that with back-to-back walks to Michael Reed and Garrett Cooper to load the bases. Yadiel Rivera forced in a run with his own base on balls and the Manatees took a 2-1 lead.

 

Nathan Orf kept the first-inning rally alive in unconventional fashion. With the bases still loaded, Orf dropped a bunt down the third base line. The Flying Tigers' defense could not make a play on the bunt, as Orf reached safely at first and Reed scampered home.

 

A two-run single by Brandon Macias capped the Manatees' outburst in the opening frame. Cooper and Rivera came home on the Macias base hit and Brevard left the first inning with a 5-1 lead. John was chased from the game after just 0.2 innings and eventually took the loss.

 

Manatees' starting pitcher Damien Magnifico (1-0, 2.89) took control of the game after he was handed a four-run cushion. The right-hander did not allow another run and only gave up two more hits before exiting the game with one out in the sixth inning.

 

After Magnifico's night was over, Brevard County added two more runs to pad its lead. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the 'Tees had the bases loaded with nobody out. Macias hit a dribbler up the third base line and Lakeland pitcher Brennan Smith bounced off the mound to make a play. Smith barehanded and flipped home, but his flip was wide of catcher Austin Green and two runs scored to put Brevard ahead by six.

 

Austin Ross and Stephen Peterson took the 'Tees the rest of the way on the hill. Ross pitched 2.2 scoreless innings before Peterson handled the ninth. The southpaw worked a one-two-three ninth inning to secure the win.

 

Lakeland and Brevard County return to Space Coast Stadium on Wednesday night to wrap up their series. The Manatees will send southpaw Jed Bradley (1-1, 7.71) to the hill to try to nail down the sweep. Bradley will be opposed by right-hander Jake Thompson (2-0, 0.00). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Damien Magnifico got his first win of the season after giving up just one run in 5.1 innings. He allowed just three hits and struck out three. Austin Ross and Stephen Peterson worked 3.2 scoreless innings of relief. Yadiel Rivera went 2-for-3 with a walk. He's now hit safely in six of his last eight games. Nathan Orf reached base three more times tonight with a single, a double and yet another hit-by-pitch. Tyrone Taylor doubled in four at bats, his team leading ninth of the year. Brandon Macias was 1-for-3 with three runs batted in.

 

Brevard County Play-By-Play

 

The Manatees got on the board early again, hanging a five spot in the first.

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 1st

 

Tyrone Taylor doubles (9) on a ground ball to left fielder Chad Wright.

Orlando Arcia grounds out, shortstop Dixon Machado to first baseman James Robbins. Tyrone Taylor to 3rd.

Cameron Garfield grounds out, shortstop Dixon Machado to first baseman James Robbins. Tyrone Taylor scores.

Victor Roache hit by pitch.

Michael Reed walks. Victor Roache to 2nd.

Garrett Cooper walks. Victor Roache to 3rd. Michael Reed to 2nd.

Yadiel Rivera walks. Victor Roache scores. Michael Reed to 3rd. Garrett Cooper to 2nd.

Nathan Orf singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Curt Powell. Michael Reed scores. Garrett Cooper to 3rd. Yadiel Rivera to 2nd.

Brandon Macias singles on a line drive to center fielder Connor Harrell. Garrett Cooper scores. Yadiel Rivera scores. Nathan Orf to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Joshua Turley replaces Jordan John.

Tyrone Taylor flies out to left fielder Chad Wright.

 

A couple of insurance runs in the sixth

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Brennan Smith replaces Joshua Turley.

Garrett Cooper walks.

Yadiel Rivera singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chad Wright. Garrett Cooper to 2nd.

Nathan Orf hit by pitch. Garrett Cooper to 3rd. Yadiel Rivera to 2nd.

Brandon Macias reaches on a force attempt, throwing error by pitcher Brennan Smith. Garrett Cooper scores. Yadiel Rivera scores. Nathan Orf to 3rd. Brandon Macias to 2nd.

Tyrone Taylor strikes out swinging.

Orlando Arcia called out on strikes.

Cameron Garfield grounds out, shortstop Dixon Machado to first baseman James Robbins.

[Mass Haas]

Catching up, as MiLB is often a day or two behind in posting --

 

VIDEO: Nashville's Sean Halton rips a triple to lead off the second inning in Sunday's 5-3 win over Omaha

 

AUDIO: From Tuesday's 8-4 loss, Hunter Morris pulled the Sounds back within one in the sixth when he belted his first home run of the year, a two-run blast to right off Cooney that also plated Robinzon Diaz (walk).

 

***

 

Brevard County:

 

Tuesday AUDIO: Coach Reggie Williams joins Andrew Luftglass on the Manatees Pregame Show prior to the 'Tees game at Historic Dodgertown

 

AUDIO Highlights: The 'Tees defeat Lakeland, 7-1, in the first Jackie Robinson Celebration Game at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach

[Mass Haas]

Final, Game Two: Huntsville 5, @Mississippi 1

 

Stars Split DH Against Braves

 

(Pearl, MS) - The Huntsville Stars and the Mississippi Braves played a doubleheader Tuesday night after being rained out Monday at Trustmark Park. Both games were scheduled for seven innings. The Braves won game one 3-2 in eight innings and the Stars earned the split by taking game two 5-1.

 

In game one, Stars starting pitcher Brooks Hall gave Huntsville a 1-0 lead in the second. Hall lined an RBI triple scoring Nick Shaw. It was Hall's third RBI of the season.

 

Nice! VIDEO: Huntsville's Brooks Hall hits an RBI triple in the Stars' 3-2 loss to the Mississippi Braves

 

Mississippi tied it in the bottom of the second when Robby Hefflinger produced an RBI double scoring Seth Loman.

 

The Stars recaptured the lead in the third off a Greg Hopkins RBI single. Hopkins had a three-hit performance for the Stars, becoming the fourth Stars player this year to record a three hit game.

 

Matt Lipka tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth when he bunted his way on for an infield single scoring Elmer Reyes.

 

Hall, who took a no decision, pitched five innings allowing four hits on two earned runs. He walked three and struck out two.

 

The Braves won the game in extra innings against Stars reliever Kevin Shackelford in the bottom of the eighth. Pinch hitter Joe Leonard led off with a double. Lipka reached on an infield bunt double. Emerson Landoni then dribbled a base hit passed a drawn in infield into left field for the game winning hit for the Braves.

 

VIDEO: And this is how you get a bunt double...

 

VIDEO: Mississippi's Emerson Landoni hits a walk-off single in the Braves' 3-2 win over the Huntsville Stars

 

In game two, the Stars used a four-run fourth that propelled them to a 5-1 win to even their five-game series with the Braves.

 

With the bases loaded and one out in the fourth, Mitch Haniger hit a grounder to third baseman Joe Leonard. His throw to second was dropped by Landoni which allowed Jason Rogers to score. Brock Kjeldgaard then followed with a two-run single making it 3-0 Stars. Shea Vucinich also added an RBI in the inning to put the Stars ahead 4-0.

 

VIDEO: Huntsville's Brock Kjeldgaard plates two runs in the Stars' 5-1 win over the Mississippi Braves

 

Stars starter Drew Gagnon (2-0) pitched 5.2 effective innings allowing three hits on one earned run. The run he allowed was on a wild pitch in the sixth.

 

Shawn Zarraga also added an RBI for the Stars when he was walked with the bases loaded in the seventh.

 

David Goforth earned his fourth save of the season by pitching 1.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

 

Hainley Statia went 2-2 for the Stars who improved to 8-4 on the season.

 

The Stars and Braves will play game three of their series Wednesday morning. RHP Taylor Jungmann (1-0, 3.27) will start for Huntsville while RHP Williams Perez (0-1, 2.08) will take the hill for Mississippi. The game can be heard starting at 10:45 AM with Steve Jarnicki on http://www.wtkiradio.com.

 

Huntsville Game Two Box Score

 

The Stars drew seven walks as Hainley Statia (on base all four plate appearances), Jason Rogers (six walks, only five K's in 41 at-bats), and Shawn Zarraga (now 9-for-15 with five walks and zero K's) each earned two free passes. Five of Mitch Haniger's seven hits have gone for extra bases, but he's only hitting .171 in 41 AB's (three walks, 12 K's).

 

Drew Gagnon was effective, but did walk four and fanned only one. The 2.70 ERA is pretty after three starts, but the 5-to-9 K-to-BB ratio in 16.2 innings isn't.

 

Huntsville Game Two Game Log

 

Haniger contibuted twice to this double-play by the Braves --

 

Huntsville Top of the 2nd

 

Shawn Zarraga walks.

Mitch Haniger strikes out swinging, catcher Matt Kennelly. Shawn Zarraga out at 1st. Shawn Zarraga out on batter interference.

Brock Kjeldgaard called out on strikes.

 

Nice work by David Goforth here, we love stranded inherited runners --

 

Mississippi Bottom of the 6th

 

Matt Lipka singles on a ground ball to second baseman Hainley Statia.

With Emerson Landoni batting, Matt Lipka steals (4) 2nd base.

Emerson Landoni walks.

Joe Leonard pops out to second baseman Hainley Statia.

With Seth Loman batting, Matt Lipka steals (5) 3rd base.

Seth Loman strikes out swinging.

With Cedric Hunter batting, wild pitch by Drew Gagnon, Matt Lipka scores. Emerson Landoni to 2nd.

Cedric Hunter walks.

Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Drew Gagnon, batting 8th.

Defensive Substitution: Nick Shaw replaces pitcher Drew Gagnon, batting 9th, playing shortstop.

Robby Hefflinger strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Pre-game video from Dodgertown includes the Manatees' Reggie Williams and Victor Roache

 

***

 

A special night at Dodgertown

Dodgertown game a special tribute to Jackie Robinson

John A. Torres, Florida Today

 

VERO BEACH – — This never felt like a Florida State League game.

 

That's not a knock on the FSL, but this was something more. You knew it even hours before the first pitch as old men shuffled in wearing Jackie Robinson jerseys and players bounced during warmups and batting practice.

 

Not only was baseball finally back in the state's best spring training venue (by far) but the rains parted for bright sunshine as the legacy of Jackie Robinson was celebrated.

 

"What am I doing here? It's baseball in Dodgertown," exclaimed fan Joseph Sexton of Port St. Lucie. "I don't care what teams are playing, and it's Jackie Robinson Day. I saw a young man wearing a Dodgers shirt and I said that shirt fits him better than anyone in this building."

 

A town that is starving for the return of baseball to Dodgertown had no problem filling Holman Stadium. They weren't Lakeland Flying Tiger fans or Brevard County Manatee fans. They were baseball fans, 4,019 of them to be exact. There were Kansas City Royals shirts, Cleveland Indians caps, along with fans representing the Red Sox, Orioles, Braves, Marlins Reds, Cubs and lots of blue — Dodger blue.

 

Manatees coach Reggie Williams was all smiles after throwing batting practice on the field Robinson graced.

 

"I feel so very blessed to take part in this memorable game," said Williams, before the Manatees won 7-1.

 

There were fireworks during the singing of the national anthem drawing ooh's and aah's when the loud booms exploded.

 

Even the first pitch was memorable as second-grader Ethan Hendon — waiting for a heart transplant — tossed the cowhide while wearing a Superman costume. He threw a strike and received a standing ovation.

 

Proceeds from ticket sales benefited the United Way of Indian River County.

 

After the third inning, members of the Melbourne Braves were honored with a rousing ovation. On hand were Willie Presley, Levi Bursey, Joe Sellers, Otis Milton, Lonnie Bacon and Ben Johnson. The Braves traveled the state in the 1950s and endured discrimination in nearly every ballpark they entered.

 

"It's very exciting to be here and to see the reception," Bacon said after returning to his seat, wearing a Melbourne Braves jersey. "We want to thank the Manatees for inviting us."

 

The game? Brevard starting pitcher Damien Magnifico started out a little rough, allowing an RBI single to Lakeland's Jeff Holm on a 3-0 fastball. But Brevard got it back in the bottom of the first when Tyrone Taylor doubled, then scored on a pair of groundouts. Then Lakeland starter Jordan John hit one batter and walked three in succession to force in the go-ahead run.

 

Nathan Orf followed with a perfect suicide squeeze bunt down the third base line for a single and an RBI. Brandon Macias followed with a two-run single knocking John out of the game.

 

"If you know about baseball, then you know about Jackie Robinson," Macias said earlier. "We're excited to see this is where it all happened. It's an amazing experience."

 

Magnifico cruised through the next few innings, going 5 and a third en route to the victory. He allowed three hits and struck out three.

 

The Manatees tacked on a couple of more in the bottom of the six on a squib and a throwing error to go up 7-1, the final score.

 

Manatees owner Dr. Tom Winters of Orlando said he was thrilled with the attendance, saying he was sure there were more than the announced 4,019. He said he hoped the Manatees could make it an annual event.

 

"It would be good to play Port St. Lucie in the game and make them home team one year and us the next," he said.

[Mass Haas]

The folks in Biloxi have a vested interest in the Stars playing in Pearl, Misssissippi, and there's a giant Huntsville photo gallery in their newspaper worth your while.

 

***

 

Huntsville, Mississippi split doubleheader

Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun Herald

 

PEARL -- The minor league baseball team destined to call Biloxi home in 2015 played its first games of the season on Mississippi turf Tuesday night.

 

The Huntsville Stars split a doubleheader with the Mississippi Braves on a cold and blustery evening at Trustmark Park. The Braves (5-7) took the first game 3-2 before the Stars bounced back with a 5-1 victory in the nightcap.

 

The Stars, a Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, are playing their 29th and final season in Alabama before making the move to Biloxi for the 2015 campaign.

 

Both games were slated to last seven innings, but the first contest lasted eight and was finished off by an RBI single by the Braves' Emerson Landoni through the left side of a drawn-in infield with none out in the bottom of the eighth.

 

In the second contest, the Stars pushed across four runs on two hits in the fourth inning as starting pitcher Drew Gagnon threw a quality 5 2/3 innings for the victory.

 

Huntsville (8-4) ended a three-game losing streak Tuesday and is currentlyin first place in the Southern League North Division, trailed by the Jackson, Tenn., Generals (7-4).

 

"They've done a good job," Stars manager Carlos Subero said of his team. "It's real early, but they're playing good ball. It's nice to see how they bounced back after losing three in a row. We lose a heart-breaker (in the first game) and then we score four in a row. That was nice."

 

Gagnon improved to 2-0, giving up one run on three hits while walking four in the first game.

 

A two-run single by Brock Kjeldgaard was the big blow of the four-run fourth inning for the Stars.

 

Former Ole Miss hurler David Goforth pitched the final 1 1/3 innings to earn his team-leading fourth save.

 

In the first game, Huntsville starting pitcher Brooks Hall lasted five innings, giving up two earned runs on four hits while striking out two and walking three.

 

Hall also hit an RBI triple in the second inning for the first career extra-base hit.

 

The two teams continued to answer each other the rest of the way before the Braves' first two batters reached in the eighth, allowing Landoni to come through with the game-winning hit.

 

Ronan Pacheco (2-0) didn't allow a run in his one inning of relief to earn the victory.

 

Just like any other prospect making the climb in the minors, current members of the Stars are hoping for a promotion to Triple-A or the big leagues prior to the 2015 campaign.

 

However, Goforth, a Philadelphia, Miss., native, sees Biloxi as an attractive home for a minor league franchise.

 

"It seems like a good location for a team to be there," Goforth said, acknowledging that he hopes Brewers management will send him further up the ladder before the Brewers' Double-A affiliate lands in Biloxi. "It would be nice to play here."

 

Whoever's on the roster next year, Biloxi can bank on a professional sports experience that hasn't been seen on the Coast.

 

"In my favorite towns to go to, it's a real family environment," said Mitch Haniger, a 23-year-old outfielder in his first season at Double-A. "There are tons of kids at the game. Any age of people can come to the game."

[Mass Haas]

We don't link often to major league audio here, but this Doug Melvin interview via Homer on ESPN 540 is very interesting and provides insights on offensive philosophies that will eventually apply to kids within the chain.