Link Report for Sat. 4/12

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Mike Fiers at Omaha (Royals), 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.

 

**********

 

Huntsville: TBD at home vs. Mobile (Diamondbacks), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:30 gametime

 

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.

 

**********

 

Brevard County: RHP Tyler Wagner at home vs. Dunedin (Blue Jays), 5:05 PM pre-game, 5:35 gametime

 

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.

 

**********

 

Wisconsin: RHP Zach Quintana at home vs. Great Lakes (Dodgers), 12:45 PM pre-game, 1:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link - 1280 AM WNAM

 

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

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; Wisconsin is one of four Midwest League clubs that have all their home games available via MiLB.TV.

 

So for the $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 local TV game is Mon. 4/28 on MyNEW32.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

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:

 

Omaha, NE

 

Huntsville, AL

 

Viera, FL (Melbourne)

 

Grand Chute, WI (Appleton)

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's the last day -- Manatees' Giraffe Jersey Auction

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's the last day -- Manatees' Giraffe Jersey Auction

 

Actually, article about extended deadline, more games wearing them --

 

'Tees to wear giraffe jerseys again next week

Online auction to benefit Brevard Zoo extended to April 25

[igor67]

Well he's about to cross 50 ABs, and is hitting .300. I can start paying attention to Jose Pena as a prospect. (unless a guy is a first rounder or 18 I don't try to make a lot of sense out of the Pioneer league stats.

[WV Brew]

Denson with a Ricky Henderson hat trick (base hit, walk and stolen base). Coming along.

[fondybrewfan]

Denson is walking a ton thus far; he could carry a pretty nice OBP if he can start making more solid contact.

[bkrause2]

Final: Dunedin 1, Brevard County 3

 

Garfield's big hit leads 'Tees to 3-1 victory

Brevard snaps Dunedin's seven-game win streak

By Justin Rocke / Brevard County Manatees

 

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Manatees starting pitcher Tyler Wagner allowed four hits and struck out six in six scoreless innings and lowered his ERA to 1.17, but did not factor in the decision as Brevard County defeated the Dunedin Blue Jays, 3-1 on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

VIERA, Fla. - After being shutout in back-to-back games on Friday evening, the Brevard County Manatees ended the Dunedin Blue Jays seven-game winning streak with a 3-1 victory on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

With the score dead locked at 1-1 going to the bottom of the eighth, the Manatees' (10-6) rally began with a single to center by third baseman Michael Garza.

 

Center fielder Tyrone Taylor reached base after being hit by a pitch and then both runners advanced to second and third on a wild pitch by left-handed reliever and former Manatee Efrain Nieves. Orlando Arcia proceeded to ground out bringing up catcher Cameron Garfield with one away.

 

It looked like the Manatees had taken the lead as the California native grounded a ball down the third base line. However, home plate umpire Brennan Miller ruled the ball foul. Two pitches later though, Garfield smacked a ball in between the hole at third and shortstop that scored both Garza and Taylor to put Brevard County up for good.

 

Tanner Poppe then came on in the top of the ninth to try and close out the victory. After a lead-off single by catcher Derrick Chung was erased on a double play, the right-hander struck out Jorge Flores looking to seal the victory and earned fifth save of the season.

 

The Manatees grabbed a 1-0 lead in the third as Taylor, who entered the day as the Minor League leader in doubles, laced a pitch from Dunedin (13-3) starter Matt Boyd over the fence and onto the berm in left field for his first home run of the season.

 

The shot from the center fielder was a rarity as it was the first run surrendered by the Oregon State product in 19.2 innings this season.

 

The home run was the only mistake made by the left-hander as he allowed just that one run on three hits. The Blue Jays sixth-round pick in 2013 also struck out nine and walked three over six innings of work.

 

Boyd went toe-to-toe with Manatees starter Tyler Wagner who was stellar in his own right. Tied with Boyd for the Florida State League in wins entering the night, the former Utah Ute left after six scoreless innings as he allowed just four hits and struck out six, while not surrendering a walk.

 

However, Wagner did not pick up the victory as Dunedin rallied to tie the game in the top of the seventh against Austin Ross.

 

After three straight singles by Gustavo Pierre, Jorge Flores and Christian Lopes with one out, Dwight Smith, Jr. hit a high chop towards second base. Smith's speed prevented the Manatees from turning an inning-ending double play as Pierre came across to score on the fielder's choice to tie the game at one.

 

Ross went on to throw a scoreless eighth inning and struck out two as he went on to pick up his first win of the season.

 

The Manatees will have an off-day tomorrow before hitting the road to open a three-game series at George M. Steinbrenner Field against the Tampa Yankees (9-7) on Monday night at 7:00 p.m.

 

Brevard County will turn to right-hander Damien Magnifico, who picked up his first victory of the season after a strong start in the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game last Tuesday.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Tyrone Taylor's home run was the first of the season by a Manatee not named Victor Roache. Taylor also had a single and was hit by a pitch. Mike Garza also had a two hit night, going 2-for-3. As mentioned above, Garfield's two run single came after what could/should have been a double down the third base line. The Manatees managed just five hits again tonight, but this offense it too talented and it's only a matter of time before the hits start coming in bunches. Michael Reed, despite his .163 average, drew two more walks and carries an on base percentage of .379. Tyler Wagner spun six scoreless innings, striking out six, but got a no decision. He's now given up just three earned runs through 23 innings this season.

 

Brevard County Play-By-Play

 

Cameron Garfield's clutch eighth inning single

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 8th

 

Mike Garza singles on a ground ball to center fielder Dalton Pompey.

Tyrone Taylor hit by pitch. Mike Garza to 2nd.

With Orlando Arcia batting, wild pitch by Efrain Nieves, Mike Garza to 3rd. Tyrone Taylor to 2nd.

Orlando Arcia grounds out to first baseman K. C. Hobson.

Cameron Garfield singles on a ground ball to left fielder Dwight Smith. Mike Garza scores. Tyrone Taylor scores.

Pitching Change: Danny Barnes replaces Efrain Nieves.

Victor Roache called out on strikes.

Michael Reed flies out to right fielder Marcus Knecht.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

"Tonight’s interview is with the hero of last night’s game, Kevin Mattison, who broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning with a pinch-hit grand slam, leading the Sounds to a 5-1 win over Memphis. It was just the fourth pinch-hit grand slam in the Sounds’ 37-year history. Mattison discusses last night’s game, his season so far, coming to the Brewers after playing his first five seasons in the Marlins organization and the ever-popular topic of his facial hair, which looks a lot different now compared to his Media Guide photo and Media Day photo (scroll down on linked page)."

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County AUDIO:

 

RHP Chad Pierce joins Andrew Luftglass on the Manatees Pregame Show to talk about a Wisconsin inspired nickname

 

Saturday night highlights -- The 'Tees score two late runs on a single by Cameron Garfield to knock off Dunedin, 3-1

 

Postgame -- Justin Rocke catches up with Cameron Garfield after his clutch 2-run, game-winning single against Dunedin

[TheCrew07]

Have I mentioned that I really like Tyler Wagner? The two pitchers I was most excited about coming out of WI last year were Wagner and Martin Viramontes.

[Mass Haas]

Well, it's 10:15 Central, and the Stars just scored once in the bottom of the 9th to tie, so if you're reading close to real time, listen in to Steve as the AA clubs head into the 10th.

[TheCrew07]

Pena delivers big hit to pace Rattlers to win

Wisconsin tops Great Lakes 5-2 in series finale

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/8/8/2/72669882/cuts/Fernandez_April_19_2014_tlukp3u7_hnt3k983.jpg

Rodolfo Fernandez pitched two scoreless innings to earn a win in his first Timber Rattlers appearance of 2014

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - Jose Pena came through with a two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie and send the Timber Rattlers to a 5-2 victory over the Great Lakes Loons Saturday afternoon. The win allowed the Rattlers to avoid being swept in the three game series at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium

 

The Loons (10-6) scored first on Saturday. Justin Chigbogu singled to left in the second inning and took second when the ball skipped past Omar Garcia for an error. Brandon Trinkwon followed with a double to knock in Chigbogu for a 1-0 lead.

 

That was all the damage allowed by Wisconsin starting pitcher Zach Quintana. The right-hander out of Las Vegas tossed five innings, scattered six hits, walked three, struck out five, and held the Loons to one run.

 

Wisconsin (9-6) struggled early against Great Lakes starter Greg Harris. The Rattlers had one hit and Harris faced just twelve batters through the first four innings.

 

Pena changed that in the fifth. The Wisconsin DH doubled to left to start the inning. David Denson's infield single put runners on the corners. Taylor Brennan was at the plate when Denson broke early for second base on a stolen base attempt. Harris stepped off and had time to throw to second to get Denson, but the throw wound up in centerfield for an error. Pena scored on the bad throw to tie the game.

 

In the sixth, the Rattlers had runners at second and third with two out. Pena came to the plate and smacked a two-run single that gave Wisconsin a 3-1 lead. Denson drew a walk and Brennan followed with a single to drive in Pena for a 4-1 advantage.

 

Pena is getting used to big hits. He drove in a run in the top of the ninth inning at West Michigan on April 10 to break a scoreless tie. Pena also hit a walkoff, three-run home run to beat Lansing on Wednesday night. He ran his RBI total to twelve in his first fourteen games as a Timber Rattler.

 

Ortega gave the Rattlers their final run with a solo homer off Brandon Martinez in the bottom of the seventh.

 

Rodolfo Fernandez made his 2014 debut with the Timber Rattlers with two innings of scoreless relief. Fernandez, who was 4-4- with four saves for Wisconsin in 2013, picked up the victory on Saturday afternoon.

 

Great Lakes did get one more run. A two-out, RBI single by Jacob Scavuzzo in the top of the ninth off Harvey Martin got the Loons to within 5-2. The Rattlers got the final out of the game when Brennan made a diving stop of a grounder at third and threw Kyle Farmer out at first base.

 

The Rattlers ended a pair of streaks with the win. The Loons had their six game winning streak broken by the Rattlers. Wisconsin stopped their own two game losing streak.

 

The Timber Rattlers are off on Easter Sunday. They return to action on Monday night with a game in Burlington, Iowa against the Bees to start a seven-game road trip. Tyler Alexander (1-1, 4.82) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. The Bees have Elliot Morris (1-1, 6.75) as their scheduled starter. Game time in Burlington is 6:30pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio starting with the pregame show at 6:10pm.

 

HOME RUN:

WIS:

Angel Ortega (1st, 0 on in 7th inning off Brandon Martinez, 0 out)

 

WP: Rodolfo Fernandez (1-0)

LP: Greg Harris (1-1)

 

TIME: 2:30

ATTN: 3,541

 

Chris' postgame contains a pregame interview, additional insights, some nice pictures, and of course the video highlights.

Postgame Post – April 19, 2014

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

I'm not sure what to make of Zach Quintana, he's been making steady improvement each season but I have a tough time with his peripheral numbers, like a long list of low strike out pitchers who came before him.

 

Jose Pena (2-3,2B) and Angel Ortega (2-3,HR) had the multi hit games for the T-Rats.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

Wisconsin Gameday

[TheCrew07]

Fiers Deals As Sounds Take Opener In Omaha, 5-1

Right-hander Fans Career-High 12 In Third Straight Win

Nashville Sounds

 

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(Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

PAPILLION, Neb. - Mike Fiers fanned a career-high 12 batters during a dominant start to lead the Nashville Sounds to a 5-1 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers on Saturday evening in the opener of a four-game series at Werner Park.

 

Nashville (8-8) is riding a season-best three-game winning streak and improved to 5-3 against Omaha this year. Six of the Sounds' 10 hits in the contest went for extra bases.

 

Fiers (3-0) retired 14 consecutive batters at one point and allowed one run over eight strong innings to notch his third straight winning start to open the season. He threw 70 of his 104 pitches for strikes and became the first Nashville hurler to fan 12 batters in an outing since Yovani Gallaro struck out 12 Memphis Redbirds on June 21, 2007.

 

The right-hander continued his career dominance over Omaha, improving to 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA (2er/30.0ip) in his five outings against them.

 

The Sounds broke a scoreless deadlock in the top of the fifth inning with a three-run outburst against Omaha starter P.J. Walters.

 

Taylor Green opened the frame with a single and Hector Gomez was hit by a pitch before Kevin Mattison plated the night's first run with a double to right. Red-hot Pete Orr (2-for-5), who is hitting .378 (14-for-37) in his last 10 games, followed with a two-run two-bagger to up the Nashville advantage to 3-0.

 

Omaha finally broke through against Fiers in the bottom of the seventh inning when Paulo Orlando's two-out single brought home Carlos Peguero to make it a 3-1 contest. The run was the first the Storm Chasers scored against the Sounds hurler in his last 20 2/3 innings against them.

 

Nashville closed out its scoring with a pair of ninth-inning runs off Omaha reliever Cory Wade, courtesy of an Irving Falu squeeze bunt and a two-out Sean Halton RBI single.

 

Donovan Hand worked a scoreless ninth for Nashville to wrap up the victory.

 

The teams continue the series with a 2:05 p.m. matinees on Sunday afternoon. Right-hander Johnny Hellweg (1-2, 4.96) will make the start for the Sounds to face Omaha right-hander Aaron Brooks (0-0, 5.40).

 

Nashville Boxscore

Mike Fiers was brilliant, I know there are people who will disagree but I still think he's an excellent bullpen option for the Brewers long term, I just don't see him as a starting pitcher.

 

Sean Halton (2-5) had the only multi hit game from a prospect, Caleb Gindl (1-4) and Hunter Morris (3-1) had doubles.

 

Nashville Recap

 

Nashville Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Brad's Timber Rattlers photo gallery via Miller Park Prospects

[Mass Haas]

Just an FYI for fun - Angels' prospect closer Cam Bedrosian (son of '87 Cy Young winner Steve) has retired 20 batters thus far in 2014. He has 18 strikeouts.

[homer]

Jeez Fiers has been unhittable this year.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Mobile 10, @Huntsville 7, twelve innings

 

Huntsville Game Log

 

We'll do this in reverse:

 

Mobile Top of the 12th

 

Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Casey Medlen, batting 8th.

Jon Griffin strikes out swinging.

Raywilly Gomez grounds out, pitcher Eric Marzec to first baseman Shawn Zarraga.

Tom Belza walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Bryan Woodall replaces Kaleb Fleck.

Bryan Woodall walks. Tom Belza to 2nd.

Sean Jamieson walks. Tom Belza to 3rd. Bryan Woodall to 2nd.

Jake Lamb hits an inside-the-park grand slam (3) on a fly ball to center field. Tom Belza scores. Bryan Woodall scores. Sean Jamieson scores.

Mike Freeman grounds out, second baseman Greg Hopkins to first baseman Shawn Zarraga.

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 12th

 

Pitching Change: RJ Hively replaces Kaleb Fleck, batting 7th, replacing Bryan Woodall.

Greg Hopkins walks.

Eric Marzec grounds out, second baseman Mike Freeman to shortstop Sean Jamieson to first baseman Jon Griffin. Greg Hopkins to 2nd.

Adam Weisenburger walks.

Josh Prince lines out to center fielder Justin Greene.

Hainley Statia walks. Greg Hopkins to 3rd. Adam Weisenburger to 2nd.

Nick Shaw walks. Greg Hopkins scores. Adam Weisenburger to 3rd. Hainley Statia to 2nd.

Jason Rogers strikes out swinging.

 

But that was all only moderately more exciting than the 9th, when the Stars took only minimal advantage of a bases-loaded, no out situation -- Huntsville led 5-4 to begin the inning

 

Mobile Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Arcenio Leon, batting 9th, replacing Brock Kjeldgaard.

Sean Jamieson singles on a line drive to right fielder Michael Ratterree.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jake Lamb replaces Matt Stites.

Jake Lamb flies out to center fielder Mitch Haniger.

Mike Freeman walks. Sean Jamieson to 2nd.

Garrett Weber flies out to right fielder Michael Ratterree. Sean Jamieson to 3rd.

David Peralta doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Josh Prince. Sean Jamieson scores. Mike Freeman scores.

Jon Griffin pops out to first baseman Nick Ramirez in foul territory.

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Jake Barrett replaces Matt Stites, batting 2nd, replacing third baseman Garrett Weber.

Jake Lamb remains in the game as the third baseman.

Nick Ramirez walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Nick Shaw replaces Nick Ramirez.

Jason Rogers singles on a ground ball to left fielder David Peralta. Nick Shaw to 2nd.

With Shawn Zarraga batting, wild pitch by Jake Barrett, Nick Shaw to 3rd. Jason Rogers to 2nd.

Jake Barrett intentionally walks Shawn Zarraga.

Mitch Haniger out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Mike Freeman. Nick Shaw scores.

Greg Hopkins strikes out swinging.

Michael Ratterree pops out to first baseman Jon Griffin in foul territory.

 

Stars led 3-0 after one --

 

Huntsville Bottom of the 1st

 

Josh Prince singles on a ground ball to center fielder Mike Freeman.

Hainley Statia singles on a ground ball to left fielder David Peralta. Josh Prince to 2nd.

Nick Ramirez doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder David Peralta. Josh Prince scores. Hainley Statia scores.

Jason Rogers grounds out, shortstop Sean Jamieson to first baseman Jon Griffin.

Shawn Zarraga singles on a line drive to left fielder David Peralta. Nick Ramirez to 3rd.

Mitch Haniger singles on a ground ball to left fielder David Peralta. Nick Ramirez scores. Shawn Zarraga to 2nd.

Greg Hopkins flies out to center fielder Mike Freeman.

Michael Ratterree strikes out on a foul tip.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

Seven of the nine Southern League teams Huntsville plays are affiliates of NL teams, so designated hitter use is rare and we get box scores like this one - long and wieldy. 38 players saw action, 19 for each team! This game featured 18 walks, 25 strikeouts, and four wild pitches. Huntsville stranded 15 (4-for-20 with RISP).

 

RHP Jacob Barnes made the spot start (due to Tuesday's doubleheader) and lasted into the 4th, but AAA/AA yo-yo RHP Johnnie Lowe allowed both of Barnes' baserunners to score in that frame. Only RHP's Arcenio Leon and Casey Medlen among the seven Stars' hurlers escaped unscathed.

 

Mitch Haniger, playing CF in this one, was 3-for-5 (double, two RBI), as his bat starts to come around. Ryan Braun did dub him "future stud" in spring training, after all.

 

Switch-hitting catcher Shawn Zarraga was on base four times (double, two singles, walk), and is still at the .500 mark (13-for-26, six walks, only two K's). The double was his first extra-base hit.

 

Whew!

 

Formal write-up from Steve in the AM...

[SoupTown]

Fiers = Milwaukee Brewers = too much pitching depth; who woulda thunk it.

 

Looking at the 40 man, there is going to be quite a dog fight for the last couple of bullpen spots in 2015. Guys with zero options are Fiers, Figaro, Hellweg, Ariel Pena