Link Report for Sat. 5/17

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Michael Blazek at home vs. Oklahoma City (Astros), 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 $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 Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Birmingham (White Sox), 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).

 

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Brevard County: LHP Hobbs Johnson at Jupiter (Marlins), 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.

 

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Wisconsin: RHP Preston Gainey at Peoria (Cardinals), 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.

 

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 Timber Rattlers local TV game is Monday, May 19th on MyNew32 TV, 6:00 PM pre-game, home against Kane County (Cubs).

[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:

 

Nashville, TN

 

Huntsville, AL

 

Jupiter, FL (Melbourne)

 

Peoria, IL

[Mass Haas]

Via the New York Post, former Brewers 40-man utility IF Zelous Wheeler may be nearing big league debut with the Yankees. Sweet!

[Mass Haas]

Via Brad at Miller Park Prospects, a nice look at many of the Brewers' farmhand success stories in the early going.

[Mass Haas]

Numeric fun via Steve in Huntsville --

 

The Stars improved to 7-0 on Friday’s and are now 9-0 in game two’s of their series

[Mass Haas]

Numeric fun via Steve in Huntsville --

 

The Stars improved to 7-0 on Friday’s[/b]

 

Numeric non-fun from Chris --

 

Wisconsin is 0-5 in games played on Friday this season.

[Mass Haas]

Audio via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

"Tonight’s interview is with Sounds reliever Jeremy Jeffress, who tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings on Friday night and owns a 3.00 ERA in eight outings since joining the Sounds when the Brewers re-signed him. Jeffress, though he never pitched for the Sounds, spent the first several years of his career with the Brewers organization before being part of the group of players the Brewers sent to Kansas City when they acquired Zack Greinke in December 2010. Jeffress later was dealt to the Blue Jays and has spent the past few years between Triple-A and the major leagues."

[DHonks]

Josh Prince is quietly turning around his season while playing 2b. Interesting that he's an OBP machine, can play multiple spots, and hits righty. Might he be the potentially right-handed platoon partner for Scooter (and super-utility on other days)

[bkrause2]

Final: Brevard County 2, Jupiter 0

 

Big seventh inning leads 'Tees to 2-0 win

Brevard blanks Jupiter for second straight game

By Justin Rocke / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/2/0/8/72598208/cuts/Johnson_4.18_1_640x360_1o4qbjo6_2i8vsv7m.jpg

Brevard County starting pitcher Hobbs Johnson, seen here in a game from earlier this season, struck out five in six scoreless innings of work as the Manatees blanked the Jupiter Hammerheads, 2-0 at Roger Dean Stadium on Friday night. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

JUPITER, Fla. - With no score going into seventh inning, the Brevard County Manatees rallied for the games only runs in a 2-0 victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads on Saturday night at Roger Dean Stadium.

 

With one out in the inning, Alfredo Rodriguez lifted a fly ball down the right field line. Jupiter right fielder Jesus Solorzano hustled towards the foul line and made a feet-first, sliding attempt to try and make the catch. The ball dropped in front of him and Rodriguez would motor into second with his second double of the year and second hit of the night.

 

Rodriguez advanced to third on a Garrett Cooper fly out to right, which then brought up Yadiel Rivera with two outs. After struggling at the plate at the beginning of the year, Rivera came through with his second big hit in as many nights. The shortstop roped a double into the right field corner, to score Rodriguez with ease and give Brevard (22-18) a 1-0 lead.

 

Nathan Orf, who had already singled and reached on an error, followed by lining a single to center to bring home Rivera and push Brevard County's lead to two.

 

Those two runs would be all that the Manatees needed as their pitching shutout the Hammerheads' bats for the second consecutive evening.

 

'Tees starter Hobbs Johnson (4-4, 2.45 ERA), who was coming off a career-high in innings pitched and strikeouts last Saturday in Daytona, battled through a shaky first inning to hold Jupiter (19-23) scoreless over six innings. The University of North Carolina product allowed five hits, two walks, and struck out five for his second consecutive victory.

 

Johnson gave way to Martin Viramontes was just as impressive in relief. Viramontes picked up his first save of the season as he allowed just one hit, one walk and struck out three in three innings of work. Those two base runners reached in the ninth inning as the Viramontes forced the sixth overall pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, Colin Moran, to fly out to left to end the ball game.

 

Combined, Johnson and Viramontes held the Hammerheads hitless with runners in scoring position (0-for-6) and did not allow a single base runner to reach third base.

 

Jupiter wasted another stellar performance by right-hander Trevor Williams, who came into tonight a winner in his last four starts. Williams threw six scoreless innings and allowed four hits, while walking two and striking out four.

 

Left-handed reliever Frankie Reed surrendered both of the Manatees' runs in the seventh inning. Reed issued three hits and struck out one without walking a batter in two innings of relief.

 

The Manatees will try to take the series against the Hammerheads on Sunday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Brevard County will call on right-hander Tyler Wagner (3-2, 1.80), who is looking for his first victory since April 14. Righty Scott Hodges (0-4, 8.61), who has surrendered at least five runs in six of his eight outings, will get the start for Jupiter.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Alfredo Rodriguez and Yadiel Rivera each doubled for the only Manatees extra-base hits. It was part of a 2-for-4 night for Rodriguez. Nathan Orf also had a 2-for-4 game while Nicky Delmonico went 1-for-3 with a walk.

 

What more can you say about the Brevard pitching staff so far this season? As a whole, they've been terrific, and tonight was no different. Hobbs Johnson pitched six scoreless to earn his fourth win. He struck out five. Martin Viramontes pitched the final three innings and gave up just one hit to earn his first save of the year.

 

Brevard County Play-By-Play

 

The only runs of the game came in the seventh inning

 

Brevard County Top of the 7th

Pitching Change: Frankie Reed replaces Trevor Williams.

Victor Roache pops out to second baseman Noah Perio.

Alfredo Rodriguez doubles (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Jesus Solorzano.

Garrett Cooper flies out to right fielder Jesus Solorzano in foul territory. Alfredo Rodriguez to 3rd.

Yadiel Rivera doubles (4) on a line drive to right fielder Jesus Solorzano. Alfredo Rodriguez scores.

Nathan Orf singles on a line drive to center fielder Cameron Flynn. Yadiel Rivera scores.

Orlando Arcia flies out to right fielder Jesus Solorzano.

[TheCrew07]

Sounds Cruise Past RedHawks, 10-4

Sean Halton Matches Career High With Five RBIs For Nashville

Nashville Sounds

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/5/7/4/75852574/cuts/Halton05172_jilh1kbr_scy25ehc.jpg

(Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds snapped a two-game skid with a 10-4 victory over the Oklahoma City RedHawks on Saturday evening at Greer Stadium.

 

Left fielder Sean Halton enjoyed a big night for the Sounds, going 2-for-4 with a triple, double, and career high-tying five RBIs. The red-hot slugger is batting .444 (16-for-36) over his last 12 games.

 

Every Sounds player contributed to the 13-hit attack except shortstop Hector Gomez (0-for-5).

 

The Sounds got on the board in the home half of the third, sending 10 batters to the plate to put up five runs against Oklahoma City starter Rudy Owens. The outburst matched Nashville's biggest inning this season.

 

Nashville filled with bags on a Taylor Green double followed by a pair of walks drawn by Eugenio Velez and Caleb Gindl before Halton dropped a bases-clearing, three-run double down the right field line. Hunter Morris followed with an RBI single up the middle to bring home Halton for a four-run cushion. Later in the frame, catcher Matt Pagnozzi floated a run-scoring single to left-center to drive home Morris for a 5-0 Nashville advantage.

 

The RedHawks got three runs back with a two-out rally in the top of the fourth against Nashville reliever Alfredo Figaro (1-1), who picked up his first victory of the year. After the first two batters were retired, Oklahoma City recorded three straight singles then drew back-to-back walks, the second of which coming with the bases loaded, to cut the Sounds' lead to 5-3.

 

The Sounds responded with four runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth to extend the lead to a comfortable 9-3. Irving Falu (2-for-3), Velez, and Gindl started the inning with consecutive singles to bring in one run and chase Owens from the contest. Halton continued his big night by greeting Oklahoma City reliever Raul Valdes by drilling an RBI double to left to score Velez. Morris plated Gindl with a sacrifice fly before Jeremy Hermida (2-for-4) closed out the four-run outburst with a two-out RBI single to left to bring in Halton.

 

Owens (2-3) was tagged with the loss after surrendering eight runs on nine hits in his three-plus innings of work.

 

Oklahoma City pulled closer in the seventh when Domingo Santana led off with a single and scored on Gregorio Petit's one-out single that made it a 9-4 contest and ended Figaro's night.

 

Dustin Molleken (1.2 IP) and Johnnie Lowe (1.0 IP) closed out the contest with scoreless relief outings for Nashville.

 

The Sounds will look to gain a split of the four-game set when the teams play a 2:05 p.m. matinee finale on Sunday afternoon at Greer. Brewers top prospect Jimmy Nelson (4-1, 1.76) will toe the slab for the Sounds to face Oklahoma City right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 4.00).

 

Nashville Boxscore

Sean Halton's hot streak continues but even as hot as he's been he's only SLG .427, his career SLG is .449 in the minors... it's too bad really, he's kind of in the same boat as Michael Reed, he does many things you like but in the end there's just not enough power. Reed still has time but with Halton it's hard to project him to find more power considering he's already 27 years old.

 

Tomorrow's pitching match-up is a good one with Nelson facing the erratic but fireballing Foltynewicz. For those that are unfamiliar with Houston's system here's his BA scouting report:

Foltynewicz wasn't a consensus first-round pick when the Astros picked him 19th overall in 2010, making him the first Illinois high school pitcher to be selected in the first round since Kris Honel in 2001. He's developed into one of the top power arms in the minors and reached Double-A Corpus Christi for the first time in his third full season. No minor league starter touched 100 mph more often in 2013 than Foltynewicz, and he hit 101 and 102 on occasion. He doesn't locate his fastball with precision, so even when he's sitting 96-98 mph, it flattens out, making it a hittable pitch. When he locates down in the zone, it's a wipeout pitch with good sink. The Astros let him work on both his slider and curveball again after emphasizing the slider in 2012. While both breaking balls can be plus, he throws as many below-average offerings as above-average ones.

 

Nashville Recap

 

Nashville Gameday

[TheCrew07]

If Martin Viramontes can keep his BB rate at it's current level for the year he'll climb into my top 20 list. It's too early to throw a WOAH SOLVVD label on him, but he's one of the most intriguing bullpen arms in our system.

[TheCrew07]

Peoria gets Wisconsin in the twelfth

Rattlers fall 2-1 to Chiefs

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

PEORIA, IL - For the second day in a row, the Peoria Chiefs and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers went extra innings at Dozer Park. The Chiefs came out the victor for the second day in a row with a 2-1 decision on Saturday thanks to a Carson Kelly RBI single in the bottom of the twelfth.

 

Ronald Castillo put the Chiefs (25-16) in front with a two-out RBI single in the top of the first inning.

 

Wisconsin (19-22) answered with a two-out hit of their own in the top of the fourth. Michael Ratterree singled with one out and stole second. Rafael Neda was at the plate with two away and fouled off five two-strike pitches before lining a single to left to drive in Ratterree with the tying run.

 

Kenny Peoples-Walls doubled to start the Peoria fourth inning. Wisconsin starting pitcher Preston Gainey stranded Peoples-Walls by retiring the next three batters. Gainey would wind up retiring the final twelve batters he faced and the score was still tied 1-1 when he was done.

 

Gainey allowed a run on four hits with a walk and six strikeouts over seven innings, but he would get a no decision.

 

Wisconsin had an opportunity to take the lead in the top of the eighth. Johnny Davis singled with one out. Chris McFarland's fly ball to right was dropped for an error and the Rattlers had runners at second and third with one out. Clint Coulter's grounder to first with the infield playing in was turned into an out at the plate and a strikeout ended the frame.

 

Peoria had a better opportunity in the bottom of the eighth inning against reliever Trevor Seidenberger. Back-to-back errors with one out put runners on first and third. A walk would load the bases. Seidenberger escaped with a fly ball to shallow left and a routine fly ball to center ended the threat.

 

The game stayed tied until the twelfth. Rattlers reliever Harvey Martin, who had entered in the eleventh, retired the eight and nine hitters in the Peoria order to start the bottom of the twelfth. But, Jimmy Bosco singled to keep the inning alive. Herrera followed with another single to get the game to Kelly. Kelly lined a 1-0 pitch to left-center and Bosco raced home with the winning run without a throw.

 

Wisconsin is 2-2 in extra inning games this season. They are 4-10 in games decided by one run.

 

The final game of the series is Sunday afternoon at Dozer Park. Taylor Williams (1-0, 3.25) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Peoria has named Arturo Reyes (2-2, 3.24) as their starter. Game time is 2:00pm. Tune in for the broadcast starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 1:40pm on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio.

 

Wisconsin returns home for to begin a brief series against the Kane County Cougars on Monday. The Western Division leading Cougars are the Midwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and will be in town from May 19 through May 21.

 

WP: Steve Sabatino (2-0)

LP: Harvey Martin (2-3)

 

TIME: 3:36

ATTN: 5,822

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

Bah. The only thing worse that losing back to back games to the Cards is being walked off in back to back games in extra innings.

 

Things seems to fall apart rather quickly for Harvey Martin this season, he's giving up hits in bunches, his forgettable start to the season continues.

 

Preston Gainey was pretty darn good though, I hear a lot of 91s when he's pitching but you gotta love only 5 baserunners in 7 innings with 6 strike outs to boot!

 

Of the pitchers coming out of the bullpen right now Trevor Seidenberger is by far my favorite, he reminds me some of Michael Strong from last year's team..

 

Chris McFarland committed his 8th error already but Angel Ortega committed his 15th(!). Most of McFarland's errors that I've seen have been to his backhand, Ortega's have run the gamut.

 

The Rattlers posted just 6 hits in the contest, all by the same 3 batters; Johnny Davis (2-4,BB), Michael Ratterree (2-5), and Rafael Neda (2-5).

 

As if on queue Mehring mentioned an outstanding block of a pitch by Coulter in the 10th or 11th tonight, I forget exactly which inning. Normally that wouldn't be notable for a catcher but based on my comments regarding Clint behind the plate you can see where that stood out to me.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

Wisconsin Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Final: @Huntsville 4, Birmingham 0

 

Jungmann And Stars Blank Birmingham

 

Huntsville, AL - Taylor Jungmann turned in seven shutout innings as the Huntsville Stars went on to shutout the Birmingham Barons 4-0 Saturday night at Joe Davis Stadium. It was the Stars Southern League best seventh shutout of the season.

 

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third when the Stars did all their scoring against Barons starter Myles Jaye (0-6).

 

Kentrail Davis opened up the third with a double. Greg Hopkins put down a sacrifice bunt in front of home plate. The pitcher, Jaye fielded it and his throw to first pulled Christian Marrero off the bag enabling Hopkins to reach. After Nick Shaw chopped one to first base where Marrero threw out Davis at the plate, the Stars set up their scoring opportunity after Josh Prince walked.

 

D'Vontrey Richardson broke up the scoreless game on a two-run single into centerfield giving the Stars a 2-0 lead. Two batters later, Jason Rogers was walked with the bases loaded forcing home a run and giving Rogers his 25th RBI of the season. Shawn Zarraga was the next batter and he produced a sacrifice fly giving the Stars a 4-0 lead.

 

Jungmann improved to 4-4 and pitched seven innings in his second straight outing. He allowed nine hits, however was able to dodge some bullets leaving eight runners on base. Jungmann didn't walk a batter and struck out four.

 

The bullpen combination of Tim Dillard and Kevin Shackelford completed the shutout by throwing scoreless eighth and ninth innings.

 

With the win, the Stars improve to a season high fifteen games above the .500 mark at 29-14. The Barons are now 16-26.

 

The Stars have guaranteed themselves their eighth series victory in the first nine series of the season and lead the Barons 3-0 in their series. Game four is Sunday afternoon as the Stars will send LHP Brent Suter (5-2, 2.30) to the mound. Birmingham will feature LHP Scott Snodgress (1-2, 5.45). The game can be heard with Steve Jarnicki starting at 12:45 PM CDT on 92.9 FM, 1450 AM, and wtkiradio.com.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

Never spectacular but frequently solid, Taylor Jungmann has established his business card. 52 hits allowed in 52 innings, 46 K's, 15 BB's. Fans clamoring for transfers at this point don't remember the organization's M.O. -- try and clinch a first-half playoff bid, let the players enjoy the dogpile on the celebratory mound, and then let the shuffle begin.

 

That being said, Jungmann doesn't strike me as a bigtime dogpile guy, so we'll see.

 

Jason Rogers' 25 RBI ties him for 7th in the league.

 

Huntsville Game Log

 

Jungmann can thank Kentrail Davis for preserving the shutout in his final frame --

 

Birmingham Top of the 7th

 

Miguel Gonzalez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Kentrail Davis.

Michael Earley doubles (6) on a fly ball to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Miguel Gonzalez to 3rd.

Daniel Wagner flies into a double play, left fielder Kentrail Davis to catcher Shawn Zarraga. Miguel Gonzalez out at home.

Jaime Pedroza lines out to second baseman Josh Prince.

[Mass Haas]

Left fielder Sean Halton enjoyed a big night for the Sounds, going 2-for-4 with a triple, double, and career high-tying five RBIs. The red-hot slugger is batting .444 (16-for-36) over his last 12 games.

 

Nashville filled with bags on a Taylor Green double followed by a pair of walks drawn by Eugenio Velez and Caleb Gindl before Halton dropped a bases-clearing, three-run double down the right field line.

 

AUDIO: Sean Halton 3-Run Triple

 

Irving Falu (2-for-3), Velez, and Gindl started the 4th inning with consecutive singles to bring in one run and chase Rudy Owens from the contest. Halton continued his big night by greeting Oklahoma City reliever Raul Valdes by drilling an RBI double to left to score Velez.

 

AUDIO: Sean Halton RBI Double

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County --

 

AUDIO: RHP Jorge Lopez joins Justin Rocke on the Manatees Pregame Show to talk about his recent dominant outings.

 

AUDIO: Dave Walkovic is joined by LH reliever Stephen Peterson to talk about his own recent hot streak.

 

AUDIO, Game Highlights: The Manatees win in shutout fashion against the Hammerheads, 2-0.

[Mass Haas]

: Peoria staff compilation of the Timber Rattlers' 2-1 12-inning loss (there's a little-kid intermission)

 

Peoria Star game story includes this Michael Ratterree sliding photo and explains why this game meant a lot to the local community

 

http://www.pjstar.com/storyimage/IP/20140517/SPORTS/140519160/EP/1/2/EP-140519160.jpg&MaxW=650&MaxH=650

[Mass Haas]

Here's the Post-Crescent link to Sunday's continuation of Tim Froberg's nice Timber Rattler player profiles. Today's is RHP Preston Gainey, and it includes a video interview.

 

We'll archive it in the Wisconsin thread here later today.

[JohnBriggs12]

Really, could the Halton/Morris combo be any worse than Reynolds/Overbay?

[igor67]

I'm not convinced either Halton or Morris would post significantly better OBP's. Halton probably could out do Reynolds, but not enough to make up for the power gap. As for Morris he is barely OPSing over .800 with little in the way of a walk rate, so while he'd have a fair shot at out OPSing Overbay based on power it is not a slam dunk.