Link Report for Sat. 7/19

[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 Oklahoma City (Astros), 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: LHP Jed Bradley and RHP Eric Marzec in a doubleheader at home vs. Tennessee (Cubs), 5:15 PM pre-game, 5:30 gametime; both contests 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).

 

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Brevard County: RHP Damien Magnifico at home vs. St. Lucie (Mets), 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, as all games are scheduled to be broadcast in 2014.

 

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

 

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Wisconsin: RHP Tristan Archer at home vs. Dayton (Reds), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 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.

 

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Helena: RHP Javi Salas at home vs. Grand Junction (Rockies), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

There's a new Voice of the Helena Brewers in 2014, as Dustin Daniel (@dustin__daniel on Twitter) takes over for legendary Steve Wendt. We look forward to Dustin building his own legacy moving forward.

 

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

 

Miller Park Prospects - Arizona League Primer

 

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DSL Brewers: Idle

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville Game One

 

Huntsville Game Two

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

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.

 

***

 

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

 

***

 

STANDINGS: (For split-season leagues, 2nd half standings are shown as the default, although overall standings are also available at the link.)

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Southern 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 Central Division

 

DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris

 

***

 

Sortable individual stat pages:

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

Dominican Summer League Brewers

 

***

 

Weather.com:

 

Oklahoma City, OK

 

Huntsville, AL

 

Viera, FL (Melbourne)

 

Grand Chute, WI (Appleton)

 

Helena, MT

 

Mesa, AZ

[Mass Haas]

Happy Birthday to Huntsville relievers Tim Dillard (31) and Tanner Poppe (24).

[bkrause2]

Final: St. Lucie 8, Brevard County 6

 

Mets rally in ninth to topple 'Tees, 8-6

Victor Roache tallies three hits in loss

By Justin Rocke / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://brevardcounty.manatees.milb.com/assets/images/6/7/8/74367678/cuts/Roache_5.4_5_640x360_ksd5cpss_0jnfws7d.jpg

Victor Roache, seen from a game earlier this year, recorded three hits and an RBI in the Manatees 8-6 loss to the St. Lucie Mets on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

VIERA, Fla. - Despite holding leads of 4-0 and 6-3, the Brevard County Manatees dropped the series finale against the St. Lucie Mets, 8-6 on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

Ahead 6-5 going to the top of the ninth, reliever Stephen Peterson got Aderlin Rodriguez to fly out to right to start the frame. After Gavin Cecchini singled to right, Peterson forced Gomez to sky out to center for the second out.

 

However, it was all downhill from there. Maikis De La Cruz poked a single in front of Victor Roache in left to put the tying run in scoring position. The next batter, Jeff McNeil check swung at the first pitch and popped it up in the infield. With the shortstop Brandon Macias playing back with two outs, the ball dropped on the infield grass. By the time the former Kansas Jayhawk fielded the ball it was too late and the bases were loaded.

 

Phillip Evans, after not being in the initial lineup, came to the plate with a chance to be the hero for St. Lucie (17-9 second half, 57-38 overall). On an 0-1 pitch, Evans hit a flare into shallow left. Macias raced out and Roache, whose first step was back, charged in to try and make the game-ending grab. Both players slid feet first, yet the ball landed safely between them. Macias threw the ball back in from his behind, but by then it was way too late. All three runners had safely scored and Evans stood at first with a three-run single.

 

Beck Wheeler, who yielded two runs in game two of Thursday's doubleheader, then came on to close it out. He retired the Manatees in order in the ninth to close out the victory for the Mets.

 

For the second straight night the Mets charge from behind started in the eighth inning. Trevor Seidenberger came in from the bullpen to bridge the gap to the ninth.

 

De La Cruz sparked the rally with an incredible battle to start the inning. With two strikes, the Mets center fielder fouled off six pitches to stay alive. Ultimately, De La Cruz won the fight by striking a double down the right field line.

 

Unlike the hitter before him, McNeil wasted no time to incur his damage. The left-handed swinger cranked the first pitch he saw down the right field line for an RBI double to trim the lead to 6-5.

 

St. Lucie's come-from-behind win, put a damper on another great start by the Manatees offense. Once again, the 'Tees (15-9, 51-39) got on the board in the first three frames by scoring four in the second and two more in the third.

 

After Mets starter Matthew Koch (7-3, 4.61 ERA) retired the first two batters on fly balls, the Manatees bats came alive. Roache lined a single to center and Alfredo Rodriguez followed that up with an infield single that deflected off the pitcher.

 

Macias started the scoring by ripping a single into right field to score Roache and give the Manatees the early advantage, 1-0. The onslaught was not done, as Jose Sermo, last night's walk-off hero, grounded a single to center to drive home another run and push the lead to two.

 

Nathan Orf was then plunked, which loaded the bases for Michael Reed. The Texas native, who drove in two runs in yesterday's game, snuck a ground ball past the shortstop Cecchini and into center field. Both Rodriguez and Sermo scored, but Orf was caught off second base to end the inning.

 

After the Mets put three runs on the board in the top of the third thanks to a three-run blast to right by McNeil, Brevard County's hitters struck again.

 

Tyrone Taylor got it started with a single into right-center and with one out Cameron Garfield drove a single to right, which put runners at first and third.

 

Roache kept the attack in full throttle, as he lined a single into right-center field to score Taylor and bring the lead back up to two, 5-3.

 

Rodriguez then was struck by a pitch to load the bases. Macias brought home the 'Tees final run of the night with a fielder's choice. Cecchini fielded and threw on to third to get the force, Garfield scored from third to increase the lead back to three.

 

Lost in the shuffle was another strong outing from Damien Magnifico. The Florida State League All-Star went 5.2 innings and allowed four runs - three earned - on just three hits. Magnifico walked two and struck out three. The lone unearned run came on an error by Reed, which allowed St. Lucie to score in the sixth.

 

Brevard County will start a four-game road trip tomorrow, as they travel to Fort Myers to start their final series against the Miracle. First pitch at Hammond Stadium is slated for 4:05 p.m. Austin Ross will get the start for the 'Tees against the Miracle's Tim Shibuya.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Brevard County Play-By-Play

 

Brevard County Bottom of the 2nd

Mike Garza flies out to right fielder Jared King.

Cameron Garfield flies out to left fielder Maikis De La Cruz.

Victor Roache singles on a line drive to center fielder Gilbert Gomez. Victor Roache advances to 2nd, on a fielding error by center fielder Gilbert Gomez.

Alfredo Rodriguez singles on a ground ball to pitcher Matt Koch. Victor Roache to 3rd.

Brandon Macias singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jared King. Victor Roache scores. Alfredo Rodriguez to 2nd.

Jose Sermo singles on a line drive to center fielder Gilbert Gomez. Alfredo Rodriguez scores. Brandon Macias to 2nd.

With Nathan Orf batting, wild pitch by Matt Koch, Brandon Macias to 3rd. Jose Sermo to 2nd.

Nathan Orf hit by pitch.

Michael Reed singles on a line drive to center fielder Gilbert Gomez. Brandon Macias scores. Jose Sermo scores. Nathan Orf out at 3rd, center fielder Gilbert Gomez to third baseman Jeff McNeil to second baseman L. Mazzilli.

[TooLiveBrew]

Dragons defeat Wisconsin 9-3

Rattlers drop third straight game

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/2/0/8/85371208/cuts/Out_at_Third_WEB_onvjhgg7_y5tbpl5b.jpg

Taylor Brennan tags out Joe Hudson at third base for the final out of the fourth inning (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

 

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Dayton Dragons defeated the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 9-3 on Saturday night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The Dragons had ten hits as they pulled away from the Rattlers with two runs in the sixth and four in the seventh.

 

Dayton (50-46 overall, 14-14 second half) took the lead in the first inning. Jamodrick McGruder singled to start the game against Wisconsin starter Tristan Archer. Robert Ramirez hit a two-run homer that just stayed fair down the right field line with one out and the Dragons were up 2-0.

 

Wisconsin (50-47, 14-14) scored a run without a hit in the bottom of the first. Chris McFarland reached on an error. Clint Coulter was hit by a pitch and David Denson drew a walk to loaded the bases. Taylor Brennan drew a second walk in the inning to force in McFarland and cut Dayton's lead to a single run.

 

Phillip Ervin tripled to start the top of the fourth inning. A sacrifice fly off the bat of Gabriel Rosa scored Ervin and gave the Dragons a 3-1 lead.

 

Michael Ratterree pulled the Timber Rattlers back to within a run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Ratterree launched a solo home run to left with two outs to make the score 3-2. The homer was the sixteenth of the season for Ratterree.

 

Defensive lapses cost Wisconsin in the top of the sixth inning and the Dragons scored a pair of unearned runs off reliever Luke Curtis. Ramirez drew a one out walk and went to second when a pickoff throw to first was not caught. Then, Ervin sent a routine grounder to short that was missed for an error that put runners on the corners. Avain Rachal drove in Ramirez with another sacrifice fly. Joe Hudson followed with a triple to right-center to knock in Erin for a 5-2 lead.

 

Dayton put the game out of reach in the top of the seventh against Zach Quintana as they sent ten men to the plate and scored four runs. Carlton Daal tripled with one out. McGruder singled to left for a 6-2 lead. A walk, a wild pitch, and an intentional walk loaded the bases. Ervin drew another walk to force in a run. Rachal had another sacrifice fly and Hudson drove in a run with a single to make it 9-2. Quintana walked Rosa to reload the bases and was relieved by Chris Razo, who got the final out of the seventh.

 

Razo would toss a scoreless eighth and a scoreless ninth inning, too.

 

Wisconsin loaded the bases for one more attempted rally in the bottom of the ninth. David Denson reached on an error, Brennan walked, and Rafael Neda singled with one out against Pedro Diaz, the third Dayton pitcher of the night. Angel Ortega singled to left to knock in Denson to pull the Rattlers to within 9-3. Nolan Becker took over for the Dragons and struck out the next two batters to finish the game.

 

Game two of the series is Sunday afternoon. Clint Terry (2-2, 3.25) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Jackson Stephens (2-1, 3.98) is set to start for the Dragons. Game time is 1:05pm.

 

 

Timber Rattlers Box Score

Neda (2-3, BB) had the only multi-hit game for Matt Erickson's club. McFarland, Ratterree, Brennan, & Omar Garcia each notched one hit.

 

 

Timber Rattlers PbP

[Eye Black]

Final: Grand Junction 6, Helena 5

 

Late rally comes up short for Brewers

By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers

 

The Helena Brewers (12-20) lost 6-5 in heartbreaking fashion to the Grand Junction Rockies (18-14) on Saturday night at Kindrick Field in Helena.

 

The Rockies struck first with two runs in the top of the second inning. Randy Reyes and Luis Castro would come in to score on a wild pitch and RBI single from Omar Carrizales. Carrizales was 4-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

 

The Brewers then homered in the second and third innings to take a 3-2 lead after three frames. Jack Cleary hit a solo homer in the second off Carlos Polanco, his first home run of professional baseball. Brandon Diaz then had a two-run shot in the third to give the Brewers their first lead of the game.

 

Polanco (4-3) pitched a season-high seven innings in the start, giving up three runs on six hits, walking one and striking out four.

 

After tying it up 3-3 in the fifth, the Rockies would take a 6-3 lead with three runs on three hits in the sixth, knocking Javi Salas (0-2) out of the ballgame.

 

The Brewers would make a late run at it, trailing by three going to the bottom of the ninth. Eric Williams and Mitch Meyer would score in the inning and Dionis Hinijosa stole third with two outs to put the tying run just 90 feet from home for the Brewers. Gregory Munoz grounded into a fielder's choice to end the game and give Helena their 20th loss of the year. Gregory Munoz was 3-for-4 on the night with a run scored.

 

The Brewers and Rockies will face off in game two of their four game series Sunday from Kindrick Field. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.

 

Helena Box Score

 

Helena Game Log

 

With the tying run on third and winning run on first, Helena's ninth inning rally fell just short.

 

Helena Bottom of the 9th

• Pitching Change: Gavin Glanz replaces Cristian Quintin.
  Sthervin Matos pops out to shortstop Luis Jean.
  Eric Williams singles on a ground ball to center fielder Omar Carrizales.
  With Jack Cleary batting, Eric Williams advances to 2nd on a balk.
  Jack Cleary walks.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Edgardo Rivera replaces Jack Cleary.
  Mitch Meyer grounds into a force out, second baseman Forrest Wall to shortstop Luis Jean. Eric Williams to 3rd. Edgardo Rivera out at 2nd. Mitch Meyer to 1st.
  Dionis Hinojosa singles on a fly ball to right fielder Randy Reyes. Eric Williams scores. Mitch Meyer to 3rd.
  With Alan Sharkey batting, wild pitch by Gavin Glanz, Mitch Meyer scores. Dionis Hinojosa to 2nd.
  Alan Sharkey walks.
  With Gregory Munoz batting, Dionis Hinojosa steals (2) 3rd base.
  Gregory Munoz grounds into a force out, shortstop Luis Jean to second baseman Forrest Wall. Alan Sharkey out at 2nd.

[TooLiveBrew]

Sounds Defeat RedHawks, 7-3

Halton Leads Nashville With 2-for-4, Three-RBI Night

Nashville Sounds

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/snkGTQ0.jpg

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Oklahoma City, OK

(photo taken from http://activitypit.ning.com/profile/MikePaterno)

 

 

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sean Halton ripped a pair of doubles and drove in three runs to lead the Nashville Sounds to a 7-3 victory over the Oklahoma City RedHawks on Saturday evening at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

 

The Sounds grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning against Oklahoma City starter Tommy Shirley. After Jeremy Hermida drew a leadoff walk, the red-hot Halton (2-for-4) plated him by driving an RBI double to left. Halton, who is hitting .400 (28-for-70) over his last 17 contests, later scored on a double play grounder.

 

Oklahoma City halved the Nashville lead to 2-1 in the home half of the second against [Mike] Fiers when Preston Tucker scored on a two-out RBI single off the bat of Max Stassi. The Nashville right-hander avoided further damage in the frame as he fanned Jiovanni Mier to strand runners at second and third.

 

Halton continued his solid night in the fourth when he ripped a two-run double to straightaway center to stretch the lead to 4-1. Jason Rogers and Jeremy Hermida, who each coaxed walks from Shirley, [both] scored on the two-bagger, the outfielder's second of the night and 18th on the year. Hector Gomez added to the rally and made it a 5-1 contest when he plated Halton with an RBI single.

 

Nashville kept it going in the fifth against Shirley. Irving Falu reached on a bunt single and later scored on Jason Rogers' sacrifice fly to run the score to 6-1.

 

RedHawks first baseman Matt Duffy led off the home half of the fifth with a solo homer to left-center off Fiers, the slugger's ninth big fly of the year. Oklahoma City later loaded the bases against the Sounds' right-hander and Fiers issued a two-out walk to Austin Wates to force home Miller to reduce the Nashville lead to 6-3. Preston Tucker followed with a first-pitch rocket off the right-hander that was right at Matt Clark, who snared the liner with a lunging grab for the final out of the frame.

 

Fiers (7-5) picked up his first victory since May 10th, a span of eight outings for Nashville, after holding the 'Hawks to three runs on three hits over his five frames of action, walking four batters while striking out four during his 80-pitch effort.

 

Kevin Mattison opened the Sounds' seventh with a bunt single and later scored from second on a one-out Eugenio Velez single to center, which chased Shirley from the contest.

 

Shirley (0-1) drew the loss after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings. The damage could have been worse, but the southpaw induced four double-play groundouts from the Sounds on the night.

 

Brewers reliever Jim Henderson made his first rehab appearance for Nashville in the contest and worked around a leadoff walk to toss a scoreless inning, throwing 16 pitches (10 strikes).

 

Alfredo Figaro closed out the victory with a pair of scoreless relief innings for Nashville.

 

The Sounds will look to secure only their third winning road series of the year when the teams wrap up the four-game set with a 6:05 p.m. finale on Sunday evening. Right-hander Taylor Jungmann (4-5, 5.66) will toe the slab for the Sounds and face Oklahoma City southpaw Rudy Owens (5-4, 5.16).

 

 

Nasvhille Box

Velez, Clark, & Mattison each joined Halton with a pair of hits/

 

 

Nashville Game Log

The RedHawks went down a man after their first plate appearance:

 

Okla. City Bottom of the 1st

-Jonathan Villar called out on strikes.

-Oklahoma City RedHawks shortstop Jonathan Villar ejected by HP umpire Adam Schwarz.

-Ronald Torreyes pops out to first baseman Matt Clark.

-Marc Krauss grounds out, second baseman Irving Falu to first baseman Matt Clark.

[Mass Haas]

No Helena Brewer has played more games than just-turned 20-year-old RF Elvis Rubio, who had such a fantastic stateside debut in Maryvale last year. His .270/.344/.339 Helena line reflects the extra-base power exhibited last season hasn't been present.

 

We'll need to keep an eye on his status, as this series of plays indicates:

 

Helena Bottom of the 4th

 

Elvis Rubio singles on a line drive to left fielder Yonathan Daza.

Jack Cleary grounds into a double play, shortstop Luis Jean to first baseman Henry Garcia. Elvis Rubio out at 2nd.

Mitch Meyer flies out to right fielder Randy Reyes.

 

Grand Junction Top of the 5th

 

Defensive Substitution: Eric Williams replaces right fielder Elvis Rubio, batting 4th, playing right field.

 

EDIT: Update on Rubio later in this Link Report.

[Mass Haas]

Final, Game One: Huntsville 1, Tennessee 0

Final, Game Two: Huntsville 5, Tennessee 0

 

Stars Blank Smokies In DH

Steve Jarnicki, Huntsville Stars

 

Huntsville, AL - The Huntsville Stars blanked the Tennessee Smokies 1-0 and 5-0 to complete their doubleheader sweep Saturday at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville.

 

The Stars now have nine shutouts on the year. It's the second time this season that the Stars have swept a doubleheader. They also took both games against Jacksonville on April 6th.

 

In game one, the lone run of the game was scored in the bottom of the fourth. Hector Gimenez led off with a single but wound up at third base as the ball was misplayed in centerfield by Emilio Bonafacio. The next batter, Haniley Statia, brought home Gimenez on a single to right field making it 1-0.

 

Jed Bradley won his second straight start for the Stars. The lefty tossed five shutout innings and limited the Smokies to three hits. Bradley improved to 3-4 on the year.

 

In the top of the seventh the Smokies attempted to threaten. Elliot Soto led off with a single against David Goforth. Addison Russell followed by lining out into a double play. Russell hit a ball hard right at first baseman Nick Ramirez who caught the ball and tapped first to double up the runner Sotto.

 

Goforth then proceeded to rack up his 20th save of the year when he got Jorge Soler to ground out to shortstop.

 

In game two, the Stars took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second. With two outs, Shea Vucinich ripped a two-run double off the left field wall. Starting pitcher Eric Marzec helped his own cause by singling into right field scoring Vucinich.

 

The Stars made it 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth. Joey Paciorek singled home Kentrail Davis.

 

The Stars scored their final run in the in the bottom of the sixth. Nick Shaw scored all the way from first base on an Erik Komatsu single into right field. Shaw was able to score on an error in right field by Anthony Giansanti.

 

Tanner Poppe, who turned 24 on Saturday, earned the win out of the Stars bullpen. He pitched a scoreless fifth with two strikeouts.

 

Marzec, who took a no decision, pitched outstanding in a spot start. He pitched four scoreless innings and allowed just one hit.

 

The Stars (15-14, 61-38) lead the Tennessee Smokies (14-15, 47-51) 3-1 heading into the series finale Sunday. The Stars will have LHP Brent Suter (9-6, 3.58) on the mound. Tennessee will feature LHP Jeffry Antigua (0-1, 2.41). The game can be heard starting at 3:45 pm CDT on 92.9 FM, 1450 AM and wtkiradio.com.

 

Huntsville Game One Box Score

 

In his nine AA starts, teams are batting .292 against Jed Bradley (LH batters .205); Bradley was strong here, but was lifted after throwing 78 pitches in five innings.

 

It didn't come into play, but Manager Carlos Subero subbed for catcher-playing-LF Hector Gimenez with Josh Prince late to help preserve the shutout.

 

Huntsville Game One Game Log

 

Nice job by Jed here -

 

Tennessee Top of the 2nd

 

Jorge Soler walks.

Christian Villanueva singles on a ground ball to center fielder Erik Komatsu. Jorge Soler to 2nd.

Dustin Geiger strikes out swinging.

Luis Flores grounds into a double play, third baseman Hainley Statia to second baseman Nick Shaw to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Christian Villanueva out at 2nd

 

***

 

Huntsville Game Two Box Score

 

Great pitching, clean defense and 14 Stars baserunners in six innings of offense, kudos to all. The results continue to equal more than the sum of the individual parts, but how do you not enjoy 61-38? The announced crowd of 1,552 for this Saturday twinbill saw quite the mound performances...

 

Huntsville Game Two Game Log

 

RHP Tommy Toledo stranded the bases loaded to preserve the double shutout -

 

Tennessee Top of the 6th

 

Defensive switch from right field to left field for Josh Prince.

Defensive Substitution: Erik Komatsu replaces pitcher Tanner Poppe, batting 3rd, playing center field.

Pitching Change: Tommy Toledo replaces Tanner Poppe, batting 4th, replacing left fielder Hector Gimenez.

Defensive switch from center field to right field for Kentrail Davis.

Elliot Soto singles on a ground ball to shortstop Nick Shaw.

Stephen Bruno singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Hainley Statia. Elliot Soto to 2nd.

Christian Villanueva strikes out swinging.

Charles Cutler flies out to left fielder Josh Prince.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jorge Soler replaces Jeff Lorick.

Jorge Soler walks. Elliot Soto to 3rd. Stephen Bruno to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Tony Zych replaces Jorge Soler.

Jae-Hoon Ha strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Final: @AZL Cubs 5, AZL Brewers 4

 

Maryvale Box Score

 

While the A-Crew did score four runs, it's time to look at some league-wise offensive numbers, as another 14 K's gave Brewer batters the 2nd most in the 13-team Arizona League:

 

AVG: 226 (13th)

OBP: 320 (11th)

SLG: .313 (13th)

 

The Maryvale bunch has attempted 79 stolen bases in 24 games (56-for-79, 70.9%), those 79 attempts are 24 more than the next team.

 

So with such an anemic SLG mark, four extra-base hits here was encouraging, including Jake Gatewood's first professional home run, he didn't get to jog, though -

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 4th

 

Juan Ortiz strikes out swinging.

Yunior Santana strikes out swinging, catcher Tyler Alamo to first baseman Roney Alcala.

Jake Gatewood hits an inside-the-park home run (1) on a line drive to center field.

Matt Martin strikes out swinging.

 

Living up to their billing, the Brewers stole six bases in seven tries, as RF Yunior Santana stole three and is now 9-for-10 on the season.

 

Troy Stokes (again in LF) doubled in five trips and tweeted he's at least hitting the ball hard.

 

Maryvale Game Log

 

21-year-old RHP Angel Ventura was victimized by a four-run Cubs inning --

 

AZL Cubs Bottom of the 3rd

 

Roney Alcala singles on a ground ball to left fielder Troy Stokes.

Varonex Cuevas singles on a fly ball to left fielder Troy Stokes. Roney Alcala to 2nd.

Kevonte Mitchell strikes out swinging.

Andrew Ely singles on a ground ball to left fielder Troy Stokes. Roney Alcala to 3rd. Varonex Cuevas to 2nd.

Shamil Ubiera reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by shortstop Jake Gatewood. Roney Alcala scores. Varonex Cuevas to 3rd. Andrew Ely to 2nd.

With Eloy Jimenez batting, wild pitch by Angel Ventura, Varonex Cuevas scores. Andrew Ely to 3rd. Shamil Ubiera to 2nd.

Eloy Jimenez singles on a line drive to left fielder Troy Stokes. Andrew Ely scores. Shamil Ubiera scores.

Alberto Mineo flies out to left fielder Troy Stokes.

Gleyber Torres flies out to right fielder Yunior Santana.

 

RHP Caleb Smith stranded two of Jordan Yamamoto's baserunners to preserve the latter's 0.00 ERA in two appearances, and OF-turned-LHP Max Walla, pitching for the first time in 12 days and only the 4th time all summer, walked two and allowed his first earned run.

 

Late Brewer rally (with lot of Cubs help) left the tying run in scoring position -

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Yomar Morel replaces Luis Hernandez.

Leudi Otano reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Gleyber Torres.

Jorge Quiterio flies out to right fielder Eloy Jimenez.

Jonathan Oquendo pops out to third baseman Varonex Cuevas in foul territory.

Troy Stokes reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Gleyber Torres. Leudi Otano to 3rd. Troy Stokes to 2nd.

Carlos Belonis doubles (4) on a line drive to center fielder Kevonte Mitchell. Leudi Otano scores. Troy Stokes scores.

Juan Ortiz strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio blog - Postgame entry

 

Four audio clips, video highlights, and listen to and read Matt Erickson's comments on Dominican bonus baby Gilbert Lara, still pending a physical for any baseball activity

 

***

 

Honestly, trying to consider some of the Rattlers, perhaps late round picks who signed for such short money, and what they're thinking seeing a 16-year-old $3 million signee. Like, let's get some prime rib on the training table today, kid...

[Mass Haas]

You'll want to read this Dennis Punzel feature story on Clint Coulter via the Wisconsin State Journal that we just linked to in our Rattlers thread.

 

Had we read before that Coulter's offseason included right hand surgery? Perhaps, if so, a reminder.

 

And this from Manager Matt Erickson:

 

"I think we also should introduce some corner positions to him."

 

Read the article to see that quote in full context.

[Mass Haas]

From Friday --

 

You heard Jeff Hem's call yesterday, now watch on the Oklahoma City feed --

 

VIDEO: Nashville's Caleb Gindl slugs a two-run homer as the Sounds fall to Oklahoma City, 9-7, in the nightcap

 

Surprised we didn't get the audio yesterday --

 

VIDEO: Nashville's Pete Orr clears the bases with a triple as the Sounds beat Oklahoma City in the first game of a doubleheader, 7-6

[Mass Haas]

Now for the Sean Halton Show on Saturday night --

 

The Sounds grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning against Oklahoma City starter Tommy Shirley. After Jeremy Hermida drew a leadoff walk, the red-hot Halton (2-for-4) plated him by driving an RBI double to left. Halton, who is hitting .400 (28-for-70) over his last 17 contests, later scored on a double play grounder.

 

AUDIO: Sean Halton RBI Double

 

Halton continued his solid night in the fourth when he ripped a two-run double to straightaway center to stretch the lead to 4-1. Jason Rogers and Jeremy Hermida, who each coaxed walks from Shirley, each scored on the two-bagger, the outfielder's second of the night and 18th on the year. Hector Gomez added to the rally and made it a 5-1 contest when he plated Halton with an RBI single.

 

AUDIO: Sean Halton Two-Run Double

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County --

 

AUDIO: Jose Sermo joins Andrew Luftglass on the Manatees Radio Network to talk about his reaction a day after hitting a walk-off homer in the 9th

 

AUDIO, Game Highlights: The Mets come from behind and beat the 'Tees, 8-6

[Mass Haas]

AZL Cubs Bottom of the 4th

 

Pitching Change: Seth Harvey replaces Angel Ventura.

Tyler Alamo grounds out, pitcher Seth Harvey to first baseman Juan Ortiz.

Roney Alcala grounds out, first baseman Juan Ortiz to pitcher Seth Harvey.

Varonex Cuevas singles on a ground ball to right fielder Yunior Santana.

With Kevonte Mitchell batting, wild pitch by Seth Harvey, Varonex Cuevas to 2nd.

Kevonte Mitchell grounds out, shortstop Jake Gatewood to first baseman Juan Ortiz.

 

That was the 8th and final Maryvale rehab appearance for 26-year-old 2013 Brevard County closer Seth Harvey, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery.

 

His next stop will be Wisconsin, as tweeted by his teammate Tanner Norton.

[Mass Haas]

Brewers rally falls short

by Amber Kuehn, Helena Independent Record

 

The Helena Brewers provided some late-game excitement Saturday night at Kindrick Legion Field, but a dramatic, ninth-inning comeback came up one run short.

 

The Grand Junction Rockies held off Helena for a 6-5 win, but it didn’t come easy. The Brewers entered the ninth trailing 6-3, but Eric Williams singled on a ground ball up the middle with one out, and then Rockies reliever Gavin Glanz walked Jack Cleary. Mitch Meyer reached on a fielder’s choice, and Dionis Hinojosa followed with an RBI single to make it a 6-4 game.

 

Meyer came home on a wild pitch to Alan Sharkey to make it 6-5, and Glanz then walked his second batter of the inning.

 

With the potential winning run aboard, the Brewers brought second baseman Gregory Munoz to the plate. Munoz already had three hits in the game, and the crowd of 480 was screaming for one more. Hinojosa made a dangerous attempt to steal third base and was successful, but Sharkey was out on the force out at second to end the game, leaving the tying run stranded just 90 feet from home.

 

“You’ve gotta give ’em credit,” Helena manager Tony Diggs said of his squad. “They played all 27 outs, all nine innings, had a guy on third and just came up one run short. You’ve got to give them credit for staying in the game.”

 

Known for preaching aggressiveness on the base paths, Diggs said Hinojosa’s risky move was the left fielder’s decision. Diggs was happy he beat out the tag, but said a steal in that situation with the game on the line was unwarranted.

 

“He said he had the pitcher timed, but that’s hard to justify (a steal) right there with the runner already in scoring position,” he said. “We talked about it.”

 

Grand Junction starter Carlos Polanco (4-3) got the win on the mound for the Rockies after pitching seven effective innings. He gave up seven hits but allowed just three runs, all coming via the home run. Brewers catcher Jack Cleary put Helena on the board with a solo shot in the second inning — his first professional homer — and Brandon Diaz smashed another one out of the park in the third, a two-run blast that gave the Brewers their first lead, 3-2.

 

That was really all the damage that Helena would do against the righty, who’s been a little bit inconsistent this season.

 

“He kept us off balance all night,” Diggs said of Polanco, who finished with four strikeouts. “The last time we faced him we got to him, but he did a good job tonight.”

 

Polanco has alternated wins and losses in each of his appearances this year.

 

Brewers starter Javier Salas was dealt his second loss of the season, despite his longest outing. Salas allowed six runs — four earned — on 11 hits through 5 2/3 innings. The Brewers bullpen pitched one-hit, shutout ball the rest of the way.

 

Luis Castro and Omar Carrizales had big nights offensively for the Rockies. Castro was 3 for 3 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored, and Carrizales went 4 for 4 with two runs batted in.

 

The two teams meet again today for the second contest of this four-game set. Brandon Woodruff takes the mound for the Brewers against Rockies southpaw Kyle Freeland, a Denver native. First pitch is 1:05 PM (2:05 Central).

 

NOTES: Elvis Rubio was injured going to second base on a 6-3 double play in the fourth frame. Grand Junction shortstop Luis Jean hurdled the Helena right fielder while making the play and appeared to catch his ankle. Rubio left the game and was replaced by Eric Williams in right field. Diggs didn’t have any further details of Rubio’s status after the game, but said he will be re-evaluated before today’s afternoon contest. “Hopefully, he’s OK,” Diggs said. Rubio has taken his share of lumps this homestand. He was hit in the ribs by a pitch on Thursday, hit in the hip on Friday and also crashed into the chain link fence while trying to make a play on a foul ball. ... With Munoz’s 3-for-4 performance and Carrizales’ 4-for-4 showing, the No. 9 hitters combined to go 7 for 8 in Saturday’s contest. Munoz has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games. He was hitless in the series finale against Orem on Friday.

[Mass Haas]

Photos by Thom Bridge / Helena Independent Record

 

Helena’s Francisco Castillo stretches out for a grounder hit into center field Saturday, as the Brewers played host to the Grand Junction Rockies at Kindrick Legion Field. The visitors held on for a narrow 6-5 win in the opener of a four-game series.

 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cd/8cd840b8-0fd4-11e4-bff9-001a4bcf887a/53cb5d8e2c58c.preview-620.jpg

 

Helena’s Alan Sharkey underhands the ball to make the play at first base Saturday night in a Pioneer League game against Grand Junction at Kindrick Legion Field.

 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/60/b6047e98-0fd4-11e4-83a5-001a4bcf887a/53cb5dc5713ed.preview-620.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Link Report Bonus: Catching up with the Childers' (Matt and Jason)

[The stache]

I'm happy to see that Bradley has been taking some steps in the right direction. The expectations for him were high because of where he was drafted. I still think he can progress, and make it to the Major League level, and be a productive pitcher. Let's hope that happens.

[WV Brew]

As noted by Mass in his link report, Bradley has been very good against lefties. He needs to come up with a way to get right handers out and he should really take off.