Link Report for Wed. 7/23 - Maryvale Romps as Three Players Reach Base Five Times

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Ariel Pena at home vs. Colorado Springs (Rockies), 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 Eric Marzec at Jackson (Mariners), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 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).

 

NOTE: This series in Jackson is available via MiLB.TV.

 

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Brevard County: LHP Hobbs Johnson at Fort Myers (Twins), 10:05 AM pre-game, 10:35 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 Preston Gainey at Lake County (Indians), 5:40 PM pre-game, 6:00 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 J.B. Kole at Great Falls (White Sox), 7:40 PM pre-game, 8:00 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 home vs. the lower-case A's, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league

 

Miller Park Prospects - Arizona League Primer

 

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DSL Brewers: at the DSL Braves, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day

 

We're also going to lock in the link to Brad Krause's fantastic Miller Park Prospects - Dominican Summer League primer right here, at least for the first couple of months of the DSL campaign, for your easy review. Brad will also be adding DSL Link Report duties to his Brevard coverage for us here. Thanks, Brad!

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

DSL Brewers

 

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

 

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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:

 

Nashville, TN

 

Jackson, TN

 

Fort Myers, FL

 

Eastlake, OH

 

Greta Falls, MT

 

Maryvale, AZ

 

Santo Domingo, DR

[Mass Haas]

Fox11 Sports Video Report: Bullpen cart makes comeback with Timber Rattlers

[WV Brew]

Reminder of how Brevard County is death to some hitters: Yadiel Rivera now hitting .291/.317/.392 at Huntsville. Yes, the OPS of .709 would be the best of his career but he did OPS .692 at Wisconsin in 2012 so it isn't that far out of line. At 22, he is 2 1/2 years younger than the average Southern league player. I'm pretty confident that Cam Garfield will also greatly improve his line when he moves up. These are 2 of my favorite players who get less attention.

[WV Brew]

Arcia is out today and wearing a brace on his knee. I don't remember hearing about this. He is supposed to be close to 100 percent and did some drills before the game. He should not need the brace the rest of the year. Manatees off to a slow start with high temps and humidity (who'd have thunk it in Florida in July during the day?).

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Notes via Steve Jarnicki --

 

The Stars outhit the Generals eleven to nine Tuesday, but still lost the game. The Stars lost for only the seventh time this year when they outhit their opponent and are now 45-7 when outhitting their opponent on the season...The Stars and Generals have now played seven straight games against each other where either Huntsville or Jackson scores a first inning run. Jackson has posted a first inning run on the Stars in three straight games dating back to the last series in Huntsville…

 

Hainley Statia hit a two-out two-run homer in the fifth inning to break up the shutout. The Statia home run was the first Stars home run since Adam Weisenburger hit a solo home run on July 16th against Tennessee. They had gone five consecutive games without a home run. Statia has hit two of his three home runs in the second half and they both have been in July on the road. The other was in Chattanooga on July 11th…

 

In the series thus far through two games, the Stars have scored six out of their seven runs with two outs… scored four out of their five runs with two outs. The Stars are hitting .274 on the season now with runners in scoring position, which is the third best team batting average in the Southern League with RISP…

 

SS Yadiel Rivera went 2-4 to extend his hitting streak to four straight contests. In his last 11 games, Rivera is batting .405 (15-37) with 1 RBI. Rivera’s hot hitting started on July 10th. Since July 10th to now, Rivera owns the third best batting average in the entire Southern League at .405… Joey Paciorek extended his hit streak to seven straight with an infield single in his final at bat in the 8th inning.. In 17 games in the second half of the season, Paciorek is batting .333 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI. In 11 games in the first half, Paciorek batted only .214 with 1 RBI. He also remains the best pinch hitter for the Stars with his .333 average (4-12, 4 RBI)…

 

Nick Ramirez produced an RBI in the 1st inning Monday. Ramirez is leading the Brewers minor league system with 66 RBI. Wisconsin’s C Clint Coulter has the second most RBI with 63 rbi’s…

 

Since the Stars clinched the 1st half championship they’ve gone 23-21.

[bkrause2]

Final: Brevard County 2, Fort Myers 9

 

'Tees swept by Miracle, bitten by long ball

By Andrew Luftglass / Brevard County Manatees

 

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees could not keep the ball in the ballpark against the Fort Myers Miracle on Wednesday. Fort Myers (22-9 second half, 63-37 overall) hit three home runs, including a pair by Dalton Hicks, and powered its way to a 9-2 win at Hammond Stadium to cap a four-game sweep.

 

Miracle first baseman Dalton Hicks picked up where he left off a night before. After the left-handed hitter tied the game with a two-run shot in the 11th on Tuesday, Hicks began Wednesday with another two-run homer in the opening frame. The clean-up batter drove a pitch from starter Hobbs Johnson over the right field wall to put Fort Myers on top, 2-0.

 

Two innings later, the biggest power bat in the Florida State League helped the Miracle extend their lead. With two outs in the third, Adam Brett Walker hit a long solo home run over the left field wall.

 

The shot was Walker's league-leading 21st of the season and tied him with Brock Peterson (2006) for the Miracle's single-season home run record. On top of all of that, the long ball gave Fort Myers a 3-0 edge.

 

Things got worse for Brevard County (15-13, 51-43) in the bottom of the fifth. Johnson (9-7, 3.13 ERA) was still on the hill and with one out, the lefty induced a ground ball to second off the bat of Nate Roberts. Nathan Orf, however, could not handle the ball and Roberts reached on an error. Johnson then walked Hicks and Walker, back-to-back, to load the bases and the Manatees called on Scott Lieser out of the bullpen.

 

Travis Harrison was the first man who Lieser faced and the right-handed batter dribbled a slow ground ball toward third base. Greg Hopkins barehanded the ball, but could not throw to first in time to get Harrison. Roberts scores from third on the infield single to put Fort Myers a 4-0 lead.

 

The Manatees fell into an even deeper hole after Harrison's "excuse me" RBI. Lieser walked Niko Goodrum and hit Tyler Grimes, both with the bases loaded. The reliever struck out the next two men, but the damage was done. All six runs scored to that point were charged to Johnson, five of them were earned and Fort Myers was well ahead, 6-0.

 

Brevard got a pair of runs back in the top of the sixth. Orf led off with a single against Miracle starting pitcher Brett Lee. With one out, Tyrone Taylor singled and Victor Roache came up with a pair on. The designated hitter lined a single to left field and Orf came home with Brevard's first run. Brandon Macias later delivered a sacrifice fly that scored Taylor and the Manatees left the sixth with a 6-2 deficit.

 

Those Manatees runs did not turn into any sort of momentum for the visitors, as Fort Myers struck back for three more runs between the sixth and eighth innings. Twice, those runs came courtesy of Hicks.

 

The first baseman hit a broken-bat single to add a run in the sixth and he added his second home run of the day in the eighth with a solo shot. In between those tallies, Grimes slammed an RBI double in the seventh. The late offense gave Fort Myers a 9-2 lead and the Miracle bullpen shut the door.

 

Right-hander B.J. Hermsen pitched the final two innings and shut the 'Tees down in order both times. His work secured the win for Lee (7-2, 1.92 ERA). The left-handed starter pitched seven innings and allowed two runs on eight hits. Lee also struck out five Manatees hitters and did not issue a walk.

 

Johnson took the loss for Brevard County. He lasted only 4.1 innings and gave up six runs (five earned) on six hits. Johnson struck out four, walked four and gave up two home runs.

 

The Manatees have now lost five straight after being swept in the four game series at Hammond Stadium. Brevard County, however, will return home for an eight-game homestand, beginning on Thursday against the Palm Beach Cardinals.

 

Damien Magnifico (6-5, 3.70 ERA) is due to start the opener to the four-game series. He will be opposed by Joe Cuda (6-7, 5.94 ERA). First pitch at Space Coast Stadium is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Hobbs Johnson struggled in the early am start. He allowed six runs, five earned on six hits. He also walked four. Victor Roache has a modest five game hitting streak, batting .350 over his last five. Nathan Orf and Alfredo Rodriguez had multi-hit games with Orf collecting two doubles.

 

Brevard County Play-By-Play

 

The Manatees got their only runs in the sixth

 

Brevard County Top of the 6th

Nathan Orf doubles (23) on a fly ball to center fielder Rafael P Valera.

Michael Reed grounds out, shortstop Jorge Polanco to first baseman Dalton Hicks.

Tyrone Taylor singles on a line drive to center fielder Rafael P Valera. Nathan Orf to 3rd.

Victor Roache singles on a ground ball to left fielder Travis Harrison. Nathan Orf scores. Tyrone Taylor to 2nd.

Alfredo Rodriguez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Adam Walker. Tyrone Taylor to 3rd. Victor Roache to 2nd.

Brandon Macias out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Adam Walker. Tyrone Taylor scores. Victor Roache to 3rd. Alfredo Rodriguez to 2nd.

Parker Berberet grounds out, shortstop Jorge Polanco to first baseman Dalton Hicks.

[Mass Haas]

Tim Dillard's latest -- All about the clubhouse music and policies therein

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Brewers 3, DSL Braves 8

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

The Brewers managed just three hits as they fell to the Braves 8-3. Kevin Martinez singled, Joantgel Segovia doubled and Yerald Martinez tripled for the only Brewers hits. Yosmer Leal started and took the loss after allowing three runs in three innings. Nattino Diplan, Junior Flores and Marcos Padilla gave up five runs in five innings of relief.

 

DSL Brewers Play-By-Play

 

It was a rough first inning for Yosmer Leal

 

DSL Braves Bottom of the 1st

Bryan Philips flies out to center fielder Nicolas Pierre.

Elias Arias walks.

Alejandro Salazar singles on a fly ball to center fielder Nicolas Pierre. Elias Arias to 2nd.

With Jan Guerrero batting, throwing error by Yosmer Leal on the pickoff attempt, Elias Arias to 3rd. Alejandro Salazar to 2nd.

Jan Guerrero singles on a fly ball to center fielder Nicolas Pierre. Elias Arias scores. Alejandro Salazar to 3rd.

Jeyson Cabrera singles on a fly ball to center fielder Nicolas Pierre. Alejandro Salazar scores. Jan Guerrero to 2nd.

Jorge Cortes singles on a fly ball to center fielder Nicolas Pierre. Jan Guerrero to 3rd. Jeyson Cabrera to 2nd.

Ledernin Tejada grounds into a double play, shortstop Julio Mendez to second baseman Henry Correa to catcher Kevin Martinez. Jan Guerrero scores. Jeyson Cabrera out at home. Jorge Cortes out at 2nd.

[TheCrew07]

Wisconsin doubles up Captains in 8-4 win

Pena, Denson each drive in three runs for Rattlers

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

EASTLAKE, OH - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers scored five runs in the first inning to grab an early lead that they never relinquished on Wednesday night at Classic Park. Wisconsin defeated the Lake County Captains 8-4 to win their third straight game.

 

The Rattlers (53-47 overall, 17-14 second half) pounced on the Captains right away. Leadoff hitter Johnny Davis started the game with a walk. Chris McFarland extended his hitting streak to six games with a bunt single. The duo pulled a double steal with Michael Ratterree at the plate and Davis scored when the throw to third sailed into left field.

 

Ratterree would draw a walk after McFarland have moved to third on a wild pitch. Ratterree would wind up at second on a wild pitch with David Denson at bat. Denson cashed in both runners with a single to center to give the Rattlers a 3-0 lead four batters into the game.

 

Later in the first, Taylor Brennan was on second and Omar Garcia was at first with two outs. Jose Pena lined a double into the corner in left to drive in both runners for a 5-0 lead.

 

The Captains (42-59, 15-16) got a run in the bottom of the first inning on a solo home run by Clint Frazier.

 

Wisconsin starting pitcher Preston Gainey retired the next seven batters he faced, but allowed two-out singles to Claudio Bautista and Frazier in the bottom of the third. Gainey appeared to get out of the inning on a ground out by Mike Pappi. However, catcher's interference was called on the play and the Captains had the bases loaded. Nellie Rodriguez drilled a single to left to drive in a pair of runs and Wisconsin's lead was cut to 5-3.

 

Pena added to the Rattlers lead in the top of the fourth with a long, solo home run to left to make the score 6-3.

 

The Timber Rattlers kept adding on in the inning. Davis and McFarland each singled to put runners on the corners with one out. McFarland stole second on a pitch that struck out Ratterree, but the throw went to third to try and get Davis. The throw was wild again and Davis scored to make it 7-3. Denson drove in his third run of the game when his single off the glove of the first baseman allowed McFarland to score.

 

Wisconsin's 8-3 lead was tested in the bottom of the fourth inning as Gainey gave up a single and back-to-back walks to load the bases. A wild pitch by Gainey let one run score and move the other runners up to second and third. Ivan Castillo appeared to pull the Captains back to within three runs with a sacrifice fly to left-center. But, the runner at third was ruled to have left early and was doubled off third base. Gainey escaped the fourth with no more damage and pitched a scoreless fifth.

 

Seth Harvey took over the mound duties for the Rattlers in the sixth and pitched two scoreless innings before turning over the 8-4 lead to Luke Curtis in the top of the eighth.

 

Curtis closed out the game with a perfect eighth and a 1-2-3 ninth.

 

Game two of the series is scheduled for Thursday morning at Classic Park. Anthony Banda (4-6, 4.27) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. The Captains will counter with Luis Lugo (5-7, 5.55). Game time is 10:00am CDT. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 9:40am.

 

HOME RUNS:

WIS:

Jose Pena (7th, 0 on in 4th inning off Dace Kime, 0 out)

 

LC:

Clint Frazier (11th, 0 on in 1st inning off Preston Gainey, 1 out)

 

WP: Preston Gainey (3-6)

LP: Dace Kime (5-12)

 

TIME: 3:08

ATTN: 2,260

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

I wish I would have pointed out Jose Pena's (2-4,2B,HR) power drought sooner... I have no doubt that David Denson (2-5) will be a hitter, the defensive side of things is a tad tough to project, but I like his offensive game. Chris McFarland's (3-5) effort lifted his BA to .305 and his OPS has squeaked over .800 to .804.

 

Luke Curtis' scoreless outing was his first with the T-Rats.

 

Wisconsin Recap

[Mass Haas]

Lots of Jeremy Jeffress on the interwebs tonight, but the most thorough piece is via Jim Owczarski of OnMilwaukee.com.

[TheCrew07]

Sounds Take Down Sky Sox, 5-2

Nashville's Orr Goes Yard; Pena Picks Up Seventh Win

Nashville Sounds

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/0/2/4/86021024/cuts/MPS_5788_Large_aldkuz60_81upyl54.jpg

(Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The first-place Nashville Sounds (55-50) downed the visiting Colorado Springs Sky Sox by a 5-2 margin Wednesday night at Greer Stadium, highlighted by a four-run 6th inning featuring Pete Orr's pinch-hit home run.

 

Matt Clark, 2-for-4, got the Sounds' big inning started with his lead-off single to left field. Caleb Gindl followed by slapping a double to right field to score Clark and level the game at two runs apiece.

 

Outfielder Kevin Mattison, 2-for-4, gave Nashville the go-ahead run by driving in Gindl with his single to right.

 

Then Nashville took a 5-2 lead when Orr crushed a two-run pinch-hit home run over the tent beyond the right field wall. It marks only the second pinch-hit home run of the season for the Sounds.

 

Starting pitcher Ariel Pena (7-6) held the Sky Sox scoreless through his first five frames, but ran into trouble in the 6th inning, allowing Colorado Springs to take the 2-1 lead with two runs on three hits.

 

Pena, who picked up the win after benefitting from the Sounds' four-run 6th, finished with six strikeouts and no walks. He finished the inning and was followed by reliever Brent Leach, who delivered two scoreless innings for Nashville.

 

Rob Wooten entered in the 9th inning, using only 11 pitches to record three outs and log his fifth save of the season.

 

In the 3rd inning, Clark helped Nashville out to a 1-0 lead with his RBI single. The run scored Irving Falu, who singled to reach base and stole a pair of bags to stand at third.

 

Gindl, 3-for-4, had two doubles on the night to give him 89 in his four-year Sounds career, which ties him with Chad Hermansen (1998-2002) for 2nd all-time among Sounds players.

 

The Sounds look to win the series against Colorado Springs on Thursday at Greer Stadium. PCL All-Star RHP Mike Fiers (7-5, 2.68) will make the start for Nashville opposite the Sky Sox's LHP Pedro Hernandez (6-5, 6.05). Jeff Hem will have the call on 102.5 The GAME.

 

Nashville Boxscore

It's always nice when the "good" Ariel Pena shows up.

 

Nashville Recap

 

Nashville Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Final: @Jackson 8, Huntsville 3

 

Generals Run Away Late From Stars

Steve Jarnicki, Huntsville Stars

 

Jackson, TN - The Jackson Generals blew open a tight game late Wednesday night and posted an 8-3 win over the Huntsville Stars at The Ballpark At Jackson to take a 2-1 lead in their five game series.

 

With the Generals leading 4-3 going into the bottom of the eighth, Jackson exploded for four runs off Stars RHP David Goforth.

 

Pat Kivlehan tripled to right-center giving them a 5-3 lead. Kevin Rivers reached on a fielder's choice RBI extending it to 6-3. Steve Baron and Brock Hebert then followed with back to back run producing hits. Baron tripled home Rivers. Hebert's single scoring Baron made it 8-3 Generals.

 

The Generals scored a first inning run in their fourth straight game against the Stars. Julio Morban produced a sacrifice fly making it 1-0.

 

The Stars tied the game in the top of the third inning. With two outs and runners at first and second base, Hainley Statia lined a single to left field scoring Yadiel Rivera tying the game at 1-1.

 

Hector Gimenez gave the Stars a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth. Gimenez doubled down the right field line scoring Nick Shaw.

 

Jackson then took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth against Stars reliever Tommy Toledo (4-2).

 

With the Stars leading 2-1, D.J. Peterson crushed a two-run homer to left field giving the Generals a 3-2 lead. Dan Paolini also doubled down the left field line in the inning giving Jackson a 4-2 advantage.

 

Toledo, who suffered the loss, retired just one batter in the sixth inning. He allowed three runs on four hits.

 

Statia homered for the second straight night for the Stars. His solo home run in the top of the eighth cut the Generals lead to 4-3.

 

RHP Stephen Landazuri (5-2) turned in seven strong innings for the Generals. Landazuri allowed just two runs on five hits and struck out eight.

 

The Stars (16-17, 62-41) and the Generals (14-18, 45-56) will continue their series with game four on Thursday night. LHP Jed Bradley (3-4, 4,.34) will start for Huntsville. Jackson will send RHP Victor Sanchez (5-4, 3.62) to the hill. The game can be heard starting at 6:50 pm CDT on 92.9 FM, 1450 AM and wtkiradio.com.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

Kudos to RHP's Eric Marzec and Greg Holle for their work. Relievers Toledo/Goforth saw their ERA's bloat tonight.

 

Mitch Haniger, playing RF, was 0-for-4 with two K's in his return.

 

28-year-old Hainley Statia has had a ten-year pro run, 219 games at AAA. Doesn't have the OF versatility experience of Elian Herrera, otherwise he might be in that very role somewhere in MLB. He should probably pursue that in winter ball.

 

Huntsville Game Log

[Mass Haas]

2012 Dominican $550,000 bonus baby Carlos Belonis (actually, he was born in New York) is having a heck of a night in Arizona. He won't be 20 years old until next month, and like Orlando Arcia, lost his 2nd pro season to injury (broken thumb in the 2nd game of 2013). Listed at 6'3", 175, if he sticks in CF and continues to fill out and progress, well let's just say he may need to be on the tail end of those community projections you folks are planning on putting together in a couple of weeks. Still a K machine, though...

[Mass Haas]

The Stars' David Goforth can be excused for his outing tonight - (teammate tweet) brand new parenthood can be distracting.

 

And from David --

 

"Thank you to everyone for the best wishes and prayers. Means so much to Kerri and I. Excited to start this chapter of our lives. #BabyGoGo"

[Mass Haas]

Sounds add Donovan Hand to rotation

Mack Burke, the Tennessean

 

In an effort to bolster the starting rotation after the departure of ace Jimmy Nelson to Milwaukee, the Brewers' front office has decided to slot 2014 Pacific Coast League All-Star pitcher Donovan Hand as the new addition to the Sounds' rotation.

 

Hand has been a late-inning and middle reliever for the Sounds for most of his career with the team, dating to 2010. Before Monday night's game against Colorado Springs, Hand had started only three games with the Sounds (2012), and he started seven games for the Brewers in 2013.

 

"We needed a starter when we lost Nelson," Sounds manager Rick Sweet said. "We talked about (a few guys), but we decided to go with Donovan because he has starter's experience, he has the pitch selection that you have to have and he needs the extra, quality work that you don't get as a closer sometimes."

 

In Monday night's game, Hand (1-6, 5.17 ERA) tossed four innings and gave up one earned run on four hits.

 

"I've joked with a lot people that I've been a utility pitcher throughout my career," Hand said before his Monday start. "(It's a front office move), and they want me to get some more innings in and get back on track because I kind of had a bad June numbers-wise.

 

"(I feel like) I've thrown the ball well all year. My stuff has probably been better than it's ever been, but I just haven't gotten the great results like I have in the past."

 

Hand said the transition into the rotation is a tough one because he has to get his body ready for longer stretches of work while trying to remain healthy. But he said he's done it before and is just ready for the opportunity to pitch and contribute more often.

 

Former closer returns: The Sounds lost one of their best relievers in Jeremy Jeffress (4-1, 1.51 ERA with Sounds), to the big-league club Monday, but they got an experienced and talented reliever in Rob Wooten in return to replace the late-inning production.

 

Wooten has a 1-4 record and 4.36 ERA in 37 appearances with Milwaukee this season. On Tuesday, he appeared in his first game with the Sounds since April 26, and he gave up three hits and three earned runs in one tough inning of relief.

 

"For me, I've got to get Wooten back focused, and I've got to make sure I put him in a position where (he can get to work on his game and get back to the big leagues)," Sweet said.

 

Said Wooten: "It's been a roller-coaster type of season. The highs have been highs, but the lows haven't been too low."

 

Wooten was the closer for the Sounds for much of last season and converted 20 saves in 23 opportunities while posting a 2.94 ERA.

 

"I'm going to try to fine-tune a couple of things and work on a few pitches that I (haven't thrown as much at the big-league level). I'm going to go out there and work on stuff, but I'm also going to compete, too; it's baseball, and I still have to get the job done."

 

Falu returns: Infielder Irving Falu returned to the Sounds on Saturday after the Brewers claimed him off waivers from San Diego and optioned him to Nashville.

 

He was waived by the Brewers on June 26 and claimed by San Diego.

[Mass Haas]

Final: @AZL Brewers 16, AZL Athletics 6

 

Maryvale Box Score

 

Nice to see the offensive outburst!

 

Beyond Carlos Belonis (4-for-5, walk, see earlier post), Monte Harrison (HR shy of the cycle, two walks, wow), 1B Juan Ortiz (triple, single, four RBI), C Matt Martin (on base four times), and Leudi Otano, playing third base (one of three Brewers on base five times in this game), all had huge nights.

 

In his last start as an 18-year-old, 6th round RHP David Burkhalter did a nice job.

 

Inherited runners-scored: Torres, J 3-0, Earls 2-0. That stat makes for a harmonious pitching staff .

 

RHP Joshua Torres helped out Burkhalter, and RHP Kaleb Earls netted the save despite the lopsided score.

 

Maryvale Game Log

 

Six-run inning!

 

AZL Brewers Bottom of the 5th

 

Monte Harrison triples (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Shawn Duinkerk.

Jake Gatewood strikes out swinging.

Carlos Belonis singles on a ground ball to right fielder Vicmal De La Cruz. Monte Harrison scores.

Juan Ortiz flies out to right fielder Vicmal De La Cruz.

Yunior Santana reaches on a throwing error by third baseman A. J. Kubala. Carlos Belonis to 2nd.

Matt Martin singles on a ground ball to left fielder Shawn Duinkerk. Carlos Belonis scores. Yunior Santana to 2nd.

Leudi Otano walks. Yunior Santana to 3rd. Matt Martin to 2nd.

Troy Stokes singles on a ground ball to third baseman A. J. Kubala. Yunior Santana scores. Matt Martin scores. Leudi Otano to 2nd.

Daniel Leonardo reaches on a fielding error by third baseman A. J. Kubala. Leudi Otano scores. Troy Stokes to 3rd.

With Monte Harrison batting, Troy Stokes scores on a balk. Daniel Leonardo advances to 2nd on a balk.

Monte Harrison walks.

Jake Gatewood called out on strikes.

 

Let's do that again!

 

AZL Brewers Bottom of the 7th

 

Matt Martin singles on a ground ball to right fielder Vicmal De La Cruz.

With Leudi Otano batting, Matt Martin caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Iolana Akau to second baseman Jean Carlo Rodriguez.

Leudi Otano singles on a ground ball to left fielder Shawn Duinkerk.

Troy Stokes singles on a ground ball to left fielder Shawn Duinkerk. Leudi Otano to 2nd.

Daniel Leonardo walks. Leudi Otano to 3rd. Troy Stokes to 2nd.

Monte Harrison walks. Leudi Otano scores. Troy Stokes to 3rd. Daniel Leonardo to 2nd.

Jake Gatewood singles on a ground ball to left fielder Shawn Duinkerk. Troy Stokes scores. Daniel Leonardo scores. Monte Harrison to 3rd.

Carlos Belonis reaches on a fielder's choice out, first baseman Michael Soto to catcher Iolana Akau. Monte Harrison out at home. Carlos Belonis to 2nd. Jake Gatewood advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Iolana Akau.

With Juan Ortiz batting, Jake Gatewood steals (4) home. Carlos Belonis steals (9) 3rd base.

Juan Ortiz singles on a ground ball to right fielder Vicmal De La Cruz. Carlos Belonis scores.

Yunior Santana reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Jesus Lopez. Juan Ortiz to 2nd.

Matt Martin hit by pitch. Juan Ortiz to 3rd. Yunior Santana to 2nd.

Leudi Otano singles on a line drive to pitcher Jesus Rivas. Juan Ortiz scores. Yunior Santana to 3rd. Matt Martin to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Phillip Ortiz replaces Jesus Rivas.

Troy Stokes strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County --

 

AUDIO, Game Highlights (Lowlights): Fort Myers defeats Brevard County, 9-2

[Eye Black]

Final: Great Falls 7, Helena 4

 

Rain cuts Brewers short, falling 7-4

By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers

 

The Helena Brewers (12-23) lost 7-4 in a rain-shortened contest on Wednesday to the Great Falls Voyagers (22-14) for their third straight loss.

 

The Brewers would take a 2-0 lead after the top of the first. Gregory Munoz led off the game with a single and came into score later on an error by shortstop Ethan Gross. Brandon Diaz would walk and score on the sacrifice fly of Sthervin Matos who now has 19 RBI in his two weeks in the Pioneer League.

 

The Voyagers would score in five of their seven innings at the plate, pounding 12 hits in the first four innings.

 

Brewers starter J.B. Kole (0-2) pitched three innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and striking out three.

 

Great Falls hit three home runs in the ball game; solo shots from Chevy Clarke and Mason Robbins while Zach Fisher hit a two-run homer.

 

After the bottom of the seventh inning, a powerful rain and lightning storm came in to shut down the operation.

 

The Brewers are now a season-low 10 games below .500 and on a three-game skid.

 

The Brewers and Voyagers will face off in the finale of their two-game series Thursday at Centene Stadium. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.

 

Helena Box Score

 

Brandon Diaz was 1-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases. Diaz is now stolen 14 bases on the season in 17 attempts.

 

Sthervin Matos was 1-for-2. In 13 Pioneer League games, Matos has a slash line of .396 BA / .411 OBP / .717 SLG.

 

Mitch Meyer was 1-for-3 with Helena's lone extra base hit, a double.

 

 

Helena Game Log

[Eye Black]

Great Falls Voyagers knock off Helena Brewers

By Lee Vernoy / Great Falls Tribune

 

The skies opened up over Centene Stadium Wednesday night at 9:10 p.m., and there was no doubt the eighth inning would never start.

 

But the Noah jokes certainly did.

 

The Great Falls Voyagers won the rain-shortened Pioneer League contest over the Helena Brewers 7-4, by way of strong pitching from Zach Thompson and Alex Powers, and power from the bats of Chevy Clarke, Zac Fisher, and Mason Robbins.

 

The Voyagers, having clinched the Pioneer League Northern Division’s first half title two days earlier, now stand at 22-14 with two games left in the first half. Helena is now 13-23, dead last in the division.

 

The defense of the Voyagers wasn’t very pretty – four errors total – and it reared its ugly head in the very first inning. Gregory Munoz singled and reached second when Toby Thomas muffed the catch on a potential double play ball off the bat of Brandon Diaz. Fellow middle infielder Ethan Gross let Tucker Neuhaus’ grounder climb up his arm for the second Voyager miscue as Gregory Munoz, who had stolen third, crossed the plate. Brandon Diaz scored the second run on Sthervin Matos’ fly to center, Tucker Neuhaus stole second, and Jack Cleary lined into a double play, with centerfielder Chevy Clarke doubling up Neuhaus at second.

 

Great Falls came right back, starting with a leadoff homer by Clarke, his seventh of the year. Clarke singled home run number two in the second to score Ryan Jones, who reached on a one-out walk.

 

Mason Robbins led off the third with a single, and Fisher, the designated hitter, slapped a frozen rope just inside the right field foul pole for his fourth dinger of the season to give Great Falls a 4-2 lead.

 

The Voyagers added two more in the fourth. Thomas doubled to left with one out, Robbins singled him to third, and Fisher singled home Thomas, with Robbins moving to third on Brandon Diaz’s error in center. Patrick Palmeiro then lined to right field, but it was deep enough to score Robbins from third.

 

Robbins capped the scoring when he led off the sixth with a poke over the wall in left for his third homer of the year.

 

Thompson earned his first win of the year (1-2), giving up three runs – one earned – on five hits and a walk while fanning four. Powers came on in the sixth, giving up an unearned run on one hit, two walks and two Ks, earning his first save as a Voyager.

 

Fisher drove in three runs on a 3-for-4 night, and Mason Robbins was a perfect 4-for-4, raising his average to .312.

 

The Voyagers and Brewers wrap up the short two-game homestand tonight at 7 when Chris Freudenburg (2-3, 3.13) starting against Javier Salas (0-2, 5.40).