Link Report for Thurs. 8/7 - Huntsville Wins in Extras on National TV Broadcast

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Round Rock (Rangers), 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 Jacob Barnes at Birmingham (White Sox), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 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: Birmingham is among the Southern League squads to offer MiLB.TV broadcasts.

 

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Brevard County: RHP Taylor Williams at Tampa (Yankees), 5:30 PM pre-game, 6:00 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: As noted by Chris Mehring last night --

 

"The Timber Rattlers continue their road trip with a series that begins on Thursday night at Peoria. Wisconsin and the Chiefs will restart the game that was suspended by rain on Sunday at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium with the score tied 1-1 after nine innings at 5:00 PM at Dozer Park. That game will be played to its conclusion and the regularly scheduled game will start no earlier than 7:00 PM. The scheduled starting pitchers in the regularly scheduled game are Preston Gainey (3-7, 4.36) for the Timber Rattlers and Luis Perdomo (2-2, 3.97) for the Chiefs."

 

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 Jorge Ortega at Idaho Falls (Royals), 7:55 PM pre-game, 8:15 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 young Athletics, 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 Marlins, 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]

Reminder that this Helena series in Idaho Falls is available (live and archived) for MiLB.TV subscribers ($12.99 gets you the month of August, all you friends and family out there).

 

Tonight's the final game of the series (and the final Helena MiLB.TV game of the year barring possible playoffs).

[Mass Haas]

Reminder:

 

Huntsville To Be Televised On CBS Sports 'Game of the Week' Tonight (Thursday 8/7)

 

To find the station in your area, locate your channel here for national CBSSportsNet broadcast.

 

With big league matinee, nice opportunity to see RHP Jacob Barnes, SS Yadiel Rivera, and the rest of the Stars.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin Completion of Suspended Game

 

Wisconsin Regularly Scheduled Game

 

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

 

***

 

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

 

Birmingham, AL

 

Tampa, FL

 

Peoria, IL

 

Idaho Falls, ID

 

Maryvale, AZ

 

Boca Chica, DR

[Mass Haas]

Hat tip, Kyle Lobner: You'll find the Manatees' Michael Reed here.

[Mass Haas]

You've got until early evening to bid for Rattlers "Outdoors" jerseys --

 

http://timberrattlers.milbauctions.com/images/stores/30/300/Num6Size46_FRONT_300.jpg

[WV Brew]

Rare walk off on the road for the T-Rats. DeMuth walked with the bases loaded. Against the Cards too. Heh heh.

[homer]

Tyler Wagner is pitching for BC.

 

 

I get those two guys mixed up all the time - Tyler Wagner, Taylor Williams, Tyler Wagner, Taylor Williams.

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville on my TV!

[Mass Haas]

Tim Dillard - on "on-Field Promotions"

[Eye Black]

Huntsville on my TV!

I am all for CBS Sports Network broadcasting minor league baseball games, even if it is only once a week. Great surprise to get to watch Huntsville tonight in HD!

[TheCrew07]

Rattlers win on walkoff walk to finish Sunday's suspended game

DeMuth draws free pass with bases loaded in eleventh to beat Peoria 2-1

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

PEORIA, IL - It was worth the wait. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers defeated the Peoria Chiefs 2-1 in eleven innings in a game the started on Sunday in Wisconsin and ended Thursday at Dozer Park. Dustin DeMuth drew the third walk of the eleventh inning to force in the winning run for the Rattlers.

 

In action on Sunday afternoon at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, Cesar Valera hit a slow dribbler to short with the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the fourth. Valera just beat the throw for an infield single to allow Justin Ringo to score to put the Chiefs (60-54, 23-22) up 1-0.

 

The Timber Rattlers (62-52 overall, 26-19 second half) tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning on a two-out, RBI single by David Denson that scored Taylor Brennan.

 

The game remained tied through the end of the ninth inning. Then, a torrential downpour halted play and the game could not be resumed until Thursday in Peoria.

 

Wisconsin reliever Harvey Martin pitched around a pair of singles in the top of the tenth with help from a caught stealing and a strikeout. Peoria reliever Jhonny Polanco gave up a one out single to Steve Halcomb in the tenth. Angel Ortega was next and drove a pitch to the wall in left, but it was caught on the track for the second out. Polanco got the game to the eleventh with a strikeout for the third out.

 

Martin worked a 1-2-3 top of the eleventh inning and that set the stage for Wisconsin's eighth "walkoff" win of the season.

 

Omar Garcia started the game winning rally with a single to right on an 0-2 pitch. The first out of the inning was recorded on a sacrifice bunt that was popped up back to Polanco. From there, Polanco lost the strike zone. He would walk Clint Coulter on four pitches and miss with the first two to Denson before walking him on a 3-2 pitch.

 

That brought DeMuth, the 5th round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2014 draft to the plate. Polanco missed with the first two pitches, but came back with two strikes to even the count. DeMuth fouled off the next two pitches and took another for a ball to run the count full. The Rattlers designated hitter fouled off two more pitches before taking ball four well wide of the strike zone to force in Garcia with the winning run.

 

The win, their eighth "walkoff" win of the season, moved Wisconsin's record in extra-inning games to 6-4.

 

The regularly scheduled game is set to start at 7:00pm with Preston Gainey (3-7, 4.36) set to start for the Timber Rattlers against Luis Perdomo (2-2, 3.97) scheduled to start for the Chiefs.

 

WP: Harvey Martin (4-5)

LP: Jhonny Polanco (3-1)

 

TIME: 2:55 (:39 delay)

ATTN: 5,977

 

Wisconsin Completed Boxscore

What an AB by Dustin DeMuth to end the game!

 

Wisconsin Completed Recap

[bkrause2]

Final: Brevard County 4, Tampa 6

 

No game story from the Manatees on Thursday, but here is the story from Tampa's side.

 

Clarkin Wins Debut as T-Yanks Hold On in 6-4 Victory

By Nick Flammia / Tampa Yankees

 

TAMPA, Fla. - Behind a solid high-A debut by 19-year-old Ian Clarkin, the Tampa Yankees (24-23) defeated the Brevard County Manatees (21-23) 6-4 on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The win gives Tampa a series victory, taking three of the four games.

 

Clarkin (1-0) allowed just one run in five innings of work. The southpaw scattered seven hits and one walk, striking out four in his first start with the Tampa Yankees. The Yankees drafted Clarkin in the first round (33rd overall) in 2013.

 

Angelo Gumbs led the offense for Tampa, driving in four runs while providing two home runs in a 2-for-3 night.

 

The Yankees opened the scoring off RHP Tyler Wagner in the second. Matt Snyder hit a ground-rule double to left-center field and later scored on a two-run home run by Gumbs off the scoreboard in left field.

 

Tampa added to its lead in the fourth as Aaron Judge drew a leadoff walk and scored on an ensuing double to the corner in left field by Snyder. A wild pitch by Wagner sent Snyder to third and Gumbs delivered an RBI sacrifice fly, giving the Yankees a 4-0 lead.

 

The Manatees put a run on the board in the fifth against Clarkin. Back-to-back singles started the inning before Brandon Macias hit into a 5-4-3 DOUBLE PLAY. A two-out single by Nathan Orf drove in the run, making it 4-1.

 

Wagner (11-5) allowed four runs on six hits in five innings for Brevard County and suffered his first loss since June 3rd. The righty walked two and struck out six. It was only the second time all season Wagner had allowed more than three runs.

 

The T-Yanks added two more runs off Brevard County relievers in the seventh and eighth. Mark Payton hit a leadoff double and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Cito Culver. One out later, Judge lined a run-scoring single into right field. Gumbs led off the eight with a laser beam home run over the wall in left field, giving Tampa a 6-1 lead.

 

The two late runs proved to be crucial as the Manatees surged back in the ninth. With RHP Brady Lail on the mound, Brevard County loaded the bases with one out. Orf worked an RBI walk and Tampa brought in RHP Alex Smith. Orlando Arcia greeted Smith with a double to left-center, scoring two more runs. An infield single by Tyrone Taylor loaded the bases once again. With the tying runs in scoring position, Smith struck out Michael Reed and Victor Roache to end the game and earn his fifth save of the year.

 

Snyder went 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored. Payton doubled twice, going 2-for-5 with a run scored. Trent Garrison picked up three singles, going 3-for-4.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Tyler Wagner started and took the loss after giving up four runs in five innings. Nathan Orf reached base in all five plate appearances, collecting three hits and two walks. Orlando Arcia went 3-for-5 with a double and Garrett Cooper added three hits in four at bats.

 

DSL Brewers Play-By-Play

 

Brevard's ninth inning rally came up short.

 

Brevard County Top of the 9th

Mike Garza grounds out, third baseman Eric Jagielo to first baseman Matt Snyder.

Parker Berberet singles on a fly ball to center fielder Mark Payton.

Garrett Cooper singles on a fly ball to left fielder Ericson Leonora. Parker Berberet to 2nd.

Brandon Macias singles on a fly ball to center fielder Mark Payton. Parker Berberet to 3rd. Garrett Cooper to 2nd.

Nathan Orf walks. Parker Berberet scores. Garrett Cooper to 3rd. Brandon Macias to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Alex Smith replaces Brady Lail.

Orlando Arcia doubles (24) on a fly ball to center fielder Mark Payton. Garrett Cooper scores. Brandon Macias scores. Nathan Orf to 3rd.

Tyrone Taylor singles on a ground ball to third baseman Eric Jagielo.

Michael Reed strikes out swinging.

Victor Roache strikes out swinging.

[TheCrew07]

Gainey strikes out a dozen in Wisconsin's 6-1 at Peoria

Rattlers starter goes seven shutout innings in victory

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

PEORIA, IL - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers needed Preston Gainey to go deep into Thursday's game at Peoria. The right-hander responded with seven scoreless innings and a professional single-game high twelve strikeouts to earn the win as the Rattlers defeated the Chiefs 6-1 at Dozer Park.

 

The Chiefs (60-55 overall, 23-23 second half) threatened to score in the first inning. Carson Kelly and Ronald Castillo singled with two outs to put runners on the corners for Peoria. A pitch with Rowan Wick at the plate got away from catcher Rafael Neda and Kelly broke for the plate. However, Neda got to the ball and fired to Gainey covering the plate to get Kelly for the final out of the first.

 

Wisconsin (63-52, 27-19) grabbed the lead in the top of the third inning. Omar Garcia singled and Neda doubled to start the frame. A balk by pitcher Luis Perdomo was called when he dropped the ball on the mound with Angel Ortega at the plate. That allowed Garcia to score from third. Ortega blooped a single into right to allow Neda to score for a 2-0 lead.

 

The Rattlers tacked on three more runs in the top of the fourth inning on a couple more Peoria miscues. The Rattlers loaded the bases against Perdomo with a double by David Denson, an infield single by Taylor Brennan, and Omar Garcia being hit by a pitch. Neda's hard smash to third went through the legs of the fielder and the ball wound up in left field to allow Denson and Brennan to score. Later in the inning, Angel Ortega stole second and the throw went into center to allow Garcia to score for a 5-0 advantage.

 

Wisconsin had used two relievers on Wednesday night to close out a win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Harvey Martin pitched two scoreless innings earlier on Thursday in the Rattlers 2-1 victory over the Chiefs in the conclusion of a suspended game from Sunday afternoon. Luke Curtis was the only truly fresh arm in the Wisconsin bullpen. That's why Wisconsin needed Gainey to go deep no matter what on Thursday night.

 

It was not an issue for the 2012 draftee out of the United States Naval Academy. Gainey allowed one hit after the first inning and worked his way out of a pair of jams to toss his seven shutout innings.

 

In the fifth Juan Herrera singled and Cesar Valera walked. Gainey stopped the rally as he got Rafael Medina to ground into a nifty 3-6-1 double play and Garcia made a diving catch in left on a soft, sinking liner off the bat of Richy Pedroza. In the sixth, Gainey waked CJ McElroy, Jr. and Kelly with one out and struck out the next two batters.

 

Wisconsin added a sixth run when Denson singled to right to drive in Johnny Davis in the top of the seventh.

 

Gainey went back out for the bottom of the seventh and struck out Herrera, Valera, and Medina in order to get complete and even dozen strikeouts in the game. The twelve strikeouts in a game are the most by a Timber Rattlers pitcher this season.

 

Peoria did get a run in the bottom of the eighth against Curtis. Vaughn Bryan doubled, stole third, and scored on a grounder to short off the bat of McElroy.

 

Curtis would pitch a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth with two more strikeouts to close out the Chiefs.

 

The Timber Rattlers are a season high eleven games over .500 and are now in a three-way tie for first place in the second half standings for the Western Division.

 

The Rattlers and Chiefs will meet again on Friday night at Dozer Park. Javier Salas (0-0, 0.00) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Peoria has named Rob Kaminsky (6-2, 1.75) as their starting pitcher. Game time is 7:00pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM 1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:40pm.

 

WP: Preston Gainey (4-7)

LP: Luis Perdomo (2-3)

 

TIME: 2:45

ATTN: 2,568

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

Preston Gainey have a day! He did walk 4 but only allowed the 3 hits and of course had the 12 SOs mentioned in the game story. This was Gainey's first scoreless effort since July 4th when he struck 10 against Quad Cities... he's had a pretty rough stretch since, hopefully this is a sign of better things to come here as the season winds down. Chris had been mentioning his increased velocity all year but I'm still shocked he's working 93-94 on the top end, that's a significant improvement.

 

Earlier in the week I mentioned my man crush on Taylor Brennan (2-4), but in truth there isn't a single position player on this T-Rats roster who I don't have an affinity for on some level, and believe me that's pretty rare for me given how hard I am on players. Not that this roster has the same star power as that 2008 Huntsville club, but I'm similarly attached to the team. David Denson (2-4,2B) and Omar Garcia (2-2,2B,BB) had the other multi-hit games for the T-Rats. Johnny Davis (0-2) walked twice and is sporting a respectable .334 OBP... he's actually walked 32 times in 349 ABs which is a solid ratio, especially given his limited baseball experience. For those that haven't seen him in person he's a little dude but man can he run. He'll be lucky to put up a .700 OPS just because he's not going SLG at all but as he matures baseball wise he could be an interesting bench player assuming Tyrone Taylor continues to ascend in front of him. He's gotten better in the field and on the bases, with an improved line drive stroke at the plate his legit speed could a major asset in Milwaukee.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

Wisconsin Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Nashville, TN - Mother Nature got the best of Thursday night’s game at Greer Stadium, which was scheduled to be the first game of a five-game series between the first-place Nashville Sounds (62-56) and the Round Rock Express (61-57).

 

The outing has been postponed due to rain and rescheduled as a part of a doubleheader for Friday, August 8th at 6:05 PM. The pair of games will each be seven-innings.

 

The Sounds will send RHP Michael Blazek to the hill in the first game opposite Round Rock’s Robbie Ross Jr.

 

In Game 2, RHP Jay Jackson will make his debut for the Sounds. Jeff Hem has the call on 102.5-FM “The Game” beginning at 5:55 PM.

[Mass Haas]

Final: AZL Athletics 9, @AZL Brewers 3

 

Maryvale Box Score

 

Brewers trailed 8-0 by the time they broke through with a three-run 8th.

 

Hunter Morris (fractured right arm) with his first rehab stint, 0-for-3 (strikeout, two flyouts).

 

Actually, it was an encouraging pitching night, surprisingly, given the final score.

 

Just-turned 19-year-old 6th round RHP David Burkhalter ($200,000 signing bonus) had his best appearance-to-date, four innings of one-run ball with no walks and five strikeouts.

 

Promising RHP Joshua Torres was limited to a rare one-inning stint, which he handled perfectly. RHP Andy Hillis had a second consecutive scoreless one-inning appearance. LHP Max Walla allowed one run on two hits to wrap up.

 

Former Wisconsin LHP Tyler Alexander was touched for seven runs (four earned, his own error was one of two costly errors in a four-run 5th).

 

Maryvale Game Log

 

The A-Crew managed just six hits, two walks, and two HBP. SS Jake Gatewood, CF Carlos Belonis, and LF Troy Stokes did each reach base twice. First baseman Juan Ortiz had the team's lone XBH, a double.

 

AZL Brewers Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Cody Kurz replaces Carlos Navas.

Juan Ortiz strikes out swinging, catcher Andy Paz to first baseman Shawn Duinkerk.

Troy Stokes hit by pitch.

Jorge Quiterio pops out to catcher Andy Paz in foul territory.

Daniel Leonardo singles on a ground ball to right fielder Vicmal De La Cruz. Troy Stokes to 3rd.

Monte Harrison singles on a ground ball to left fielder Robert Martinez. Troy Stokes scores. Daniel Leonardo to 2nd.

Jake Gatewood walks. Daniel Leonardo to 3rd. Monte Harrison to 2nd.

Carlos Belonis hit by pitch. Daniel Leonardo scores. Monte Harrison to 3rd. Jake Gatewood to 2nd.

With Tanner Norton batting, wild pitch by Cody Kurz, Monte Harrison scores. Jake Gatewood to 3rd. Carlos Belonis to 2nd.

Tanner Norton grounds out, pitcher Cody Kurz to first baseman Shawn Duinkerk.

[Mass Haas]

Perfectionist Gainey relaxes, delivers gem

Brewers right-hander strikes out career-high dozen in seven frames

By Kelsie Heneghan / MiLB.com

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/1/8/6/88546186/cuts/Preston_Gainey_rsjp6fgk_ffe7kf5v.jpg

 

Preston Gainey is 4-7 with a 4.07 ERA over 20 starts this season with Wisconsin. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

 

Preston Gainey knows sometimes his desire to be perfect can hurt his pitching line. But Thursday, he relaxed and delivered an impeccable outing.

 

The right-handed Milwaukee prospect struck out a career-high 12 while allowing three hits and four walks over seven scoreless frames en route to Class A Wisconsin's 6-1 win at Peoria.

 

"I think it was just mixing my pitches. A lot of times I can get a little fastball-happy, so tonight I made sure to throw my off-speed pitches for strikes," Gainey said. "I felt pretty good, [catcher Rafael] Neda and I were on the same page. … I established my fastball early in the game and relaxed, just trusted his calls."

 

The 23-year-old gave up two of his hits coming in the first inning. After getting two quick outs, he allowed back-to-back singles to 11th-ranked Cardinals prospect Carson Kelly and Ronald Castillo. With Kelly on third, Gainey's 1-2 pitch to St. Louis' No. 17 prospect Rowan Wick got past Neda.

 

"I threw a changeup and it bounced. Neda ran back and I think Carson Kelly hesitated at third before coming home. Neda flipped to me and I tagged Kelly," Gainey said. "That out was pretty crucial. A lot of times when I get into trouble, it's when I come out in the first inning and I try to be too perfect."

 

While every pitcher strives for perfection, that sentiment comes with its own set of problems for the 2012 11th-round pick.

 

"It can be the best thing for me or it can be the worst thing for me," he admitted. "I can put unnecessary pressure on myself. It's kind of one of those things. Some nights I come out relaxed and other nights I put pressure on myself. We've been working a lot of pitch selection, just trusting myself and not trying to be too fine or perfect."

 

Aside from a walk, the Florida native was perfect for the next three innings until Juan Herrera singled in the fifth. The U.S. Naval Academy product cruised through the next frame, before Gainey took the mound in the seventh knowing that it could be his last.

 

"I told myself right before I went out on the mound, 'Put your foot on the gas and don't let them back in this game,'" he said. "I tried not to let them see the fastball too much, but I was able to throw it and keep guys off balance all night."

 

Gainey struck out the side in his final frame to complete his first scoreless start since his season debut.

 

"It feels really good. Pitching is one of those things that some nights go your way and some nights don't. It feels good that I was able to keep my team in the game and keep the runners from crossing the plate," he said. "[Left fielder] Omar Garcia made a great play in the third, a diving play that ended the inning. I was just able to capitalize on those opportunities. It was definitely a fun game."

 

Gainey has gone 4-7 with a 4.07 ERA over 20 starts with Wisconsin. While his record mirrors that of his Midwest League stint last season, his ERA -- 5.11 in 2013 -- and abilities have improved since he started in Class A ball.

 

"I definitely have developed a lot. Last year for starters, I didn't really have a changeup and I didn't have confidence with that," he said. "I worked really hard this offseason to develop a changeup and get my mechanics to where they need to be. I had a few [tough starts], but for the most part, I worked really hard in the offseason and I think it shows."

 

David Denson, Angel Ortega and Neda drove in runs in the victory.

[Eye Black]

Final: Idaho Falls 8, Helena 4

 

Chukars claim series with 8-4 win

By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers

 

The Helena Brewers (5-7) lost 8-4 on Thursday to the Idaho Falls Chukars (5-6) to lose their fifth straight series against South Division opponents.

 

The Chukars roughed up Jorge Ortega (2-3) early, picking up six runs over the first four innings. Ortega would pitch five frames in the start, giving up six runs on 10 hits. Ortega has picked up three losses in his last three appearances.

 

Brooks Pounders was solid in the start for Idaho Falls, tossing four shutout innings. Pounders, assigned to rehab with the Chukars, has played as high as AA with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

 

The Brewers would cross the plate twice in the fifth for their first runs of the game. Tucker Neuhaus and Luis Aviles each had RBI singles off of Eric Stout. Neuhaus was 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored.

 

Trailing 8-2 headed to the ninth, Helena attempted to make a late rally. With two outs, Alan Sharkey and Neuhaus each doubled and later scored, but that is where the scoring would end. Cruz Guevara came in to close out the game on the hill and did just that.

 

The Brewers will now head to Ogden to take on the Raptors in a three-game series. First pitch on Friday is set for 7:00 p.m.

 

Helena Box Score

 

Helena Game Log

[Mass Haas]

Final: Huntsville 6, @Birmingham 3, 11 innings

 

Shaw's Clutch Hits Lead Stars To Victory

Steve Jarnicki, Huntsville Stars

 

Birmingham, AL - Huntsville Stars second baseman Nick Shaw came through with two clutch hits Thursday night, one of which came in extra innings, leading the Stars to a 6-3 win over the Birmingham Barons in eleven innings at Regions Field.

 

Shaw, who went 3-5 with 3 RBI, had a go-ahead single in the fifth inning breaking a 1-1 tie which gave the Stars a 2-1 lead.

 

With the Stars ahead 3-2 going into the bottom of the ninth, Chris Curley tied the game at 3-3 on a two-out single on a 3-2 pitch against Stars closer David Goforth (5-3), which would ultimately force extra innings.

 

Shaw came to the rescue for the Stars in the top of the eleventh inning.

 

Josh Prince led off with an infield single against Birmingham reliever Nestor Molina (6-4). Erik Komatsu then struck out, however the third strike was dropped and he reached base. Yadiel Rivera was then intentionally walked.

 

Shaw came up with the bases loaded and dumped a two-run single in front of diving left fielder Josh Richmond scoring Prince and Komatsu giving the Stars a 5-3 lead.

 

Hector Gimenez also added a sacrifice fly in the inning to give the Stars a 6-3 advantage.

 

Eric Marzec collected his first save of the season with a scoreless eleventh inning.

 

The Stars received huge nights offensively from Josh Fellhauer and Yadiel Rivera. Fellhauer went 4-6 with two doubles. Rivera finished 3-4 with two triples and an RBI.

 

The Stars (22-25, 68-49) lead the Barons (22-24, 51-65) 2-0 in their five game series. Game three will be Friday night. The Stars will have LHP Jed Bradley (4-6, 4.55) on the mound. Birmingham will send RHP Bryan Blough (2-3, 3.81) to the hill. The game can be heard starting at 6:50 CDT on 92.9 FM, 1450 AM and wtkiradio.com.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

Treat to watch this one on TV.

 

22-year-old Yadiel Rivera looked fantastic, both at the plate and in the field. Listed at 6'2", 175 (seems very accurate), from a comparison perspective, reminded me of a young, thin Hanley Ramirez. The broadcast team thought he was the most impressive player they had seen in their summer-long TV series (at least from a single-game perspective).

 

LF Josh Fellhauer, 26, continues to rake since his acquisition from the Reds, the fact he was 4-for-6 with two doubles and did not score indicates that 1B Nick Ramirez and DH Hector Gimenez had tough nights. The Brewers have another year of team control on Fellhauer, look for him to be part of the 2015 AAA outfield.

 

2B Nick Shaw has back-to-back 3-for-5 games, he has followed up his amazing July (.896 OPS) with an .881 OPS thus far in August, just a fantastic seven-week run for the soon-to-be 26-year-old.

 

Rivera, Fellhauer, and Shaw combined for a 10-for-15 night, making the most of their primetime airtime.

 

Huntsville Game Log

 

No radar gun readings on the broadcast, we'll give Steve a pass on the game summary after a fine job all year, but you can't overlook RHP Jacob Barnes' seven-inning stint tonight -- 4 H, 1 R (HR), 1 BB, 3 K (93 pitches, 64 strikes). Worked the fastball inside quite a bit, didn't realize the 24-year-old was built so solid (6'2", 230).

 

RHP's Greg Holle, David Goforth and Eric Marzec followed Barnes, Holle (on a HR) and Goforth (blown save) each gave up a run, but did enough to impress as well. Marzec was rocking a serious beard, the Brewers must ease their facial hair restrictions above A-ball.

 

Winner, winner, chicken dinner --

 

Huntsville Top of the 11th

 

Pitching Change: Nestor Molina replaces Kyle Hansen.

Josh Prince singles on a ground ball to shortstop Daniel Wagner.

With Erik Komatsu batting, wild pitch by Nestor Molina, Josh Prince to 2nd.

Erik Komatsu strikes out swinging. Passed ball by catcher Kevan Smith. Josh Prince to 3rd. Erik Komatsu to 1st.

With Yadiel Rivera batting, Erik Komatsu advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.

Nestor Molina intentionally walks Yadiel Rivera.

Nick Shaw doubles (12) on a soft fly ball to left fielder Josh Richmond. Josh Prince scores. Erik Komatsu scores. Yadiel Rivera to 3rd.

Josh Fellhauer grounds out, pitcher Nestor Molina to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Nestor Molina intentionally walks Nick Ramirez.

Hector Gimenez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Trayce Thompson. Yadiel Rivera scores.

Robinzon Diaz grounds out, third baseman Jeremy Farrell to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

 

Odd ending, as Josh Fellhauer impressed (again) with a throw from the left-field corner to nab the runner at second base. The umpire ruled the out was before the runner from second base, who was cruising in, scored, saving Marzec a run.

 

Birmingham Bottom of the 11th

 

Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces David Goforth.

Rangel Ravelo flies out to center fielder Erik Komatsu.

Kevan Smith singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Fellhauer.

Joey DeMichele grounds out, second baseman Nick Shaw to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Kevan Smith to 2nd.

Daniel Wagner singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Fellhauer. Kevan Smith to 3rd. Daniel Wagner out at 2nd, left fielder Josh Fellhauer to second baseman Nick Shaw.

 

***

 

Nick Shaw gets the ice water bath in the postgame TV interview!

[Mass Haas]

Also posted in our Draft Forum:

 

Wow.

 

Kolton Mahoney of BYU's baseball team was named this week as the 2014 BFC Whitehouse Outstanding Pitcher of the Cape Cod League.

 

The junior-to-be added to those honors by striking out 13 batters in seven innings as the winning pitcher Wednesday night in the first playoff game for the Orleans Firebirds in a 3-0 victory over the Yarmouth Dennis Red Sox. During the summer season thus far in Massachusetts, Mahoney has posted a 4-2 record with a 1.79 ERA in 45.1 innings with 61 strikeouts.

 

In July, Mahoney was also named to the Cape Cod All-Star team after being drafted in the 23rd round by the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

***

 

A minute and a half into this interview, Mahoney indicates that after careful consideration, it was his decision to return to BYU. There is no indication as just how hard the Brewers may have pushed.

 

Too bad...

 

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Brewers 8, DSL Marlins 0

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

Joan De La Cruz and Carlos Luna combined to shut out the Marlins as the Brewers earned an 8-0 victory. De La Cruz started and went six innings, striking out seven to pick up the win and Luna worked the final three scoreless frames to notch the save. Raphachel Colatosti finished the game with three hits and a walk in four at bats. Juan De Los Santos also added three hits, including a double. Yerald Martinez and Joantgel Segovia each chipped in two hits and Nicolas Pierre added a double and a pair of walks.

 

DSL Brewers Play-By-Play

 

The Brewers got their pitchers a little cushion with a three run fifth inning.

 

DSL Brewers Top of the 5th

Joantgel Segovia walks.

Raphachel Colatosti singles on a line drive to third baseman Luis Alcala. Joantgel Segovia to 2nd.

Nicolas Pierre grounds into a force out, shortstop Garvis Lara to second baseman Leisman Acosta. Joantgel Segovia to 3rd. Raphachel Colatosti out at 2nd. Nicolas Pierre to 1st.

Yerald Martinez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Garvis Lara. Joantgel Segovia scores. Nicolas Pierre to 2nd.

Kevin Martinez grounds into a force out, shortstop Garvis Lara to second baseman Leisman Acosta. Nicolas Pierre to 3rd. Yerald Martinez out at 2nd. Kevin Martinez to 1st.

With Franly Mallen batting, passed ball by Benito Olivo, Nicolas Pierre scores. Kevin Martinez to 2nd.

Franly Mallen walks.

Pitching Change: Elias Hernandez replaces Eliezer Cuello.

Juan De Los Santos singles on a line drive to center fielder Josue Guzman. Kevin Martinez scores. Franly Mallen to 2nd.

Henry Correa strikes out swinging.

[dacbrewers]

Huntsville on my TV!

I am all for CBS Sports Network broadcasting minor league baseball games, even if it is only once a week. Great surprise to get to watch Huntsville tonight in HD!

 

That was great watching a MILB game in High Def. I vote for it once a week.

[Mass Haas]

The Manatees game story from the Brevard County perspective has been posted this morning.