Link Report for Wed. 8/13

[Mass Haas]

Final: @Tennessee 6, Huntsville 5

 

Walkoff loss...

 

Almora's Walkoff Sends Stars To Loss

Steve Jarnicki, Huntsville Times

 

Kodak, TN - Albert Almora, a top prospect in the Chicago Cubs organization, came through with a pinch-hit game-winning RBI double to the left center field gap Wednesday, giving the Tennessee Smokies a 6-5 win over the Huntsville Stars at Smokies Park.

 

The Stars came back from a four-run deficit late in the game. Trailing 5-1 going into the sixth inning, Yadiel Rivera produced a three-run double with the bases loaded cutting it to a 5-4 Smokies lead. Pinch hitter Josh Fellhauer then grounded out to second base scoring Rivera tying the game at 5-5.

 

The game stayed tied at five until Almora delivered the winning hit against Tim Dillard (5-2). Almora laced the RBI double to left center scoring Stephen Bruno all the way from first base. Bruno led off by reaching on an error by second baseman Nick Shaw.

 

Huntsville starter Jacob Barnes took a no decision after five innings of work. He allowed five runs on seven hits.

 

The Stars were trailing 4-0 when Barnes got the Stars on the scoreboard with an RBI double down the left field line scoring Rivera making it 4-1.

 

The Stars now trail the Smokies and Chattanooga by one game for first place in the second half of the Southern League North standings.

 

The Stars (25-27, 71-51) and the Smokies (26-26, 59-62) are now tied at 1-1 in their series as it continues Thursday night. The Stars will feature LHP Jed Bradley (5-6, 4.28) on the mound. Tennessee will have RHP C.J. Edwards (1-1, 3.21) on the hill. The game can be heard starting at 6:00 CDT on 92.9 FM, 1450 AM and wtkiradio.com.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

Stars drew ten walks, three for Josh Prince, team 3-for-16 with RISP, though.

 

Huntsville Game Log

 

Kudos, RHP Greg Holle here --

 

Tennessee Bottom of the 7th

 

Jae-Hoon Ha singles on a ground ball to center fielder Josh Fellhauer.

Stephen Bruno doubles (25) on a line drive to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Jae-Hoon Ha to 3rd.

Addison Russell strikes out swinging, catcher Robinzon Diaz to first baseman Hector Gimenez.

Manny Barreda intentionally walks Lars Anderson.

Defensive Substitution: Erik Komatsu replaces pitcher Manny Barreda, batting 3rd, playing right field.

Pitching Change: Greg Holle replaces Manny Barreda, batting 7th.

Christian Villanueva grounds into a double play, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Nick Shaw to first baseman Hector Gimenez. Lars Anderson out at 2nd.

[SoupTown]

Somebody help me out on Matt Clark. I have no idea, but his recent hot streak has me look at his history. EVERY year in the MID .850s OPS with mid 20s homers. Will we see a Clark vs Morris battle in spring training for the left hand side of first base next year? I assume 26/27 year olds in the minors will not be hall of famers in the majors. But, honestly, Clark must go to sleep each night saying 'just OPS at .850 every level and hit 25 home runs... and there is a spot for me, somewhere'

[Mass Haas]

Sounds' Michael Blazek finds his groove

Mack Burke, the Tennessean

 

Starting pitcher Michael Blazek has been on an absolute tear for the Sounds lately.

 

In his past five starts (his most recent was Aug. 8), Blazek has combined to give up only three earned runs on 21 hits in 26 innings while striking out 14. In his four starts before this streak, he gave up 12 earned runs and 14 hits in 17 1/3 innings.

 

Blazek was slotted as a reliever early in the season but was moved into the rotation in early June.

 

"Getting more repetitions and throwing all my pitches has really been the biggest thing that's kept me throwing the way I've been throwing," Blazek said. "When you're able to go out there and throw 75 to 80 (or more) pitches and work on your stuff as opposed to throwing 10 to 15 in one inning as a reliever, (it really helps)."

 

After several key departures — Jimmy Nelson and Mike Fiers to the majors and Brad Mills to Oakland via trade — the Sounds have been looking for a starter to step in and provide top-of-the-rotation-type stuff.

 

Blazek has been that guy over the last couple of weeks.

 

"We need that," manager Rick Sweet said about Blazek and other players getting hot late in the season. "We need that out of pitchers and out of position players. Now is the time you want to come into your own (as a player).

 

"Right now, we're peaking at a very good time, and hopefully, that carries over after (the regular season)."

 

Playoff push: The Sounds are on the verge of bringing the postseason to Greer Stadium in its final season as the team's home.

 

The Sounds entered Wednesday's game at El Paso with a half-game lead over the Memphis Redbirds in the American Southern Division.

 

The Sounds have 20 games remaining in the regular season, and eight of them are at Greer, where the Sounds are 42-21.

[Mass Haas]

Tarp tales - Manatees employees often spring to action

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Brewers 4, DSL Braves 2

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

Nicol Valderrey hit a pair of home runs as the Brewers doubled up the Braves 4-2. Yosmer Leal started and earned his first win of the season, going seven innings and giving up just two runs. Melvin Tejada worked the final two scoreless frames to earn the save. Valderrey finished the day 4-for-4 with the two home runs while Johel Atencio went 2-for-4 with a double and Joantgel Segovia added a single.

 

DSL Brewers Play-By-Play

 

Valderrey's home runs were both solo shots that came leading off an inning.

 

DSL Brewers Top of the 3rd

Nicol Valderrey homers (4) on a fly ball to left field.

Henry Correa flies out to left fielder Jorge Cortes.

Joantgel Segovia called out on strikes.

Raphachel Colatosti strikes out swinging.

 

DSL Brewers Top of the 7th

Nicol Valderrey homers (5) on a fly ball to left field.

Henry Correa hit by pitch.

With Joantgel Segovia batting, Henry Correa steals (2) 2nd base.

Joantgel Segovia out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Carlos Castro to first baseman Jan Guerrero. Henry Correa to 3rd.

Raphachel Colatosti out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Jose George. Henry Correa scores.

Yerald Martinez called out on strikes.

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio Blog - Postgame entry

 

Also, an additional look at the game highlights via the MyNew32 TV broadcast.

[FVBrewerFan]

Gainey's fastball consistently at 94, touched 95.