Link Report for Sun. 8/24

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Michael Blazek at home vs. Sacramento (Athletics), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Jeff Hem is the play-by-play voice of the Sounds; follow him on Twitter @jeffhempbp; we'll link to his blog updates at On the Air…and Off

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $49.99 season-long package ($12.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link.

 

**********

 

Huntsville: LHP Jed Bradley at Mobile (Diamondbacks), 4:45 PM pre-game, 5:05 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).

 

**********

 

Brevard County: LHP Hobbs Johnson at Clearwater (Phillies), 11:30 AM pre-game, 12:00 PM 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.

 

**********

 

Wisconsin: RHP Preston Gainey at home vs. Beloit (Athletics), 4:45 PM pre-game, 5:05 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.

 

**********

 

Helena: RHP Brandon Woodruff at home vs. Billings (Reds), 4:45 PM pre-game, 5:05 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.

 

**********

 

Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Idle

 

**********

 

DSL Brewers: Season complete - summary post here

[Mass Haas]

DVR ALERT!

 

Monday's Timber Rattlers game will be broadcast on MyNew32 TV, airtime 7:00 PM.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

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

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

Dominican Summer League Brewers

 

***

 

Weather.com:

 

Nashville, TN

 

Mobile, AL

 

Clearwater, FL

 

Grand Chute, WI (Appleton)

 

Helena, MT

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO: Steve's Huntsville call of RHP Eric Marzec's home run Saturday

[WV Brew]

It's the Michael Reed show today. 9th inning and tied if you wanted to listen in.

 

Trailing 2-1 going into the top of the 9th, the 'Tees erupt for 4 runs. Reed evened the game on a double and scored the lead run on a single by Victor Roache. Hobbs Johnson was pretty good other than 2 gopher balls.

 

Threshers made it interesting in the bottom of the 9th but in came Jon Huizinga for his first save since 2003. 'Tees win.

[Mass Haas]

No pressure, WV Brew, but you'll definitely be invited to Link Report contribute in 2015 .

 

Thanks for your insights/comments.

[bkrause2]

Final: Brevard County 5, Clearwater 4

 

Brevard rallies in ninth to upend Clearwater, 5-4

Manatees score four runs in the final inning to take three-of-four

By Justin Rocke / Brevard County Manatees

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/8/2/4/91231824/cuts/Roache_Victor2_6dtwusp9_4zpx8puc.JPG

Brevard County outfielder Victor Roache, seen here from a game earlier this season, delivered the go-ahead base-hit in the top of the ninth inning in the Manatees 5-4 win over the Clearwater Threshers on Sunday afternoon at Bright House Field. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

 

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning, as they defeated the Clearwater Threshers, 5-4 on Sunday afternoon at Bright House Field.

 

Trailing 2-1 going into the last inning, Clearwater (28-36 second half, 45-87 overall) brought on one of their closers in Lee Ridenhour. Orlando Arcia led off the frame with a walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Tyrone Taylor.

 

Brevard County (32-30, 68-60) then made the Threshers pay with the heart of its lineup. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Michael Reed roped a ball down the right field line for a game-tying RBI double to knot the game at two.

 

Victor Roache would put the 'Tees in front a few pitches later. On a 2-2 count, the former first-round pick ripped one past the third baseman Harold Martinez and into left field for a single. Reed scored from second to give Brevard County its first lead of the game, 3-2.

 

After Roache swiped second base, Mike Garza walked to continue the rally. Cameron Garfield then took a hack at the first pitch he saw and lined it into right-center field. Roache came home to score from second and Garza moved to third on the RBI single to push the advantage to 4-2.

 

That was all for Ridenhour. The right-hander took his eighth loss of the season, as he allowed four runs on three hits. He walked two and recorded just one out.

 

Ethan Stewart came out of the bullpen for the Threshers to get the final two outs of the inning. In the process, he allowed one of Ridenhour's inherited runners to score on an RBI fielder's choice by Garrett Cooper, which made it 5-2.

 

However, the Threshers would not go down quietly in the bottom of the frame. Right-handed reliever Tyler Spurlin, who recorded the final out in the eighth, stayed on to face the middle of the Clearwater lineup.

 

Jesmuel Valentin walked on five pitches to bring J.P. Crawford to the dish. The Phillies first-round pick from 2013 turned on a 2-1 pitch and drove it over the right-center field wall for a two-run home run to cut the lead to 5-4.

 

The blast, which landed on the berm, was Crawford's second long ball of the game and his eighth with Clearwater. Five of those eight home runs with the Threshers have come against Brevard County.

 

Brandon Short would then ground out to short for the first out, but Clearwater kept the pressure on the 'Tees. Brian Pointer followed with a five-pitch walk to put the tying run on base.

 

That was it for Spurlin, as 34-year-old Jon Huizinga came on to try and pick up his first save in affiliated baseball since 2003. The side-armer struck out Martinez to tally the second out of the inning, but then gave up a single to Art Charles.

 

With the tying run at third and the winning run at first, Huizinga hunkered down. Arcia fielded a high chopper off the bat of Corey Bass and threw on to first base to record the final out of the game.

 

By recording the final two outs, Huizinga picked up his first save with the Manatees. Spurlin recorded his first career Florida State League win and his first since July 4 when he was pitching for the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

 

There wasn't much offense throughout the first eight innings of the ballgame. Clearwater took the initial lead in the first on Crawford's first home run of the game. Brevard County rallied it to tie it in the seventh on an RBI ground out by Garza after a triple to right-center by Reed. Charles then gave the Threshers a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth with his team-leading 19th home run of the season.

 

Both starters were phenomenal, but neither factored into the decision after a wild ninth inning. Manatees starter Hobbs Johnson (11-8, 3.05 ERA), who had a 9.42 ERA in three daytime starts entering the game, was stellar over 7.2 innings. He yielded just two runs on four hits, walked two and struck out two.

 

Clearwater's starter Miguel Nunez (5-7, 4.82) was equally great in his longest start of the season. The right-hander went eight innings and allowed one run on four hits. He punched out five and walked one.

 

Nunez's impressive outing comes after yielding 12 runs on 18 hits over 9.1 innings in his first two starts against the Manatees.

 

Brevard County will have an off day tomorrow before a doubleheader on Tuesday against the Lakeland Flying Tigers (19-44, 61-69) to start a six-day, seven-game homestand at Space Coast Stadium to wrap up the 2014 regular season.

 

Game one will begin at 5:05 p.m. and is a resumption of a nine-inning contest that began at Joker Marchant Stadium on July 10. The game will pick up with Orf at first and a 3-2 count on Arcia with no one out in the top of the first inning. Right-hander Jorge Lopez (9-9, 4.30) will get the ball for the 'Tees when Lakeland comes to bat in the bottom of the frame.

 

Left-hander Mike Strong (2-2, 2.67) will get the start in the seven-inning nightcap. That contest will begin a half-hour after the first game's completion.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Hobbs Johnson started and went 7.2 innings giving up two runs. Tyler Spurlin followed and gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning but picked up the win. Jon Huizinga recorded the final two outs to earn his first save. Michael Reed led the offense, going 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and a walk. Tyrone Taylor, Cameron Garfield, Victor Roache, Garrett Cooper and Nathan Orf each added a base hit.

 

Brevard County Play-By-Play

 

The eventful ninth inning.

 

Brevard County Top of the 9th

Pitching Change: Lee Ridenhour replaces Miguel Nunez.

Orlando Arcia walks.

Tyrone Taylor out on a sacrifice bunt, first baseman Art Charles to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Orlando Arcia to 2nd.

Michael Reed doubles (20) on a line drive to right fielder Brian Pointer. Orlando Arcia scores.

Victor Roache singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brandon Short. Michael Reed scores.

With Mike Garza batting, Victor Roache steals (10) 2nd base.

Mike Garza walks.

Cameron Garfield singles on a line drive to center fielder Roman Quinn. Victor Roache scores. Mike Garza to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Ethan Stewart replaces Lee Ridenhour.

Garrett Cooper grounds into a force out, shortstop J. P. Crawford to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Mike Garza scores. Cameron Garfield out at 2nd. Garrett Cooper to 1st.

Greg Hopkins strikes out swinging.

 

Clearwater Bottom of the 9th

Jesmuel Valentin walks.

J. P. Crawford homers (8) on a fly ball to right field. Jesmuel Valentin scores.

Brandon Short grounds out, shortstop Orlando Arcia to first baseman Garrett Cooper.

Brian Pointer walks.

Pitching Change: Jon Huizinga replaces Tyler Spurlin.

Harold Martinez strikes out swinging.

Art Charles singles on a line drive to right fielder Michael Reed. Brian Pointer to 3rd.

Corey Bass grounds out, shortstop Orlando Arcia to first baseman Garrett Cooper.

[WV Brew]

No pressure, WV Brew, but you'll definitely be invited to Link Report contribute in 2015 .

 

Thanks for your insights/comments.

 

Well there has been a unique combination of circumstance that has allowed me to listen to more games than normal this year. Retirement for one. We'll see what happens.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

"Tonight’s interview is with Sounds reliever Tim Dillard, who came up from Double-A Huntsville last night and has now pitched for the Sounds in eight consecutive seasons. As it turned out, the always-hilarious Dillard wasn’t the only one who appeared in the interview."

 

Classic.

[Mass Haas]

Well hello, Johnny Davis!

 

[LouisEly]

The good: Matt Clark is on fire. I'd be really surprised if he's not put on the 40-man and called up in September.

 

The bad: Wisconsin manages only 2 runs on 13 hits and 2 walks. Remember when Jose Pena was a prospect?

 

The hopefully not ugly: Bradley only threw 54 pitches today and exited after 4 innings. His last outing wasn't good either, so hopefully he's just tired and not injured.

[Eye Black]

Final: Billings 6, Helena 2

 

Mustangs take opener 6-2

By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers

 

The Helena Brewers (9-16) dropped their series opener against the Billings Mustangs (16-10) on Sunday, 6-2 at Kindrick Field.

 

It was the fifth straight game that Helena has lost, tying a season-high in consecutive losses.

 

Brandon Woodruff (0-1) was solid in his start before the fifth, facing the minimum in his first 12 batters. He would not make it out of the fifth frame however, loading the bases with no outs and giving up four runs before his exit.

 

Argenis Aldazoro led the way offensively for the Mustangs, going 4-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored.

 

The Brewers scored their two runs in the fifth and sixth. Mitch Meyer lined an RBI double to right to score Tucker Neuhaus in the fifth and Dustin DeMuth singled in Gregory Munoz in the sixth. DeMuth now has 12 multi-hit games in his 18 appearances in the Pioneer League.

 

Despite having just eight hits in the game, three Brewers batters would record multi-hit efforts; Dustin DeMuth, Gregory Munoz and Eric Williams.

 

The Brewers and the Mustangs will face off Monday in the finale of their two-game series at Kindrick Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

 

 

Helena Box Score

 

In 48 games this season, twenty year old Dominican born middle infielder Gregory Munoz is now batting .318 with a .371 on-base percentage. Munoz also recorded his 17th stolen base of the season in 21 attempts.

 

Devin Williams came on in relief tonight, pitching 4 innings and allowing 6 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks while striking out 4 to bring his season total to 55 K's in 57.1 IP.

 

Helena Game Log

[Eye Black]

Brewers drop 5th straight

By Curt Synness / Helena Independent Record

 

The Helena Brewers dropped their fifth straight game Sunday at Kindrick Legion Field, losing to the Billings Mustangs 6-2.

 

Billings improves to 33-31 overall, and a Northern Division-leading 16-10 in the second half. Helena occupies the division cellar this half at 24-41, 9-16.

 

Billings was held hitless over the first three innings by starter Brandon Woodruff before the Mustangs exploded for four runs in the top of the fifth. All the scoring came with two outs, as the Magic City club used four hits, a walk, a hit batsmen and a throwing error for their 4-spot.

 

The visitors’ third and deciding run was registered by Cory Thompson, who came home on Jimmy Pickens’ RBI single back up the middle.

 

After Pickens went to second on a Ty Washington base hit, Argenis Aldazoro followed up with a line drive that plated an insurance run, although Aldazoro was thrown out at second by right fielder Eric Williams for the third out to end the frame.

 

Helena scored a run in its half of the inning to get on the board and another in the sixth to get to 4-2. But that was as close as the home team would get, as Billings pitching and defensive play shut out the Brewers over the final three stanzas.

 

The Mustangs used five pitchers in holding the hosts to eight hits, with starter Luke Moran getting the win. He went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (one unearned) on seven hits, while striking out five and walking no one.

 

The visitors' defense helped out its pitching staff with a pair of rally-killing double plays.

 

Billings’ 11-hit attack was led by Aldazoro, who went 4 for 5, with a double and two RBIs. Pickens was 2 for 4 and scored twice.

 

Woodruff was saddled with the loss. He was relieved by Donnie Hissa and Devin Williams. Williams went the last four frames, allowing two runs on six hits while whiffing four and walking two.

 

Offensively for the Brewers, Gregory Munoz, Dustin DeMuth (RBI) and Eric Williams (RBI) had two base hits apiece. Mitch Meyer’s double was the locals' only extra base hit.

 

The two teams square off for the second game of the two-game set at 7:05 p.m. Monday at Kindrick Legion Field.

[TheCrew07]

Snappers stop Rattlers 4-2

Wisconsin outhits Beloit 13-3, but falls in series opener

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/1/8/2/91301182/cuts/Ortega_Greeting_8_24_uvu1q737_ick91e1e.jpg

Angel Ortega is greeted by his teammates after his third inning home run gave Wisconsin a 1-0 lead over the Beloit Snappers on Sunday.

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers banged out thirteen hits and held the Beloit Snappers to only three hits on Sunday at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. But, the Snappers rode homers by Michael Soto and Ryan Matthews to a 4-2 win.

 

Angel Ortega put the Rattlers (68-63 overall, 32-30 second half) in front with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the third inning. The homer was the fourth of the season for the Wisconsin shortstop.

 

Beloit (52-79, 22-39) tied the game in the top of the fifth inning. Wisconsin starting pitcher Preston Gainey retired the first thirteen batters of the game. Then, Soto hit a home run to left with one out in the top of the fifth.

 

The Snappers took the lead in the top of the sixth. Chih-Fang Pan started the inning with a single. He was sacrificed to second and took third on a grounder to second base. A passed ball on a pitch to BJ Boyd allowed Pan to score the go-ahead run.

 

Matt Chapman reached on an error to start the top of the seventh inning. Mathews was next and he lined a homer to left to give Beloit a 4-1 lead.

 

Matt Stalcup was the Beloit starting pitcher. He allowed nine hits over five innings, but only allowed one run before turning the game over to Sam Roberts.

 

Roberts retired the Rattlers in order in the sixth, but Ortega and Michael Ratterree singled to start the bottom of the seventh to put runners at the corners. Clint Coulter hit a fly ball to left-center that was deep enough to score Ortega and cut the Beloit lead to two runs. Sthervin Matos and Johnny Davis both singled with two outs in the seventh to load the bases. Beloit brought Brendan McCurry into the game to face Jose Pena. Pena hit a line drive to left, but it was right at Mathews for the final out.

 

McCurry tossed a 1-2-3 eighth inning and turned the game over to Joe Seddon for the ninth.

 

Ratterree drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the ninth, but Seddon retired the next three batters to close out the game.

 

The Timber Rattlers got their leadoff batter on base in seven of the nine innings, stranded thirteen runners, and went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position in Sunday's game.

 

In the Western Division Wild Card race, Peoria lost at Clinton and Quad Cities beat Cedar Rapids. Peoria and Quad Cities now have identical 30-32 records in the second half and are two games behind Wisconsin. Clinton is 27-35 and five games behind the Rattlers. There are eight games remaining in the season.

 

Game two of the series is Monday night. Javier Salas (1-1, 2.86) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Joey Wagman (1-2, 7.56) is set to start for the Snappers. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

The first 1,000 fans to attend this game will receive a poster of the 2014 Timber Rattlers team photo courtesy of Dunkin Donuts, the tenth and final poster in the 2014 series. Peppa Pig will be at the game to meet young fans, too.

 

You can earn a free ticket to this game by purchasing a lunch entrée at either Qdoba location in Appleton (3813 E. Calumet Street or 4343 W. Wisconsin Avenue) on Monday as part of Qdoba Q*Monday from 106.7 KRUZ.

 

If you can't make it out to the ballpark, there are several ways to catch the action. MyNEW 32's Sports Showdown will have the television broadcast beginning at 7:00pm. The radio call may be heard on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. The game will also be available to subscribers of MiLB.TV.

 

HOME RUNS:

BEL:

Michael Soto (5th, 0 on in 5th inning off Preston Gainey, 1 out)

Ryan Mathews (11th, 1 on in 7th inning off Preston Gainey, 0 out)

 

WIS:

Angel Ortega (4th, 0 on in 3rd inning off Matt Stalcup, 0 out)

 

WP: Matt Stalcup (6-4)

LP: Preston Gainey (5-8)

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

The pitching was good enough but poor defense and situational hitting did the T-Rats in here. It's been a long time since a good defensive C came through WI... maybe Greg McCall or Jack Cleary can be that guy for 2015? Colby was pretty high on McCall's defense on draft day...

 

Chris McFarland (2-5), Angel Ortega (2-5,HR), Clint Coulter (3-4,2B), Sthervin Matos (2-5), and Johnny Davis (2-4) had the multi-hit games for the Rattlers.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

Wisconsin Gameday

[TheCrew07]

Sounds Blow Out River Cats In Series Opener, 14-2

Nashville Belts Four Homers En Route To Highest Scoring Output Of Year

Nashville Sounds

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/8/6/8/91302868/cuts/MorrisCamo0824_2uprjvtb_2k7x5fbg.jpg

(Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In a battle of first-place clubs, the Nashville Sounds blew out the Sacramento River Cats, 14-2, on Sunday evening at Greer Stadium in the opener of a four-game series.

 

The 14 runs scored were the most for the Sounds this season. Six Nashville batters recorded multiple-hit efforts during the club's 16-hit attack, which included a season-high four home runs.

 

With the win, the Sounds (74-61) maintained their first place tie with Memphis, which defeated Fresno, with nine games to play in the season.

 

Hunter Morris paced the Nashville offense with a 3-for-5, three-RBI evening. Matt Clark homered during a 2-for-4, three-RBI evening to extend his hitting streak to 14 games for the Sounds. Sean Halton, Jeremy Hermida, and Logan Schafer also homered for Nashville in the victory.

 

Michael Blazek (4-4) won for the third time in the last five starts by tossing a quality start for the Sounds. The right-hander held the River Cats to two runs on three hits over 6 1/3 innings of work. In nine home starts at Greer Stadium, Blazek has posted a 2.08 ERA (9er/39.0ip).

 

The Sounds grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second when Morris led off with a single against River Cats starter Angel Castro and later scored on Pete Orr's RBI single.

 

Sacramento took a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Anthony Aliotti was hit by a pitch and raced around to score when Shane Peterson followed with a double to the left-center gap, his PCL-leading 37th two-bagger of the year. Peterson later scored on a two-out Alden Carrithers single off Blazek.

 

Nashville answered the Cats' two-run rally with one of its own in the home half of the inning. Jason Rogers (3-for-4), who missed the cycle by a homer, led off with a triple to right and tied the game when he scored on a Morris groundout. Halton powered the Sounds to a 3-2 advantage when he launched a massive solo homer to left, the slugger's seventh big fly of the year.

 

In the sixth, Clark, who is hitting .482 (27-for-56) during his 14-game streak, stroked a leadoff double and upped the Nashville lead to 4-2 when he scored on a Morris single.

 

The Sounds blew the game open with their biggest inning of the year, an eight-run, seventh-inning outburst against a trio of River Cats hurlers that stretched the lead to 12-2. Clark and Jeremy Hermida each delivered three-run homers during the frame; the blasts accounted for each slugger's 13th roundtripper of the year.

 

Nashville closed out the night's scoring in the eighth when Schafer swatted a solo homer, his first of the year, and Morris delivered a two-out RBI double.

 

The teams continue the homestand with a 7:05 p.m. meeting on Monday. Right-hander Billy Buckner (4-5, 5.54) will make his first start for the Sounds following a pair of hitless relief outings for the club. Sacramento will counter with right-hander Zach Neal (6-7, 4.53).

 

Nashville Boxscore

The boxscore and game log are a fun read. Matt Pagnozzi was the only Sound to go hitless in this contest.

 

Alfredo Vigaro and Arcenio Leon closed out the game on the mound for Nashville with scoreless appearances.

 

Interesting stat of the day... Sounds pitchers allowed more walks (4) than strike outs (3) which is a rarity this year.

 

Nashville Recap

 

Nashville Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Final: @Mobile 5, Huntsville 4, 11 innings

 

Former Star Haniger Wins With Walk-Off For Mobile

Steve Jarnicki, Huntsville Stars

 

Mobile, AL - The Mobile BayBears defeated the Huntsville Stars Sunday night thanks to a former Stars outfielder delivering the game winning hit. Mitch Haniger gave the BayBears a 5-4 win in eleven innings on his game winning single.

 

With the game tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the 11th, Haniger singled into left center scoring Aregenis Diaz from second base. It was a bang-bang play at home as Stars catcher Robinson Diaz was called for blocking home plate, giving the BayBears the win.

 

Haniger had a big day against his former club. Haniger went 3-4 with 3 RBI and two doubles.

 

Haniger gave Mobile a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a sacrifice fly. Then in the bottom of the third he added an RBI double down the left field line making it 3-0.

 

Hector Gimenez launched a two-run homer off the right center field scoreboard in the top of the fourth putting the Stars on the scoreboard. The lead was cut to 3-2.

 

Josh Prince came through with a clutch hit for the Stars in the top of the seventh. With two outs, Prince lined a two-run single to left center giving the Stars a 4-3 lead.

 

Mobile tied the game in the eighth. Ryan Court led off with a solo home run against Manny Barreda. Court's home run just stayed fair down the right field line.

 

The Stars had the bases loaded in the top of the ninth with nobody out, but couldn't score.

 

Tommy Toledo (4-3) took the loss for the Stars out of the bullpen.

 

Kaleb Fleck (7-3) earned the win out of the bullpen for the BayBears.

 

The Stars (29-34,75-58) trail the BayBears (35-26,77-53) 2-1 in their series. The series resumes Monday. Huntsville will have RHP Austin Ross (1-2, 3,68) on the mound. Mobile will send RHP A.J. Schugel (5-3, 3.52) to the hill. The game can be heard starting at 6:50 CDT on the internet only at wtkiradio.com.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

Stars pitchers walked eight, although RHP Jacob Barnes pitched two strong innings behind LHP Jed Bradley, who, as noted earlier in the thread, didn't have it here.

 

OF Erik Komatsu has pretty much been a non-factor in his Brewers' arrival, but he reached in all five trips in this one (double, two singles, two walks).

 

Huntsville Game Log

 

This just can't happen --

 

Huntsville Top of the 9th

 

Kentrail Davis walks.

With Erik Komatsu batting, wild pitch by Seth Simmons, Kentrail Davis to 2nd.

Erik Komatsu walks.

With Shea Vucinich batting, Kentrail Davis steals (13) 3rd base. Erik Komatsu steals (4) 2nd base.

Shea Vucinich walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Nick Shaw replaces Manny Barreda.

Defensive Substitution: Nate Samson replaces pitcher Seth Simmons, batting 5th, playing second base.

Pitching Change: Cody Wheeler replaces Seth Simmons, batting 9th.

Nick Shaw grounds into a force out, second baseman Nate Samson to catcher Mark Thomas. Kentrail Davis out at home. Erik Komatsu to 3rd. Shea Vucinich to 2nd. Nick Shaw to 1st.

Josh Prince grounds into a double play, shortstop Argenis Diaz to second baseman Nate Samson to first baseman Ryan Court. Nick Shaw out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

Speaking of Mitch Haniger in the above post--

 

By the way, here's Anthony Banda's fifth start with the D'Backs Midwest League South Bend club (Sunday). Six more innings without an earned run.

 

That's 28 K's and just five walks over 30 innings in those five starts since the trade. Combined with his Timber Rattlers work prior, Banda has allowed just five earned runs in his last 45 innings (1.00 ERA). The southpaw turned 21 recently.

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio blog - Postgame entry

 

Back to the home game routine of multiple audio interviews, photos, and game highlights via video.

 

Interesting insights from Matt Erickson on Sthervin Matos, also on team leaders on the squad...

[Mass Haas]

Clint Coulter's audio interview from the blog (prior post) is in video form here --

 

Coulter finishing the season strong

Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media

 

GRAND CHUTE – Clint Coulter is just a couple of blasts away from tying the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' team home-run record.

 

Coulter, though, is more interested in base hits than bombs, and can't be accused of swinging for the fences in pursuit of a record.

 

The 21-year-old catcher went 3-for-4 at the plate Sunday night in a 4-2 loss to Beloit to continue a hot streak, which is allowing him to finish a strong 2014 season with the type of numbers teams expect from a No. 1 draft pick.

 

Coulter has put together six multiple-hit games in his last seven contests and is hitting .467 in his last 30 at bats. Overall, Coulter is hitting .282, second on the team behind second baseman Chris McFarland (.290). Coulter leads the Rattlers with 20 home runs — two behind the club record of 22 shared by current Milwaukee Brewer Khris Davis and Victor Roache — and is second in the Midwest League with 84 RBI.

 

"I've kind of gotten to a place with my hands, where I feel really comfortable and I'm seeing the ball really well," said Coulter, taken by Milwaukee with the 27th overall pick in the 2012 first-year player draft. "It's a couple things and hopefully I'll keep rolling."

 

Coulter has displayed good power all season and his run production has been excellent, but hit a slump in July which saw his batting average dip into the .250s. He didn't panic or change his approach at the plate, and has been rewarded with the big finish.

 

"There's been ups and downs, but I definitely feel like I've been more consistent than in the past," said Coulter, ranked by Baseball America as the 11th best prospect in the Milwaukee farm system. "I've been able to limit my downs and ride out my highs. Hopefully, I can finish strong."

 

Coulter has alternated between catcher and designated hitter, and the Milwaukee brass has to be pleased with progress at the plate following an injury-plagued 2013 season in which he hit just .207 in 33 games with the Rattlers and .211 in 20 games at Helena.

 

Coulter entered Sunday's game ranked first in the Midwest League in on-base percentage (.403) and second in slugging percentage (.509).

 

"He came out on fire this season and he's been very consistent with his approach," said Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson. "He hit a little spell in the middle of the season where things weren't going very well, but he's back at it and he's hot and this is a good time for him to stay hot and feel good about himself at the plate."

 

With Coulter leading the way, the Rattlers had plenty of base hits Sunday, but failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities.

 

In a rather odd game, Wisconsin outhit Beloit 13-3, but stranded an alarming 13 baserunners. McFarland, shortstop Angel Ortega, third baseman Sthervin Matos and center fielder Johnny Davis added two hits apiece, and Ortega socked his fourth home run of the year.

 

But it wasn't enough for the Rattlers.

 

"It was a game of missed opportunities for us," said Erickson. "For most of the game, it felt like we were in total control. We were swinging the bats well and kept putting guys on base, but couldn't get the big one."

 

The Rattlers wasted a fine pitching performance by starter Preston Gainey, who allowed all three Beloit hits in seven innings of work. But two of those hits traveled a long way. The Snappers' Michael Soto slammed a solo homer in the top of the fifth to tie the game at 1-1, while Ryan Matthews slugged a two-run shot off Gainey in the bottom of the seventh to give Beloit a 4-1 lead.

 

"Gainey was throwing as well as he has in a long time," said Erickson. "The ball was coming out of his hand really good. It was live and he hit 96 on the (radar) gun a couple times."

 

Davis delivered the defensive play of the game in the top of the ninth when he leaped against the wall in center and took a home run away from Matthews.

 

"I'm a defensive-minded player and I live for that kind of play," said Davis. "I like offense, but put me on defense for nine innings and I love that."

 

The loss wasn't very damaging for the Rattlers in terms of the playoffs, because Peoria also lost. Wisconsin remained two games ahead of Peoria and Quad Cities for the second-half wild-card in the Western Division with eight games remaining. The Rattlers also hold the tiebreaker over both teams.

 

"I feel we have a pretty good chance of making the playoffs," said Davis. "We just have to keep playing hard. And once you get in the playoffs, anything can happen."

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's game --

 

VIDEO: Nashville's Sean Halton hits his second double in the fifth inning of a 6-2 win over Fresno

[Mass Haas]

Nashville answered the Cats' two-run rally with one of its own in the home half of the inning. Jason Rogers (3-for-4), who missed the cycle by a homer, led off with a triple to right and tied the game when he scored on a Hunter Morris groundout. Sean Halton powered the Sounds to a 3-2 advantage when he launched a massive solo homer to left, the slugger's seventh big fly of the year.

 

AUDIO: Sean Halton Solo HR

 

The Sounds blew the game open with their biggest inning of the year, an eight-run, seventh-inning outburst against a trio of River Cats hurlers that stretched the lead to 12-2. Matt Clark and Jeremy Hermida each delivered three-run homers during the frame; the blasts accounted for each slugger's 13th roundtripper of the year.

 

AUDIO: Matt Clark 3-Run HR

 

AUDIO: Jeremy Hermida 3-Run HR

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County --

 

AUDIO, Game Highlights: The 'Tees score four runs in the ninth inning and win, 5-4.

 

AUDIO: After the 'Tees score four runs in the ninth inning to win, Michael Reed and Victor Roache join Justin Rocke on the Manatees Radio Network.