Link Report for Tue. 8/26

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Sacramento (Athletics), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

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

 

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

 

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Huntsville: LHP Brent Suter at Mobile (Diamondbacks), 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).

 

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Brevard County: Last Sunday via the Manatees -- Brevard County will have 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 PM (4:05 Eastern), and is a resumption of a nine-inning contest that began at Joker Marchant Stadium on July 10. The game will pick up with Nathan Orf at first and a 3-2 count on Orlando 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.

 

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 Barrett Astin at home vs. Beloit (Athletics), 11:45 AM pre-game, 12:05 PM 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 Cy Sneed at Missoula (Diamondbacks), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

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

 

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

 

Miller Park Prospects - Arizona League Primer

 

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DSL Brewers: Season complete - summary post here

[Mass Haas]

DVR ALERT!

 

Wednesday evening'ss Timber Rattlers game will be broadcast on TWC SportsChannel, airtime 7:00 PM.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County Completion of Suspended Game

 

Brevard County Regularly Scheduled Game

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

[Mass Haas]

To see tweets as to when the Link Report has been technically "completed" with available links, as well as to know when the new day's Report has been posted, please follow @Mass_Haas on Twitter.

 

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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

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

Dominican Summer League Brewers

 

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Weather.com:

 

Nashville, TN

 

Mobile, AL

 

Viera, FL (Melbourne)

 

Grand Chute, WI (Appleton)

 

Missoula, MT

 

Tempe, AZ

[Mass Haas]

Tim Dillard deserves Greer’s last pitch

Dave Ammenheuser, the Tennessean

 

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/db837d4d2b0a107f7c71c73700d4254b7641de3f/c=240-0-4016-2832&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/Nashville/2014/08/26/dillardforweb.jpg

 

Photo: George Walker IV / The Tennessean

 

This is a pitch for Tim Dillard to make the Sounds’ final pitch at Greer Stadium on Wednesday night.

 

Is there better way to close 37 years at the ballpark than to hand the ball in the ninth inning to the pitcher who has played eight seasons in Nashville?

 

He’s not only the perfect choice. He’s the logical choice.

 

Why Dillard?

 

With the possible exception of Ozzie the mascot, the right-handed pitcher is perhaps the most familiar face in Sounds history.

 

He’s won more games (39) and pitched more innings (554.1) than any other pitcher. He’s also ranks second in games (207) by a pitcher and third in strikeouts (332).

 

“I think it would be great,” said Dillard, a side-winding late-inning right-handed relief pitcher. “I would be honored to do it.”

 

But it’s not Dillard’s decision.

 

That decision belongs to manager Rick Sweet. He fills out the lineup card and decides when to change pitchers. And with the Sounds enjoying their best season since 2007, he’s making a lot of right decisions this summer.

 

Sweet’s not going to reveal his pitching plan for tonight beyond the fact that Jay Jackson is the starting pitcher against the Sacramento River Cats.

 

Only pitching coach Fred Dabney and Sweet know the Sounds’ pitching plan for the late innings.

 

And for any Sound to make the final pitch at Greer, the home team needs to be beating the River Cats after eight innings.

 

But, c’mon. If the right scenario presents itself, Dillard needs to be on the mound.

 

He first came to Nashville in 2007, one of four Triple-A rookies on a veteran team.

 

“I had never pitched in front of that many people before,” he said, recalling his first appearance. “I was nervous. What I saw was an aged stadium, but I thought it had aged well.”

 

It did not take long before he and his wife fell in love with Music City. He and his wife, Erin, now call Nashville home. And they are raising their two children here.

 

“It was pretty easy to make friends, it’s a melting pot,” said Dillard, raised in a small Mississippi town. “People come here and they are like, ‘I ain’t leaving.’ Nashville is just a great place. Nashville has a small-town feel, but the big city is right here, too.”

 

He posted an 8-4 record that first season with the Sounds. It was the start of a unique relationship. He’s been used as a starting pitcher and as a reliever. From 2007-12, he pitched for the Sounds and enjoyed four stints in the major leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

After the 2012 season, the Brewers released him. Looking for a job, he signed with the Lancaster (Pa.) Barnstormers, an independent league team. He was there for just six games in 2013 before the Brewers asked him to come back to Nashville.

 

The same scenario played out again last winter. With so many young talented pitchers in the organization, the Brewers released him. Again.

 

Many players would have called it quits.

 

Not Dillard, who again signed with Lancaster. This stint only lasted two games before the Brewers called again. This time, he was needed at Class AA Huntsville. At 31, he would be the oldest player on the roster. It didn’t matter. He said yes.

 

Appearing in 43 games, he was more than a relief pitcher for one of the Southern League’s best teams. He was a mentor to the young pitchers. It was, perhaps, a glimpse of his future; one that could include coaching on the professional level.

 

“I really got attached to the team in Double-A,” he said. “They were a great group of guys. I don’t know if I’ve ever had more fun playing baseball.”

 

But when the Sounds put pitcher Ariel Pena on the disabled list last week, they needed another arm in the bullpen.

 

“All season I am thinking, ‘Man, I’d love to just be there for (closing of Greer),’ ” he said. “Nothing sneaks by me. I knew about the bobbleheads, the (commemorative) T-shirts ...”

 

Now he’s here.

 

“To throw the last pitch here and to be remembered that way too, that would be pretty special, especially because I live here,” said Dillard. “It’s not like I am packing up and leaving town. I am part of this, too. I want a new stadium as much as everybody else, but I have as many memories as a lot of people here.”

 

Here’s hoping for one more.

 

Dave Ammenheuser is The Tennessean’s sports editor.

 

TIM DILLARD FILE

 

• Born: July 19, 1983 in Sarasota, Fla.; Graduated from Saltillo (Miss.) High School in 2001.

 

• Drafted: 15th round of the 2001 draft but chose not to sign; drafted again in the 34t round of the 2002 draft and signed.

 

• In the minors: 12 seasons, 70-51 record in 375 games. He is 39-24 in 207 career games with Nashville.

 

• In the majors: Parts of four seasons, appearing in 73 games witha 1-4 record and a 4.70 ERA.

[dacbrewers]

He's got my vote!

[Mass Haas]

Manatees Press Release:

 

Tyler Wagner, Nathan Orf named FSL Post-Season All-Stars

 

VIERA, Fla. – The Florida State League has announced today that Brevard County Manatees starting pitcher Tyler Wagner and infielder Nathan Orf have been named to the FSL Post-Season All-Star Team for 2014.

 

Wagner was one of four starting pitchers named to the FSL Post-Season All-Star Team. Through 24 starts, the right-hander is a league-leader or near the top of the FSL in several categories. Wagner leads the FSL in both wins (13) and innings pitched (146.0). He also has the second-lowest ERA at 1.91, the third-lowest opponents’ batting average with a .225 mark and the third-most strikeouts with 118.

 

This is one of several accolades that Wagner has accumulated over the course of the 2014 season. In terms of league awards, the right-hander from Las Vegas, Nev. was also named to the FSL Mid-Season All-Star Team and was named the league’s Player of the Month for July. Wagner earned organizational honors, as well. He was named the Milwaukee Brewers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Month for July and is now ranked as the 14th-best prospect in the Brewers’ organization by MLB.com.

 

Orf was selected as the utility infielder on the FSL Post-Season All-Star Team. The St. Charles, Mo. native ranks seventh in the league and second among active FSL hitters in batting average with a .292 mark. Orf has also been hit by an inordinate number of pitches this year. His 21 hit-by-pitches leads the FSL and has helped him rank third in the league in on-base percentage at .391.

 

Orf’s best work at the plate in 2014 came in June. In 23 games, the Baylor University product racked up a league-best .409 batting average and an FSL-high .486 on-base percentage. During that month, Orf strung together hits in 13 consecutive games, which still stands as the longest hitting streak by a Brevard County hitter this season.

 

The 2014 FSL Post-Season All-Star Team was selected by Field Managers, Official Scorers and club Sports Writers, representing the twelve (12) teams in the league.

[Mass Haas]

Tyrone Taylor gets some love from Baseball America here:

 

"Taylor leads the Florida State League in hits, doubles and extra-base hits at high Class A Brevard County, so he might not be a sleeper prospect for much longer. He barrels the ball consistently and doesn’t strike out excessively, giving him a chance to hit for average with gap power. Taylor already draws plus grades for his range, speed and arm strength, making him a strong candidate for a long big league career as a righty-hitting, on-base-oriented starter."

[WV Brew]

Johnny Davis with another leaping catch against the wall. Making a habit out of it.

[TheCrew07]

Rattlers take series from Snappers with 6-2 win

Astin wins his eighth game of the season for Wisconsin

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

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Barrett Astin allowed an unearned run over six innings on Tuesday afternoon to earn his eighth win of the season for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattler did what they had to do on Tuesday afternoon to close in on a Midwest League playoff spot. Wisconsin defeated the Beloit Snappers 6-2 at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium behind a strong start from Barrett Astin.

 

The Timber Rattlers (70-63 overall, 34-30) grabbed the early lead with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Clint Coulter was hit by a pitch and Michael Ratterree drew a walk to reach base to start the inning. Taylor Brennan's grounder down the third base line went off the glove of Matt Chapman for an error to drive in Coulter. Later in the inning, Angel Ortega singled to knock in Ratterree for a 2-0 lead.

 

Wisconsin added two runs in the bottom of the third. Chris McFarland doubled and Johnny Davis walked to start the inning. Coulter was up with one out and sent a grounder wide of first. The ball was fielded cleanly by Michael Soto, but the throw to first was high and glanced off the glove of the pitcher covering the base. That allowed McFarland to score. Ratterree would drive in Davis with a sacrifice fly on the next pitch for a 4-0 lead.

 

The Snappers (52-81, 22-41) got on the board in the fourth inning on an unearned run. BJ Boyd reached on an error to start the inning, stole second and went to third on a ground out. Soto singled through the left side of the infield to score Boyd and make the score 4-1.

 

That was the only run Astin allowed in six innings. Astin gave up three hits, walked none, hit one, and struck out five to put himself in line for his eighth win of the season.

 

Wisconsin added to their lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Ratterree singled and Brennan followed with a hit-and-run single to put runners on the corners with no outs. Sthervin Matos knocked in Ratterree with a sacrifice fly. Brennan was still at first base with two outs when Jose Pena hit a high fly to left. The ball was lost in the Sun for a double and Brennan scored for a 6-1 lead.

 

Tristan Archer took over in the top of the seventh inning and finished off the game by getting the final nine outs. The only run Archer allowed was a one-out solo home run in the top of the ninth to Justin Higley. Archer got the final two outs to earn his fifth save of the season.

 

The Timber Rattlers are 2.5 games up on the Quad Cities River Bandits and three games up on the Peoria Chiefs in the race for the Western Division Wild Card in the second half heading into tonight's action in the Midwest League. The River Bandits host Cedar Rapids tonight at 7:00pm. The Chiefs play at doubleheader at Clinton beginning at 5:30pm. The Timber Rattlers will be no worse than two game up on both Bandits and Chiefs at the conclusion of play tonight in the league. There will be six games remaining in the season for all three Wild Card contenders after tonight's games are done.

 

The Timber Rattlers continue their homestand on Wednesday when they host the Burlington Bees. Clint Terry (3-4, 2.54) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. The Bees have Victor Alcantara (6-6, 3.83) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

Wednesday's game is the final WIXX Bang for Your Buck Night. Enjoy Cher-Make hotdogs, Pepsi products, and Miller beer for $1. The first 500 fans to attend this game will receive a magnet of former Timber Rattler and current Milwaukee Brewer Khris Davis courtesy of Lamers Bus Lines. This is magnet number four in a series of four that have been given away this season.

 

If you can't make it out to the ballpark, there are several ways to catch the action. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel will televise the game starting at 7:00pm. The radio broadcast may be heard on AM1280, WNAM or IHeartRadio starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. Wednesday's game is also available to MiLB.TV subscribers.

 

WP: Barrett Astin (8-7)

LP: Hunter Adkins (1-5)

SAVE: Tristan Archer (5)

 

TIME: 2:23

ATTN: 5,951

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

Barrett Astin has occasionally posted a gem like this, the last one was his 7 inning, 2 hit, 7 strike out performance on 5/20. I would be awesome if Barrett got hot as the play-offs approach, prior to today's action he hadn't exactly been setting the world on fire.

 

Tristan Archer has quietly had himself a fine season.

 

Clint Coulter was hit by what I believe to be his 20th pitch of the season and he doesn't crowd the plate at all. Unfortunately he also committed his 17th PB of the season.

 

No Rattler had a multi-hit game as the boys only put 6 hits on the board.

 

Wisconsin Recap

 

Wisconsin Gameday

[Mass Haas]

Rattler Radio blog - Postgame Entry

 

Audio interviews, photos, and game video...all before dinner, nice.

[WV Brew]

Lakeland has given up on their pitching staff. Manatees approaching triple figures in men on base. (Almost)

Roache was the only Manatee without a hit but he did have 2 walks. Still alive for the playoffs.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO via Jeff Hem's blog --

 

"Tonight’s interview is with former Sounds manager (’09-’11) Don Money, the longtime Milwaukee Brewers player and now minor league instructor. Due to his travel schedule as a roving instructor, Money will be seeing his final game at Greer Stadium tonight. He recalls some of his memories of managing in Nashville and what minor league ballpark facilities were like when he played."

[Mass Haas]

I remember articles like this back in the day, but this Lorenzo Cain feature is just tremendous.

 

Hat tip to J.P. Breen for tweeting the link.

[Mass Haas]

Miller Park Prospects - Brad's Timber Rattlers photo gallery

[Mass Haas]

Clark Crushing It

Mid-Season Addition Enjoying Red-Hot August

By Steve Uhlmann / Nashville Sounds

 

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Mike Strasinger photo / Nashville Sounds

 

On a sweltering August afternoon, long before the Nashville Sounds take the field for a doubleheader against Fresno, first baseman Matt Clark can be found in the cage taking early batting practice from hitting coach Bob Skube.

 

Some fans may wonder what the benefits of hitting pitches being thrown underhand are, especially for a player that has hit 12 home runs since the All-Star break.

 

But the biggest reason Clark is out on the field early every day is that it has simply become a routine, something he has sorely missed during recent seasons. Now that he has found his comfort level as a member of the Sounds, Clark is powering the team through its first playoff race in years.

 

"It's just more of getting consistent at-bats, getting comfortable," Clark said of his blistering August, during which he is hitting .368 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs.

 

"I haven't had a chance to get in that groove this season since I've been moving around so much…I've usually gone through something like this every season, you just don't know when."

 

Eight weeks ago, Clark's future was in limbo as a free agent. After Hunter Morris was injured on July 3rd, the Brewers quickly signed Clark to assume duties at first base.

 

Skube, who previously coached Clark in the Padres' system, knew he would be a good addition to the club.

 

"He's a very accomplished hitter, and he's very diligent about what he does," Skube said. "I'm glad to have him back on my side."

 

Manager Rick Sweet is also happy to have a player like Clark to plug in the lineup on a daily basis, as he has succeeded against not only right-handed pitching, but also against lefties.

 

Clark's ability to hit southpaws so well as a left-handed batter comes from a simple routine.

 

"The approach really stays the same," Clark says. "The more [at-bats] you get, the more comfortable you are up there."

 

He also had an ability to fine-tune his stroke against lefties during his time playing in Japan during the 2013 season for the Chunichi Dragons. While that season helped him grow as a player, it was also an experience he would never forget.

 

"The atmosphere there was unbelievable, and I had a great time," Clark said.

 

But for now, Clark's focus is on helping the Sounds get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Now that Morris has returned from the disabled list, Clark's role has changed. This includes seeing more time in the outfield, a position he is less familiar with.

 

Although it is not easy to make a big change like that this late in the season, it's a move that Clark is embracing.

 

"You just have to make the routine plays and just don't do anything to hurt the team out there," Clark said. "We're just focused on having the best lineup we can out there."

 

With all of the pieces now healthy, Clark now makes up part of a Sounds lineup that boasts a multitude of sluggers. And if Nashville finds itself playing deep into September, it will still be easy to find Clark at the start of each day.

 

He'll be in the cage swinging away again and again.

[TheCrew07]

Sounds Silenced By River Cats, 2-0

Nashville's Jungmann Records Another Quality Start In Defeat

Nashville Sounds

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/3/9/6/91603396/cuts/JungmannWhite_7ge7ujkc_b3g2zfuz.jpg

(Mike Strasinger / Nashville Sounds)

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Despite Taylor Jungmann's fourth straight quality start, the Nashville Sounds (74-63) could not find their offensive stride in a 2-0 loss to the Sacramento River Cats (77-61) at Greer Stadium on Tuesday night.

 

Jungmann (8-6), who took a hard-luck loss, allowed just two runs in seven innings of work on six hits while also striking out six. The outing brought his ERA for August to a miniscule mark of 1.80 in five starts.

 

The River Cats did all of their damage in the top of the third when Tyler Ladendorf brought home Ryan Ortiz and Billy Burns on a two-out single.

 

The Sounds offense struggled to find a rhythm against Sacramento starter and former Vanderbilt Commodore Matt Buschmann (9-6), who faced one batter over the limit limited Nashville to just three hits in a complete-game shutout victory while racking up 10 strikeouts.

 

Buschmann faced the minimum through six innings, and the Sounds failed to have a runner reach second base until the bottom of the seventh. Despite the quiet night at the plate for Nashville, Pete Orr recorded two hits, bringing his average in the last 29 games to .381.

 

Brent Leach helped the Sounds bullpen rebound from a rough outing a night ago by twirling two innings of no-hit ball in relief. Leach continues to be a steady presence in the Sounds 'pen as of late, allowing only one run in his last six outings.

 

The Sounds and River Cats will conclude their series on Wednesday in what will be the final regular season game in the 37-year history of Greer Stadium. RHP Jay Jackson (0-3, 5.82) will be on the bump for Nashville opposite Sacramento RHP Arnold Leon (10-7, 5.17). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. A special season-ending fireworks show will follow the on-field action.

 

Nashville Boxscore

Taylor Jungmann is having a fantastic close to the season but nothing else is worth mentioning.

 

Nashville Recap

 

Nashville Gameday

[bkrause2]

Final: Brevard County 13, Lakeland 4 (Game One)

 

'Tees romp Tigers, 13-4 after month-long wait

Manatees rack up 16 hits as they take game one of doubleheader

By Justin Rocke / Brevard County Manatees

 

VIERA, Fla. - In a game that was suspended for about a month and a half, the Brevard County Manatees cruised to a 13-4 victory over the Lakeland Flying Tigers in game one of a doubleheader on Tuesday night at Space Coast Stadium.

 

Brevard County's (33-30 second half, 69-60 overall) offense already started with an advantage. When the game was suspended after just 12 pitches on July 10 at Lakeland's Joker Marchant Stadium due to heavy rain, the Manatees had a runner at first and a 3-2 count on Orlando Arcia.

 

Once the nine-inning contest picked back up, the 'Tees pounced. Arcia singled on a hard ground ball to short and Tyrone Taylor followed with a line single through the hole between third and short. Nathan Orf, who singled to left to start the game back in July, came around to score to give Brevard the early lead, 1-0.

 

After Connor Harrell hit a two-run home run to right to put Lakeland (19-45, 61-70) in front, 2-1, the Manatees' offense caught fire once again. Alfredo Rodriguez stepped in against Lakeland starter Yorfrank Lopez (5-12, 5.04 ERA), after walks to Victor Roache and Parker Berberet sandwiched a fly out to left. The Oak Hill, Va. native lofted a ball down the right field line for a double to score Roache and tie the game at two. The next batter, Orf, would bring home Berberet with a ground out to short to give the 'Tees the lead back, 3-2.

 

The Manatees tacked on three more runs in the third. Taylor kick started the inning with a single and a stolen base and came across to score on an RBI single to left by Michael Reed. The onslaught continued, as Cameron Garfield roped one over the head of the center fielder Connor Harrell for an RBI double. Reed scored all the way from first to give Brevard a 5-2 advantage.

 

Berberet brought home the final run of the frame. With two outs, the Manatees designated hitter cranked a double into the right-center field gap to chase home Garfield and extend the lead to 6-2.

 

Lakeland scratched across a pair of two-out runs in the third and fourth on singles by Michael Thomas and Curt Powell to trim the Manatees' advantage to 6-4, but that is as close as they would get. Mike Garza singled home a run in the seventh to make it 7-4, Brevard County, but it was the five-run eighth that put the game out of reach.

 

With one out, Arcia reached on an error by shortstop Curt Powell and advanced to second on a walk to Taylor. Lakeland reliever Calvin Drummond could not find the strike zone against Reed either, as he walked him on four pitches to load the bases.

 

Garfield then made the right-hander pay. On a 2-2 pitch, the Florida State League All-Star slapped a bloop single into shallow right field. Arcia and Taylor came across to score, while Reed stopped at second to make it 9-4, Brevard County.

 

After the runners advanced to second and third on a wild pitch and Roache struck out, Garza came through for the second time in as many innings. The former Georgetown Hoya grounded another single up the middle, this time it scored two. Reed and Garfield scored to extend the lead even further to 11-4.

 

That was all for Drummond. Lakeland decided not to burn its bullpen anymore and brought in first baseman James Robbins to finish the game on the bump. His relief outing did not go well, as Brevard County picked up its final two runs against the left-hander. Berberet hit a laser into right-center for an RBI double to cap off the five-run eighth and Arcia took Robbins deep in the ninth for his fourth home run of the season.

 

Five Manatees finished the game with multi-hit nights, while three of those five recorded multi-RBI games. Arcia and Taylor each tallied three hits and two runs scored in the lopsided victory. Garfield picked up three base-knocks and three RBI. Berberet went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI and Garza went 2-for-4 with three driven in.

 

Jorge Lopez (10-9, 4.38) picked up the win for Brevard County in what was technically a relief appearance. The right-hander went six innings and allowed four runs on nine hits, walked one and punched out six. Hobbs Johnson got the start, because he was slated to begin the original game in July.

 

Southpaw Stephen Peterson was great again for the 'Tees in relief. In two shutout frames, he allowed just one hit and struck out four. Since August 6, Peterson has not allowed an earned run in his last six outings. Right-hander Tyler Spurlin came in to record the final three outs in the ninth to close out the win.

 

Lakeland's Lopez put himself in a tie for the FSL-lead in losses with the defeat. The Venezuelan native, who actually threw the first 12 pitches of the game back in July before the rains came, yielded six runs on nine hits over four innings. Lopez walked two and struck out three.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Brevard County Play-By-Play

 

 

Final: Lakeland 1, Brevard County 2 (Game Two)

 

Manatees walk-off in extras, 2-1, on Berberet's single

Brevard County sweeps Lakeland in doubleheader to keep playoff hopes alive

By Justin Rocke / Brevard County Manatees

 

VIERA, Fla. - Thanks to a walk-off single by Parker Berberet, the Brevard County Manatees kept their playoff dreams alive with a 2-1 victory over the Lakeland Flying Tigers in game two of Tuesday's doubleheader at Space Coast Stadium.

 

With the Brevard County (34-30 second half, 70-60 overall) and Lakeland (19-46, 61-71) knotted at one, Orlando Arcia walked against Flying Tigers reliever Brennan Smith to start the bottom of the eighth inning. After Tyrone Taylor struck out, Arcia broke for second on a 1-1 pitch to Michael Reed. Lakeland catcher Austin Green's throw was too high and the 20-year-old slid into second with his 29th stolen base of the year.

 

Smith then walked Reed to put runners at first and second for Berberet. On a 2-2 count, the Yorba Linda, Calif. native hit a high chopper towards third base. Tyler Hanover made a leaping attempt to try and snag it, but the ball went over his head. Arcia raced around to score on the single to give the Manatees the walk-off victory, 2-1.

 

The thrilling win was possible thanks to some heroics an inning prior. With Flying Tigers starter Tommy Collier (3-2, 3.89 ERA) holding onto a 1-0 lead in search of a complete game, Garrett Cooper started the rally with a walk.

 

Cooper was then pinch-ran for by Alfredo Rodriguez and Greg Hopkins advanced him to second on a sacrifice bunt to third. Once again, it was Jose Sermo who delivered the clutch base-hit. On a 2-2 pitch, Sermo grounded one into center field. Rodriguez raced home from third to tie the game at one on the single.

 

With runners at first and second and only one out, Brevard County had a chance to win it in that frame, but was unable to do so. After Smith came in to relieve Collier, Nathan Orf hit a deep fly ball down the right field line, but it was tracked down by Jeff McVaney. Victor Roache, who came into to pinch-run for Sermo, was running on the pitch and got doubled off first base to end the inning.

 

After six scoreless innings, Lakeland grabbed the initial lead against Manatees reliever Martin Viramontes in the top of the seventh. With one out, Viramontes plunked McVaney on a 1-2 pitch to put a runner on base. Austin Green then singled to left-center to put make it first and third. Connor Harrell followed with a sacrifice fly to deep center to score McVaney and give Lakeland the lead, 1-0.

 

Despite that one hiccup, Viramontes was stellar again in relief for the 'Tees. The right-hander picked up the win in his third straight outing, as he yielded one run on one hit over three innings. Viramontes also racked up six punch outs, one shy of tying his season-high.

 

This came in support of starter Mike Strong (2-2, 2.67), who was masterful yet again. The southpaw retired the first nine he faced and allowed just two hits over five shutout frames. Strong struck out five and did not walk a batter.

 

Collier was great for the Flying Tigers, as well. In 6.1 innings, the right-hander allowed just the one run in the seventh inning on six hits. He struck out six and walked three in the no-decision.

 

Orf, Arcia and Sermo led Brevard County offensively in the nightcap, as all three players picked up multi-hit games. Arcia had an incredible doubleheader, going 5-for-9 with three runs scored, a home run, a walk and two stolen bases.

 

The 'Tees will look to keep their playoff dreams alive tomorrow night, as they take on the Flying Tigers at 6:35 p.m. at Space Coast Stadium. Major League rehabber Wei-Chung Wang (0-0, -.-- ERA) will get the start for Brevard County. Wang appeared in 13 games with the Milwaukee Brewers this year before going on the disabled list. Lakeland's starter for tomorrow has yet to be named.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Brevard County Play-By-Play

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville RHP Eric Marzec, who pitched in Australia last winter, will pitch for Aguilas in the Dominican this offseason (his retweet).

[guylanderfridancies]

Cravy with the loss in Arizona, despite giving up no earned runs.

[dacbrewers]

Walks at any level will always come back and bite you in the a**, obviously the error didn't help.

[Eye Black]

Final: Missoula 5, Helena 3

 

Brewers lose 7th straight at hands of Osprey

By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers

 

The Helena Brewers (9-18) dropped their seventh straight on Tuesday, falling to the Missoula Osprey (14-14) in their series opener 5-3.

 

Helena took the first lead of the game with a run in the top of the second on a Tucker Neuhaus single. Alan Sharkey came in to score on the play after a fielding error in right field by Stewart Ijames. Neuhaus is now on a team-high 11-game hitting streak.

 

The Osprey then responded with all five of their runs over the next two innings, including a four-run bottom of the third. Those four runs were powered by four doubles in the inning.

 

It was Luis Ortega's (3-7) team-high seventh loss of the year, pitching four innings and giving up five runs on nine hits.

 

The Brewers would then pull it to 5-3 with a solo home run from Alan Sharkey and an RBI single from Natanael Mejia, but multiple late opportunities did not pan out for the visitors. They would leave the bases loaded in the eighth with the tying run at second.

 

The Brewers and the Osprey will face off in their series finale Wednesday at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

 

Helena Box Score

 

Brandon Diaz was responsible for three of the eight hits Helena recorded. Diaz went 3-for-4 with a double. Alan Sharkey was 2-for-3 with a walk and recorded his second home run of the season (and of his professional career).

 

Helena Game Log

[Mass Haas]

Final: @Mobile 6, Huntsville 1

 

Stars Drop Four Straight

Steve Jarnicki, Huntsville Stars

 

Mobile, AL - Six Mobile BayBears pitchers combined to hold the Huntsville Stars to just one run, as the BayBears defeated the Stars 6-1 Tuesday night at Hank Aaron Stadium. It was the Stars fourth straight loss.

 

The Stars had the bases loaded twice in the game. In the fourth and seventh innings the Stars had the bases loaded with just one out and didn't score either occasion.

 

The only time the Stars scored a run was in the top of the second inning. Erik Komatsu singled into left field scoring Robinson Diaz tying the game at 1-1.

 

Mobile broke the tie and took the lead for good in the fifth inning. With two outs, Dustin Martin came through with an RBI single off Huntsville starter Brent Suter (10-10) scoring Tom Belza.

 

Going into the bottom of the sixth, the Baybears had a 2-1 lead and added to it. Mitch Haniger led off the inning by hitting a popup to third base. Diaz couldn't locate the ball as Haniger reached on the error by Diaz.

 

Mobile capitalized off the error as they added two runs against Suter. Mark Thomas recorded an RBI groundout to shortstop. Pinch hitter Nate Samson then reached base with an infield RBI single making it 4 1.

 

Suter, who took the loss, pitched 5.1 innings and allowed five hits on four runs (two earned). He struck out four and walked three.

 

Mobile added a pair of runs in the seventh against reliever Greg Holle. Evan Marzilli doubled down the left field line and Haniger scored on a wild pitch.

 

Mobile won four out of five from the Stars.

 

The Stars (29-35,75-59) return to Huntsville and have an off day on Wednesday. The Stars will host their final home series of the season Thursday in game one of a five game series with the Mississippi Braves, the Double-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The game can be heard starting at 6:15 CDT on the internet only at wtkiradio.com.

 

Huntsville Box Score

 

Huntsville Game Log

 

The two bases-jammed innings that weren't fruitful...

 

Huntsville Top of the 4th

 

Hector Gimenez doubles (9) on a fly ball to center fielder Evan Marzilli.

Robinzon Diaz bunt grounds out, pitcher Graham Godfrey to first baseman Tom Belza.

Nick Ramirez walks.

Erik Komatsu walks. Hector Gimenez to 3rd. Nick Ramirez to 2nd.

Yadiel Rivera strikes out swinging.

Brent Suter grounds out, third baseman Ryan Court to first baseman Tom Belza.

 

Huntsville Top of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Kyle Winkler replaces Bryan Woodall, batting 9th, replacing Nate Samson.

Erik Komatsu flies out to left fielder Dustin Martin.

Shea Vucinich walks.

Josh Prince walks. Shea Vucinich to 2nd.

Josh Fellhauer singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Mitch Haniger. Shea Vucinich to 3rd. Josh Prince to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Cody Wheeler replaces Kyle Winkler, batting 9th.

Hainley Statia grounds into a double play, second baseman Brandon Drury to shortstop Argenis Diaz to first baseman Tom Belza. Josh Fellhauer out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

Details on the Maryvale loss and much more media later this AM...

 

It's the dog days of Link Report season, thanks for your patience .