Link Report for Saturday 6/20 - Play Ball, Maryvale!

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Colorado Springs: RHP Josh Roenicke at home vs. New Orleans (Marlins), 6:35 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

We welcome Dan Karcher, who is the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox; follow him on Twitter @SkySoxKarch

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Colorado Springs 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. The video of each game is archived online, which is a nice feature. All MiLB.TV details available at the link.

 

NOTE: Notice that on MiLB.TV's page, you can click on "Filter", then "Milwaukee Brewers", and you'll see just the Crew's organizational TV lineup.

 

**********

 

Biloxi: LHP Brent Suter at home vs. Montgomery (Rays), 6:55 PM pre-game, 7:10 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

We also welcome Chris Harris as the very first play-by-play voice of the Shuckers! Follow Chris on Twitter @CHarris731. We'll be linking to his fantastic "Shuck Dynasty" blog. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be radio broadcast.

 

MiLB.TV - Eight of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi is among them!

 

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Brevard County: It's the Florida State League All-Star Game in Port St. Lucie, gametime 6:00 PM; five Manatees are set to take part, including the game's starting pitcher, RHP Jorge Ortega; taking part in the Home Run Derby prior to the game is Clint Coulter

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

NOTE: This game is also available, live and archived, for MiLB.TV subscribers.

 

**********

 

Wisconsin: RHP Angel Ventura at Beloit (Athletics), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 gametime; expect LHP Luis Ortega to pitch in a tandem role

 

Free Live Audio Link - 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.

 

NOTE: Forty-two (!) of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (9) and WACY-TV My NEW32 (34) will split duties. We'll let you know when and who, and remember to refer to the Rattlers' full TV schedule (scroll to bottom of link) so you can coordinate your DVR activity.

 

So, for the $49.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sky Sox games, most Shuckers games, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games.

 

***

 

Helena: RHP Milton Gomez at Great Falls (White Sox), 7:40 PM pre-game, 8:00 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

We welcome back and again look forward to hearing second-year Voice of the H-Crew Dustin Daniel (@dustin__daniel on Twitter).

 

MiLB.TV -- When the H-Crew makes their way to Grand Junction and Orem in July, and Idaho Falls in August, those games will be available to watch online.

 

***

 

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

 

***

 

DSL Brewers: at the DSL Red Sox #2 squad, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day

 

We'll link to this Dominican Summer League Brewers' thread as part of the Daily Menu all season to assist you with your familiarity with these young men.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Colorado Springs

 

Biloxi

 

Florida State League All-Star Game

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

DSL Brewers

 

MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Look for these just prior to the respective game times --

 

Colorado Springs Media Notes - Home games only, it's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Sky Sox' site.

 

Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog

 

Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog

 

***

 

STANDINGS:

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

 

AA - Southern League South Division

 

High-A - Florida State League North Division

 

A - Midwest League Western Division

 

***

 

Sortable individual stat pages:

 

Colorado Springs

 

Biloxi

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

***

 

Weather.com:

 

Colorado Springs, CO

 

Biloxi, MS

 

Port St. Lucie, FL

 

Beloit, WI

 

Great Falls, MT

 

Mesa, AZ

 

Boca Chica, DR

[Mass Haas]

Weather.com:

 

Great Falls, MT

 

Mesa, AZ

 

Expected game time temps:

 

66 degrees

 

109 degrees

 

Welcome to pro ball, Maryvale kids, and there's your reward for good performance!

[Mass Haas]

ONLINE AUCTION: Three Timber Rattlers' jerseys (Salute to Cows , Star Wars) are available in an online auction, about two days remain.

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County: It's the Florida State League All-Star Game in Port St. Lucie, gametime 6:00 PM; five Manatees are set to take part, including the game's starting pitcher, RHP Jorge Ortega; taking part in the Home Run Derby prior to the game is Clint Coulter

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

NOTE: This game is also available, live and archived, for MiLB.TV subscribers.

 

Today's Brewers farmhand birthday:

 

How awesome! Happy 22nd to Jorge Ortega!

[Mass Haas]

At some point today, and prior to game time, this (currently) outdated Maryvale Brewers MiLB.com roster page will be updated.

[Mass Haas]

Orleans outfielder Orimoloye inks pro contract with Brewers

By Mike Koreen, Toronto Sun

 

As also posted for archives in our season-long Helena / Maryvale thread...

[Mass Haas]

Late rallies and long road trips - Shuckers continue to overcome odds

Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

The Biloxi Shuckers have been in plenty of situations this season where they could have mailed it in and called it a night. Instead, they continue to find ways to overcome adversity.

 

During the team's 54-game road trip to start the season, they went 33-21 and stayed in first place in the Southern League South for almost the entirety of that run.

 

On June 14, the Shuckers clinched the first-half title in the South Division to earn a playoff bid.

 

You didn't hear many complaints from the players and coaches about the circumstances of the road trip. They did their job and did it well.

 

They could have easily gone through the motions and used the incredibly long road swing as an excuse, but they just shrugged their shoulders and went about their business.

 

In the process, they came together as a team. In the minor leagues, it's easy for a team to become disjointed with players more concerned about their own well being rather than the team as a whole.

 

The Shuckers become tighter as a team as the season goes along.

 

"This is the first time I've been on a team where everybody likes each other," Shuckers pitcher Brooks Hall said. "There are no enemies. It's great."

 

On May 27, Biloxi mayor Andrew "FoFo" Gilich announced that MGM Park wouldn't open on June 6 as planned due to the added expense needed to have the stadium ready. Even with the increased cost, it was uncertain as to whether the stadium would be ready to go on that date.

 

While the matter was resolved by the next day, the Shuckers took the field the night of May 27 in Chattanooga, Tenn., still not knowing when they'd get to play a genuine home game.

 

Gilich's announcement was a major blow to the team that day. And by the fourth inning, the Shuckers trailed 6-1 to to the Chattanooga Lookouts.

 

Somehow, the Shuckers found a way to answer. Biloxi pieced together a five-run rally to send the game to extra innings and Tyrone Taylor's two-run double in the 10th gave the Shuckers an 8-6 win.

 

Again, they easily could have used the bad news as an excuse. Instead, they went beyond what was expected of them.

 

The Shuckers are playing games right now that don't have an impact on the standings. They already have their first half title and won't again play games that count until after the all-star break.

 

When the Shuckers trailed 9-6 entering the eighth Friday night thanks to three homers by the Montgomery Biscuits, it looked like it wasn't going to be their night.

 

A grand slam by Nick Ramirez in the eighth and a walk-off single by Taylor Green in the 10th gave the Shuckers an 11-10 victory over the Biscuits.

 

"They could have relaxed and said, 'OK, we've accomplished this,'" Biloxi manager Carlos Subero said. "They still keep going after it."

 

How do the Shuckers continue to keep stepping up in difficult situations?

 

"I think it's just we have so much talent that we're able to cut deficits," Ramirez said. "Everybody knows their role here. We have guys that hit the ball out of the park and we also table setters. Once everyone is clicking with that, we're a pretty tough team to beat."

 

The Shuckers continue to make their first season in Biloxi a special one it's well worth the price of admission to watch as the team continues on its improbable ride to the postseason.

[Mass Haas]

Lineup Tweet: McFarland, Coulter in starting All-Star slots

[Mass Haas]

At some point today, and prior to game time, this (currently) outdated Maryvale Brewers MiLB.com roster page will be updated.

 

Voila!

 

Note there are some DL stints.

 

We knew about LHP Joan De La Cruz (60-day DL, Tommy John), but now we see RHP Victor Diaz, who made six appearances (four starts) for the Timber Rattlers earlier this season, is also on the 60-day, that can't be good.

 

RHP Miguel Diaz (#14 on MLB Pipeline's Brewer Top 30) and former farmhand LHP Trevor Lubking are each on the 7-day DL.

 

Promising 18-year-old Panamanian catcher Johel Atencio is on the 7-day DL as well.

 

Roster just a bit short on infielders, plenty of arms despite the DL stints, a few will see Helena within a month or so.

 

NOTE: Discuss the roster in the Helena/Maryvale thread if you'd like, thanks...

[bkrause2]

The DSL game was suspended due to rain with the Brewers leading 3-1 in the top of the third.

[LouisEly]

Lineup Tweet: McFarland, Coulter in starting All-Star slots

Jorge Ortega too!

[TheCrew07]

Rattlers rained out in Beloit on Saturday night

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

BELOIT, WI - Saturday's Midwest League game between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field was rained out. The teams will play a doubleheader on Father's Day to conclude the first half.

 

Game one of Sunday's twinbill is scheduled to start at noon. There will be approximately thirty minutes between the end of game one and the start of the second seven-inning game.

 

The Timber Rattlers will start with Angel Ventura (2-2, 2.22) in game one and Devin Williams (2-4, 3.90) in the nightcap. Beloit has scheduled Heath Fillmyer (0-7, 8.50) and Junior Mendez (1-5, 5.12) as their starters for the doubleheader.

 

Catch the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 11:40am. The broadcast may also be heard on Tune In Radio and IHeartRadio.

[Eye Black]

TWEET from baseball writer Eric Longenhagen who is in attendance at tonight's AZL Brewers game.

 

@longenhagen: Trent Clark hasn't taken the bat off his shoulder yet but just hosed Joey Martarano at 2B trying to stretch a double.

EDIT: And now his first hit...

 

@longenhagen: Trent Clark's first professional hit is an rbi single to left. Loud contact.

[bkrause2]

Final: Montgomery 0, Biloxi 1 (15 Innings)

 

Roache cranks first Double-A homer in Shuckers 1-0 walk-off in 15 innings

The Shuckers walked-off with a victory for the second straight night at MGM Park – take seventh straight series

Biloxi Shuckers

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/5/8/4/132007584/cuts/8S1A3479_lxfduyf9_58gqkvif.JPG

Victor Roache blasted a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 15th inning, lifting the Shuckers to another series win. (M.K. Krebs)

 

BILOXI, MS – A raucous crowd at MGM Park came in for a contest between two teams that averaged 15 runs-per-game through the first three games. Instead, the 4,910 faithful witnessed a pitcher’s duel for the ages, ending with a walk-off home run from Victor Roache in the 15th inning and a 1-0 Shuckers win over the Montgomery Biscuits. The victory gave Biloxi consecutive walk-offs over the Biscuits and secures the team’s seventh straight series victory to close out the first half of the season. The Shuckers lead the current five-game series, 3-1 and will look to go 4-1 for the second straight set.

 

Biloxi improved to 16-5 in one-run games, a .762 win percentage which leads the league. The 15-inning game was an inning more than the June 6, MGM Park opening night 6-5 walk-off win in 14 innings. Saturday’s 15-inning game lasted just 3 hours, 55 minutes, four minutes shorter than Friday’s 11-10 victory in 10 innings, which was 3 hours, 59 minutes.

 

Roache (2x6, HR, RBI, R) ripped the second pitch from infielder-turned-pitcher Leonardo Reginatto (0-1) over the right field wall and into the netting for the game-winning blast in the bottom of the 15th inning. The 2012 first-round pick has picked up a hit in each of his first three games for Biloxi since being promoted from Brevard County on Wednesday.

 

For the first time this series, neither team managed to score a run in the first inning, which turned out to be the theme of the night.

 

Shuckers’ starter Brent Suter turned in one of his best performances of the season, giving up just five hits over seven innings of work while tying a season high with seven strikeouts and walking just one. The lefty allowed just one base runner in the first four innings, and had more than one Biscuit reach base in an inning just once after giving up singles to Joey Rickard and Leonardo Reginatto to start the sixth.

 

Newly-named All-Star Austin Ross gave up one hit over three innings out of the bullpen and picked up three strikeouts.

 

Montgomery starter Austin Pruitt was equally as effective, striking out five and walking one while giving up eight hits before being pulled in the ninth after consecutive singles by Michael Reed (1x5) and Nick Ramirez (1x4) started the frame for Biloxi. Reed would eventually have to leave the game in the 12th due to an injury.

 

The Shuckers had a chance in the ninth with the first two men reaching safely. Brandon Macias (1x6) attempted a sacrifice bunt, but pitcher Ryan Garton pounced on the ball and threw to third to get a sliding Reed for the first out of the inning. Friday night’s hero Taylor Green (2x6, 2B) lined into a double play to end the inning and send the game into extras for a second consecutive night.

 

Mike Strong bounced back after a rough outing on Friday in which the reliever surrendered three runs in an inning of work; The southpaw struck out two and walking one over two innings of relief. Manny Barreda (1-0) tossed the final three frames and walked three and picked up two punch outs.

 

Biloxi will close out the first half looking for its third straight win over the Biscuits on Sunday night. RHP Martin Viramontes (0-0, 8.24) will get his first start of 2015 and will face All-Star LHP Blake Snell (4-2, 1.71) in the final game before the Southern League All-Star break. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:55 p.m. on 1240-AM WGCM, 1580-AM WPMO and the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network. Fans can also listen to the game using the TuneIn Radio app or by going to http://www.biloxishuckers.com.

 

Biloxi Box Score

 

Lots of good pitching performances in this one. Brent Suter struck out seven over seven innings and walked just one. Austin Ross, Mike Strong and Manny Barreda followed Suter and combined for eight scoreless, allowing only one hit over those final eight innings. Despite only scoring one run, every Biloxi starter had at least one hit. Taylor Green and Victor Roache had the only multi-hit games with Green going 2-for-6 with a double and Roache going 2-for-6 with the big walk-off home run.

 

Bilox Game Log

 

Roache's 15th inning walk-off bomb

 

Biloxi Bottom of the 15th

Defensive Substitution: Patrick Leonard replaces designated hitter Joey Rickard, batting 1st, playing third base.

Pitching Change: Leonardo Reginatto replaces Bryce Stowell, batting 2nd.

Victor Roache homers (1) on a fly ball to left center field.

[Mass Haas]

Biloxi Bottom of the 11th

 

Tyrone Taylor lines out to third baseman Leonardo Reginatto.

Orlando Arcia flies out to right fielder Dayron Varona.

Michael Reed called out on strikes.

 

Montgomery Top of the 12th

 

Defensive switch from second base to right field for Nathan Orf.

Defensive Substitution: Nick Shaw replaces right fielder Michael Reed, batting 4th, playing second base.

Tyler Goeddel strikes out swinging.

Justin O'Conner flies out to left fielder Victor Roache.

Cameron Seitzer grounds out sharply to first baseman Taylor Green.

 

***

 

Odd timing on an injury, as indicated in red in the prior post. Hopefully not a "punch the water cooler moment", obviously that's wild speculation, forget I even considered it .

[Mass Haas]

Montgomery only had two relievers available for this game, prompting the need for a position player and an immediate walkoff blast by Roache? Thus the infinity ERA in the box score. That's odd, too.

[Mass Haas]

Erickson, Timber Rattlers players adjust to life on the road

Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media

 

What an insightful feature by Tim, also posted in full in the Timber Rattlers' archive feature thread., do yourself a favor and check it out...

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO via the Rattler Radio Blog: You'll find Friday's pregame interview with Hitting Coach Chuckie Caufield at the link

[Mass Haas]

Welcome to Biloxi: Roache blasts solo HR in 15th to lift Shuckers in walk-off fashion

Patrick Ochs, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

PHOTO GALLERY: Seven images from this game via Amanda McCoy of the Sun-Herald

 

Welcome to Biloxi, Victor.

 

In just his third game after being promoted to the Biloxi Shuckers, left fielder Victor Roache made sure Saturday's game at MGM Park was a memorable one.

 

Having just played 14 1/2 scoreless innings, the visiting Montgomery Biscuits opted to send starting third baseman Leonardo Reginatto to the mound in the bottom of the 15th to save their already taxed pitching staff.

 

Roache, the 2012 first-round selection out of Georgia Southern, watched Reginatto's first pitch go by for a ball below the knees. With a strong wind blowing out to left field, Roache swatted the next pitch well beyond the left field fence for a 1-0 victory.

 

"It was low and in but I got enough barrel on it and it was high enough that I knew the wind would go ahead and blow it out," said Roache, who went 2-for-6 on the night. "Just glad it got out."

 

With the lights from the Hard Rock guitar and Beau Rivage providing the backdrop, Roache took his time trotting around the bases, savoring what was his first professional walk-off hit. He was met at home plate by his teammates, who doused the night's hero in bottled water.

 

"When it happened it just kind of felt unreal," he said. "I was running around the bases just like, 'wow, it really happened.'

 

"It was a great experience. I'll never forget that for sure."

 

Admittedly, Roache wasn't trying to hit a homer. The 6-foot-2, 223-pound slugger has been in similar positions before where a position player was on the mound and he's tried to crush the ball only to pop up.

 

Saturday night, Roache stuck with his plan and ended up hitting his 11th homer of the season.

 

"I was just trying to not get outside myself," Roache said. "I've been in that position before, playing a position player, and tried to do too much. I just learned from my experiences before and just tried to put my bat on the ball.

 

"Luckily our left field is pretty short and the wind blows out, so it was able to get out."

 

Roache, who grew up in Michigan and resides in Tampa, Fla., in the offseason, said his parents were in town to witness his walk-off winner.

 

The win marked Biloxi's second walk-off in as many nights.

 

 

OLD PALS: Roache said the first Shuckers he texted after being promoted from Brevard County were former High-A teammates Tyrone Taylor and Michael Reed.

 

"When I got here everybody welcomed me with open arms, so it feels like I've been here all season," he said.

 

HE SAID IT: "The fans are nice. The field is nice. Just trying to get used to the outfield and how left field plays. Just trying to come in and not do too much. We already have a great group of guys, so I just want to try and slide in under the radar and figure out where I fit in." -- Roache on playing in Biloxi at the new MGM Park.

 

CLOSE CALL: The Shuckers had a close call in the outfield in the seventh when Roach and center fielder Taylor collided while tracking a ball off the bat of first baseman Jake DePew. It looked like one of Roache's knees hit Taylor's head as the two tumbled to the grass. Taylor remained on the field for a few minutes while trainers attended to him.

 

He remained in the game and must have been OK because he made a beautiful diving catch in the next frame to rob leadoff hitter Leonardo Reginatto of at least a single.

 

WHAT A GEM: The two pitching staffs were dialed in Saturday. Biloxi starter Brent Suter threw seven scoreless innings, striking out seven. Austin Ross, Mike Strong and Manny Barreda combined to throw eight scoreless.

 

"I've never been a part of a game where there were nearly 15 scoreless innings," said Suter, whose ERA dropped to 1.73 Saturday. "It was definitely a grinder game for us."

 

UNDER PROTEST: The Biscuits ended up playing the game under protest. Why, you ask? With one out and Johnny Field -- who had walked -- on first base in the 14th inning, Dayron Varona struck out swinging. Field took off for second on the swing. Although he beat the throw, the umpire ruled Varona had interfered with the catcher -- awarding the Shuckers the third out.

 

BY THE NUMBERS: Only Roache and Taylor Green had two hits in the game. ... Aside from Roache's homer, the only extra-base hit was a 12th-inning double by Green. Roache followed it up with a single but relief pitcher Ryan Garton made a clumsily athletic play to get catcher Adam Weisenburger out at first... Montgomery starter Austin Pruitt equaled Suter's start, throwing eight scoreless innings, striking out five while scattering eight hits and one walk. ...Garton and Bryce Stowell combined to pitch six scoreless innings in relief.

 

RANDOM TIDBITS: Saturday's 15-inning game (3 hours, 55 minutes) was actually played 4 minutes faster than Friday night's 11-10 10-inning contest. ... The win gives the Shuckers seven straight series titles, dating back to the May 11-15 series at the Jackson Generals. ... With a 16-5 series record, the Shuckers have the Southern League's best series winning percentage at 76.2 percent. ... Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin was in town for the Biscuits series. Melvin was also in Biloxi for MGM Park's opener June 6. ... Former Biloxi High hoops standout and current Philadelphia 76er Isaiah Canaan was in attendance on Saturday.

 

IF YOU BUILD IT ... : Saturday's attendance of 4,910 was the second-largest crowd in MGM Park history. Only the park's debut with 5,065 was higher in the Shuckers' nine home games thus far.

 

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME, PRESENTED BY YOUR BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Shuckers set a league record when it was announced Saturday that Ross, a right-handed reliever, was added to the Southern League's All-Star roster, giving Biloxi 10 participants. The addition of Ross also gives Biloxi a tie with the 2011 Tennessee Smokies for the most Southern League All-Star selections (12) since switching to the division-vs-division format in 1999.

 

Ross joins pitchers Brooks Hall, Tyler Wagner, Damien Magnifico, Jorge Lopez and Hobbs Johnson, as well as shortstop Orlando Arcia, Reed, first baseman Nick Ramirez and Weisenburger. Outfielder Kyle Wren and pitcher Jaye Chapman were named all-stars before being promoted to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

 

Ross, a former LSU standout and 2011 Midwest League All-Star with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, is first in the Southern League among relievers in strikeouts-per-nine with 11.38 (43 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched). On the year, Ross is 3-2 with a 2.91 ERA. He also has one save.

 

The 2015 Southern League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby is set for Tuesday in Montgomery.

 

PLAY OF THE NIGHT: With two runners in scoring position and Weisenburger at the plate, it looked like the Shuckers might scratch out a 12th-inning win. The all-star catcher hit a slow chopper to the right side of the pitcher's mound. Biscuits reliever Garton made stab at the ball, stumbled and was able to crawl to the bag in time to get the hard charging Weisenburger.

 

[WV Brew]

Crabs extend dominance to All-Star Game

Bauers named MVP after two-run double, Faria tosses perfect inning

By Erin Brown / Special to MiLB.com

06/20/2015 11:12 PM ET

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/2/7/4/131991274/cuts/bauers960_d1qqy02m_w8c12ki6.jpg

 

Jake Bauers is presented with his Top Star Award by Florida State League president Ken Carson. (Mark LoMoglio/MiLB.com)

 

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The Charlotte Stone Crabs carried their dominance into the All-Star break and into the Florida State League All-Star Game itself.

 

Sparked by first baseman Jacob Bauers, starting pitcher Jacob Faria and a collective dominance on the mound, the South Division All-Stars cruised to a 6-0 blanking of the North All-Stars on Saturday night at Tradition Field.

 

Bauers, acquired by the Rays in the three-team trade that sent Wil Myers to the Padres, earned MVP honors after opening the scoring with a two-run double.

 

Faria, who leads the league with 10 wins and a 1.33 ERA, started for the South and struck out two in a perfect inning.

 

The 11-man South pitching staff limited the North to six hits -- two through the first six innings -- and struck out eight. Stone Crabs southpaw Chris Kirsch worked around a walk in a hitless third to pick up the victory.

 

"Just like any other game, you want to get a good tone going for the rest of the game," Faria said.

 

Bauers -- Tampa Bay's No. 21 prospect -- put the South in front for good when he followed a single by Jupiter's Yefri Perez and a walk by Rays No. 3 prospect Willy Adames with a double to left field.

 

"The pitchers were great tonight," Bauers said. "I thought one run was going to get the job done, and it ended up being enough."

 

The 19-year-old also contributed defensively with a big scoop in the third. Hammerheads third baseman Brian Anderson fielded a high infield chopper off the bat of Brevard County's Chris McFarland and Bauers handled the off-balance throw for the out.

 

The South extended its lead with a four-run outburst in the fifth.

 

St. Lucie's Jeff McNeil and Ft. Myers' Alex Swim hit back-to-back singles before Bradenton's JaCoby Jones -- the Pirates' 13th-ranked prospect lined a triple to right.

 

"It was my first at-bat, so I was excited to get in the game," said Jones, who batted for Adames. "It was a 2-0 count and [Luis Alberto Niebla] just put a fastball over the plate. Luckily, it went into the gap and two runners scored."

 

Jones trotted home on a base hit by Marauders teammate Reese McGuire to make it 5-0. Two outs later, Palm Beach's Luke Voit singled home McGuire.

 

"We definitely strung together some good at-bats," Bauers said. "The guys got some good barrels and they ended up finding holes. Sometimes that's all you need."

 

Lakeland's Ben Verlander got the North's first hit in the second and finished 2-for-4. But aside from a leadoff walk by Tigers No. 26 prospect Dominic Ficociello in the third, the North struggled to get men on base. Tampa Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar, grounded into a double play, beginning a string of eight straight batters retired by the South.

 

Until Verlander and Tampa's Mike Ford hit back-to-back singles in the seventh, the North did not get a runner past second base.

 

"I'm surprised because it's the All-Star Game and they've got a lot of good [hitters] over there," Faria said. "Kudos to our guys to keep them off the basepaths."

 

Clearwater's Colin Klevin took the loss after allowing two runs on two hits and a walk while recording two outs in the third. Threshers teammate Ulises Joaquin, Brevard County's Preston Gainey and Dunedin's Wil Browning registered two strikeouts apiece over the final 2 1/3 innings.

 

FSL All-Star Box Score

 

Chris McFarland 0-2, Clint Coulter 0-4

Jorge Ortega and Javi Salas worked a scoreless inning apiece. Preston Gainey worked 2/3 inning with 2 K's, no runs.

 

FSL All-Star GAme Log

 

Manatees are off Sunday and have a double header at Lakeland on Monday. No audio for that series.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Colorado Springs 9, New Orleans 6

 

Sox Use Pair Of Big Frames To Down Zephyrs

Five-Run Fourth and Four-Run Seventh Help Sox to 9-6 Win

By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox

 

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Matt Clark collected three hits and two runs scored in Saturday night's 9-6 win over the Zephyrs. (Photo by Paat Kelly)

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The force was on Colorado Springs' side on Saturday night as the Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 9-6 in back-and-forth contest before a Star Wars night crowd of 7,165 at Security Service Field.

 

Josh Roenicke and Zephyrs righty Kendry Flores matched scoreless frames through the game's first two innings before New Orleans opened the scoring in the top of the third. The Sox starter allowed a leadoff single to Isaac Galloway before Flores' sac bunt moved the centerfielder to second with one out. After the easy out, Roenicke struggled to get another as he allowed four consecutive singles to the top of the Zephyrs order to give the visiting side an early 2-0 lead. Miguel Rojas and Vinny Rottino notched RBI singles off of the right-hander. The lead may have been greater if not for an excellent outfield throw by Logan Schafer to get Rojas at third trying to go first to third on a base hit.

 

Flores tossed one more scoreless inning before facing the heart of the Sox order to begin the fourth. Colorado Springs would give New Orleans a taste of their own medicine, one-upping the Zephyrs' third inning output by stringing together five consecutive hits en route to four fast runs. Matt Clark, Matt Dominguez and Elian Herrera loaded the bases with three straight singles, bringing Matt Long to the plate with no out. Long capitalized with a two-run single to left to tie the game at two. Nevin Ashley followed with a two-run triple rocketed into the left field corner, allowing Herrera and Long to score the Sox third and fourth runs of the inning. The frustrated Flores would hit Yadiel Rivera with the very next pitch but would benefit from the pitcher's spot in the lineup due to come. Roenicke helped his cause slightly, grounding into a double play to drive Ashley home and clear the bases. The Zephyrs starter got a chance to breathe for the first time all inning after the twin-killing, following with a Kyle Wren groundout to end the big five-run Sox fourth.

 

Roenicke gave up a run in both the fifth and a leadoff double to Juan Diaz in the sixth, prompting manager Rick Sweet to call upon righty Rob Wooten to maintain the now slim Sox lead. Wooten allowed Diaz to score, closing the book on Roenicke prior to letting his own run cross the plate on a sacrifice fly by Scott Sizemore. The sac fly knotted the contest at five through five and a half innings. Roenicke would be charged with four earned runs on 10 hits and two walks over five plus innings of work, striking out four in the no decision.

 

Flores' night was done after allowing five runs on seven hits and a walk over five innings. The starter did not record a strikeout before handing the ball over to reliever James Nygren. The righty tossed a scoreless sixth to maintain the 5-5 tie in the back-and-forth contest.

 

The Zephyrs offense continued to put runs on the board, tagging Wooten for another run in the top of the seventh thanks to a Brandon Bantz RBI single that scored Rottino, who led off the inning with a double. Michael Kirkman (2-0, 2.70) would be called upon to clean up for the ineffective Wooten, recording two strikeouts to limit the damage. The Rottino run gave New Orleans their first lead since the top of the fourth as the Sox now trailed 6-5.

 

Colorado Springs wasted little time tying the ballgame and subsequently retaking the lead as Yadiel Rivera provided the spark necessary to start the home seventh. The speedy shortstop tripled to the right-centerfield gap off of Zephyrs lefty Pat Urckfitz (0-4, 5.81) to get things started for the Sox, bringing up pinch-hitter Pete Orr with a chance to tie the game once again with a deep fly ball. Orr did a bit better than a sac fly, grounding a single up the middle to bring Rivera home with the Sox' sixth run. It looked like the Sox would be satisfied with the tie as Wren and Schafer were both called out on strikes, giving New Orleans two outs with a man on first. Clark extended the inning with a single, bringing newest Sox infielder Dominguez to the plate with runners on the corners and two out against new pitcher Jon Link. The hard-hitting third baseman and former Astros starter roped a two-run double to the left field corner off of new Zephyrs pitcher Jon Link to give the home team an 8-6 lead. Link would give up a run of his own after Luis Sardinas' pinch-hit double plated Dominguez to give the Sox a little insurance with a 9-6 lead after seven.

 

New Orleans would threaten minimally in the game's final two innings as Jaye Chapman came on with one on and one out in the top of the eighth to nail down the win. Chapman did just that, earning a five out save to secure his fourth of the season and the Sky Sox 9-6 victory on Star Wars night.

 

With the victory, the Sox improve to 27-40 as they drop New Orleans to 31-36.

 

Colorado Springs will look to earn a series-split in the final game of the homestand against these same Zephyrs on Sunday afternoon. New Orleans sends lefty Chris Narveson (NR) to the mound against an even newer Sox player in right-hander Hiram Burgos (NR) with first pitch set for 1:35 PM MDT (2:35 Central) at Security Service Field.

 

Colorado Springs Box Score

 

Nevin Ashley triples (3) on a ground ball to left fielder Jordany Valdespin. Elian Herrera scores. Matt Long scores.

 

Wow, would like to see that! Ashley, a catcher, to left field, triple? Double-check that, Mr. Official Scorer, perhaps to third on the throw?

 

Not a lot has gone right for Rob Wooten since his MLB Japan trip this winter - injuries, lost his 40-man spot, ineffectiveness.

 

Elian Herrera was 1-for-3, hitting .402 in 92 AAA at-bats, but was pinch-hit for by another switch-hitter, Luis Sardinas (who doubled), in the critical 7th. OK, I guess...

 

Not dropping in yet - Kyle Wren 1-for-12 (one walk, one K) with the Sky Sox, but he's playing center field over Logan Schafer, who has been in right...

 

Colorado Springs Game Log