Link Report for Tuesday 6/23

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Colorado Springs: RHP Drew Gagnon at Oklahoma City (Dodgers), 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.

 

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Biloxi: It's the Southern League All-Star Game in Montgomery, AL, gametime 7:20 PM; ten Shuckers are set to take part, as detailed below; taking part in the Home Run Derby prior to the game is Nick Ramirez

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

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

 

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Brevard County: LHP Wei-Chung Wang at Lakeland (Tigers), 5:30 gametime

 

NOTE: No online audio at all for this series.

 

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Wisconsin: It's the Midwest League All-Star Game in Peoria, IL, gametime 7:00 PM; RHP Cy Sneed and catcher Carlos Leal will represent the Timber Rattlers (story below)

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

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

 

***

 

Helena: RHP Jordan Yamamoto at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 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): Idle

 

***

 

DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Rangers #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 Tuesday's action as it happens with box score / game log links:

 

Colorado Springs

 

Southern League All-Star Game

 

Brevard County

 

Midwest League All-Star Game

 

Helena

 

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]

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:

 

Oklahoma City, OK

 

Montgomery, AL

 

Lakeland, FL

 

Peoria, IL

 

Helena, MT

 

San Pedro de Macoris, DR

[Mass Haas]

You're a star now: 10 Shuckers decorate Southern League All-Star roster

Southern League's best play in Montgomery today

By Patrick Ochs, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

PHOTO GALLERY: Images from prior collections at the link

 

Today's Southern League All-Star Game in Montgomery, Ala., is brought to you by the Biloxi Shuckers.

 

The Coast's baseball team played its first 54 games on the road and yet it still managed to not only secure first place but fill up the South Division's all-star roster.

 

"I think it shows a little bit about what this team is about," said first baseman Nick Ramirez, a two-time SL All-Star. "There's just a lot of talent and a group of guys who likes to have a lot of fun playing baseball."

 

Joining Ramirez at the Biscuit's Riverwalk Stadium will be pitchers Austin Ross, Brooks Hall, Tyler Wagner, Damien Magnifico, Jorge Lopez and Hobbs Johnson. Shortstop Orlando Arcia, outfielder Michael Reed and catcher Adam Weisenburger are also all-stars. Outfielder Kyle Wren and pitcher Jaye Chapman were named all-stars but won't be able to participate after being promoted to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

 

Reed, Arcia and Ramirez were all named starters. Ramirez is also expected to compete in today's home run derby (link to MiLB.com story on that).

 

With Ross's inclusion, the Shuckers tied the 2011 Tennessee Smokies for the most all-stars since the SL went to a division-versus-division format in 1999 with 12 selections. The Shuckers' 10 participants set a Southern League record.

 

"This is a heckuva group of winners," Weisenburger said. "Our mentality is no one is going to feel sorry for us. As much as the minor leagues is a grind, we were put in a situation where we had to grind a little harder. I think that put a little chip on our shoulder where we figured we might as well have a little fun doing it.

 

"One of the ways to do that is win."

 

Numerically speaking

 

Heading into the all-star break, a slew of Shuckers are among the Southern League's statistical leaders.

 

Biloxi's pitching staff ranks second in the league with a 3.20 ERA, while boasting the SL's best WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) at 1.21. Offensively, the Shuckers' .269 batting average is tops in the SL.

 

Of the pitchers, Wagner, the Shuckers' first to be called up by the Milwaukee Brewers, is 5-2 with a 2.43 ERA. Hall started the first game in franchise history and has since compiled a 7-3 record with a 3.39 ERA. Lopez and Johnson have helped solidify the rotation, posting 5-2 and 4-4 records with respective ERAs of 3.02 and 3.61. Lopez is also the team's strikeout leader with 58.

 

Out of the pen, Ross and Magnifico have been reliable. Magnifico is 3-0 with a 1.84 ERA, while Ross, a former LSU standout, is 3-2 with a 2.68 ERA.

 

Arcia leads the league with 19 doubles and is hitting .307 with 36 RBIs. Reed has done a little of everything, hitting .300 with five homers, 35 RBIs and -- with Wren's promotion -- a team-best 19 stolen bases. Ramirez leads the Shuckers with nine homers. He also has 13 doubles, 44 RBIs, and a .289 batting average, Weisenburger is ranked as the Milwaukee Brewers' top defensive catcher and boasts a .365 on-base percentage.

[Mass Haas]

Leal, Snead to represent Rattlers in all-star game

Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media

 

GRAND CHUTE – Matt Erickson knew back in spring training that Cy Sneed had the right stuff to anchor his young Wisconsin Timber Rattlers pitching staff.

 

As for Carlos Leal, he was a man of mystery.

 

Erickson had no clue what the Rattlers were going to get behind the plate from the former pitcher.

 

Expectations for the two may have been vastly different, but both wound up in the same place — at Dozier Field in Peoria, Illinois, for tonight’s 51st annual Midwest League All-Star Game.

 

“They’re a little different in that we expected Sneed to have the consistency that he’s had,” said Erickson, Wisconsin’s fifth-year manager. “Leal has been a great surprise.”

 

Sneed, a 22-year-old right-handed starting pitcher, is a deceptive 3-7 on the season, but has a fine 2.78 ERA.

 

“He’s a little older guy with a core group of young players and he’s exactly what we had hoped he would be,” said Erickson. “He’s a great work ethic guy. He knows his routine and shows up every fifth day and gives us consistency with his pitches.”

 

Sneed, a third-round selection by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2013 first-year player draft, leads the Rattlers in innings pitched (71 1/3) and is second in strikeouts (61) behind 2014 No. 1 pick Kodi Medeiros.

 

Sneed’s WHIP of 1.15 is the best among Rattlers starters.

 

“We haven’t always played great behind him,” said Erickson. “But just about every time he’s touched the mound, he’s given us a quality start and a chance to win.”

 

Leal, a 23-year-old catcher, is hitting a team-high .308 with one home run and 13 RBI. He went on the Rattlers’ disabled list late last week, but is expected to be activated for tonight’s game.

 

“To make the all-star team just shows that hard work paid off,” said Leal. “I’ve had a good season so far.”

 

Leal was a 34th-round pick by the Brewers in 2014 draft out of Delta State University (Miss.). Despite playing catcher in college, he was drafted as a pitcher. But Leal never embraced the move and struggled on the mound with the Arizona Brewers in Rookie League play last summer. He showed his exceptional arm strength with nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings, but his heart wasn’t into it and he struggled, finishing with an ERA of 8.53.

 

Leal was told by the Brewers upon his exit last fall that he would continue pitching, but the organization changed its mind over the winter and agreed to let Leal return to catching.

 

“When I got drafted, I was excited to just get drafted, but I’ve always been a catcher and wanted to catch,” said Leal. “Pitching was something I didn’t really want to do. Charlie Greene (the Brewers minor league field coordinator and a roving catching instructor) finally called before spring training and asked me if I wanted to catch. I said of course.”

 

Leal, a left-handed hitter, has shown a quick bat and has been solid behind the plate, while showing a strong, accurate arm.

 

“I don’t think anyone expected him to be doing what he’s doing this quickly,” said Erickson. “You can see why he was drafted as a pitcher. He has that arm strength. I love his attitude and his willingness to learn. He’s hungry and passionate about the game.”

 

Leal has an on-base percentage of .365, second among Rattlers starters. He has shared catching duties with Greg McCall, and also served as the team’s designated hitter.

 

“He doesn’t do everything fundamentally correct behind the plate and at the plate,” said Erickson. “He’s a little off balance at the plate, but has hitter’s hands. He grinds and fights at the plate. If he can clean up a few things, it’s just going to make him more consistent. He brings energy and he’s been impressive. What a great surprise he’s been to this club.”

[Mass Haas]

MANATEES AUCTION: About four days remain for the Cancer Care Foundation jerseys that look like this --

 

http://manatees.milbauctions.com/images/stores/87/300/Archer_300.JPG

[Mass Haas]

Via Nicholas at Disciples of Uecker: 30 Farmhands #4: Meet the Arizona Rookies!

[Mass Haas]

MLB Trade Rumors with details - Tigers Release Josh Prince

[Mass Haas]

More from the Sun-Herald in Biloxi:

 

Someone needed to buy Victor Roache a late-night meal at Waffle House after the newest Shucker won Saturday's game in the 15th inning with a leadoff homer. Expect the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Georgia Southern product to be a fan favorite in Biloxi. Roache is a power hitter in every sense and there's no doubt the 350-foot left field power alley, with winds often gusting across the field from the southwest, must look enticing. Before being promoted, Roache hit 10 homers in 63 games for High-A Brevard County.

 

Speaking of Waffle House... Count catcher Adam Weisenburger is among those happy to have a home ballpark.

 

"The biggest thing is probably to be able to make your own breakfast in the morning," he said. "Not having to go to a Waffle House or Cracker Barrel every morning is kind of nice. I love them, but they get old after a little while."

 

Austin Ross was genuinely surprised when Shuckers manager Carlos Subero texted him he had been named to the Southern League's all-star game. So much so he replied, asking if Subero meant to send the text to someone else.

 

The LSU product is certainly deserving with a 3-2 record, 2.68 ERA, 1.19 WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) and an impressive 46-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

 

"It's definitely exciting," Ross said Saturday. "I didn't have any definitive plans (for the all-star break) so it was easy to say yes and go over there.

 

"It's a good way to spend your break."

 

It's hard to say a team that had 12 players named all-stars got snubbed. However, a case could be made for Shuckers southpaw Brent Suter. The recently crowned Southern League Player of the Week is 4-2 on the year with a 1.73 ERA, tops among active Shuckers. Having split time between the rotation and bullpen, Suter, a 31st-round selection out of Harvard in 2012, boasts a 1.22 WHIP. He was downright dominant in Saturday's marathon 15-inning win, striking out seven against five hits and a walk in seven scoreless innings.

 

"I went through a stretch where I was walking too many guys but lately I've been pounding the zone more and getting back to where I need to be as a very fringe velocity guy," he said Saturday. "I don't have electric stuff so I need to throw strikes, attack hitters and put the ball where I want to."

 

The Southern League announced its full Home Run Derby lineup Monday, with Nick Ramirez and his nine homers joining Montgomery's Johnny Field Jr. (11), Chattanooga's Adam Brett Walker (19), Pensacola's Kyle Waldrop (6), Jacksonville's Zack Cox (3) and Tennessee's Willson Contreras (5).

 

The power-hitting Shucker is no stranger to home run competitions, having won the Florida State League's contest in 2013.

 

Walker's 19 homers is impressive. The Lookouts' 6-foot-4, 225-pound outfielder has a history of mashing, with 27- and 25-homer seasons on his resume. But the so-called best power hitter doesn't always win.

 

Here's a homer pick: Ramirez's experience lifts him to the derby crown at Riverwalk Stadium.

[pogokat]

I'm headed to the Southern League all star game. Woot!

[Mass Haas]

Brewers’ Medeiros learning

19-year-old prospect shows glimpses of his potential

By Josh Flickinger, Beloit Daily News

 

Nice insights from pitching coach Gary Lucas included...

 

Josh Flickinger is a longtime forum member, posts 2011 and prior...

[Mass Haas]

Why the Carolina League is such an attractive affiliation lure. No California League pinball worries, and no Florida rain.

 

TWEET: Tonight's game in Lakeland has been postponed. The Manatees will conclude the 1st half with a doubleheader tomorrow, starting at 5:00 PM (4:00 Central).

[Mass Haas]

Wet grounds in the Dominican, DSL Brewers game postponed.

[TheCrew07]

Midwest League All-Star Game

 

Final: East All-Stars 5, West All-Stars (Brewers) 0

 

Midwest Boxscore

 

Not much to talk about here from a Brewer perspective, Carlos Leal didn't play and Cy Sneed only pitched to 1 batter allowing a hit, but hey 2 of 4 pitches were for strikes!

 

 

Midwest Recap

[TheCrew07]

Southern League All-Star Game

 

North All-Stars 9, South All-Stars (Brewers) 0

 

Southern League Boxscore

 

3 All-Star games so far, 3 mostly duds from a Brewer perspective. Orlando Arcia, Nick Ramirez, and Michael Reed all went hitless. Adam Weisenburger collected the only hit, going 1 for 1.

 

Super prospect Robert Stephenson had a tough inning allowing 4 runs. Tyler Wagner followed and pitched a clean inning around 2 hits, Jorge Lopez allowed a run in his inning of work, Austin Ross struck out both batters he faced, Brooks Hall gave up 2 hits in his 2.3 of an inning, Hobbs Johnson allowed a walk in his 2/3, and Damien Magnifico was tuned up for 3 runs in his 1/3.

 

Southern League Recap

 

Tyler Wagner.

SOU North All-Stars Bottom of the 3rd

• 
  Pitching Change: Tyler Wagner replaces Robert Stephenson.
  Willson Contreras singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Kyle Waldrop.
  Miguel Sano doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Reed. Willson Contreras to 3rd.
  Adam Walker II grounds out, third baseman Zack Cox to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  Max Kepler grounds out, pitcher Tyler Wagner to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  Dan Vogelbach grounds out, first baseman Nick Ramirez to pitcher Tyler Wagner.

 

Jorge Lopez.

SOU North All-Stars Bottom of the 4th

• Pitching Change: Jorge Lopez replaces Tyler Wagner.
  Jabari Blash called out on strikes.
  Joey DeMichele strikes out swinging.
  Tim Anderson doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Michael Reed.
  Johnny Field singles on a line drive to center fielder Mallex Smith. Tim Anderson scores. Johnny Field to 2nd on the throw.
  Willson Contreras walks.
  Miguel Sano flies out to right fielder Kyle Waldrop.

 

Austin Ross, Brooks Hall, Hobbs Johnson

SOU North All-Stars Bottom of the 6th

• Pitching Change: Austin Ross replaces Timothy Adleman.
  Jabari Blash strikes out swinging.
  Joey DeMichele strikes out swinging.
  Pitching Change: Brooks Hall replaces Austin Ross.
  Jorge Polanco singles on a ground ball to center fielder Socrates Brito.
  Johnny Field strikes out on a foul tip.

 

SOU North All-Stars Bottom of the 7th

• Ray Chang remains in the game as the designated hitter.
  Adrian Nieto doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Kyle Waldrop.
  Miguel Sano grounds out, third baseman Zack Cox to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  Pitching Change: Hobbs Johnson replaces Brooks Hall.
  Adam Walker II pops out to first baseman Nick Ramirez in foul territory.
  Tyler Goeddel reaches on a throwing error by third baseman Zack Cox. Adrian Nieto to 3rd.
  Dan Vogelbach walks. Tyler Goeddel to 2nd.
  Jabari Blash grounds out, third baseman Zack Cox to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

 

Damien Magnifico.

SOU North All-Stars Bottom of the 8th

• Pitching Change: Adam Miller replaces Hobbs Johnson.
  Joey DeMichele strikes out swinging.
  Pitching Change: Kyle McMyne replaces Adam Miller.
  Jorge Polanco singles on a line drive to right fielder Kyle Waldrop.
  Johnny Field flies out to right fielder Kyle Waldrop.
  Pitching Change: Damien Magnifico replaces Kyle McMyne.
  Adrian Nieto singles on a ground ball to center fielder Socrates Brito. Jorge Polanco to 3rd.
  Miguel Sano singles on a ground ball to center fielder Socrates Brito. Jorge Polanco scores. Adrian Nieto to 2nd.
  Adam Walker II singles on a ground ball to left fielder Zach Borenstein. Adrian Nieto to 3rd. Miguel Sano to 2nd.
  Tyler Goeddel triples (1) on a line drive to left fielder Zach Borenstein. Adrian Nieto scores. Miguel Sano scores. Adam Walker II scores.
  Dan Vogelbach called out on strikes.

[pogokat]

Arcia hit a bomb in the 9th that was just foul to left--- also was robbed of extra bases on a line drive to left center in the first. He hit the ball very hard tonight.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Oklahoma City 5, Colorado Springs 1

 

OKC Arms Fluster Sky Sox In 5-1 Loss

Sox Score Early but Can't Continue as Dodgers Pitching Allows Just Four Hits

By Eddie Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/2/8/8/117588288/cuts/04_09_035_pk_d6wt810o_fzmwc17h.jpg

 

Elian Herrera knocked in the Sox lone run on Tuesday with an RBI single in the first inning. (File photo from prior game by Paat Kelly)

 

Colorado Springs could not maintain their hot start on Tuesday, dropping the first game of a three-game set 5-1 to the Oklahoma City Dodgers in front of 4,627 fans at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

 

The Sky Sox night looked promising after the first inning in OKC, scoring a quick run to open the ballgame against Dodgers starter Scott Baker (6-3, 3.66). Logan Schafer and Matt Clark each collected singles before Elian Herrera dumped a two-out, RBI base hit into shallow centerfield for the game's first run.

 

Unfortunately for the Sox, the first inning proved to be the last time Baker would allow a base-runner in his excellent six innings of work. The right-hander finished his day having allowed just the three first inning hits and resulting lone run while striking out one.

 

Sox starter Drew Gagnon (1-9, 7.18) experienced even greater success early on, retiring the first ten batters he faced in order. Trouble would strike in the fourth however as OKC catcher Austin Barnes broke the hitless string with a one-out single to get the home team started on a three-run rally. Gagnon retired the always dangerous Corey Seager for the second out of the inning before consecutive walks to Chris Heisey and Andy Wilkins suddenly loaded the bases. The Dodgers tied it up on a Gagnon wild pitch to Scott Schebler, who then doubled to deep left-center to plate Heisey and Wilkins and take a 3-1 lead.

 

Oklahoma City would have little to stress about the rest of the way, tacking two more runs on Gagnon before letting the bullpen hold down a 5-1 lead. Gagnon finished his night allowing five runs, the last of which came on a seventh inning solo shot off the bat of O'Koyea Dickson, on five hits and three walks over six plus innings of work.

 

Rob Wooten and Jaye Chapman each tossed a scoreless inning in relief of Gagnon with Wooten tallying a strikeout in the seventh.

 

Lefty Paco Rodriguez and right-handed relievers Pedro Baez and Chin-hui Tsao combined for three shutout innings, securing Baker's strong start and giving the Dodgers a 5-1 series-opening victory.

 

After Herrera's RBI single in the first, the Sox were kept off the bases until a ninth inning single by Matt Clark. The team would combine for a meager four base knocks in the ballgame, falling by four runs to a team that managed just five hits.

 

The Colorado Springs offense will look to return to form on Wednesday morning as the Sox take on the Dodgers in the middle game of this current three-game series. Sky Sox ace Tyler Cravy (7-5, 3.65) hopes to get his team back in the win column as he duels with OKC left-hander Ian Thomas (3-0, 5.30) at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for a rare 10:05 AM MDT (11:05 Central) matinee start.

 

Colorado Springs Box Score

 

How long has it been since you clicked on the Pacific Coast League standings above? Go ahead now, and then remember that AAA does not have a split-schedule (sigh), although one looks at the makeup of this club and wonders if it would matter. The only goal should be to finish ahead of the Athletics' Nashville squad; currently Sounds' management is saddled with a 31-41 club, 1.5 games better than the Sky Sox (different division).

 

Colorado Springs Game Log

 

We may forget that RHP Drew Gagnon was the team's 3rd round pick in 2011 (Long Beach State). Gagnon turns 25 on Friday and has been a sacrificial lamb for the most part here. His track record and career peripherals pointed to a tough 2015. Most of the Sky Sox road games are in neutral ballparks, and we've seen that the Sky Sox home park is not a homer-haven, so the Brewers need to figure out which of the AA Biloxi starters could best accept the AAA challenge in the second half.

 

T: 2:10.

 

1-2-3 offensive innings, only two K's, plenty of soft contact, apparently.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Great Falls 13, Helena 5

 

Voyagers hit Brewers out of the series with 13-5 win

Helena Brewers

 

The Helena Brewers (2-4) dropped their first series of the season, falling to the Great Falls Voyagers (3-2) 13-5 on Tuesday at Kindrick Field.

 

The Voyagers scored two runs in the top of the first and would lead the whole way in the finale of their four-game series. Frank Califano led off with a single and immediately scored when Jake Jarvis hit a two-run homer off Jordan Yamamoto (0-1). Jarvis went 3-for-4 with four RBI in the contest.

 

Yamamoto struggled in his second start of the year. He would give up seven runs on ten hits in his five innings on the hill. The Voyagers collected 17 total hits in the game, a new season-high surrendered by the Brewers' pitching staff.

 

Steven Karkenny led the way offensively for Helena, going 3-for-5 and falling just a triple short of the cycle. Karkenny's home run came in the fifth inning, a two-run blast to score Blake Allemand off Zack Erwin (1-0).

 

Jose Cuas and Luis Aviles would also contribute multi-hit performances. Aviles doubled for the first time this season in the sixth as a part of his 2-for-4 night. He is now on a five-game hitting streak, led only by Allemand who has hit successfully in six straight.

 

The Voyagers ran away with it when they put six runs on the board in the seventh inning. Six of those hits would be singles.

 

Great Falls cranked three home runs in the game, all coming off Yamamoto.

 

The Brewers now head to Missoula to take on the Osprey in a two-game series at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. First pitch Wednesday is set for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central).

 

***

 

Brewers stumble in seventh, drop decision to Voyagers

Ryan Collingwood, Helena Independent Record

 

PHOTO GALLERY: Six images from Gary Marshall, Blackfoot Media Group at the article link

 

Giving up 17 hits seldom ends in a positive result.

 

Surrendering six runs in the seventh inning won't do a team any favors, either.

 

The Helena Brewers were on the wrong side of the aforementioned statistics Tuesday night at Kindrick Legion Field, dropping a 13-5 decision to the Great Falls Voyagers.

 

A night after letting the Voyagers (3-2) rally with seven runs in the top of the ninth, the Brewers' (2-4) defense continued to struggle as it dropped its three-game homestand to their North Division foe.

 

Brewers starter Jordan Yamamoto gave up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings of work, including homers to Jake Jarvis, Antonio Rodriguez and Louis Silverio.

 

"(Yamamoto) didn't have his best stuff today," Brewers manager Tony Diggs said. "The good thing about it is that he did compete, even though he had a big inning when he gave up three runs in the fourth, he came back in the fifth and put up a zero."

 

But Helena put together a semblance of a rally.

 

Great Falls jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the fifth inning, but Brewers first baseman Steven Karkenny's bat put his club in striking distance. Karkenny, who finished a triple short of the cycle, smacked his first professional home run, a two-run blast.

 

Karkenny, a 19th-round pick in the 2015 draft out of NAIA The Master's College in California, felt a sense of relief in having his first notable offensive night as a pro.

 

"I'm just trying to get a good pitch to hit and do my job," said Karkenny, who went 3 for 5. "I'm thankful to be out there."

 

Jake Gatewood then followed Karkenny's homer with a stand-up double and was able to score after a wild pitch -- the Voyagers had a combined five wild pitches, two of which resulted in runs -- from reliever Zach Irwin to make it a 7-5 contest.

 

Nate Griep came in for relief for Yamamoto in the top of the sixth and had an impressive first inning of his professional career with a 1-2-3 frame. In the top of the seventh, however, the eighth-round pick from Kansas State got shelled in the disastrous seventh inning.

 

While the Brewers' offense has been impressive in their first six contests, tallying 58 total hits, they've conversely given up 57 hits.

 

"Seriously I think we've been playing pretty solid defense. I know we had a couple errors," Diggs said. "I'm not going to blame everything on the field because there were a couple bad hops and things like that, but they're putting their noses in there and still making plays."

 

It wasn't even the cleanest game for the Voyagers between their four errors and five wild pitches, but their offense was explosive enough to atone for the sloppy play.

 

Jarvis (3 for 4, 4 RBI), Frank Califano (3 for 5, 1 RBI), Rodriguez (3 for 5, 1 RBI) and Silverio were a load for Helena's pitchers. However, lefty reliever Chad Reeves closed out the final three frames for the Brewers and gave up just one hit.

 

Luis Aviles and Jose Cuas each had two hits for Helena, which begins a five-game road trip that begins Wednesday in Missoula.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDpTFTP2sLk&feature=player_embedded

 

Helena Box Score

 

Southpaw Chad Reeves could be a candidate to get to Wisconsin quickly, as the 2014 33rd rounder (LSU-Eunice) is already 24 years old.

 

The MiLB staffer logging the game never used the term "line drive" anywhere in the game log, but it's doubtful that every fly ball that victimized 8th round RHP Nate Griep here was a bloop --

 

Great Falls Top of the 7th

 

Jake Jarvis singles on a fly ball to center fielder Carlos Belonis.

Antonio Rodriguez singles on a ground ball to third baseman Jose Cuas. Antonio Rodriguez to 2nd. Jake Jarvis advances to 3rd, on a missed catch error by first baseman Steven Karkenny.

Sikes Orvis singles on a fly ball to right fielder Omar Cotto. Jake Jarvis scores. Antonio Rodriguez to 3rd.

Zach Fish singles on a ground ball to left fielder Troy Stokes. Antonio Rodriguez scores. Sikes Orvis to 2nd.

Casey Schroeder doubles (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Omar Cotto. Sikes Orvis scores. Zach Fish to 3rd.

Louis Silverio singles on a ground ball to left fielder Troy Stokes. Zach Fish scores. Casey Schroeder to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Chad Reeves replaces Nate Griep.

Victor Velasquez grounds out, shortstop Blake Allemand to first baseman Steven Karkenny. Casey Schroeder scores. Louis Silverio to 2nd.

Grant Massey grounds out, third baseman Jose Cuas to first baseman Steven Karkenny.

Frank Califano singles on a fly ball to left fielder Troy Stokes. Louis Silverio scores.

Jake Jarvis pops out to catcher Kevin Martinez in foul territory.

 

Helena Game Log

 

Not only did Steven Karkenny bypass Maryvale, but the 22-year-old RH bat was placed quickly in the three-hole in the lineup.

 

5th round middle infielder Blake Allemand is a switch-hitter, as are catcher Kevin Martinez and OF Omar Cotto.