Link Report for Tuesday 6/30 - 2nd Round RHP Cody Ponce Makes Second Helena Start

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Colorado Springs: LHP Nick Additon at Nashville (Athletics), 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: Idle

 

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Brevard County: RHP Eric Marzec at Bradenton (Pirates), 5:30 PM gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link, Bradenton Feed Only

 

No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV.

 

**********

 

Wisconsin: RHP David Burkhalter at home vs. Cedar Rapids (Twins), 11:45 AM pre-game, 12:05 PM gametime; expect LHP Kodi Medeiros 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 Cody Ponce at home vs. Billings (Reds), 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): at home vs. the Athletics' tykes, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league

 

***

 

DSL Brewers: at the DSL Marlins, 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]

DVR ALERT! -

 

Not this afternoon, but Wednesday evening, MyNew32 TV, 7:00 PM airtime for Timber Rattlers' action.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Colorado Springs

 

Brevard County

 

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 this just prior to the game time --

 

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

 

Pioneer League North Division

 

Arizona League Central Division

 

Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris

 

***

 

Sortable individual stat pages:

 

Colorado Springs

 

Biloxi

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

DSL Brewers

 

***

 

Weather.com:

 

Nashville, TN

 

Bradenton, FL

 

Grand Chute, WI

 

Helena, MT

 

Maryvale, AZ

 

Boca Chica, DR

[And That]

As I contemplate the struggles the system is going through again this season (at least in terms of W-L record), thought I'd see how many Latin players that the Brewers originally signed as amateur free agents and have developed at each level (active roster or DL):

 

Milwakee: 1 (Peralta)

Colorado: 0

Biloxi: 1 (Arcia)

Brevard: 2 (J. Ortega, Pena)

Wisconsin: 7 (Rizzo, Ventura, Mejia, Castillo, Matos, Munoz, Rubio)

Helena: 3 (Gomez, Martinez, Belonis)

Arizona: 13 (de la Cruz, M. Diaz, V. Diaz, Leal, Torrez, Atencio, Lara, Leonardo, Quiterio, Martinez, Ortiz, Pierre, Segovia)

 

That's 2 players above A-ball, and 11 above rookie ball. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that there is at least one minor league team in a different organization that has more than 11 Latin players above rookie ball on a single roster. The Brewers are starting to turn it around a little bit as evidenced by the Arizona roster (though even then five of those guys are on the DL), but their inability to develop these players continues to hamstring the system.

[TheCrew07]

Interesting observation, I hadn't looked at it that way.

 

If you look at the T-Rats, in terms of development, we expect our 2nd year high school players to be extremely raw. All of the Latin kids have had much more professional experience but yet aren't advanced skill wise as their domestic counterparts. On the pitching side only Ventura is roughly in the same place as Williams, Medeiros, and Burkhalter but none of the position players are advanced as Neuhaus from a fundamental standpoint, an argument could be made for Castillo, but I don't think he's quite at that same level.

[Mass Haas]

From a position player standpoint, take a peek at the Brevard County and Wisconsin rosters.

 

Those rosters should be in the wheelhouse for when the big league Brewers are ready to cycle back to respectability in 3-4 years.

 

Outside of Clint Coulter and perhaps catcher Carlos Leal, where is the wave of everyday players from that group? Chris McFarland, perhaps, many teams carry second basemen who don't have positional flexibility (see Gennett, S.).

 

There are so many eggs in the Biloxi basket now, it's almost a do-or-die situation there in terms of success rate. Shuck or Be Shucked, so to speak.

[CheezWizHed]

Woahs Shucked!

[WV Brew]

The big money teams almost all have 2 teams in the DSL while the Brewers are fielding about half a team of legitimate prospects. Maybe the new rules on international signings will help a little bit.

[ewitkows]

From a position player standpoint, take a peek at the Brevard County and Wisconsin rosters.

 

Those rosters should be in the wheelhouse for when the big league Brewers are ready to cycle back to respectability in 3-4 years.

 

Outside of Clint Coulter and perhaps catcher Carlos Leal, where is the wave of everyday players from that group? Chris McFarland, perhaps, many teams carry second basemen who don't have positional flexibility (see Gennett, S.).

 

There are so many eggs in the Biloxi basket now, it's almost a do-or-die situation there in terms of success rate. Shuck or Be Shucked, so to speak.

 

I could see Demuth or Cooper making it to the show

[Mass Haas]

Just updated the Daily Menu as 2nd round RHP Cody Ponce, not RHP Milton Gomez, gets the Helena start tonight.

[WV Brew]

Eric Marzec is coming out to start the game. Maybe they have a bug going around the Manatees? This leaves the question of what the Manatees are going to do with this staff? You have: Ortega, Salas, Woodruff, Wang, Marzec and a rehabbing Hellweg starting games. Now they bring in Cy Sneed. Who is going to start? Maybe Sneed piggy backs Hellweg while he's here?

 

Garrett Cooper is now getting scratched in the 1st after batting in the top of the 1st. I assume this is a bug problem. Scratch that. Bradenton announcer was wrong. Cooper still in.

[Mass Haas]

Just updated the Daily Menu as 2nd round RHP Cody Ponce, not RHP Milton Gomez, gets the Helena start tonight.

 

Lots of ketchup spilled on the Daily Menu's original listed starters (as initially by MiLB.com). In addition to Cody Ponce and Eric Marzec taking over, as noted earlier in the thread, LHP Nick Additon is now tonight's Colorado Springs starting pitcher, no word on Tyler Thornburg's status.

[Eye Black]

Chris Kusiolek follows mostly Athletics prospects, check out his Twitter timeline from last night for his insight on Gilbert Lara (and a Vine video of him), and Nash Walters.

 

Much more analysis in Chris' Twitter timeline tonight as he attend the AZL Brewers BP session about an hour ago. Use the link Mass Haas provided for plenty of informative tweets as well as Demi Orimoloye and Trent Clark sightings' (the latter with two black eyes apparently). Also mentions Clark will be cleared tomorrow.

 

EDIT: Demi Orimoloye is not in the starting lineup tonight, so the wait continues.

[WV Brew]

Marauders maul Manatees in series finale

 

June 30, 2015 8:09 PM MST

 

http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/d7/7e/d77e9092cf92631af9e4afb4e879e730.JPG?itok=q1tzjX7j

 

Clint Coulter had a two hit night, including a 2-run double, in the Manatees loss to Bradenton

Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography (used with permission)

 

The Brevard County Manatees and Bradenton Marauders concluded their four-game series Tuesday night at McKechnie Field in Bradenton. The Manatees, who won Monday night, could not repeat the feat on this night, losing 12-6. The two teams combined for 32 hits.

 

Right-hander Brandon Woodruff was scheduled to start the game for the Manatees, but was scratched late in favor of Eric Marzec. The Marauders were not fazed by the change, scoring quickly in the bottom of the first.

 

Chris Diaz and Austin Meadows hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. They moved up on a passed ball by Brevard catcher Cameron Garfield. One out later, a single by Erich Weiss gave the home team a 1-0 lead and started a streak of three straight innings that Bradenton would score.

 

Their run in the second inning would come courtesy of a solo home run by Wyatt Mathisen, his first of the season. The Manatees got a run back in the top of the third on a Michael Ratterree sacrifice fly, allowing Chris McFarland to score. McFarland led the inning off with a triple against Marauders starter Cody Dickson.

 

The Marauders scored twice in the third inning, with their first run coming on a fielder’s choice by Harold Ramirez. An RBI double by Reese McGuire accounted for the second run and made it a 4-1 ballgame.

 

The Manatees (2-3, 31-43) made a game of it in the top of the fifth. Clint Coulter started a two out rally with a single to center and went to second on a wild pitch. Garrett Cooper promptly singled him home, making it 4-2. Taylor Brennan was next to the plate and he took Dickson deep for his first home run of the season, tying the score 4-4.

 

The tie didn’t last long, as Bradenton (4-2, 36-40) put four on the board in the bottom of the sixth. Mathisen and Diaz singled around two fly outs. Meadows singled to bring Mathisen in, breaking the tie. An error by Cooper on the play, got a runner to third. That was the end of the night for Marzec, who was replaced by Tyler Spurlin. He hit Barrett Barnes with a pitch to start his night and then gave up a two-run single to Erich Weiss. Ramirez added an RBI single to make it an 8-4 game.

 

Marzec was charged with six earned runs on 11 hits. He walked one and struck out three in 5.2 innings. Things just deteriorated from there, as the Marauders added four more runs in the bottom of the eighth, closing out a 12-run outburst.

 

The Manatees did not go quietly, as they scored twice in the top of the ninth on a two-run double by Coulter, to make it a 12-6 game.

 

For more info: Brevard County @ Bradenton boxscore

 

Bradenton collected 18 hits Tuesday, with Diaz, Meadows and Mathisen each getting three. Six Marauders in all had a multi-hit night.

 

The Manatees had a pretty impressive night as well, compiling 14 hits. Ratterree was the only player to collect three hits in the lineup, but Coulter McFarland and Brennan had two apiece and every starter had at least one.

 

The Manatees will continue their road trip on Wednesday, opening a series at Dunedin. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.

 

Brevard County Box Score

 

Chris McFarland with a double and a triple. Taylor Brennan got his first home run of the year. Michael Ratterree 3-3 and Clint Coulter with 2 hits including a double.

 

Brevard County Game Log

[TheCrew07]

Kernels quiet Rattlers, 3-2

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/2/2/8/133807228/cuts/6_30_Rubio_Web_riwzvdk4_2lj4a75x.jpg

Elvis Rubio drove in both runs for the Timber Rattlers on Tuesday afternoon. (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers/Ann Mollica)

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers had two hits in a 3-2 loss to the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Tuesday afternoon at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Clintonville native Luke Westphal allowed one hit, struck out five over five innings, and picked up the win for the Kernels.

 

Cedar Rapids (44-32 overall, 3-2 second half) put the Rattlers behind early. Tanner English led off the game with a double. He would score on a one-out single by Zack Larson.

 

Wisconsin (25-51, 2-4) tied the game in the bottom of the first. Brandon Diaz walked, stole second, and went to third on a sacrifice bunt. Elvis Rubio knocked in Diaz with a ground out to second.

 

But, the Kernels scored again in the top of the second inning. Wisconsin starter David Burkhalter retired the first two batters he faced in the frame, but TJ White reached on an infield single up the third base line. A wild throw to first allowed White to take second and a wild pitch let White go to third. Brian Navarreto singled on a 2-2 pitch from Burkhalter and White scored for a 2-1 lead.

 

The only hit Westphal allowed was a one out single in the fourth to Rubio. In the fifth, Alan Sharkey drew a walk with one out, but Westphal got the next batter to ground into a double play to end the inning.

 

Burkhalter allowed two runs - one earned - and struck out five over four innings. Kodi Medeiros came out of the bullpen and worked two scoreless innings, despite three walks.

 

In the seventh, the Kernels tacked on a run against reliever Zach Cooper. Nick Gordon doubled with one out and Larson followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Then, Larson would steal second to get two runners in scoring position.

 

Alex Real looped a shallow fly down the line in left and Mitch Meyer made a diving tumbling catch to retire Real. But, Gordon tagged and scored on the sacrifice fly for the insurance run.

 

Wisconsin got runners on in the seventh and eighth against Kernels reliever Randy LeBlanc, but each runner was erased on a double play.

 

Meyer started the bottom of the ninth and reached base when he was hit by a pitch from Cedar Rapids closer Cam Booser. Diaz was next and he drew a walk. Then, Gregory Munoz dropped a sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position.

 

Rubio grounded out to second to knock in Meyer and the Rattlers were within 3-2, but that was as close as they would get as Booser ended the game with a foul popout.

 

The Rattlers hits belonged to Rubio and Sharkey.

 

Cedar Rapids has won all eight meetings between the teams in Grand Chute in 2015. Wisconsin is 1-10 in eleven meetings with the Kernels this season.

 

The final game of the series - and the homestand - is Wednesday night. Zach Hirsch (2-4, 3.15) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. The Kernels will have Felix Jorge (3-3, 2.37) as their starter. Game time is 7:05pm.

 

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Khris Davis will begin his five-game rehabilitation assignment with the Timber Rattlers on Wednesday. Davis was a Timber Rattler in 2010.

 

Wednesday night is a WIXX Bang for Your Buck Night. Fans may enjoy soda, hotdogs, or beer for $1 during the game.

 

If you can't make it out to the ballpark, there are several ways to follow the action. MyNEW32'sSports Showdown will televise the game starting at 7:00pm. The radio broadcast is on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45. The broadcast may also be heard on Tune In Radio and IHeartRadio. Subscribers to MiLB.TV can see the game that way.

 

WP: Luke Westphal (1-0)

LP: David Burkhalter (1-5)

SAVE: Cam Booser (8)

 

TIME: 2:33

ATTN: 2,884

 

Rattler Radio Postgame Post – June 30, 2015

Local product Luke Westphal is an interesting story.

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

Day games during the week when intriguing pitchers are on the hill stink... and it's hard to win games when you get 2 hits.

 

David Burkhalter pitched relatively well again, and got the start I've been clamoring for. His K/9 is over 9 right now, right there with Kodi Medeiros and Angel Ventura. Medeiros had a nice month limiting walks from mid May to mid June, but the walks are back in his last 3 appearances and have incrementally bounced his BB rate back up over 4, the good news is that aside from 6/14 he's been doing a nice job limiting hits with those walks so he's limiting runs.

 

Wisconsin Recap

[Mass Haas]

Final: Colorado Springs 9, Nashville 2

 

Sky Sox Bats Silence Sounds In 9-2 Win

Colorado Springs Tallies 14 Hits to Back Solid Additon Start In Series-Opening Victory

By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/4/8/6/133943486/cuts/06_21_056sm_pk_njryaj0w_rwqw8mg4.jpg

 

Matt Dominguez connected for his first Sky Sox home run, a three-run shot in the third, in the eventual 9-2 win on Tuesday night. (File Photo from prior game by Paat Kelly)

 

The Sky Sox brushed off Monday's tough 1-0 loss in Memphis with a 9-2 defeat of the Nashville Sounds on Tuesday evening before a crowd of 6,892 at First Tennessee Park.

 

Nick Additon (4-2, 5.81) tossed five strong innings of two-run ball in a spot start for the originally slated Tyler Thornburg. Additon allowed just one earned run in the ballgame on six hits while striking out three and walking none. The first run came in a rocky first that saw the left-hander give up three hits, the last being an RBI single by outfielder Dayan Viciedo. The second and final run of the night came courtesy of a Ryan Roberts RBI knock after a Yadiel Rivera missed catch allowed the inning to continue.

 

The Sky Sox scored early and often on Tuesday after being held to three or fewer runs in each of their last four games, jumping on Sounds starter Brad Mills (3-8, 3.57) for three runs in the contest's first frame.

 

The top of the Colorado Springs order collected four consecutive hits to open up the scoring with Elian Herrera and Matt Clark each collecting RBI singles. Mills would bear down, inducing a run-scoring double play groundout off the bat of Matt Dominguez before striking out Nevin Ashley to end the first half inning of play with three runs already across the plate.

 

Leading 3-1 after two, Dominguez and the Sox struck again in the third as the third baseman launched a three-run shot to left field, plating Luis Sardinas and Rivera to extend the Colorado Springs lead to 6-1. The long ball was Dominguez' first since joining the Brewers organization in mid-June.

 

Mills would not allow another run after the third inning home run, allowing the six runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out six over seven total innings.

 

Ariel Pena and Rob Wooten each tossed two scoreless innings in relief of Additon, keeping the Sounds off the scoreboard the rest of the way to secure a much-needed Sox victory.

 

Colorado Springs added three more runs against the Nashville bullpen before the night was through thank in large part to Ashley's run-scoring base hits in the eighth and ninth. Matt Long also reached on a fielding error in the eighth to allow Dominguez to scurry home from third.

 

With Jake Smolinski's game-ending pop out to Sardinas at second, Wooten wrapped up an impressive 9-2 Sky Sox victory over the Sounds. Colorado Springs improves to 31-45 on the season while dropping Nashville to 35-44.

 

The Sky Sox enjoyed a 14-hit evening with the first six batters in the visiting lineup recording multi-hit games.

 

The Sox will look to keep the offensive gears churning on Wednesday as they look to take game two of this four-game set with the Sounds. Josh Roenicke (4-4, 5.00) hopes to add to a long stretch of strong Sox starting pitching in a match-up with a yet to be determined Nashville starter as right-hander Chris Bassitt will be replaced given his recent call-up to Oakland. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM MDT (7:05 Central).

 

Colorado Springs Box Score

 

Top seven in the Sky Sox lineup with multiple hits in a pretty box score, although the 10 K's vs. one walk won't do on most nights. "Sold for $1" LHP Brad Mills an old friend on the Nashville mound.

 

Colorado Springs Game Log

[Mass Haas]

Colorado Springs' Matt Long hits a two-out triple in the second inning of a 1-0 Monday loss at Memphis

 

[Mass Haas]

Chris Kusiolek follows mostly Athletics prospects, check out his Twitter timeline from last night for his insight on Gilbert Lara (and a Vine video of him), and Nash Walters.

 

Much more analysis in Chris' Twitter timeline tonight as he attend the AZL Brewers BP session about an hour ago. Use the link Mass Haas provided for plenty of informative tweets as well as Demi Orimoloye and Trent Clark sightings' (the latter with two black eyes apparently). Also mentions Clark will be cleared tomorrow.

 

EDIT: Demi Orimoloye is not in the starting lineup tonight, so the wait continues.

 

If you only clicked on that link earlier Tuesday evening, click again now to read several overnight observations from Maryvale.

[Mass Haas]

Final: AZL Athletics 4, AZL Brewers 2

 

Maryvale Box Score

 

Four-run A's 1st inning was the story, 22-year-old 2nd year pro RHP Caleb Smith (15th round, Rice) was the victim, but he bounced back to pitch three scoreless after that ragged frame; stellar work behind Smith as 38th round Texas State RHP Scott Grist, undrafted RHP Jose Flores (0.00 ERA), and 21st round NC State RHP Scott Olczak combined for five innings of shutout ball with no walks.

 

Maryvale Game Log

 

18-year-old CF Joantgel Segovia was 3-for-3 with a walk atop the lineup, and the 2014 DSL batting champ now has a six-game hit streak, 10-for-25 (two BB's, six K's).

 

This would have been much more excruciating if the A-Crew had been down by one run instead of two --

 

AZL Brewers Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Ryan Gorton replaces Dustin Hurlbutt.

Juan Ortiz singles on a fly ball to left fielder Brett Siddall.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Dustin Houle replaces Zach Taylor.

With Dustin Houle batting, throwing error by Ryan Gorton on the pickoff attempt, Juan Ortiz to 3rd.

Dustin Houle called out on strikes.

Yerald Martinez strikes out swinging.

Jonathan Oquendo called out on strikes.

[Mass Haas]

Final: DSL Marlins 10, DSL Brewers 3

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

It's easy not to get overly excited about the Dominican team's arms right now, we got sucked into the Gian Rizzo vortex in 2011 and 2012 (remind yourselves with his stat page), and now he's a middling Timber Rattler who's not included in even a tandem.

 

After three outings in which he posted a 0.00 ERA over 15.1 innings (five BB's, 11 K's), 22-year-old LHP Boanerges Nova, one of only two southpaws on staff, had piqued our interest despite his "advanced age". Pitching in relief here, Nova was roughed up in a relief stint here for seven hits and five runs in two innings of work (and he allowed two inherited runners to score).

 

DSL Brewers Game Log

 

Three Brewers had two hits, led by 19-year-old first-year CF Marcos Pinero, who doubled twice and walked.

 

18-year-old rookie SS Ignacio Otano, the most interesting Cerveceritos player this year, is now batting 3rd. The RH bat was 1-for-5 (now at .343), and matched his age with error #18 (in 17 games at SS).

[Mass Haas]

Final: Helena 12, Billings 5

 

First, read this overnight post from the Transaction thread if you haven't already.

 

Four Homers for Brewers in 12-5 Win

Helena Brewers

 

The Helena Brewers (4-8) snapped a four-game losing streak on Tuesday with a resounding 12-5 win over the Billings Mustangs (5-7).

 

Billings jumped on the board first, scoring a run in the top of the first. Blake Trahan led off with a single and scored later on a grounder from Tyler Stephenson. Trahan would go 2-for-5 with two RBI.

 

Helena then took a two-run lead with three runs in the bottom of the first. Jake Gatewood hit a two-run homer to left. It was his first round-tripper in a Helena uniform. The Brewers would hit a season-high four home runs in the game on their way to their first win against the Mustangs.

 

Monte Harrison followed up in the second inning with a homer of his own, his second of the year, off of Jordan Ramsey (0-1). Ramsey was hit hard, giving up five runs on five hits, three of which were home runs, in his four innings in the start.

 

Brewers pitching would be solid, not walking a man the entire night and striking out four. Christian Trent (1-1) pitched two perfect innings of relief on his way to his first win. He has now received decisions in both of his outings.

 

Blake Allemand extended his hitting streak to 11 games, going 3-for-5 with two doubles.

 

The Brewers and Mustangs will face off in the second game of their two-game series Wednesday at Kindrick Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central).

 

***

 

Brewers pummel Billings Mustangs in first meeting of season

Ryan Collingwood, Helena Independent Record

 

PHOTO GALLERY: Via Gary Marshall, Blackfoot Media Group - Seven nice images...

 

With 116 hits in just 12 games, the Helena Brewers have proven they can put the ball in play.

 

On Tuesday night they showed they can send it out of the park at a rapid clip.

 

Helena collected four home runs in its 12-5 win over the Billings Mustangs at Kindrick Legion Field to end a four-game skid.

 

The Brewers (4-9) teed off on the Mustangs (5-7) in their first meeting of the season, tallying 15 hits, including four homers and two shots off the wall in front of a home crowd of 1,071.

 

Jake Gatewood, a first-round draft pick in 2014, went 3 for 5 with three RBI, including a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning. He also added a double, his seventh in six days.

 

"It feels good to come back and do well after struggling the first few games," said Gatewood, who started the season going 1 for 19. "Pretty much I've just been focusing on every at-bat. Doesn't matter if I hit a home run or strike out on three pitches."

 

Monte Harrison added a solo homer in second frame, followed by a solo shot by Luis Aviles in the third and a two-run blast by Carlos Belonis in the fifth.

 

Blake Allemand, who has recorded a hit in all 11 of his games this season, went 3 for 5 at the plate with two RBI and two doubles, one of which almost left the yard.

 

The Brewers jumped all over Billings starter Jordan Ramsey (0-1) early -- he went four innings giving up five hits, three of which were homers, and five runs. Reliever Franderlyn Romero didn't do much better, giving up seven hits and four runs in three innings of work.

 

"There really wasn't a power outage tonight, was there?," Brewers manager Tony Diggs joked. "The guy swung the bats well and that was the key the whole game."

 

The Brewers, who've struggled in limiting teams at the plate this summer, looked a little better in the defense department.

 

Starter Cody Ponce, a second-round draft pick, got his second start of the season for Helena and was solid in three innings, giving up two runs on three hits. Christian Trent (1-1), who was credited with the win, was even better, giving up no runs and no hits in the next two innings.

 

Milton Gomez, who earned the save, gave up eight hits and three runs in four innings.

 

"We pitched well today and that was key," Diggs said. "Every person who was on the hill for us did well."

 

Helena Box Score

 

Gee, LHP Christian Trent pitched great when he wasn't asked to jump off a plane and head directly to the mound, go figure (for those who remember my rant from his last outing).

 

From the very beginning, it was clear 5th round infielder Blake Allemand was going to be a fine fit for an early Timber Rattler roster spot, and having a base hit in each of your eleven pro games thus far cemented his birthday promotion.

 

Allemand's promotion also clears an infield glut, as 7th rounder George Iskenderian and 11th rounder Jose Cuas need repititions, as Cuas was not in the lineup here.

 

Very exciting for you locals to be able to check out 2nd round RHP Cody Ponce so quickly in Appleton, enjoy.

 

That is one sweet-looking offensive box score, with contributions everywhere and power from the top guns in the system.

 

Surprising roster note -- still only two catchers, you'd think a 3rd body would help catch the side sessions with 15 active pitchers, even after Ponce's bump up.

 

Helena Game Log

 

When you score in six of eight innings, it's a game log worth perusing.

[Mass Haas]

A guiding hand

DeMuth credits former teammate Schwarber for some of his success

By ZACK ELDRIDGE, News Dispatch (Indiana) Staff Writer

 

When Kyle Schwarber got called up to the Majors by the Chicago Cubs a few weeks ago, former teammate Dustin DeMuth said he was extremely happy and sent him a couple congratulatory texts.

 

Full article also linked within our season-long Timber Rattler feature archive thread...