Link Report for Sunday 7/12 - Happy Futures Game Day, Orlando!

[And That]

Helena wins despite allowing 20 base runners and only striking out one opposing batter.

[bkrause2]

Final: Biloxi 2, Tennessee 8

 

Bumpy third inning dooms Shuckers on Sunday, forces rubber match

Taylor Green rips a pair of doubles in the 8-2 loss at Tennessee

Biloxi Shuckers

 

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Taylor Green ripped a pair of doubles in Sunday's loss to the Smokies (Benton Reed Photography)

 

KODAK, TN - The Tennessee Smokies took advantage of four walks, an error and a two-run single by the pitcher Pierce Johnson during a four-run fourth inning, which led to an 8-2 win over Biloxi on Sunday.

 

The Shuckers out-hit the Smokies 7-5, but walked seven and committed two errors, dropping their second-straight game to Tennessee at Smokies Stadium. The loss sets up a rubber match for Monday night (0-2 on the season) to wrap up the 10-game road trip before the league-wide off day on Tuesday for the MLB All-Star game and opening a seven-game homestand on Wednesday.

 

Biloxi (8-9) scored first, for the fourth-consecutive game to start the series, this time using a run in the first to jump out to an early 1-0 lead. Nick Shaw (0x4, BB, R, SB) started the game with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Nathan Orf (1x2, BB), then swiped third during Michael Reed's (0x3, BB) at-bat that resulted in a walk. Taylor Green (2x4, RBI, R, 2 2B) drove the runner in from third with a double to right, giving the Shuckers a 1-0 lead.

 

Tennessee (8-8) struck back in the second inning with a two-run frame, and opened the game with the four-run third against starter Johnny Hellweg (0-2). Making his second Biloxi start, the 26-year-old allowed six runs - two earned - in 2.2 innings of work, giving up three hits, walking six and striking out one. The inning was capped by a two-run error grounded into by Stephen Bruno, then back-to-back walks and the two-run single by Johnson led to the big inning.

 

Biloxi had a chance to cut into the five-run deficit in the fourth after loading the bases with two outs on back-to-back singles from Victor Roache (1x3) and Parker Berberet (2x3, BB), before a walk to Derek Eitel (2.1 IP, 2 R, H, BB, 3 SO). However, Shaw would ground out to second to end the Shuckers' threat.

 

Martin Viramontes worked the final three innings for the Shuckers, punching out two and retiring the final five batters he faced.

 

The Shuckers added on another run in the ninth on a RBI single by pinch hitter Tyrone Taylor (1x1, RBI) to bring in Green, who starting the ninth with his second double of the game.

 

Biloxi will look to take the rubber match on Monday night against Tennessee. RHP Jorge Lopez (7-3, 2.54) will take the bump for the Shuckers and take on LHP Rob Zastryzny (0-2, 5.64). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m., with coverage beginning at 5:50 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.

 

ARCIA DAZZLES DEFENSIVELY AT FUTURES GAME: Biloxi shortstop Orlando Arcia, entered the game in the sixth and popped out in a pinch-hit at-bat. He also struck out in the eighth, but dazzled defensively when he gloved a grounder by Brandon Nimmo and made a spinning throw to retire the Mets prospect as the first out in the bottom of the eighth. The U.S. squad and Biloxi pitching coach Chris Hook came out victories on Sunday at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, 10-1.

 

Biloxi Box Score

 

It's been a struggle for Johnny Hellweg on his way back from Tommy John. He only allowed three hits, but really struggled with his control, walking six in 2.2 innings. That's 11 walks over 5 innings in his two Double-A starts. Martin Viramontes turned in three solid innings to close out the game. He gave up only one hit and struck out a pair. Tyrone Taylor had a pinch-hit single in the ninth and Taylor Green had a pair of doubles in four at bats.

 

Biloxi Game Log

 

The third inning was especially ugly for Hellweg with four walks and a wild pitch.

 

Tennessee Bottom of the 3rd

Elliot Soto walks.

With Bijan Rademacher batting, wild pitch by Johnny Hellweg, Elliot Soto to 2nd.

Bijan Rademacher flies out to left fielder Victor Roache.

Willson Contreras flies out to center fielder Michael Reed. Elliot Soto to 3rd.

Billy McKinney walks.

Stephen Bruno reaches on a force attempt, throwing error by shortstop Nick Shaw. Elliot Soto scores. Billy McKinney to 3rd.

With Wes Darvill batting, Stephen Bruno steals (8) 2nd base.

Wes Darvill walks.

Bryant Flete walks. Billy McKinney scores. Stephen Bruno to 3rd. Wes Darvill to 2nd.

Pierce Johnson singles on a line drive to center fielder Michael Reed. Stephen Bruno scores. Wes Darvill scores. Bryant Flete to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Derek Eitel replaces Johnny Hellweg, batting 9th.

Jacob Hannemann strikes out swinging, catcher Parker Berberet to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Helena 14, Orem 10

 

Denson leads Brewers to 14-10 win

Helena Brewers

 

The Helena Brewers (9-12) topped the Orem Owlz (16-9) 14-10 on Sunday afternoon to even their series at Brent Brown Ballpark at a game apiece.

 

Helena's Milton Gomez (2-0) was roughed up in the start, but had enough support behind him to earn the win. He issued 9 runs on 12 hits in 5.1 innings on the hill.

 

The Brewers jumped out to the first lead of the game, scoring three runs in the second. Jose Cuas cranked his first professional home run, a three-run blast to left. He would score Carlos Belonis and George Iskenderian on the round-tripper off Grayson Long.

 

Long, the third-round selection of the Angels this year, would only make it through four outs before he was yanked from the game. He surrendered three runs on three hits.

 

The Owlz countered with four runs in the third inning to take a brief 4-3 lead. Hutton Moyer hit his second home run in as many days, this time a three-run shot.

 

Helena then took the lead for good with eight runs in the fourth. The inning was highlighted by a double and a three-run homerun for David Denson. Denson went 3-for-5 with two homers and four RBI.

 

Leading 11-4, the Brewers almost squandered their big advantage. Gomez struggled in the sixth and was pulled with one out. Moyer came up with a two-RBI double and Alex Abbott, a late addition to the lineup, went yard for two Owlz runs. After six the lead would dwindle to 11-10.

 

That is where the scoring would end for the Owlz, however, as Nate Griep and Junior Rincon combined for three shutout innings to finish the game. It was Griep's first appearance in over two weeks after suffering a shoulder strain.

 

The Brewers and Owlz will face off in the rubber match of their three-game series Monday at Brent Brown Ballpark. First pitch is set for 7:15 PM (8:15 Central).

 

Helena Box Score

 

RHP Milton Gomez better remember this "win" on his docket the next time his lineup doesn't back him up in a great effort - 65.1 IP for Gomez in 2015 between Wisconsin and Helena, 18 wild pitches!; as per Dustin Daniel, RHP Junior Rincon has bumped his velocity into the 95 MPH range based on his offseason work; you saw the note on 8th round Kansas State RHP Nate Griep in the game summary.

 

Helena Game Log

 

Is David Denson hearing Tyrone Perry's footsteps in Maryvale? Denson's 1.051 OPS in 15 Helena games is a line we needed to see - another night as the DH for David, though...

 

Steven Karkenny bailed out Jake Gatewood for these insurance runs --

 

Helena Top of the 8th

 

Milan Post hit by pitch.

Omar Cotto lines out to shortstop David Fletcher.

Troy Stokes reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by second baseman Hutton Moyer. Milan Post to 2nd.

With Jake Gatewood batting, Milan Post advances to 3rd on a balk. Troy Stokes advances to 2nd on a balk.

Jake Gatewood strikes out swinging.

Steven Karkenny singles on a line drive to center fielder Kyle Survance Jr. Milan Post scores. Troy Stokes scores.

George Iskenderian grounds into a force out, shortstop David Fletcher to second baseman Hutton Moyer. Steven Karkenny out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

2015 6th round University of Florida RHP Eric Hanhold is making his pro debut for Maryvale this evening.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Colorado Springs 6, Oklahoma City 5

 

Whaddaya know, a walkoff win!

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Sky Sox sent 4,041 Colorado Springs fans home happy after a dramatic 6-5 walk-off win in their series-finale with the Oklahoma City Dodgers on Sunday afternoon at Security Service Field.

 

Starters Hiram Burgos (1-2, 4.28) and Rudy Owens (1-2, 2.78) were locked in a true pitcher’s duel through six innings as the two combined to allow just one run on 10 total base runners. The run came in the very first frame as Corey Seager’s RBI groundout plated Carl Crawford, who lined a one-out triple down the right filed line, from third to give OKC a 1-0 lead they would maintain until the seventh.

 

The Sox offense would threaten in the third, fifth and sixth as they had runners in scoring position in each of the frames. Unfortunately the lineup could not come up with the big hit early on against the Dodger lefty, keeping the home team scoreless through seven.

 

Burgos would stumble slightly in his last inning of work as the right-hander served up a solo shot to Andy Wilkins that travelled an estimated 454 feet to lead off the seventh. The long ball gave OKC a 2-0 lead at the time. Burgos would finish the frame, ending his day having allowed two runs on four hits while striking out six and walking none in an excellent bounce-back performance.

 

Ian Thomas tossed a scoreless seventh for the Dodgers after Owens’ six innings of shutout ball. Owens allowed four hits and issued three free passes while striking out four.

 

Still trailing 2-0, lefty Michael Kirkman took over on the bump in the top of the eighth in hopes of keeping the game close. The left-hander issued a one-out walk before Corey Seager lined a two-out single to left to score Darnell Sweeney from second. The run gave the Dodgers a little insurance heading into the game’s final frames.

 

Colorado Springs would not settle for a loss on this Grateful Dead Day at the ballpark as the Sox lineup rallied against Dodger reliever Yimi Garcia in the home eighth. The righty loaded the bases without recording an out before walking Matt Dominguez to force in the Sox first run of the afternoon, cutting the OKC lead to 3-1. Nevin Ashley immediately followed with a bases-clearing double to push the Sky Sox ahead with a 4-3 advantage. Right-hander and former Brewers' 40-man roster member Josh Ravin took over after the bullpen implosion to end the inning with Colorado Springs taking their first lead of the day.

 

Oklahoma City was not finished however as O’Koyea Dickson and Ralph Henriquez each took reliever Rob Wooten deep with solo blasts in the top of the ninth to retake the lead, 5-4. Jaye Chapman (1-1, 4.41) would be called upon by manager Rick Sweet with two outs in the inning to keep the game where it was. Chapman did just that, striking out the only batter he saw to send the Sox into the home ninth with a chance to complete a comeback win.

 

Rudy Fontanez (1-2, 2.66) would come on in the last of the ninth, promptly loading the bases on three consecutive walks. A brief mound visit preceded Ashley’s second trip to the plate in as many innings. The clutch catcher played hero once more as he laced a line drive base knock to right-centerfield, scoring Logan Schafer and Jason Rogers from second and third respectively to send the Sky Sox into the all-star break with a 6-5 walk-off win. Ashley finished his day having driven in five of Colorado Springs’ six runs.

 

The Sky Sox improve to 34-54 heading into the three-day break as OKC falls to 56-32. The Sox will be back at it on Thursday, July 17th when they visit the New Orleans Zephyrs for the first of a four-game set.

 

Colorado Springs Box Score

 

Kudos, Nevin Ashley, slightly down June, but the dude's been fun to follow all season; gee, how brutally disastrous was that 9th inning performance by Rob Wooten prior to getting bailed out?

 

Colorado Springs Game Log

 

Fantastic effort, Hiram Burgos.

[WV Brew]

Wisconsin's rally falls short at Beloit

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

07/12/2015 6:38 PM ET

 

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Carlos Leal went 3-for-3 with a double, a run scored, and two RBI for the Rattlers on Sunday at Beloit. (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers/Ann Mollica)

 

BELOIT, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers fell just short at Pohlman Field on Sunday afternoon. The Rattlers rallied from a 6-1 deficit to get to within a run, but could not get completely over the hill as they lost 6-5 to the Snappers.

 

Wisconsin (29-59 overall, 6-12 second half) took the lead with a two-out rally in the top of the first. Dustin DeMuth doubled to get into scoring position. Carlos Leal followed with a single to drive in DeMuth for a 1-0 lead. This was the fourth straight game in which the Rattlers have scored first.

 

Beloit (34-54, 8-10) scored the next six runs to build a lead. The Snappers tied the game in the bottom of the first when Rattlers starting pitcher Devin Williams threw a wild pitch with two outs and the bases loaded. They took the lead on an unearned run in the bottom of the second on a sacrifice fly by Trent Gilbert.

 

The Snappers put some distance between themselves and the Rattlers with a pair of runs - one unearned - against Williams in the fourth inning. Yairo Munoz reached on an error to start the inning. Argenis Raga followed with a one out single. James Harris was next and his single scored Munoz. Gilbert picked up his second RBI of the game with a single to send Raga in for a 4-1 lead.

 

Tyler Linehan came on for Wisconsin in the bottom of the fifth and got the first two outs. An infield single by Munoz extended the inning to Justin Higley, who hit a two-run home run to center and the Snappers had a 5-1 lead.

 

Brett Graves, Beloit's starting pitcher was cruising through five innings, but the Rattlers rallied in the sixth.

 

DeMuth started the top of the sixth with a single. Leal, who had three hits on Sunday and is 8-for-14 in this series with the Snappers, lined a double to right-center and DeMuth scored. Elvis Rubio singled and moved Leal to third. Alan Sharkey doubled to right and Leal scored as Rubio took third base. The double by Sharkey knocked Graves out of the game and Kevin Johnson took over on the mound.

 

Mitch Meyer and Tucker Neuhaus each picked up RBI grounders to score Rubio and Sharkey respectively to pull the Rattlers to within a run. Johnson got the final out of the sixth and worked a 1-2-3 seventh.

 

Jose Torres was called from the Beloit bullpen to start the top of the eighth inning and hit Leal to start the frame, but he got a 6-4-3 double play and a grounder to third to maintain the lead.

 

The Rattlers looked primed to at least tie the game in the top of the ninth against Torres. Meyer drew a leadoff walk and Neuhaus singled to left for runners at first and second with no outs. But, Meyer was caught stealing third for the first out. Torres got a grounder to third and a strikeout to end the game.

 

Wisconsin is 2-5 at Pohlman Field this season. All five of their losses in Beloit have been by one run.

 

The final game of the series is Monday night at Pohlman Field. Luis Ortega (1-7, 5.34) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Joey Wagman (3-2, 2.87) is set to start for the Snappers. Game time is 7:00pm.

 

Catch the radio broadcast of the game on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 1:40pm. The broadcast may also be heard on Tune In Radio and IHeartRadio.

 

HOME RUN:

BEL:

Justin Higley (5th, 1 on in 5th inning off Tyler Linehan, 2 out)

 

WP: Brett Graves (8-3)

LP: Devin Williams (2-6)

SAVE: Jose Torres (6)

 

TIME: 2:57

ATTN: 740

 

T-Rats Box Score

 

Devin Williams control was off but 2 of his 4 runs allowed were unearned. He did strike out 4 in 4 innings. Another 1-run loss to the Snappers but at least they weren't walked off this time.

 

T-Rats Game Log

 

Rattler Radio Blog

[Mass Haas]

Final: AZL Mariners 8, AZL Brewers 2

 

Maryvale Box Score

 

RF Demi Orimoloye was the only Brewer to reach base twice (2-for-4), though seven others did once, just not much materalized.

 

As noted above, RHP Eric Hanhold debuted (2 IP, 1 R). 9th round Oregon HS RHP Karsen Lindell tossed two scoreles in his 4th pro appearance. Undrafted Baylor LHP Brad Kuntz, 22, has fanned 17 in 13 IP (1.38 ERA).

 

Wishing him well in turning things around, but it's hard to start out with a 27.00 ERA after your pro debut and then watch your ERA actually climb after each of three subsequent outings, but 33rd round UC-Santa Barbara RHP Connor Baits has seen that happen, now at 40.50.

 

Maryvale Game Log

 

Maybe arguing a fair/foul call?

 

AZL Mariners Top of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Connor Baits replaces Karsen Lindell.

Taylor Perez walks.

Ricky Eusebio walks. Taylor Perez to 2nd.

With Julius Gaines batting, wild pitch by Connor Baits, Taylor Perez to 3rd. Ricky Eusebio to 2nd.

Julius Gaines out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Joantgel Segovia. Taylor Perez scores.

Jose Leal doubles (8) on a ground ball to left fielder Joantgel Segovia. Ricky Eusebio scores.

AZL Brewers Manager Nestor Corredor ejected by HP umpire Matt Cowan.

Johmbeyker Morales walks.

Pitching Change: Colton Cross replaces Connor Baits.

Gareth Morgan doubles (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Demi Orimoloye. Jose Leal scores. Johmbeyker Morales to 3rd.

Rob Fonseca out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Joantgel Segovia. Johmbeyker Morales scores. Gareth Morgan to 3rd on the throw.

Hersin Martinez strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Sky Sox pitching coach credits unusual physique to MMA training

By Brent Briggeman, Colorado Springs Gazette

 

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Fred Dabney has grown used to the steroid question.

 

***

 

Also posted in full for archiving purposes in our season-long feature archive 2015 Coaching thread...

[Mass Haas]

ARTICLE: Pete Orr of the Sky Sox played a pivotal role in Canada's 2015 Pan Am debut, a 4-1 win over Claudio Vargas an the Dominican Republic. A former 2015 Colorado Springs player, starting pitcher Chris Leroux, got the win.

 

Another Canadian Orr steady in No. 4

By Steve Buffery, Toronto Sun

 

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Canada’s Pete Orr slides safely into second base as Ronald Luna of Columbia bobbles the ball yesterday at President’s Choice Ajax Park. (Veronica Henri/Toronto Sun)

 

AJAX — - Just like Don Cherry when he coached the great Bobby Orr, Canadian men’s baseball team manager Ernie Whitt takes a lot of comfort knowing that he has an Orr out on the playing field game in and game out.

 

For the seventh time in his career, Pete Orr is donning the red and white of Team Canada. At age 36, the Newmarket native is the oldest player on the Canadian team at these Pan American Games, but he’s still also one of the best fielders in the game and a reliable hitter.

 

On Sunday afternoon at President’s Choice Ajax Park, Orr played his usual stellar defence at third base, and also recorded a hit, scored a run and collected an RBI as Canada ran its preliminary record to 2-0 with a impressive 10-3 victory over Colombia.

 

Orr, who was drafted by Texas Rangers in the 39th round of the 1997 MLB June Amateur Draft, is having a solid season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .281 with 15 extra-base hits, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases through 62 games. But he didn’t hesitate when asked if he would done the red and white of Team Canada yet again for this summer’s Pan Ams.

 

So there he was, in all his glory, guarding the hot corner against Colombia wearing his usual No.4, a number he picked when he was a kid because of his famous namesake of the Boston Bruins.

 

“I just always wore No. 4 growing up,” said the personable infielder. “I was playing hockey wearing No. 4 and baseball as well. My family are hockey fans, and I knew his hockey history growing up. It’s awesome.

 

“I’m a huge hockey fan and it kind of goes together and it’s a good baseball number too,” he added. “It’s not like it’s 66 or 87 or 99 or something like that. And it was nice seeing him the other night.”

 

Bobby Orr helped carry the Olympic flag in the opening ceremonies on Friday night and Pete Orr was excited to see him, even though he has never had the opportunity (yet) to have a conversation with the former NHL great.

 

Pete Orr was his usual steady self in the laugher over Colombia on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon, but it was a pair younger teammates, centre fielder Tyson Gillies, 26, and starting pitcher Jared Mortensen, 27, who did the heavy lifting against Colombia.

 

Rest of article (non-Orr) at link above...

[Mass Haas]

The Manatees will look to avoid the sweep Monday, when they send their ace, Jorge Ortega (7-5, 2.25 ERA) to the mound. He will be opposed by Buddy Borden (8-3, 2.48 ERA). Note the early start time of 10:00 AM

 

Well, that's actually 9:00 AM for you Central Time Zone folks.

 

So we'll effort an early Link Report, but just in case not, here's the link for the Charlotte Sand Gnats audio game broadcast.

[Eye Black]

Baseball Prospectus provided Notes from the Field: World Team which includes additional commentary on Orlando Arcia's Futures Game appearance.

 

Orlando Arcia, SS, Milwaukee Brewers – It was a mixed bag for Arcia, but there were more positives than negatives. The right-hander showed a vastly improved swing during BP that gets through the zone quickly, though I do wonder if the early movement in his feet will lead to timing issues against better velocity. He looked overmatched in his two atbats, but he also made arguably the best defensive play of the game showing off his impressive arm strength and range. Arcia might be the best shortstop on the Brewers right now.