Link Report for Wednesday 7/20 - Lucas Erceg makes Timber Rattlers debut on local TV

[Mass Haas]

Was glad to learn via the archives that recently-released Timber Rattler IF/OF Sthervin Matos was a $100,000 sign in the winter prior to his 2011 Dominican Summer League debut season, so hopefully that was invested a bit.

 

Three years as a 17-19 year old playing exclusively on the island before coming stateside, and at age 22 and in his 6th pro season, told in a July meeting that he'll need to head home. Hoping the Brewers would pay for that flight, but who knows. The postseason releases are one thing, but that had to be an awkward situation regardless. All part of the "process" we as fans take for granted often.

[TheCrew07]

Comeback bid falls short in 6-4 loss to Wahoos

Chris McFarland snaps a long hitless skid by going 2-for-4

Biloxi Shuckers

 

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Chris McFarland snapped out of an 0-for-23 slump with two hits on Wednesday night (Jason Clark)

 

Biloxi Boxscore

Angel Ventura continues the uneven start to his AA career, I don't have any long term concerns at the moment, but XBHs are hurting him right now.

 

The Shuckers matched their previous 3 game hit total with 8 tonight, but it wasn't enough to bail out the pitching in this game.

 

Biloxi Recap

[Mass Haas]

What a depressing end to this passage from the Biloxi summary --

 

Biloxi threatened to tie the game in the ninth with a bases loaded, nobody out situation, but came up short of the comeback.

 

Pinch-hitter Johnny Davis (1x1, R), Angel Ortega and Chris McFarland singled to load the bases, and Tom Belza (0x1, RBI, BB) drew a walk to force in a run to bring the Shuckers within two. Tyrone Taylor (0x4) popped out, Brett Phillips struck out, and Garrett Cooper popped out to end the game and leave the tying run in scoring position.

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's Link Report farmhand birthday was LHP Mitch Lambson, currently with Biloxi after a long DL stint. He's 26.

[TheCrew07]

Rattlers Crack TinCaps with 21 hits for a 14-6 win

Ghelfi stays hot with four hits; McDowell drives in four to erase early deficit

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

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Max McDowell went 3-for-3 with two walks and four RBI for the Timber Rattlers on Wednesday night. (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers/Ann Mollica)

 

Wisconsin Boxscore

Well the pitching from Jordan Yamamoto was hardly battleship worthy, but this offense has the talent to be a juggernaut, and has been putting up some awfully impressive games this month.

 

As noted earlier in the thread Lucas Erceg (6-3) had a nice debut with the T-Rats.

 

Stop me if you heard this before but Troy Stokes (3-5,2B,BB) and Mitch Ghelfi (4-5,2 2B) led the way offensively. I know I whined about being out of superlatives for Mitch earlier but it's true, I'm really at a loss how to qualify this incredible hot streak he's on. It just hasn't happened much with Brewer prospects, regardless of their "status". I brought up Eric Fryer earlier, MH want to the Andrew Lefave card tonight, regardless what a magnificent run it's been thus far.

 

Jake Gatewood (6-2,2 2B), Luis Aviles (3-4,HR,BB), and Max McDowell (3-3,2 2B, 2 BB) were also extremely productive. This is the second time McDowell has been perfect at the plate in a game this season, if you aren't taking him seriously as a prospect you'd better start. His defensive game needs work like all young catchers, but his offensive approach has been very solid for most of the season. Aviles... he's been a completely different player this year, he exudes confidence, plays competent defense at every position, and has surprising pop for a young man who doesn't look all that muscular. He's probably my favorite player on this year's team, but I'm tempering my enthusiasm with the memory of his 2015 performance in WI.

 

Wisconsin Recap

Once again there's quite a bit to take in here if you are so inclined.

[Mass Haas]

A week old, but that's OK --

 

VIDEO via WFRV: Timber Rattlers Manager Matt Erickson on Sports Xtra

[Mass Haas]

[Mass Haas]

Curt Hogg of MLB.com's tweet --

 

Brett Phillips went 0-for-4 tonight, now hitless in his last 28 at bats (though he has 8 walks in that time span).

[Mass Haas]

[Mass Haas]

Ghelfi keeps rattling off hits for Wisconsin

Brewers catcher goes 4-for-5, continues hot stretch from No. 2 spot

By Michael Peng / MiLB.com

 

Extensive quotes from Mitch in this overnight feature via MiLB.com...

[Mass Haas]

Final: Reno 5, Colorado Springs 4, ten innings

 

Sky Sox Stunned 5-4 By Late Reno Rallies

Peralta strikes out 11, but Sky Sox drop seventh straight

By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox

 

***

 

Colorado Springs Box Score

 

Be sure to read the story linked above, but here's the Wily Peralta summary line --

 

In his best start since joining the Sky Sox, Peralta pitched five and two thirds innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out 11 and walking just one batter. The 11 strikeouts are the most by a Sky Sox pitcher in a game this season.

 

Nate Orf doubled twice and walked.

 

Colorado Springs Game Log

 

Yes, the two Aces 9th inning runs were unearned, but Damien Magnifico had a "terrible" hitless outing --

 

Reno Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Damien Magnifico replaces Tyler Cravy, batting 9th.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Ed Lucas replaces Alexi Ogando.

Ed Lucas walks.

Dan Rohlfing reaches on a force attempt, fielding error by shortstop Orlando Arcia. Ed Lucas to 2nd.

Sean Jamieson walks. Ed Lucas to 3rd. Dan Rohlfing to 2nd.

Chris Owings walks. Ed Lucas scores. Dan Rohlfing to 3rd. Sean Jamieson to 2nd.

Ildemaro Vargas lines out to third baseman Nate Orf.

Mitch Haniger grounds into a force out, shortstop Orlando Arcia to second baseman Yadiel Rivera. Dan Rohlfing scores. Sean Jamieson to 3rd. Chris Owings out at 2nd. Mitch Haniger to 1st.

With Gabriel Guerrero batting, Mitch Haniger advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.

Gabriel Guerrero walks.

Kyle Jensen strikes out swinging

[Mass Haas]

Final: Arizona Royals 10, Arizona Brewers 5

 

Maryvale Box Score

 

Brewer pitchers walked 13, thankfully that hasn't happened often this summer; uncharacteristic for RHP Carlos Herrera (three walks and two HBP's in 1.2 IP) - the Lind deal arrival is listed at 6'2", just 150. All six pitchers struggled with control here.

 

Maryvale Game Log

 

Consistent CF Jose Gomez reached three more times.

 

This was pre-game via the Brewers' Zach Weber:

 

2016 9th round pick Trey York has reached base in 22 of his 23 games and owns a .316/.454/.447 slash line.

 

York doubled in five at-bats here.

[dacbrewers]

In the 9th, Arcia booted a routine ground ball dp and Magnifico lost the zone. Magnifico has done this numerous times this season. 4 walks in 9th...not what you want from a closer.

[CheezWizHed]

2016 9th round pick Trey York has reached base in 22 of his 23 games and owns a .316/.454/.447 slash line.

 

Not bad for a underslot senior sign.