2016-17 Brewers Latin (and Australia) Winter League Updates

[Mass Haas]

Box score: Tucker Neuhaus finished 4-for-5, two doubles, seven RBI; Malik Collymore was 2-for-5, R, three K's (nice season-long line, .830 OPS, but now up to 27 K's in 115 AB's)

[Mass Haas]

EDIT: This game has now gone final, as detailed below.

 

For you overnight awake staff (or those wishing to watch on replay), the Sydney Australian game is once again streaming live very early Saturday AM our time --

 

[Mass Haas]

Friday --

 

Dominican box: Jonathan Villar, playing shortstop again, 0-for-4, one K, but his team cruised anyway by a 6-0 score to move to 11-2 in the postseason round-robin

 

***

 

Australia box (the game linked by video just above): Sydney loses again, 7-6, but these Australian games are sure entertaining, even from a box score perspective, compared to say, the low-scoring Puerto Rico League games.

 

Sydney Top of the 4th

 

Guy Edmonds grounds out, third baseman Wade Dutton to first baseman David Sutherland.

Ryo Nishimura flies out to right fielder Thomas Milone.

Malik Collymore walks.

Alex Howe singles on a sharp ground ball to third baseman Wade Dutton. Malik Collymore to 2nd.

With Stone Garrett batting, wild pitch by Ryan Rowland-Smith, Malik Collymore to 3rd. Alex Howe to 2nd.

Stone Garrett walks. Malik Collymore steals (12) home.

Tucker Neuhaus grounds out, second baseman Mitch Nilsson to first baseman David Sutherland.

 

Well, first of all, Malik Collymore walked on what could have been called strike three (01:29:30 minute mark), which would have been his 3rd K to open the game. The steal of home happened several seconds after his teammate's subsequent walk when the opposing catcher went to the mound without calling time. Either Collymore or his third base coach quickly picked up on it and Malik sprinted home without a play at the plate (01:34:55 minute mark).

 

Collymore finished 0-for-4 with the walk, run, stolen base, and two K's, all noted in the above paragraph. Tucker Neuhaus was 2-for-5, two runs scored, and while they hits are always line drives in the box score, we know they're not always in the game log.

 

Sydney Top of the 2nd

 

Tucker Neuhaus singles on a soft ground ball to first baseman David Sutherland.

 

Sydney Top of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Zac Treece replaces Matt Timms.

Stone Garrett flies out to center fielder Aaron Whitefield.

Tucker Neuhaus singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Wade Dutton.

[Mass Haas]

Watch Sunday's Australia matinee here, starting at 10:00 PM Central Saturday night

 

Box Score / Game Log

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2GZFqaOyqM

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico box: SS Ivan DeJusus, Jr. 0-for-3 with a walk in a 1-0 Puerto Rico League loss. This was Game One in the Best-of-Nine Championship Final. Once again, runs scarce on this island.

 

***

 

DOMINICAN NOTE: Jonathan Villar's team played a doubleheader, but he didn't see action. No word that he's done for the winter, though....

 

***

 

Australia: That game linked in the prior post with live video Saturday night? Never happened, rained out. Instead, Tucker Neuhaus took Malik Collymore deep playing cricket (tweet).

[Mass Haas]

Dominican box: SS Jonathan Villar took the first pitch of the game out of the park to left as a right-handed batter. He also walked twice, 1-for-2 with two runs scored, he was replaced late in a blowout win.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico box: So intrigued to see newcomer 6'8" LHP Andrew Barbosa as a non-roster invite to big league camp.

 

Barbosa's team would eventually lose as his bullpen imploded right after his exit (best-of-nine final tied at one game apiece), but my, oh my, just continued to do what he's been doing all winter -- 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K.

 

SS Ivan De Jesus, Jr.'s team won, but he was 0-for-4.

 

Santurce Top of the 1st

 

Drew Ferguson walks.

Ivan De Jesus Jr. flies out to center fielder Henry Ramos.

Reymond Fuentes grounds into a force out, shortstop Jack Lopez to second baseman Rey Navarro. Drew Ferguson out at 2nd. Reymond Fuentes to 1st.

Neftali Soto grounds out, third baseman David Vidal to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

 

Santurce Top of the 2nd

 

A. J. Jimenez pops out to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

Abiatal Avelino flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla.

Christian Vazquez flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla.

 

Santurce Top of the 3rd

 

Jose Lozada strikes out swinging.

Robert Andino grounds out, pitcher Andrew Barbosa to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

Drew Ferguson triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Jorge Padilla.

Ivan De Jesus Jr. flies out to center fielder Henry Ramos.

 

Santurce Top of the 4th

 

Reymond Fuentes flies out to left fielder Rusney Castillo in foul territory.

Neftali Soto pops out to shortstop Jack Lopez.

A. J. Jimenez strikes out swinging.

 

Santurce Top of the 5th

 

Abiatal Avelino walks.

Christian Vazquez strikes out swinging.

With Jose Lozada batting, Abiatal Avelino caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Jonathan Morales to second baseman Rey Navarro.

Jose Lozada grounds out, shortstop Jack Lopez to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

 

Santurce Top of the 6th

 

Robert Andino grounds out, shortstop Jack Lopez to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

Drew Ferguson pops out to third baseman David Vidal in foul territory.

Ivan De Jesus Jr. called out on strikes

 

***

 

Venezuela box: RHP Junior Rincon made an appearance early in a 9-3 loss. His team now trails 2-1 in the best-of-seven semi-final series.

 

Lara Top of the 4th

 

Jairo Perez doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Jose Castillo.

Rangel Ravelo flies out to right fielder Danry Vasquez.

Juniel Querecuto singles on a line drive to left fielder Jose Castillo. Jairo Perez scores. Juniel Querecuto advances to 2nd, on a fielding error by left fielder Jose Castillo.

Pitching Change: Junior Rincon replaces Kelvin De La Cruz.

Carlos Rivero strikes out swinging.

Gustavo Molina walks.

Ildemaro Vargas singles on a line drive to left fielder Jose Castillo. Juniel Querecuto scores. Gustavo Molina to 3rd.

Paulo Orlando grounds into a force out, shortstop Alcides Escobar to second baseman Heiker Meneses. Ildemaro Vargas out at 2nd.

 

***

 

Mexico box: RHP David Goforth with a hold in a 4-1 win that allowed his team to even the league semi-final at two games apiece --

 

Los Mochis Top of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Oliver Perez.

Los Mochis challenged (play at 1st), call on the field was upheld: Isaac Rodriguez grounds out, pitcher David Goforth to first baseman Joey Meneses.

Lew Ford flies out to left fielder Ryan Lollis.

J. C. Linares flies out to center fielder Maxwell Leon.

[Mass Haas]

From December 27th --

 

Venezuela box: RHP Angel Ventura will only be 24 in April, but he's a veteran of six Brewers' seasons already, as his first three were in the Dominican Summer League. The Dominican native, who will qualify for minor league free agency next fall unless added to the 40-man or re-signed to a new minor league deal, made an impressive debut Tuesday, not in his home country, but in Venezuela - 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K, 56 pitches (36 strikes), 5:2 GB:FO.

 

Ventura, regardless of level, has had an amazingly healthy and consistent ratio of K's to IP, 8.8 for his career, which took a solid jump at Brevard and Biloxi in 2016. If he can just knock the walk ratio down a bit (3.8 last summer), it could be a fun 2017 and beyond for him.

 

Zulia Top of the 1st

Ali Castillo strikes out swinging.

Bryant Flete grounds out, shortstop Wilfredo Tovar to first baseman Jesus Aguilar.

Jose Pirela called out on strikes.

 

Zulia Top of the 2nd

Jesus Flores grounds out, shortstop Wilfredo Tovar to first baseman Jesus Aguilar.

Alex Romero called out on strikes.

Francisco Arcia walks.

Jose Flores singles on a line drive to right fielder Felix Perez. Francisco Arcia to 2nd.

Carlos Colmenares grounds out softly, first baseman Jesus Aguilar to pitcher Angel Ventura.

 

Zulia Top of the 3rd

Jonathan Herrera bunt grounds out, pitcher Angel Ventura to first baseman Jesus Aguilar.

Ali Castillo flies out to center fielder Yandy Diaz.

Bryant Flete flies out to left fielder Harold Castro.

 

Zulia Top of the 4th

Jose Pirela grounds out sharply, third baseman Henry Alejandro Rodriguez to first baseman Jesus Aguilar.

Jesus Flores strikes out on a foul tip.

Alex Romero called out on strikes.

 

***

 

From December 31st --

 

Six of the eight Venezuelan League teams qualified for the postseason, and two Brewers won't see additional action, unless somehow they land on a different team, even a different league, as catcher Rene Garcia did in 2014 (Puerto Rico, Dominican).

 

Those two Brewers are 21-year-old infielder Javier Betancourt (.703 OPS in 46 AB's), and unfortunately after just one recent appearance, 23-year-old RHP Angel Ventura, who was discussed the day after his start in this post.

 

***

 

Turns out Angel Ventura wasn't done after all, the magic of the flexibility of Latin American postseason rosters.

 

He got the start Monday night for a different team, Caribes, a team down two games to one in the best-of-seven league semifinal. That's a big spot, but unfortunately things went poorly --

 

Zulia Bottom of the 1st

 

Endy Chavez flies out to center fielder Denis Phipps.

Freddy Galvis walks.

Jose Tabata walks. Freddy Galvis to 2nd.

Reynaldo Rodriguez pops out to first baseman Niuman Romero.

Jose Pirela singles on a sharp line drive to right fielder Rene Reyes. Freddy Galvis scores. Jose Tabata to 2nd.

Alex Romero singles on a ground ball to left fielder Willians Astudillo. Jose Tabata scores. Jose Pirela scores. Alex Romero to 3rd on the throw. Throwing error by left fielder Willians Astudillo.

Pitching Change: Emerson Martinez replaces Angel Ventura.

Jesus Flores flies out to center fielder Denis Phipps.

[Mass Haas]

From January 11th --

 

Wily Peralta made his winter debut in the Dominican Wednesday evening -- he faced five batters, and thanks to his 2nd inning teammate's bullpen work, escaped with a 0.00 ERA.

 

Escogido Top of the 1st

 

Rafael Bautista grounds out, third baseman Maikel Franco to first baseman Jason Krizan.

Eury Perez grounds out, shortstop Wilmer Difo to first baseman Jason Krizan.

Jorge Polanco grounds out, first baseman Jason Krizan to pitcher Wily Peralta.

 

Escogido Top of the 2nd

 

Ronny Paulino walks.

Tommy Pham walks. Ronny Paulino to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Sandy Rosario replaces Wily Peralta.

Jimmy Paredes strikes out swinging.

Chesny Young grounds into a force out, shortstop Wilmer Difo to second baseman Ketel Marte. Ronny Paulino to 3rd. Tommy Pham out at 2nd. Chesny Young to 1st.

With Erik Gonzalez batting, Chesny Young steals (1) 2nd base.

Erik Gonzalez strikes out swinging.

 

Box score here, no other Brewers in this game.

 

A full report on Wednesday's action when all results are in...

 

Peralta made his second appearance Monday night. The defense behind him didn't show up.

 

Peralta lasted 2.1 innings --

 

Licey Bottom of the 1st

 

Sergio Alcantara reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Wilmer Difo.

With Anderson Hernandez batting, Sergio Alcantara steals (1) 2nd base, Sergio Alcantara to 3rd. Passed ball by catcher Webster Rivas.

Anderson Hernandez singles on a line drive to left fielder Garabez Rosa. Sergio Alcantara scores.

Anderson Hernandez out at 2nd, catcher Webster Rivas to second baseman Melvin Mercedes.

Hanley Ramirez walks.

Tigres challenged (play at 1st), call on the field was upheld: Juan Francisco grounds into a double play, second baseman Melvin Mercedes to shortstop Wilmer Difo to first baseman Jason Krizan. Hanley Ramirez out at 2nd.

 

Licey Bottom of the 2nd

 

Mel Rojas Jr. hit by pitch.

Austin Wynns grounds out ,third baseman Ketel Marte to first baseman Jason Krizan . Mel Rojas Jr. scores. Throwing error by first baseman Jason Krizan.

Donovan Solano grounds out, shortstop Wilmer Difo to first baseman Jason Krizan.

Engel Beltre strikes out swinging.

 

Licey Bottom of the 3rd

 

Emilio Bonifacio singles on a soft fly ball to left fielder Garabez Rosa.

Sergio Alcantara out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Ketel Marte to first baseman Jason Krizan. Emilio Bonifacio to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Rafael Perez replaces Wily Peralta.

With Anderson Hernandez batting, Emilio Bonifacio steals (4) 3rd base.

Anderson Hernandez pops out to first baseman Jason Krizan in foul territory.

Rafael Perez intentionally walks Hanley Ramirez.

Juan Francisco flies out to center fielder Leury Garcia.

 

***

 

Peralta's final line -- 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 K

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela box: RHP Junior Rincon remains busy, although his team lost 5-3 and trails in the best-of-seven league semi-final three games to one.

 

Lara Top of the 4th

 

Jesus Montero singles on a ground ball to right fielder Danry Vasquez.

Jairo Perez called out on strikes.

Rangel Ravelo doubles (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Danry Vasquez. Jesus Montero to 3rd.

Juniel Querecuto flies out to right fielder Danry Vasquez.

Carlos Rivero singles on a line drive to right fielder Danry Vasquez. Jesus Montero scores. Rangel Ravelo scores.

Gustavo Molina singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose Castillo. Carlos Rivero to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Junior Rincon replaces Edgmer Escalona.

Ildemaro Vargas grounds out, second baseman Heiker Meneses to first baseman Henry Alejandro Rodriguez.

 

Lara Top of the 5th

 

Paulo Orlando flies out to center fielder Yonathan Daza.

Luis Valbuena walks.

Jesus Montero walks. Luis Valbuena to 2nd.

Jairo Perez grounds into a double play, shortstop Alcides Escobar to second baseman Heiker Meneses to first baseman Henry Alejandro Rodriguez. Jesus Montero out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

Mexico box: Speaking of busy, RHP David Goforth had an impressive outing, but his team lost 3-2 and now trails in the best-of-seven league semi-final three games to two.

 

Los Mochis Top of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Dennys Reyes replaces Juan Ramon Noriega.

Yosmany Guerra walks.

Sebastian Valle out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Dennys Reyes to first baseman Joey Meneses. Yosmany Guerra to 2nd.

With Juan Carlos Gamboa batting, wild pitch by Dennys Reyes, Yosmany Guerra to 3rd.

Juan Carlos Gamboa grounds out, second baseman Jose Manuel Rodriguez to first baseman Joey Meneses.

Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Dennys Reyes.

Eugenio Velez pops out to second baseman Jose Manuel Rodriguez.

 

Los Mochis Top of the 7th

 

Isaac Rodriguez grounds out, third baseman Issmael Salas to first baseman Joey Meneses.

Lew Ford singles on a ground ball to center fielder Sebastian Elizalde.

With J. C. Linares batting, David Goforth picks off Lew Ford at 1st on throw to Joey Meneses.

J. C. Linares singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ryan Lollis.

Leandro Castro pops out to first baseman Joey Meneses in foul territory.

 

Los Mochis Top of the 8th

 

Saul Soto strikes out swinging.

Yosmany Guerra grounds out to first baseman Joey Meneses.

Sebastian Valle grounds out, shortstop Ramiro Pena to first baseman Joey Meneses.

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's games --

 

Dominican box: SS Jonathan Villar 1-for-2, BB, SB, error, played five innings, no hint of any problem

 

***

 

Puerto Rico box: SS Ivan De Jesus, Jr. 1-for-5, R, one K in a 4-2 loss. His team now trails two games to one in the best-of-nine league final.

 

RHP Hiram Burgos took the loss in the first game he's pitched since being added from his original squad as a "reinforcement". His line: 5 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, GB:FB 5:5

 

Caguas Top of the 1st

 

Jorge Padilla reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Abiatal Avelino.

Henry Ramos doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Reymond Fuentes. Jorge Padilla to 3rd.

Rey Navarro reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Abiatal Avelino. Jorge Padilla scores. Henry Ramos scores. Rey Navarro to 2nd.

Rusney Castillo reaches on a fielder's choice out, pitcher Hiram Burgos to shortstop Ivan De Jesus to second baseman Abiatal Avelino. Rey Navarro out at 3rd.

Randy Ruiz pops out to first baseman Neftali Soto in foul territory.

Ruben Gotay strikes out swinging.

 

Caguas Top of the 2nd

 

David Vidal flies out to right fielder Juan Silva.

Jonathan Morales flies out to right fielder Juan Silva.

Jack Lopez strikes out swinging.

 

Caguas Top of the 3rd

 

Jorge Padilla pops out to first baseman Neftali Soto in foul territory.

Henry Ramos grounds out, second baseman Abiatal Avelino to first baseman Neftali Soto.

Rey Navarro pops out to third baseman Robert Andino.

 

Caguas Top of the 4th

 

Rusney Castillo grounds out, third baseman Robert Andino to first baseman Neftali Soto.

Randy Ruiz flies out to center fielder Reymond Fuentes.

Ruben Gotay strikes out swinging.

 

Caguas Top of the 5th

 

David Vidal homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.

Jonathan Morales strikes out swinging.

Jack Lopez flies out to center fielder Reymond Fuentes.

Jorge Padilla flies out to right fielder Juan Silva.

[Mass Haas]

Just one game of note on Wednesday --

 

Puerto Rico box: SS Ivan De Jesus, Jr., slumping and dropped in the lineup, was 0-for-4, but his team won 4-1 on the road to even the best-of-nine championship series at two games apiece.

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's action --

 

Dominican box: We're finally done with the round-robin postseason format, and the best-of-nine final series has begun. Jonathan Villar's team grabs the first game 4-3. Playing shortstop, Villar was 1-for-4, R, one K.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico box: After a 3-1 win (another low-scoring league game), the team of SS Ivan De Jesus, Jr. has a three games to two lead in the best-of-nine final. De Jesus was 0-for-2, BB, one K, first fielding error of the postseason.

 

***

 

Mexico box: RHP David Goforth made a brief appearance, and had a tough go in the 7th and deciding game of the League Championship Series. He was trusted in a key spot, as his team led 1-0 heading into the bottom of the 7th inning.

 

Los Mochis Bottom of the 7th

 

Leandro Castro singles on a fly ball to center fielder Sebastian Elizalde.

Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Zack Dodson.

Saul Soto flies out to left fielder Ryan Lollis in foul territory.

With Yosmany Guerra batting, Leandro Castro steals (1) 2nd base.

Yosmany Guerra walks.

Sebastian Valle doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Joey Meneses. Leandro Castro scores. Yosmany Guerra scores. Sebastian Valle advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by second baseman Jose Manuel Rodriguez.

Pitching Change: Oliver Perez replaces David Goforth.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Sergio Garcia replaces Juan Carlos Gamboa.

Sergio Garcia strikes out swinging.

Eugenio Velez triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Joey Meneses. Sebastian Valle scores.

Isaac Rodriguez grounds out, shortstop Ramiro Pena to first baseman Oscar Robles.

 

So Goforth's club was down 3-1 entering the 8th inning, which is where this game stands as of this post time at 11:15 PM Central.

 

***

 

Australia: Hey, another televised Sydney game! It starts live at 2:30 AM Central time (and yes, it will archive with DVR functionality)

 

[Mass Haas]

So Goforth's club was down 3-1 entering the 8th inning, which is where this game stands as of this post time at 11:15 PM Central.

 

That was the final score, with Goforth charged with the loss in the deciding championship game.

[Mass Haas]

Australia box: Sydney lost 5-3. Malik Collymore, again in left field, was 2-for-4, RBI, K, 13th SB in 17 tries. Third baseman Tucker Neuhaus 0-for-4, one K.

 

Sydney Bottom of the 1st

 

Malik Collymore singles on a fly ball to center fielder D. J. Davis.

With Alex Howe batting, Malik Collymore steals (13) 2nd base.

 

Go to the 10:45 minute mark to see the first-pitch hit, followed shortly after by the stolen base.

 

***

 

Sydney Bottom of the 5th

 

Jacob Younis singles on a line drive to center fielder D. Davis.

Joshua Dean singles on a line drive to center fielder D. Davis. Jacob Younis to 3rd.

Michael Campbell singles on a ground ball to center fielder D. J. Davis. Jacob Younis scores. Joshua Dean advances to 3rd, on a fielding error by center fielder D.

Guy Edmonds strikes out swinging.

Ryo Nishimura singles on a fly ball to right fielder David Kandilas. Joshua Dean scores. Michael Campbell to 3rd.

Malik Collymore singles on a line drive to left fielder Kyle Perkins. Michael Campbell scores. Ryo Nishimura to 2nd.

 

Go to the 01:13:45 minute mark to see Collymore's full at-bat.

[Mass Haas]

Friday's games --

 

Dominican box: Championship best-of-nine now tied at one game apiece; SS Jonathan Villar 1-for-5, two errors in a 4-2 loss. Former Brewers farmhand LHP Tyler Alexander continues to throw well despite four walks in his five-inning start here.

 

***

 

Australia: Sydney split a doubleheader, see the results here and here. Malik Collymore has started all 34 games this winter, and Tucker Neuhaus had started each game as well, until he sat out Game Two tonight.

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's games --

 

Dominican box: Jonathan Villar slid over to second base after some recent defensive struggles at short. At the plate, Villar was 1-for-3, double, sacrifice bunt, RBI, and his 7th SB of the postseason. He left in the 7th inning of an 11-4 win that saw his team go up two games to one in the best-of-nine League Championship Series.

 

***

 

Australia box: Sydney scored three in the 9th to walk off with a 7-6 win. Malik Collymore was intentionally walked within that rally, was 0-for-4 otherwise. Tucker Neuhaus did not play for a second consecutive game. The team, as per the usual Aussie schedule, has a few days off before their next series.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico box: In a 12-1 loss, SS Ivan Dejesus, Jr. was 0-for-2, BB, one K, before exiting the lopsided affair. This best-of-nine League Championship Series is now tied at three games apiece -- drama!

 

For the winners, hired gun 6'8" LHP Andrew Barbosa, brought on just for this series as a "reinforcement", continued his spectacular run -- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K.

 

In three postseason appearances, here is Barbosa's line -- 0.63 ERA, 14.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 10 K

 

When combined with his few "regular season" winter appearances, you get -- 1.11 ERA, 24.1 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 6 BB, 23 K

 

Santurce Top of the 1st

 

Drew Ferguson flies out to center fielder Henry Ramos.

Reymond Fuentes pops out to shortstop Jack Lopez.

Neftali Soto grounds out, shortstop Jack Lopez to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

 

Santurce Top of the 2nd

 

Christian Vazquez lines out to center fielder Henry Ramos.

Ivan De Jesus Jr. walks.

Juan Silva flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla.

Jose Lozada strikes out swinging.

 

Santurce Top of the 3rd

 

Robert Andino called out on strikes.

Roberto Pena strikes out swinging.

Drew Ferguson pops out to second baseman Rey Navarro.

 

Santurce Top of the 4th

 

Reymond Fuentes flies out to left fielder Rusney Castillo.

Neftali Soto grounds out, shortstop Jack Lopez to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

Christian Vazquez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Henry Ramos.

Ivan De Jesus Jr. pops out to second baseman Rey Navarro.

 

Santurce Top of the 5th

 

Juan Silva singles on a line drive to right fielder Jorge Padilla.

Jose Lozada flies out to left fielder Rusney Castillo.

Robert Andino grounds into a double play, shortstop Jack Lopez to second baseman Rey Navarro to first baseman Ruben Gotay. Juan Silva out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

As we brought to everyone's attention on Twitter Sunday, Dominican fans are upset, but the Brewers have apparently shut down Jonathan Villar in the midst of the Championship Final Series. Villar's team lost on Sunday 9-6, and the best-of-nine is now tied at two games apiece.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico box: Heading into Sunday, the League Championship Series Best-of-Nine was tied at three games apiece, and RHP Hiram Burgos made the start for his new team, Santurce, and it did not go well for the normally steady Burgos in a 4-1 loss.

 

1.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 1 K

 

Caguas Top of the 1st

 

Jorge Padilla singles on a line drive to right fielder Juan Silva.

Rey Navarro singles on a ground ball to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Jorge Padilla to 2nd.

Rusney Castillo flies out to right fielder Juan Silva.

Randy Ruiz doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Jorge Padilla scores. Rey Navarro to 3rd.

Ruben Gotay singles on a line drive to center fielder Reymond Fuentes. Rey Navarro scores. Randy Ruiz to 3rd.

David Vidal grounds into a double play, second baseman Jose Lozada to shortstop Ivan De Jesus Jr. to first baseman Neftali Soto. Ruben Gotay out at 2nd.

 

Caguas Top of the 2nd

 

Henry Ramos strikes out swinging.

Jack Lopez doubles (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Juan Silva.

Jonathan Morales triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Reymond Fuentes. Jack Lopez scores.

Jorge Padilla out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Reymond Fuentes. Jonathan Morales scores.

Rey Navarro singles on a ground ball to center fielder Reymond Fuentes.

Pitching Change: Fernando Cruz replaces Hiram Burgos.

Rusney Castillo singles on a line drive to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Rey Navarro to 2nd.

Randy Ruiz flies out to right fielder Juan Silva.

 

Burgos' teammate, SS Ivan Dejesus, Jr., led off and was 1-for-5.

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's games --

 

Puerto Rico box: SS Ivan Dejesus, Jr. was 2-for-5, one K, and his team lost 6-5 in 12 innings.

 

His team also lost this championship best-of-nine five games to three.

 

It now appears, barring late roster shuffles, that no Brewers players or farmhands will appear in this year's Caribbean series, which pits the champions of the Puerto Rico, Dominican, Mexican, and Venezuelan Leagues.

 

***

 

Australia box: There is still a bit of regular season baseball Down Under this winter, and Sydney scored a win 5-4, to move to 15-21, which won't be qualifying them for the upcoming playoffs there.

 

LF Malik Collymore and 3B Tucker Neuhaus each had a base hit and scored a run, you'll see their lines in the box score link.

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Australia box -- Nice night for both Malik Collymore (2-for-4, R, one K) and Tucker Neuhaus (2-for-3, BB, RBI, CS) in a 5-2 loss.

 

If you're up at 2:30 AM Central Friday night / Saturday AM, you can watch the Saturday Down Under game live

with full DVR functionality.

 

The game will also archive at that same link if you sleep in a bit .

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Australia box -- Nice night for both Malik Collymore (2-for-4, R, one K) and Tucker Neuhaus (2-for-3, BB, RBI, CS) in a 5-2 loss.

 

If you're up at 2:30 AM Central Friday night / Saturday AM, you can watch the Saturday Down Under game live

with full DVR functionality.

 

The game will also archive at that same link if you sleep in a bit .

 

 

Well Sydney was up 3-0 after the top of the 2nd, but would lose 15-3, ouch.

 

It was also ouch for Malik Collymore, 0-for-5 as the DH in this one, two K's. He did score a run after reaching on an error. Collymore still owns a solid .750-ish OPS after 149 AB's, but it has really dropped since his All-Star Game appearance (splits).

 

And finally, it was literally an ouch for third baseman Tucker Neuhaus, who left the game in the third inning after charging a bunt and landing a bit awkwardly. It looked like a relatively minor foot injury, but everyone was understandably cautious, hopefully the diagnosis confirms that.

 

You can watch that Neuhaus play at the 01:11:00 minute/mark at the video archive.

 

Neuhaus was 1-for-2 prior to his exit, and you can see his single at the 16:30 mark.

 

[Mass Haas]

Australia box: In the final game of his winter season, Malik Collymore, playing LF, was 1-for-3, double, BB. The 21-year-old finished with a .276/.362/.382 line (.744 OPS), 14 steals in 19 attempts, and 20 walks vs. 36 K's in 152 AB's. Collymore played CF in 23 games, LF in 16 games.

 

Tucker Neuhaus, who injured his foot in the prior game (see above post) did not play here. By the way, Sydney lost 4-3, and finished at 15-24. Neuhaus played 20 games at second base before shifting to third base for 17 games. The also-21-year-old finished with a .275/.320/.352 line (.672 OPS), one steal in three attempts, and 7 walks vs. 24 K's in 142 AB's.

 

Not to mention some off-day adventures of a lifetime, congrats guys!

 

***

 

By the way, Jonathan Villar's Dominican Winter League team lost 6-2 in the deciding game the best-of-nine League Championship Series, to the dismay of locals none too pleased with Milwaukee's decision to pull him midway through the series.

 

***

 

To everybody who checked in on this thread this winter, thanks for reading. Unless there's a surprise substitution among the four teams competing in the upcoming Caribbean Series (made up of the four league champions from Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela), this concludes our winter league fun for 2016-2017.

[FVBrewerFan]

Thanks for the reports, good stuff!

[Mass Haas]

Even though their team did not win the Puerto Rico League team, roster rules are flexible enough that both RHP Hiram Burgos and IF Yadiel Rivera will be on Team Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Series tournament, which begins today (Wednesday 2/1). Puerto Rico takes on Mexico tonight.

 

Here's MiLB.com's Caribbean Series home page.

[Mass Haas]

Even though their team did not win the Puerto Rico League team, roster rules are flexible enough that both RHP Hiram Burgos and IF Yadiel Rivera will be on Team Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Series tournament, which begins today (Wednesday 2/1). Puerto Rico takes on Mexico Wednesday night.

 

Here's MiLB.com's Caribbean Series home page.

 

With all the games on ESPN Desportes, the team Brewers' fans should follow is Puerto Rico, as four members of the organization are on the active roster -- add catcher Rene Garcia and SS Ivan Dejesus, Jr. to the list.

 

The tournament is taking place in Mexico this year, and the host team defeated Puerto Rico 4-2. There were four home runs in the game, including one by Team Mexico's Yuniesky Betancourt.

 

Box Score: Ivan Dejesus, Jr. was 2-for-3 (K), and hit an 8th inning home run off Sergio Romo that closed the scoring.

 

 

Yadiel Rivera did not see action in this one.

 

Rene Garcia was a late defensive replacement, there was a stolen base against him and teammate RHP Hiram Burgos within Burgos' lone inning, the 8th, in which he allowed an insurance run by Mexico on the Betancourt home run. Burgos did well to limit that damage considering what his defense would do next.

 

Mexico Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces J. Romero.

Yuniesky Betancourt homers (1) on a fly ball to right field.

C. J. Retherford flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla.

Luis Juarez reaches on a throwing error by third baseman David Vidal. Luis Juarez to 2nd.

Ronnier Mustelier grounds out, third baseman David Vidal to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

Agustin Murillo reaches on a throwing error by third baseman David Vidal. Luis Juarez to 3rd.

With Isaac Rodriguez Salazar batting, Agustin Murillo steals (1) 2nd base.

Isaac Rodriguez Salazar lines out to right fielder Jorge Padilla.

 

Here's the Betancourt home run off of Burgos --