Link Report for Wednesday 7/19

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Colorado Springs: TBD at Omaha (Royals), 6:35 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Dan Karcher, the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox is on Twitter @SkySoxKarch; joining him again this season is Dan Acheson (@Dan_Acheson)

 

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: RHP Luis Ortiz at Mississippi (Braves), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Chris Harris is the play-by-play voice of the Shuckers. Follow Chris on Twitter @CHarris731. We'll be linking to his fantastic "Shuck Dynasty" blog. Erik Bremer (@Erik_Bremer) joins Chris often. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be radio broadcast.

 

MiLB.TV - Eight of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi is among them. Only games in Chattanooga and Mobile won't be available.

 

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Carolina: Idle

 

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Wisconsin: RHP Zack Brown at home vs. South Bend (Cubs), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

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.

 

MiLB.TV - Eight of the 16 Midwest League teams telecast their home games, and Wisconsin, once again, is among them. We'll let you know when a road TV feed is available.

 

In 2017, fifteen games will be broadcast on Spectrum Sports in Wisconsin, available on channel 32 and in HD on channel 1332. We'll keep you posted with our "DVR Alerts" days in advance.

 

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Helena: Idle

 

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Maryvale: at home vs. the Padres' youngsters, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league

 

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DSL Brewers: at the DSL Rangers' #2 Squad, 9:30 AM

 

DSL Brewers/Indians: at home vs. the DSL Rangers' #1, 9:30 AM

 

For each DSL contest, 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. You can also use that link to differentiate between Brewer and Indians' prospects on the co-op team.

[Mass Haas]

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

 

Colorado Springs

 

Biloxi

 

Wisconsin

 

Maryvale

 

DSL Brewers

 

DSL Brewers/Indians

 

MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

[Mass Haas]

Look for these just prior to the respective game times --

 

Colorado Springs Media Notes - Linked on the Sky Sox official blog

 

Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog

 

Carolina Media Notes - Linked on the Mudcats official blog

 

Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog

 

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STANDINGS:

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

 

AA - Southern League South Division

 

High-A - Carolina League Southern Division

 

A - Midwest League Western Division

 

Pioneer League North Division

 

Arizona League Central Division

 

Dominican Summer League San Pedro Division

 

Dominican Summer League North Division

 

NOTE: Divisional standings for the two DSL teams point to the same shared page link.

 

NOTE #2: The Standings Links above will reflect second-half standings for Biloxi, Carolina, and Wisconsin. You can easily then click on "Overall Standings" once you've reached the initial link.

 

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Sortable individual stat pages:

 

Colorado Springs

 

Biloxi

 

Carolina

 

Wisconsin

 

Helena

 

Maryvale

 

DSL Brewers

 

DSL Brewers/Indians

 

***

 

Weather.com:

 

Omaha, NE

 

Pearl, MS

 

Grand Chute, WI

 

Maryvale, AZ

 

Santo Domingo, DR

[Mass Haas]

Timber Rattler DVR Alert

 

THURS. 7/20 vs. South Bend (Cubs), 7:00 PM

 

Spectrum Sports are available on channel 32 and in HD on channel 1332 in Eastern Wisconsin

 

Conveniently, the big league Brewers are idle on this evening, as they play a matinee.

[Mass Haas]

Slew of birthdays today:

 

Tim Dillard - 34

Mauricio Dubon - 23

Travis Hissong - 26

Fidel Pena - 26

[Jenkins5]

Not sure there is a player in system that can out walk Erny Martinez! Giving Clark a run for his money since signing! Add 2 more today! He isn't really hitting but over .200 his batting average. Not many can hit .210 with OBP over .400!

[LouisEly]

Zack Brown is on a tear. Over his last 32 innings (only counting five so far tonight) he's given up 5 ER, walks a little high at 11, and struck out 32.

 

Nice to see Ortiz back on track after a few rough outings.

[markedman5]

Yep...final line for Ortiz...'6 innings 0 runs 1 hit 0 walks 6 ks

[And That]

17th rounder LG Castillo making his pro debut in Arizona tonight. And Yeison Coca back in the lineup for the first time since AZL opening day back on June 24th.

[MrTPlush]

Luis Ortiz has a lot of potential. Don't understand why so many write him off like he is nothing. Everyone knocks his weight weekly like that matters. There are a plethora of fat pitchers doing pretty well right now.

[Jenkins5]

Yep...final line for Ortiz...'6 innings 0 runs 1 hit 0 walks 6 ks

 

Oh course he'd pitch great tonight after I make a post about him being the 5th best pitcher in system....

 

I still believe that's true but it is awesome to see him put together maybe his best start since June 2nd! I am a fan of him as much as it may not seem like it. I just feel we have 4 other very talented pitchers who all have outperformed him. I don't feel his stuff is that far above those 4.

 

He started season going 6 of 7 games of going 5 to 5 2/3 inning. Since May 16th he has only made it to the 5 inning 2x... tonight & June 2nd. Most of that is due to him not having his command & throwing a ton of pitches to quickly reach pitch count. Everyone knows he is talented, no one doubts that. The weight is a big deal because traditionally, the less conditioned you are, the more risk for injuries. Not 100% of the time. He is not on Tyrone Perry's level or anything where he is close to eating way out of the sport or anything but taking care of your body does help in short & long term. Right now, I think he is fine if he can stay at 230-240. 220 with his broad frame would be excellent. He has however tipped up to the 250-260 range. His junior of high school I believe he was 250+ before he cut down to 220 for senior year. Then with Rangers he ballooned again. for a bit.

 

Peralta is 9 months younger than Ortiz & Burns is 11 months older than Ortiz. So there isn't a big enough gap in age to just say he is young as excuse for lack of production from a Top 50 prospect & one who people rate higher than 2 guys I personally feel are just as good if not better.

 

Hopefully he gets back to April production & strings some of these starts together now!

[MrTPlush]

Not sure why it is Ortiz' fault they pull him with 75 or so pitches.

[MrTPlush]

Ortiz returns to form, but Shuckers suffer walk-off defeat in opener

Luis Ortiz tossed six innings of one-hit baseball on Wednesday night

By Biloxi Shuckers

 

 

Biloxi Shuckers Box Score

 

Quick Summary:

 

Luis Ortiz brought no hit stuff, but the offense went flat only busting out two hits. Ortiz went six innings while striking out six and only allowing one hit. Luis Ortiz managed to do it on just 75 pitches. The only hits came on a Jacob Nottingham RBI triple and a Dustin DeMuth single. The Shuckers lost the game 3-2 in the ninth inning.

 

Pitching Summary:

 

On the mound, Luis Ortiz (6.0 IP, H, 6 K) started the game while Josh Uhen (0.1 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, K), Tayler Scott (1.2 IP, H, K), and Quintin Torres-Costa (0.2 IP, 2 H, ER, K) provided the relief.

 

Hitting Summary:

 

Jacob Nottingham (1-3, R, 3B, RBI)

Dustin DeMuth (1-3, R)

Clint Coulter (1-2, RBI)

 

Biloxi Shuckers Game Log

 

Mississppi wins it in the 9th.

 

Biloxi Top of the 6th

 

Mississippi Bottom of the 9th

Wendell Rijo remains in the game as the second baseman.

Pitching Change: Quintin Torres-Costa replaces Tayler Scott, batting 3rd, replacing second baseman Blake Allemand.

Joey Meneses pops out softly to first baseman Dustin DeMuth in foul territory.

Tyler Neslony strikes out swinging.

Travis Demeritte singles on a ground ball to center fielder Johnny Davis.

Kade Scivicque doubles (11) on a sharp fly ball to left fielder Tyrone Taylor. Travis Demeritte scores.

[And That]

And despite the Brewers severely limiting his pitch count and despite Ortiz missing time with a hamstring injury, he only has about 45 more innings before he hits his cap for the year.

 

It's going to be a long process with him. He probably will spend next year in Biloxi as well. But the reward for patience could be great.

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Rangers1 5, DSL Indians/Brewers 3

 

In a game that was scoreless through the first six innings, the Rangers scored three in the seventh and two more in the eighth as they topped the Brewers co-op team 5-3.

 

DSL Indians/Brewers Box Score

 

17-year-old Ricardo Velasquez was the only Brewers pitcher to see action and unfortunately he took the loss after giving up all five runs in an inning plus of work. Jose Pena was on base twice, with a single and a walk, and he scored a run. Luis Avila went 1-for-3 with a double, while Bryan Torres, Javier Castillo, Yorki Franco and Bryan Dimas each chipped in a base hit.

 

DSL Indians/Brewers Game Log

 

The Indians/Brewers responded to the Rangers' three-run seventh with three runs of their own.

 

DSL Indians/Brewers Bottom of the 7th

Jose Pena walks.

Derian Perez reaches on a force attempt, throwing error by pitcher Felipe Ontiveros. Jose Pena to 3rd. Derian Perez to 2nd.

Bryan Dimas singles on a ground ball to center fielder Yimmelvyn Alonzo. Jose Pena scores. Derian Perez to 3rd.

Jesus Maestre grounds out, pitcher Felipe Ontiveros to second baseman Ciro Barrios to first baseman Max Morales. Derian Perez scores. Bryan Dimas to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Sergio Suarez replaces Felipe Ontiveros.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Bryan Torres replaces Luis Avila.

Bryan Torres singles on a ground ball to center fielder Yimmelvyn Alonzo. Bryan Dimas scores.

Micael Ramirez grounds into a force out, first baseman Max Morales to shortstop Edgar Pineda. Bryan Torres out at 2nd. Micael Ramirez to 1st.

Javier Castillo grounds into a force out, shortstop Edgar Pineda to second baseman Ciro Barrios. Micael Ramirez out at 2nd.

[bkrause2]

Final: DSL Rangers2 5, DSL Brewers 2

 

The Brewers managed two runs in the ninth, but that was it, as they fell to the Rangers 5-2.

 

DSL Brewers Box Score

 

Jose Romero got the start and took the loss after giving up three runs over three innings of work. Silvestre Berroa followed and went four innings, allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out four. Luis Avalo had a big day at the plate to pace the offense, going 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Luis Manon singled and walked while Ernesto Martinez drew a pair of walks and five other players added base hits.

 

DSL Brewers Game Log

 

The Brewers only offense came in the ninth inning, but it wasn't enough.

 

DSL Brewers Top of the 9th

Luis Valdez strikes out swinging.

Victor Maria hit by pitch.

Luis Avalo doubles (5) on a line drive to center fielder Leuri Mejia. Victor Maria to 3rd.

Luis Manon singles on a ground ball to third baseman Jember Gutierrez. Victor Maria scores. Luis Avalo to 3rd.

Jean Cruz singles on a line drive to center fielder Leuri Mejia. Luis Avalo scores. Luis Manon to 2nd.

Anderson Melendez flies out to left fielder Oswaldo Zacarias.

Francis Florentino strikes out swinging.

[Jenkins5]

It is the command that is the issue. He started out season doing really well & getting into the 6th. Then he fell off. His pitch count didn't drop in May, his command did. Walking 11% of your batters hurts. Tonight & the 2nd of July he was able to attack zone & challenge hitters. I guess I never notice how little his arm has been built up since being drafted which is why he is on such a strict 75 pitch count. However, issue is still he has not had much command at all since coming over in trade.

 

Overall from 2014-2016 Totals

2014 - 20 IP 158 TP 30-128 ball 2 strike, 4.27 strike to ball

2015 - 50 IP 344 TP 51-293 b2s, 5.75 strike to ball

2016 - 100 IP 1310 TP 422-888 b2s, 2.10 strike to ball

 

Just with Brewers

2017 - 68 IP 1132 TP 449-683 b2s, 1.52 strike to ball

2016- 23 IP 407 TP 155-252 b2s, 1.63 strikes to ball

 

With Rangers His K% averaged around 24% with K9 of 9 with BB% usually 5% BB/9 1.75. Overall putting him by the desired 20% k% to Bb%

 

Since trade though he has been about 18% K% to 10Bb% not great.... 7k/9 to 4 bb/9.

 

So you can blame pitch count of 75 for him not being able to make it to 5IP but the real issue is since coming over he has not found the command that made him so effective in small samples with the Rangers. Talent is there for sure but Ks have been falling, BBs have been rising, and he is not working effectively on the mound.

 

We can blame AA as well except in first 40 IP with Rangers he was pretty darn effective. Very hittable but he was attacking hitters, throwing strikes, and had FIP at 3.36. Better than the 4.40 he has averaged since.

 

We can blame Brewers development staff or naggy injuries as well. Lack of experience. Simple fact though, whatever the cause or excuse, he at the core hasn't thrown strikes. Plain & simple. If he can get back to that he will be fine. I hope tonight was the start!

 

I'm not cheering against him. I just have more faith in Burns & Peralta because since they have been in system, they have flat out performed if not dominated competition. I didn't see the box scored & reports every 5th day when Ortiz was pitching really well with Rangers. Since coming here, he hasn't been that great...hard to show numbers outside of mainstream prospect rankings that show different. He needs to throw some more strikes.

[Mass Haas]

Final: South Bend 4, Wisconsin 3

 

Cubs score two in eighth to beat Rattlers 4-3

South Bend Squeaks by Wisconsin

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

 

Everything to come in this post will be put in much better context if you first read the summary above. Also, you'll learn about a successful Wisconsin "hidden ball trick" that is not captured in any of the video linked below.

 

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AUDIO via the Rattler Radio Soundcloud: "The Timber Rattlers dropped the first game of this homestand with a 4–3 loss to the South Bend Cubs on Wednesday. The Postgame Podcast has comments from Zack Brown, Weston Wilson, Keston Hiura, and Matt Erickson.

 

***

 

VIDEO via NBC26: "Keston Hiura and Eric Sogard make their Timber Rattlers debut"

 

***

 

VIDEO via WBAY: "Hiura, Sogard Make T-Rats Debuts"

 

***

 

Wisconsin Box Score

 

Wisconsin outfielders batting 7-8-9, Monte Harrison of course long since up in Carolina...

 

Wisconsin Game Log

 

Maybe it was a technical issue, but the final run of the game wasn't included in the full video package from the Rattlers. Not a slight on the production crew, what a magnificent job they do every home game, for which we're much appreciative.

 

South Bend Top of the 8th

 

Isaac Paredes doubles (23) on a line drive to left fielder Joantgel Segovia.

Pitching Change: Daniel Brown replaces Andrew Vernon.

D. J. Wilson singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Daniel Brown. Isaac Paredes to 3rd. D. Wilson out at 2nd, first baseman Weston Wilson.

Chris Pieters singles on a ground ball to right fielder Carlos Belonis. Isaac Paredes scores.

Tyler Payne pops out to catcher Mario Feliciano in foul territory.

Luis Ayala singles on a line drive to center fielder Ryan Aguilar. Chris Pieters to 2nd.

With Andruw Monasterio batting, Chris Pieters steals (8) 3rd base, Chris Pieters scores. Luis Ayala steals (16) 2nd base. Luis Ayala advances to 3rd. Throwing error by catcher Mario Feliciano.

Andruw Monasterio strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Colorado Springs 8, Omaha 4, 12 innings

 

Extra-Inning Deja Vu Lifts Sox To 8-4 Win

Susac drives in four in second straight 12-inning win

By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox

 

Read about the Kirk Nieuwenhuis (congrats, new dad!), Yadiel Rivera, and Andrew Susac home runs, the latter of which tied the game in the 9th, and I was fortunate enough to see live on MiLB.TV. Also read how rehabbing Brandon Woodruff fared.

 

The Omaha roster lists 12 pitchers, but they were left short-handed another game, so the winning Sky Sox rally was once again against veteran catcher Brayan Pena.

 

***

 

Colorado Springs Box Score

 

Eight and one-third innings of one-run relief from a crew of five Sky Sox hurlers, sweet.

 

Contributions from all, except leadoff LF Kyle Wren, who had an uncharacteristic ugly line, as you'll see...

 

Colorado Springs Game Log

 

***

 

BONUS AUDIO: Via the Sky Sox Tuesday pre-game, a chat about the climb minor league umpires must make

[Mass Haas]

Soroka, Ortiz dominant in Double-A duel

M-Braves starter fans 12 as opponent hurls six one-hit innings

By Josh Jackson / MiLB.com

 

The MiLB.com feature includes a focus on both starting pitchers. The Braves' teenager is special, so learn about him, and here's the text on Luis Ortiz' night --

 

***

 

Working quickly, Mike Soroka established a career high with 12 strikeouts over seven innings Wednesday in Double-A Mississippi's 3-2 win over Biloxi. While he allowed two runs on two hits, fourth-ranked Brewers prospect Luis Ortiz yielded one hit over six scoreless frames, fanning six, for the Shuckers.

 

"He had really good command of his fastball and his [slider]," Soroka said of Ortiz. "His breaking ball looked exactly like his fastball -- it spun the same, he didn't pull it, he didn't yank it. He was doing that to our hitters the entire night. He did a very good job. It was easy see why he is [a top prospect]."

 

Ortiz, the No. 51 overall prospect, was working on his finest outing since missing much of June with an undisclosed injury. He's 3-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 16 starts.

 

"Anytime you miss [starts], people think you're going to get right back on the horse and it's going to be easy," Biloxi Pitching Coach Chris Hook said. "I think tonight he was the guy we've seen him be most of the year, a guy who's comfortable attacking hitters. That's really who he is.

 

"He's shown bits and pieces of that over the last five outings, but he hadn't put it all together. You could see it was there, and now he's just got to maintain it."

 

No. 12 Braves prospect Austin Riley poked a two-out single through the left side in the fourth for the only hit against Ortiz.

 

"I think his fastball command was the No. 1 thing. He did an excellent job throwing the baseball at the bottom of the strike zone, and his slider was really good," said Hook, a former big leaguer. "The four pitches that he threw, he threw aggressively. He had an aggressive mind-set and that was key tonight."

 

After six, the California native had thrown 64 of 79 pitches for strikes.

 

"Luis, he wants to pitch the whole game. He never wants to come out," Hook said. "You have to pull the ball away from him, and that's what we had to do tonight. I thought it was a nice, solid outing for him. You can't do much more than what he did." 

 

***

 

Plus, we get this full at-bat video with the Mississippi broadcaster on the call (take note of the pitch clock from the side view as well, Ortiz worked at a quick pace, but the clock doesn't always seem to be in countdown mode):

 

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO from the Biloxi road game: Unfortunately, they're the lowlights

 

***

 

Details on a dominating Maryvale win later this morning.

 

No minor league matinees on Thursday, we'll leave that to the big league Crew.

 

Also, all the stateside affiliates jump back into action Thursday evening.

[Mass Haas]

For those that visit the Link report via Twitter link only, catch up with these stories that were posted to other threads on this Minor League Forum in the past 24 hours:

 

Brewers prospect Jacob Nottingham 'growing up' on the diamond in Biloxi

Patrick Ochs, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

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2080baseball.com report

 

Detailed scouting profile of catcher Mario Feliciano found within.

 

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VIDEO Report with Biloxi Pitching Coach Chris Hook

 

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One of pro baseball's shortest hitters, Helena Brewers' Jose Gomez has knack for going deep

Erik C. Anderson, Helena Independent Record

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO TWEETS via @BrewerProspect's Twitter timeline - Biloxi and Wisconsin

[And That]

AZL Brewers 7, AZL Padres 0

 

AZL Brewers Boxscore

 

This is the first time the Brewers have been involved in a shutout this year, and happily they come out on the good side of it. Second win in a row, first game of the post-Keston Hiura era, and their 1st half magic number is down to 7.

 

We are still in the Tristen Lutz era thankfully, and the big guy tied a career high with 3 base hits including a triple. His OPS is a healthy 1.259 after 30 pro PAs. He played CF for the 5th time in 6 games.

 

Jesus Lujano and Pat McInerney both added two hits. McInerney had a double for the Brewers' only other XBH. Julio Mendez did not get a hit, but walked twice.

 

17th round pitck LG Castillo made his pro debut in RF, though it was an otherwise forgettable night at the plate as he went 0-4 with 2 Ks.

 

Yeison Coca made an in-game appearance for the first time since opening night in the AZL, nearly 4 weeks ago. He had a hit in the 2nd, but was then pulled as Kenny Corey came in to play shortstop in the top of the 4th. The assumption is there is some sort of injury issue, but we haven't heard anything from the Brewers.

 

The pitching was obviously really good. 7th rounder Bowden Francis got his second professional start and threw 3 1/3 scoreless, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, and punching out 5 batters. The Brewers' staff would issue no more walks the rest of the evening. NDFA Tyler Thorne relieved Francis, stranded a runner, and allowed 2 hits while striking out 2 in his 1 2/3 inning. 37th round pick Christian Taugner pitched 3 flawless innings with 5 Ks. Recent minor league free agent signee Alec Kenilvort pitched a scoreless 9th and struck out 2.

 

AZL Brewers Game Log

 

Once again, big fifth inning:

 

AZL Brewers Bottom of the 5th

Kenny Corey walks.

Jesus Lujano singles on a line drive to center fielder Jeisson Rosario. Kenny Corey to 2nd.

With Tristen Lutz batting, wild pitch by Caleb Boushley, Kenny Corey to 3rd. Jesus Lujano to 2nd.

Tristen Lutz singles on a line drive to right fielder Dayon Olmo. Kenny Corey scores. Jesus Lujano to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Jose Cabrera replaces Caleb Boushley.

Nick Egnatuk pops out to shortstop Jordy Barley.

Pat McInerney singles on a line drive to right fielder Dayon Olmo. Jesus Lujano scores. Tristen Lutz to 2nd.

Robert Henry singles on a line drive to center fielder Jeisson Rosario. Tristen Lutz scores. Pat McInerney to 3rd.

With Robie Rojas batting, Pat McInerney steals (2) home. Robert Henry steals (5) 2nd base.

Robie Rojas walks.

With Julio Mendez batting, Robert Henry steals (6) 3rd base. Robie Rojas steals (1) 2nd base.

With Julio Mendez batting, wild pitch by Jose Cabrera, Robert Henry scores. Robie Rojas to 3rd.

Julio Mendez grounds out, shortstop Jordy Barley to first baseman Cole Rutherford.

Leugim Castillo grounds out, first baseman Cole Rutherford to pitcher Jose Cabrera.