Article: Brewers Minor League Link Report (5/18): A 2-2 Affiliate Wednesday Still Feels Great After Hiura's 11th Inning Walk-Off

[Joseph Zarr]

Ethan Small was scratched from his start late due to ongoing Nashville clubhouse non-COVID related sicknesses. Thomas Jankins took the challenging role of the spot-start. Meanwhile, Andy Otero got his first relief work at Triple-A while Fernando Olguin got his first starting work at Low-A Carolina. Wisconsin played a sleeper for their matinee as Ryne Moore struggled in his first start since his promotion. And Biloxi, unfortunately, did their blown lead thing and failing to find that hit thing with runners on. Let's get into the recap!

Transactions: Milwaukee recalled (INF) Keston Hiura from Nashville 

AND, what a move it was:

Crack a beer. That's the good stuff. 

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Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes      
Final: Carolina 8, Down East (Rangers) 1
Box Score / Game Log 

Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please review:

Olguin Goes 5.0 Scoreless in 8-1 Carolina Victory - Arbert Cipion and Alberis Ferrer Combined for Two Home Runs, a Triple, and Four RBI in the Home Win

LISTEN: Post-Game Interview with Mudcats Manager Victor Estevez

If this is the continued results from ACL Brewers call-ups, let's keep them coming. These early returns certainly have me pining for the start of the ACL season June 6th. Notably absent, for his second game in a row, Eduardo Garcia stayed on the shelf. I listened for any updates on his status or condition but for the second consecutive game there was nothing to be heard. We'll have to keep our eyes peeled for any news. I tuned in early to catch the first work of Fernando Olguin. Here are my thoughts on the game.

Viewing Notes:

• After a clean top of the first inning for Olguin, Arbert Cipion opened the bottom half with a leadoff home run over the wall in left field. Not a bad way to start a game! Arbert, who I've mentioned before in reports, continues to have a comeback season in 2022. He finished the game three of four from the lead-off spot and improved his OPS to .771 on the season.
• Jesus Chirinos entered tonight's game with a 12-game on-base streak. He finished the evening 0 for 3 but did manage to get on base with a base on balls. That's now 13 straight for Jesus. Let's keep it going!
• Alberis Ferrer hit his first triple of his 2022 season knocking in his 16th RBI with two down in the bottom of the second on a blast deep to wall in center right field. Jheremy Vargas had walked and stolen two bags and scored easily from third, running on contact. 
• We have now seen two straight scoreless opening pitching performances from the ACL Brewers call-ups. Stiven Perez had three remarkable opening innings in his recent inaugural start, and now we can add a highly effective outing from recently promoted Mexican national Fernando Olguin. Olguin completed five full innings of two hit ball with one strikeout and zero walks. The most remarkable thing from these youngsters of late is the control. It isn't easy to hop up a level, especially ACL to Low-A, and avoid the free passes entirely. These youngsters are clearly not afraid of the moment. You love to see it.
• As touched on above, Alberis Ferrer played a key role in this game. In addition to the RBI triple, Alberis knocked in two on a home run over the wall in left field. It was his best game of late and with Eduardo Garcia still on the sidelines the Mudcats are going to need this kind of production. Let's watch the blast to left field in the seventh extending the lead to 6-0 for Carolina:  

 

• Of final note in tonight's Carolina victory is the continued impressive bullpen work of Karlos Morales. After two more scoreless innings tonight (zero hits, one walk, and four strikeouts), Karlos has improved his overall season totals to 18 2/3 innings pitched, six earned runs, 26 strikeouts, nine walks, two hit batters, with a 1.18 WHIP. Batters in Low-A are currently hitting a mere .186 when he takes the mound. 

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Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes via their all-encompassing Virtual Press Box 

Final: South Bend (Cubs) 8, Wisconsin 2
Box Score / Game Log    
Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please review:

South Bend Evens Series - Rattlers Held to Two Hits in 8-2 Loss to Cubs

Please listen in to the post-game audio podcast here (this will touch on Antoine Kelly's start as well). I want to again encourage you to partake in these media feasts during the Timber Rattler home series in 2022. Chris and Kyle and, really, the Timber Rattlers as a whole, do such a fantastic job feeding our insatiable appetites for High-A coverage. Incredible output deserving of recognition and appreciation. On to the game at hand...

Ryne Moore faced some adversity right off the bat to start inning one versus South Bend. Zavier Warren made a nice diving stop at the hot corner, but he rushed his throw and sent the ball down the first base line into foul territory. With a lead-off man suddenly on second and none down, Ryne saw batter number two square up to bunt. Ryne read the slightly popped-up bunt perfectly and made an incredible diving catch while also getting to his feet and managing to pick-off the runner on second for the double play. 

With two down, Moore induced a groundout to McGee past first base on one more pitch to close the inning. It was three-up and three-down on four pitches. Unconventional, yes. But, a heck of a way to debut at High-A. Inning two was not as kind as Ryne faced quite a bit of pressure and ultimately gave up four runs including the final two on a seeing-eye bloop single that fell between Tyler Black and Tristan Peters in shallow right field. This just in: promotions are often quite challenging. Here's to better innings and games in High-A, Ryne.

Further Viewing Notes:

• Base runners continue to find ways to run on the T-Rats. In inning number two alone, South Bend swiped three fairly easy bases. Wes Clarke was behind the plate today and it seemed runners were jumping early on Ryne and it isn't really as though Wes had legitimate chances to throw anyone out. Grabbing another steal in the fifth inning, the Cubs, a team that came in with a mere 19 stolen bases on the season, had four steals entering the sixth.
• While Moore struggled to find his High-A footing, Daniel Palencia was cruising: six up and six down with three punch outs through two complete innings for South Bend.
• Back to Moore: he continues struggling with hit batters in 2022. After hitting seven batters in 35 innings pitched while with High-A Carolina, Ryne hit his first batter in the third inning plunking South Bend DH and cleanup hitter, Jake Washer, in the hip. He proceeded to hit two more batters in the fourth inning but let's be honest: the lead-off plunked batter in the fourth was about as ridiculous as it gets. Cubs third baseman Jake Slaughter clearly stuck his elbow directly over the plate and into the path of the in-breaking pitch. In a distant dugout, it is rumored fans could hear the cacophonous and maniacal laughter of Wilson Contreras.
• While Wisconsin had zero offensive output by the fifth inning, the Cubs had lead-off runners aboard in four of their first five. Miguel Guerrero walked his first batter to open inning five. It was that kind of game for the Rattlers.
• Things weren't going smoothly for the T-Rats into the fifth but they still provided glimpses of the defense that has carried them most of their season. With four double plays after five, two of these were from extremely savvy sacrifice fly throw-outs of overzealous runners at second base. We saw a 7-5-4 and a 7-6-4 fly out throw them out and, let me tell you, the school kids loved these plays.
• Back to Guerrero, his 1-2-3 sixth inning of work (including a strikeout on a very nice hooking breaking pitch) was his best inning I've seen in his season to date. Let's hope he can find that High-A footing and see continued success! In total, Miguel went three complete innings of one earned run ball with one hit, one walk, and one strike out.
• Brady Schanuel achieved the rare four strikeout inning after his third strike found its way through Wes Clarke's legs - the pitch sunk hard and below Clarke's catcher's mitt and to the back stop. Not to be deterred, Brady proceeded to strike out right fielder - and top ten Cubs prospect -  lefty Owen Caissie, to close the inning. A really fine inning of work from Brady; these are the kinds of outings you want a young hurler to build on. However, inning number two did not fare as well as Brady loaded the bases twice. He left having conceded only one earned run. Tyler Gillies took the hill to close the inning, limiting further damage, on a fly out to the deep left field warning track.
• The Timber Rattlers went down in-order in eight of nine innings and were out hit nine to two. That's certainly not going to win many ballgames. Be that as it may, let's look at the very mini rally we had with Tyler Black and Tristan Peters aboard  
• Complete game highlights here:                                                               

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Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes via the Shuckers' Virtual Press Box    

Final:  Mississippi (Braves) 6, Biloxi 4
Box Score / Game Log  
Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please review: 

Four Run Seventh Inning Sinks Shuckers 6-4 - C Jakson Reetz Homers Again in Loss

One of the issues plaguing Biloxi in their middle-of-the-road season to date is a lack of consistency. They've squandered leads in many a game and tonight was no different. This evening, it was a quick meltdown single inning from Carlos Luna who, until that point, had been relatively dynamite through two late innings of relief. Couple that with a failed rally in the eighth - down two at the time with two runners aboard and zero outs - the old 2022 arch nemesis for the Shuckers reared his head: RISP. They finished the evening 2 of 13 with runners on. And, as such, they lost the lead late and a chance at victory. Let's hope they can find some semblance of more consistent and effective baseball moving forward. As fans, it's all we can and should do. This is a series they certainly can take from Mississippi, if they just find a little more of that special something that puts 'W's in the standings.

Further Viewing Notes:

• Oh, hey! Felix Valerio has an eleven-game hitting streak. Do not sleep on this young man. He is a savvy, savvy batsman:
• Thomas Dillard showcased his improved plate work of late with a key double to take the lead in the top of the same third inning knocking home Felix:
• Jakson Reetz and Brent Diaz just continue their season filled with timely and key hits. Both young catchers came into 2022, it almost seemed, afterthoughts in the scope of the lower levels' conversations. But, if anything is clear early in 2022, it's the notion we should not overlook the play of these two young men. Jakson hit his eighth home run on the season, and his fourth in five games, to give the Shuckers a 4-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning. Diaz, additionally, finished his evening two of four with an RBI.
• Closing the Double-A catching loop: I personally think Jakson Reetz is one of the more unheralded and under-the-radar new members of the Brewers system. Perhaps, it's because he is another one of the many impactful Minor League free agents the Brewers managed to ink in late 2021. Perhaps it's because the Shucker pitching staff as a whole hasn't been all that consistent. Perhaps it's because the Shuckers are hovering around a .500 record. But, let's not forget: Jakson is still only 26 years old. He has a body ready-made for catching. He has an arm. And, well, he's having the best early season of his Minor League career at the plate. What his season will ultimately become overall is anyone's guess at present, but, I suggest in the very least keeping an eye on the box score to see how he fares moving forward.
• I celebrated the Joey Wiemer recent walk parade with two free passes taken last night. Well, unfortunately, it was back to some Joey Wiemer strikeouts tonight. He was 0 of 5 overall with four punch outs. Given Joey's production of late and throughout 2022, we'll give him tonight as a mulligan. And, given what Joey provides in the outfield, we know he's always dangerous regardless of his typical offensive output. He throws runners out with the best of them but he has underrated range:
• Carlos Luna had a fourth inning of relief work he'd definitely like back. Entering said fourth inning of work - off of three scoreless, two hit, two walk, five strikeout ball - Luna allowed the following: lead off double, another double, single to right field, and another double for good measure. Toss in a Cam Devanney throwing error and it was suddenly 5-4 Mississippi with none down and the dangerous Michael Harris II on third base. Harris would score on a Robbie Hitt wild pitch and it was 6-4. Just like that the 4-2 lead vanished as did a chance at back-to-back victories.
• With runners on first and second and nobody down in the top of the eighth, as I alluded to above, the Shuckers reverted to their struggles with RISP. Brent Diaz advanced Lutz and Devanney (both reached by walk) on a fly to right field, There were runners on second and third base. However, Yeison Coca flew out to shallow center where Michael Harris II made a sensational diving catch and the runners stayed put (I still don't quite know why Lutz didn't tag) and Gabe Holt followed with a weakly hit pop out to shortstop and the potential rally was squandered. The catch is one worth seeing. There's a reason Harris II is considered the Braves number one prospect:

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Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes         

Final:   Nashville 7,  Louisville (Reds) 4
Box Score / Game Log 
Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review:

Sounds Use Big Eighth Inning for Fourth Straight Win - Nashville Takes Lead on RBI Hit by Pitch, Earns 7-4 Victory Over Louisville

Just before warm-ups commenced, and just after an exhilarating extra innings win in Milwaukee, we heard the news Ethan Small was scratched from his start in favor of Thomas Jankins. Though we initially thought it might be a much anticipated call-up, we learned it was the unfortunate effects of the familiar illness making the rounds in the Sounds' dugout. Get well soon, Ethan!

For the record: my pre-game routine stayed the same. I locked in. I ran some laps. I did some Burpies. I stayed ready. As mere witnesses to the literal levels of this game, we must never lose our focus. ? This is my season too, after all. I will say, the privilege of watching Nashville's home broadcasts in 2022 does have me feeling all kinds of: "Man, I wish I lived in and around Nashville!". Their season is that good. And, their ballpark atmosphere is clearly top of the line.

Further Viewing Notes:

• Jonathan Davis did what he does to lead off the game: he got on base. He walked on four pitches and he quickly added to his robust .415 OBP. And, for good measure, he then stole second to move to seven of seven on stolen bases on the season. He added a key two-run single in the eighth to pad the lead, breaking the game open. I don't know if there's been a more impactful player on the Sounds these past two weeks. He has literally been a 'must play' player for the Sounds.
• Louisville's Zach Godley gave us his best 2021 Brewers Zach Godley in inning one as he pitched 28 pitches, walked batters, hit batters, and saw Jonathan Davis score on a passed ball. I still am not over what I will term 'The Transaction'. And, that is all I will say about that.? Well, maybe I'll show a clip:
• Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning and the bases juiced after a Jonny Davis walk, Brice Turang singled through the gap between third and short and scored two runners. Jonny Davis was picked off second base from left field and Singleton followed with a punch out (his second of the evening) on an off-speed pitch. The game was back to even, however. 
• Hats off to Andy Otero for his fine work in his first middle relief appearance since his call-up. Andy finished his fine outing going four crucial innings of zero run ball. He was clearly producing mostly weak and minimal contact off his mid 70's off-speed and breaking pitches. He can work in his mid to upper 80's fastball into his mix because his breaking and off-speed stuff is so good. It was a proud moment as a fan to see him rise to the occasion and shut down the Louisville bats. When Louisville did make good contact on occasion, Otero benefited from timely positioning: 
• Tyler White may not be producing many hits of late, but for those of us watching these games regularly, we know this isn't due to a lack of good at bats these past few games. He's seeing the ball better than he was during his recent mini-slump. No at-bat was more indicative of this than his walk to move Singleton to second base in the bottom of the eighth inning with the dangerous David Dahl on deck. This proved to be a pivotal at bat in the early part of what turned into the winning rally.
• Alex Jackson took one on the literal leg on an inside breaking ball with two down and the bases juiced in the bottom of the eighth. He'll take the RBI. It was a brave and poised take. The stuff of dive bar legend. What isn't funny? After his RBI hit by pitch, Alex Jackson has nine RBI with the bases loaded this season (3-for-7). That's serious. Serious production.
• The Sounds batters were beneficiaries of eight walks and three passed balls. With only five hits before their late outburst, the game was tied 3-3 and it was clear why the Sounds were 25-11 and the Bats were 13-23 before the outcome was decided. Baseball truly has a razor thin margin for error. Louisville has many a good baseball player and their talent is quite obviously there. But, winning just isn't easy. The Sounds, fascinatingly, make it look routinely so. I guess, 41 walks over the past seven games helps. ?
• Final mention will go to, let's see, (I could literally pick 4-5 players here - embarrassment of riches) Miguel Sanchez. He had a rough week in Jacksonville last series as he lost his control for a game or two. Well, tonight was much different. He pounded the zone and pitched an effective one inning of late relief work. No hits. No walks. One strikeout. This is what we want to see from our AAAA-level guys. This is what we've seen the majority of 2022 from Miguel. Jacksonville is in the rearview mirror.

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That's all for me in this Mid-Week slate. Please tune in to the upcoming fine work of @damuelleand @Mass Haasas they continue to help keep you in the Minor League affiliate loop. We are back to all evening games Thursday. And we get another first-timer: TJ Shook will get his first start in Biloxi. Here's hoping he can stay dominant and help those Shuckers rebound from tonight's tough loss.

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[Mass Haas]

 

[Mass Haas]

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Good stuff here! Manager Victor Estevez touches on improved plate discipline. And, he touches on the improved results for Ferrer, my early season Low-A 'darling' Arbert Cipion, and the recently discussed (above) Karlos Morales. Morales has seen his velo jump from high 80's top out to easily grabbing 93's. This is a big development as he is lethal against Lefty bats. 

[Joseph Zarr]

Good stuff here! Manager Victor Estevez touches on improved plate discipline. And, he touches on the improved results for Ferrer, my early season Low-A 'darling' Arbert Cipion, and the recently discussed (above) Karlos Morales. Morales has seen his velo jump from high 80's top out to easily grabbing 93's. This is a big development as he is lethal against Lefty bats.