Link Report for Thur. 8/10 - Stars Sweep, Helena Rallies

[Mass Haas]

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

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Daily Menu:

 

All times Central; pitchers subject to change --

 

Nashville: RHP Ben Hendrickson at Sacramento (A's), 8:45 PM pre-game, 9:05 gametime

 

Audio link:

www.nashvillesounds.com/listenlive/

 

Huntsville: RHP Corey Thurman and LHP Steve Hammond in a twinbill at Mississippi (Braves), 5:50 PM pre-game, 6:05 gametime

 

Audio link:

www.espn1450radio.com/

 

See Huntsville TV note below

Brevard County: RHP Robert Hinton at Sarasota (Reds), 6:00 PM; sorry, no web audio for this series

 

West Virginia: LHP Steve Garrison at Delmarva (Orioles), 5:55 PM pre-game, 6:05 gametime

 

Audio link:

www.sportsjuice.com/provi...e=wvpower.

 

Helena: RHP Chris Jean at home vs. Missoula (Diamondbacks), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime

 

Audio (click on "Listen Live"):

www.helenabrewers.net/html2/index.php

 

Arizona: TBD at home in Maryvale to face the Rangers' kids, 9:00 PM Central time, never any web audio for the Arizona League

[Mass Haas]

Follow Thursday's action as it happens:

Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Window". Open the Nashville Gameday. For the others, choose "Log". While you're listening to your minor league game of choice (or watching/listening to the big league Crew when they are playing), simply refresh your game log browsers every so often.

 

Nashville:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_srcaaa_1

 

Huntsville Game One:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_msbaax_1

 

Huntsville Game Two:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_msbaax_2

 

Brevard County:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_sarafa_1

 

West Virginia:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_delafx_1

 

Helena:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_helrok_1

 

Arizona Rookie:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_brrrok_1

[Mass Haas]

This link will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds and/or Huntsville Stars are scheduled to play. Normally it is updated an hour or two prior to gametime:

 

Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format):

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/pdf/notes.pdf

 

Following Nashville's lead, Huntsville now makes its media notes available as well, nice:

 

www.huntsvillestars.com/i...eNotes.pdf

[Mass Haas]

Standings through Wednesday's action:

 Pacific Coast League (AAA) - American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Nashville 63 55 .534 - 35-25 28-30 L2[/b] Iowa 61 57 .517 2.0 35-27 26-30 W1 Memphis 46 71 .393 16.5 26-33 20-38 W1 Omaha 45 74 .378 18.5 27-33 18-41 L4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tennessee 27 19 .587 - 16-9 11-10 W2 Chattanooga 25 21 .543 2.0 16-10 9-11 L1 [b]Huntsville 22 22 .500 4.0 12-12 10-10 W2[/b] West Tenn 22 24 .478 5.0 14-6 8-18 W1 Carolina 20 26 .435 7.0 14-7 6-19 W7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daytona 26 19 .578 - 18-10 8-9 L1 St. Lucie 25 20 .556 1.0 13-9 12-11 L1 Palm Beach 25 22 .532 2.0 14-8 11-14 W6 [b]Brevard County 19 26 .422 7.0 9-9 10-17 L1[/b] Jupiter 19 26 .422 7.0 11-13 8-13 W1 Vero Beach 19 27 .413 7.5 11-14 8-13 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lakewood 30 16 .652 - 14-5 16-11 W1 Lake County 25 19 .568 4.0 12-9 13-10 L1 Hickory 25 21 .543 5.0 13-15 12-6 W4 Greensboro 22 22 .500 7.0 13-12 9-10 L1 [b]West Virginia 22 23 .489 7.5 12-9 10-14 L1[/b] Hagerstown 19 26 .422 10.5 10-15 9-11 L3 Lexington 19 27 .413 11.0 13-11 6-16 W5 Delmarva 15 29 .341 14.0 8-12 7-17 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Missoula 7 4 .636 - 5-1 2-3 W1 Billings 6 5 .545 1.0 3-2 3-3 W1 [b]Helena 5 6 .455 2.0 4-2 1-4 L1[/b] Great Falls 4 7 .364 3.0 3-2 1-5 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona League (R) - Arizona League Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AZL Giants 9 3 .750 - 4-2 5-1 W4 AZL Royals 9 3 .750 - 5-2 4-1 W3 AZL Angels 8 3 .727 0.5 2-0 6-3 L1 AZL Padres 7 3 .700 1.0 4-1 3-2 L2 AZL Mariners 5 6 .455 3.5 5-2 0-4 W1 AZL Athletics 4 6 .400 4.0 3-2 1-4 L4 AZL Rangers 3 7 .300 5.0 3-3 0-4 W1 AZL Cubs 3 8 .273 5.5 1-5 2-3 L3 [b]AZL Brewers 1 10 .091 7.5 1-4 0-6 L2[/b]

[Mass Haas]

Huntsville Press Release:

 

www.huntsvillestars.com/n...newsId=960

 

Stars-Braves DH Live On CSS

 

CSS will televise both games of tonight's doubleheader between the Huntsville Stars and Mississippi Braves for week eight of its 10-week, 2006 Minor League Game of the Week broadcast schedule.

 

Both games will be televised live on CSS (Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast), tonight beginning at 6:00 pm (CST). In Huntsville, CSS can be found on Comcast ch. 67.

 

CSS is a regional sports channel that reaches 4.5 million cable subscribers in 11 states across the southeast.

 

The Stars are the Class AA, Southern League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Huntsville is 46-67 overall, 22-22 in the second half of the SL season, 3.5 games behind first-place Tennessee in the SL North heading into Wednesday night's game at Mississippi.

 

Huntsville boasts nine players rated in Baseball America?s Top-30 of the Brewers organization: 3) 3B Ryan Braun (the fifth overall pick in the 2005 draft out of the University of Miami), 4) RHP Yovani Gallardo, 13) LHP Manny Parra, 14) 1B Brad Nelson, 16) RHP Tim Dillard, 18) LHP Steve Hammond, 20) C Lou Palmisano (2003 3rd round draft pick out of Broward (FL) CC) 25) OF Steve Moss, and 30) OF Drew Anderson.

 

The Mississippi Braves are the Class AA, Southern League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Mississippi is 51-63 overall, 20-25 in the second half, 6 games behind first-place Jacksonville in the SL South.

 

Mississippi sports eight players rated in Baseball America?s Top-30 of the Braves organization: 1) C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (2003 1st round draft pick out of Royal Palm Beach HS in West Palm Beach, FL), 3) SS Yunel Escobar, 4) LHP Anthony Lerew, 7) OF Brandon Jones (2003 24th round draft pick out of Tallahassee CC), 10) LHP Matt Harrison, 19) OF Josh Burrus (2001 1st round draft pick out of Wheeler HS in Marietta, GA), 21) RHP Jose Ascanio and 22) SS Luis Hernandez. The Mississippi club is managed by former Braves all-star shortstop Jeff Blauser and also has former Atlanta catcher Eddie Perez on the roster.

 

For a third consecutive season, CSS Sports Anchor Matt Stewart is calling the play-by-play for the network?s minor league baseball coverage. He is joined this season by former minor league manager Nick Belmonte, who has worked with CSS for a number of years on its college baseball coverage.

 

To find a complete schedule of the CSS Minor League Game of the Week, log-on to www.css-sports.com.

[Mass Haas]

Who will be able to tune in? Pogokat? Satellite users? Enjoy if you do, and report to us...

[pogokat]

i'm not sure i get that channel...i'll watch if i do, as the wife is working tonight, and i'm bored

[1e Corbeau]

Quote:

---

14) 1B Brad Nelson

---

 

Is he a free agent at the end of the year? He was drafted in 2000, so this will be his sixth full year in the minors. Does injury/DL time effect the six year status? He certianly won't be protected if he isn't a free agent.

 

Such a fall for a former BA #1. All the power is gone; must have been that hamate injury.

[Mass Haas]

Final, Game One: Huntsville 3, Mississippi (Braves) 1

Nice win, Stars above .500 for the first time in over three months -- that's in half-season record, overall, the Stars are still well below, but hey, we're predicting the most unlikely Southern League championship ever; Corey Thurman with a sweet six innings, Travis Phelps finishes up for the save in the seven-inning affair; amazing this is only Thurman's 4th win, despite all his fine efforts; nine hits for the Stars, including Steve Moss' solo home run; on to Game Two!

 

Huntsville Game One Box Score and Game Log Link:

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_msbaax_1

 

Final, Game Two: Huntsville 8, Mississippi (Braves) 2

 

Huntsville Doubleheader Review:

 

link, then text:

 

www.huntsvillestars.com/news/news.asp?newsId=962

 

Crabbe Carries Stars to Twin Bill Sweep

 

Callix Crabbe collected three hits and drove in three runs and Steve Hammond worked six solid innings to lead Huntsville to an 8-2 win in the second game and a doubleheader sweep over Mississippi Thursday night at Trustmark Park. The Stars have won five of seven on the current road trip to improve to 24-22 in the second half and pulled to within three and a half games of front-running Tennessee in the North Division, while the Braves fell to 20-27 in the second half and were swept in a twin bill for the first time in the five that they have played. Huntsville swept a doubleheader for a second time in four tries and has now won the first two games in each of its three series against Mississippi.

 

Crabbe singled with one out in the first inning, the fourth straight game in which he has collected a hit in that situation, moved to third base on a Ryan Braun base hit and scored when Ron Acuna launched his first home run of the season off of Braves? starter Chris Waters, making his third start against the Stars. Jeff Eure led off the third inning with his 12th long ball of the season and the 22nd allowed by Waters, the most of any pitcher in the league. The Stars loaded the bases later in the inning and Crabbe cleared them with a double to left-center field to push the visitors lead to 7-0. The Huntsville second sacker injured his right hamstring and was taken out of the game after picking up six hits, knocking in four runs, scoring twice and stealing a base in seven at-bats. Waters suffered his league-high 11th loss after allowing seven runs on nine hits and four walks in four frames.

 

Hammond retired the first 11 batters he faced before a Brandon Jones single produced the home team?s first base runner. The southpaw blanked the Braves on two hits through five frames before they strung together three singles to score in the sixth. Hammond earned his fourth win after six innings of work and allowed a run on five hits, walking one and fanning five. He has held the Braves to one run on seven hits over 15 innings in two turns.

 

Crabbe singled with one out in the first inning of the opener and scored when Braun followed with a double against Braves starter Francisely Bueno, who was knocked around for nine runs, seven earned, on 10 hits over five frames in his first start against the Stars on July 12 in Huntsville. Steve Moss belted a leadoff home run in the third, his sixth of the season, to push the visitors lead to 2-0.

 

Onil Joseph led off the home third with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Mike Rozema to trim the Huntsville lead to 2-1. Rozema led off the home sixth with a single, moved to second base on a Luis Hernandez sacrifice bunt, to third on a ground ball out by Brandon Jones and was left stranded when Jarrod Saltalamacchia flied out to right field.

 

Moss bounced into a fielder?s choice and reached second base with two outs on a throwing error by Yunel Escobar and came into score on a base hit by Crabbe, who collected three hits in a game for a fifth time this season. Stars? starter Corey Thurman was taken out after six innings, during which he allowed a run on three hits and two walks, and was replaced by Travis Phelps. The veteran right-hander retired all three hitters he faced to earn his second save on the road trip.

 

The Stars will send right-hander Yovani Gallardo to the mound in the middle game of the series on Friday, while the Braves will counter with right-hander Kyle Davies, who is on a major league rehab assignment and will be followed by right-hander Anthony Lerew. Coverage of the game begins at 6:50 p.m. central time and can be heard locally on ESPN Radio 1450 AM and through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com.

 

Huntsville Game Two Box Score and Game Log Link:

Hope someone got to watch these games...sadly, I did not.

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c..._msbaax_2

[Mass Haas]

Cole Gillespie again absent from the Helena lineup, although Carlos de la Cruz returns. Each was hit hard by a viral infection that has been running through the H-Crew clubhouse and had missed the past three games. So, set your theories aside, it's illness that has waylaid the 3rd round outfielder.

[Mass Haas]

LHP David Welch, not Steve Garrison, your Power starter tonight. Welch solid as usual, West Virginia up 4-1 after five innings.

[Mass Haas]

Is Brad Nelson a free agent at the end of the year? He was drafted in 2000, so this will be his sixth full year in the minors. Does injury/DL time effect the six year status? He certianly won't be protected if he isn't a free agent.

 

Remember, the term six-year minor league free agent is somewhat of a mis-nomer. When a player signs his first affiliated pro contract, the organization owns the player for seven years, or six renewable seasons. Brad will be eligible to move on after his 2007 season.

 

In late August, Toby and I will provide complete rundown lists on who will be eligible to walk out of the organization at season's end.

[igor67]

Speaking of walks has anyone noticed Mat Gamel's binge the last 3 days. He has accumulated 20% of his walks for this season with 2 Three walk days and a two walk day today. Is this a new found willingness to take those walks rather then try and over swing, or has he been getting some kind of near Bonds like treatment?

[pogokat]

Final: West Virginia 5, Delmarva (O's) 4

 

West Virginia Site Game Summary:

 

THREE RUN FIRST PROVIDES POWER VICTORY

 

The West Virginia Power scored three times in the top of the first inning to set the tone for Thursday night?s game against the Delmarva Shorebirds at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in a 5-4 victory.

 

Angel Salome knocked in the first run of the first inning with a base hit and he scored later in the inning on Mike Bell?s double. Kenny Holmberg knocked in the final run of the three run first on a Sacrifice Fly, giving him an RBI in his last seven games. In the fourth the Power took a 4-0 lead after Michael Brantley singled into center field with Nate Yoho on second base. The ball was bobbled by center fielder Lorenzo Scott, allowing Yoho to score.

 

Kyle Dahlberg hit a solo homerun in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the Shorebirds on the board. The Power scored their final run of the game in the sixth inning as Michael Brantley hit a groundball to the middle of the infield with Nate Yoho on second base. Delmarva shortstop Blake Davis made an errant throw to first base that allowed Brantley to reach and Yoho to score. Delmarva did not go quietly as they scored three times in the seventh inning. Lorenzo Scott drove in a run on a base hit, and Jonathan Tucker followed with a two run double, but that was a close as the Shorebirds could get.

 

The game ended in the bottom of the ninth with Lorenzo Scott on first base when Jonathan Tucker hit a line drive back to the mound, which was taken care of by Kevin Roberts who then threw back to first base to complete the double play.

 

Dave Welch (4-6) allowed a run on four hits with five strikeouts through five innings to get the win, Kevin Roberts (4) pitched two scoreless innings out of the pen to get the save and Brandon Erbe (5-9) got the loss. The Shorebirds fell to 51-61 overall and 15-30 in the second half after the loss.

 

The Power will continue the four game series against the Delmarva Shorebirds at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Friday night. Right hander Chorye Spoone (5-7, 3.45) will make the start for Delmarva and the Power will counter with left hander Steve Garrison (5-4, 3.66). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

 

 

West Virginia Box Score and Game Log Link:

Michael Brantley on base 5 times---sure wish he would display some power. Mike Bell with another extra base hit. Seems odd for a guy to show so much more power in WV than he did in Helena---that's the oppostie of everyone else. Mat Gamel on fire.

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c..._delafx_1

[pogokat]

Final: Sarasota (Reds) 5, Brevard County 2

 

Milb Game Wrap:

link, then text

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...d=t503

 

Reds snare Manatees

 

Sam Lecure gave up one hit in six shutout innings and Cody Strait slugged a leadoff homer as host Sarasota beat Brevard County, 5-2, on Thursday.

 

Lecure (6-10) struck out three and walked three while lowering his ERA to 3.08. Blake Hendley allowed one run on a hit over 1 2/3 innings for his first save.

 

Strait, who opened the game with his 14th roundtripper, added an RBI single in the sixth.

 

Jeremiah Piepkorn went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the Reds (25-22), who have won four of their last five. Paul Janish slugged his eighth homer, a solo shot, and scored twice.

 

Brevard County starter Robert Hinton (4-4) was charged with three runs on eight hits over five innings. He fanned six and walked one.

 

Ryan Crew walked and scored in the eighth and Ned Yost IV blasted his first homer in the ninth for the Manatees (19-27), who have lost six of seven. --Chip Haunss/MLB.com

 

 

Brevard County Box Score and Game Log Link:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c..._sarafa_1

[pogokat]

Final: Helena 3, Missoula (Diamondbacks) 2

 

Helena Team site Game Wrap:

 

Brewers Come Through in the Clutch

 

The Helena Brewers won an absolute thriller Thursday night, beating the Missoula Osprey on their last at bat, 3-2. Stephen Chapman provided the heroics for Helena, getting a two RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to win the game for the Brew Crew. Chris Jean had a solid performance for Helena, going six innings, giving up two runs on four hits.

 

Both teams got their first run in the fourth inning, Helena?s coming from a Fredy De La Cruz single, which scored Andy Bouchie. Missoula put up one more run in the sixth to put the game within one run. Again the game came down to the Brewers last at bat, except this time, as opposed to last nights loss, Helena came through in the clutch. The Brew got the bases loaded for Stephen Chapman, who proved that he could pull through for the team, as he won the game on his two RBI single. Chris Toneguzzi got the win for Helena pitching one perfect inning, putting his record at 2-2. The two teams will face off again in the last game of the series tomorrow night at 7:05

 

Helena Box Score and Game Log:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c..._helrok_1

 

http://www.helenabrewers.net/html2/images/AnotherChrisJeanOuting2.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

www.helenair.com/articles...106_02.txt

 

Brewers beat Osprey

By JEFF WINDMUELLER - Independent Record Sports Writer

 

With lightning riddling the air around Mt. Helena, it looked like the Helena Brewers might lose another close one to the Missoula Osprey at Kindrick Legion Field, Thursday night.

 

As the Brewers trailed 2-1 with two outs and runners in scoring position, Stephen Chapman came to the plate as the last hope for the Brewers.

 

Then, lightning struck one more time.

 

Chapman cracked a single to right field that bounced out of the glove of a sliding Sean Smith, the Osprey?s second baseman, and sent thunderous cheers through the crowd.

 

Cole Gillespie and Chuckie Caufield scored and the Brewers won 3-2, advancing to 2-1 in a four-game home series with Missoula.

 

Chapman, who missed Wednesday?s game due to illness, had struck out three times and was 0-4 before stepping to the plate, but Brewers manager Ed Sedar didn?t lack confidence in the center fielder who is third on the team for batting average (.320) and second in home runs (5).

 

?He was hitting,? Sedar said. ?What, am I going to pinch-hit Chapman? You?d better get a new job if you think I?m going to pinch-hit my No. 3 hitter.?

 

There was no doubt that both teams had to fight for hits throughout the game.

 

Osprey starter Osbek Castillo repeatedly taunted the Brewers batters, pitching around them for eight strike outs in five innings while walking two.

 

Brewer?s starter, Chris Jean, had three strikeouts ? getting errorless support from his teammates ? while walking two in six innings.

 

?You?ve got to tip your hat to the pitchers, both pitching staffs,? Sedar said. ?They had a plan, and they went out and did it.?

 

Chris Toneguzzi was awarded the win after pitching the final inning and getting one strike out.

 

Clay Zavada pitched the loss, giving up three hits and two runs in two-thirds of an inning.

 

Missoula started their way to the early lead on a close call that prompted Sedar to step on the field from the dugout.

 

With Gerardo Parra on third, Osprey?s Andrew Fie hit a ball that bounced off the dirt around the plate. Jean ran in to field it and flipped the ball to catcher Jordan Swaydan who stood just in front of the plate.

 

Parra slid in, taking out Swaydan?s left leg as the catcher went for the tag, but home plate umpire Joel Hospodka called the runner safe.

 

Sedar argued the call just long enough to throw off Fie, who was quickly picked off at first.

 

Daniel Perales struck out to end the inning, and while Sedar?s argument might not have changed the call, it seemed to pump up the Brewers players.

 

In the bottom of the inning, Andy Bouchie doubled to right-center field and ended up coming home on a grounder to center by Fredy De La Cruz.

 

The Osprey scored once more in the sixth when Matt Oxendine came home on a double by Daniel Perales to make the 2-1 lead that they would hold until the ninth.

 

?That was an awesome game to watch. Probably nicer to watch than to have to try to manage it,? Sedar said. ?Both teams are playing well. Pitching well and playing well.?

 

The Brewers are tied back up 6-6 in the second half of the Pioneer League?s season. They are currently third in the North Division while Missoula (7-5) now shares the top spot with Billings.

 

Helena and Missoula will meet at Kindrick Legion again today at 7:05 PM (8:05 Central).

 

Jon Ebelt Independent Record Staff Photographer - Helena?s Chuckie Caufield, right, makes it back to first base with plenty of time to spare as Missoula?s Jose Dijol scoops up the pick off throw Thursday at Kindrick Legion Field. The Brewers were able to pull out the game in dramatic fashion with a ninth inning rally.

 

http://www.helenair.com/content/articles/2006/08/11/sports_top/b01081106_02.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Helena KCAP Pre-Game Audio Chat with outfielder Chuckie Caufield (Select date for August 10th, skip to the 13:00 minute mark) --

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c.../audio.jsp

[Mass Haas]

The same link in the prior post contains Steve Wendt's archived audio call of the big 9th inning rally, including Cole Gillespie's pinch-hit base hit and Stephen Chapman's game-winner, beginning at the 2:44:00 mark, just after a Missoula pitching change. Catcher Jordan Swaydan is on first base after a leadoff single. The rally was almost squashed by a bad baserunning gaffe by Swaydan later in the inning. Good drama, nice call, check it out!

[Mass Haas]

Final: Arizona Brewers 8, Arizona Rangers 3

 

Arizona Brewer Box Score and Game Log Link:

Best game in weeks for the A-Crew, as each starter reached base at least once, with seven players reaching at least twice; pitching and fielding solid, a box score to enjoy for a change from Maryvale...

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_brrrok_1

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Pre-Game Audio Chat with First Baseman Graham Koonce:

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/a...208-10.mp3

 

Final: Sacramento (A's) 11, Nashville 1

 

Nashville Site Game Summary:

Link for Zach Sorensen photo, text follows --

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=2102

 

Sounds Held To One Hit In 11-1 Loss

 

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. ? The Nashville Sounds were held to a season-low one hit by a trio of Sacramento pitchers in an 11-1 thumping at the hands of the River Cats on Thursday evening at Raley Field in the finale of a four-game series.

 

With the loss, Nashville (63-56) suffered its third consecutive defeat and had its lead in the PCL American Conference Northern Division reduced to 1 ½ games over Iowa. The Sounds, who lost the series by a 3-1 margin, have never recorded more than one win in any of their five visits to Sacramento in franchise history.

 

The one hit was the fewest posted by a Nashville squad since the club was no-hit by Colorado Springs on August 2, 2003 at Greer Stadium.

 

The 10-run loss margin matched the largest suffered by Nashville this season; they previously lost by ten in a 15-5 defeat on May 14 at Las Vegas. The 11 runs were the most surrendered by the Sounds since June 28 in an 11-4 loss to Memphis.

 

The Sounds did not record their lone hit until the eighth inning when Zach Sorensen singled off rehabbing Sacramento reliever Joe Kennedy. The infielder was promptly erased on a double-play grounder, however.

 

Chris Barnwell and Vinny Rottino each had their seven-game hitting streaks snapped in the losing effort.

 

Sacramento jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against Sounds starter Ben Hendrickson on Hiram Bocachica?s first-inning sacrifice fly and Charles Thomas? two-out RBI single in the second.

 

The Sounds got on the board without the benefit of a hit in the top of the third when Jermaine Clark plated Dave Krynzel, who had walked to open the inning, with a sacrifice fly to left off River Cats starter Ben Fritz. Krynzel had stolen second and was sacrificed to third prior to Clark's fly ball.

 

The River Cats increased their advantage to 5-1 in the bottom of the frame on Scott McClain?s two-out, three-run homer off Hendrickson, the infielder?s team-leading 25th longball of the season.

 

Hendrickson (9-6) took the loss after working his shortest outing of the season. He allowed five runs on five hits over only three innings. The right-hander has suffered four defeats in his last six trips to the hill.

 

Reliever Jared Fernandez, who replaced Hendrickson on the hill, didn?t fare much better against the Sacramento offense. The knuckleballer surrendered six runs over the next three innings as the host River Cats padded their lead to an 11-1 margin, including a five-run sixth.

 

A Thomas solo homer and a Dan Johnson bases-loaded, three-run triple highlighted the River Cats? sixth-inning flurry.

 

Fritz (5-4) turned in a solid start to pick up the victory for Sacramento. He held the Sounds to one run and did not surrender a hit over his seven innings of work, walking four batters and striking out six.

 

One bright spot for Nashville was reliever Steve Bray, who continued to post solid numbers at the Triple-A level. He retired all six batters he faced during two scoreless frames for the Sounds to finish off the contest. The right-hander has allowed a run in only one of his 12 Nashville outings this season.

 

The Sounds continue their longest road trip of the season on Friday in Albuquerque when they open a four-game series against the Isotopes (AAA-Marlins). Left-hander Zach Jackson (2-4, 4.34) will start the 8:05 p.m. CT series opener for Nashville and face Albuquerque right-hander Yusmeiro Petit (3-4, 4.19).

 

Nashville Box Score and Game Log Link:

Steve Bray could be a guy the Brewers lose via Rule 5 this fall if not on the 40-man...

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_srcaaa_1

[Mass Haas]

Lots of road games for the affiliates last night, so newspaper game reports with meaningful Brewer-related news will be limited -- if we find something at mid-day, we'll update you then.

[bork]

Has Crabbe finally awoken from his 2 year long slumber? He's up to .252 now.

 

At the beginning of the season, who would have guessed that Huntsville would be the team to watch in the second half?

 

And a catcher with a .411 OBP? Looking forward to watching Bouchie move up the chain.