Brewers Minor League Link Report (9/22): Nashville’s Robert Gasser Dominates. Magic Number Drops to One

Thursday’s Game Balls go to the aforementioned Gasser, Sal Frelick (39-game on-base streak) and record-setting Jon Singleton (112 walks on the season).

Transactions:

• Signed 19-year-old RHP Yonawil Florimon on 9/17 - listed at 6'0", 150, no home country stated online at this time.

Game Action:

Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Nashville 5, Louisville 1
Box Score / Game Log

Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Singleton Breaks Walks Record, Sounds Shut Down Bats

23-year-old starting LHP Robert Gasser (6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 5 BB, 1 WP, 8 Ks) is apparently unfazed by the bright lights of AAA baseball, making a superb fourth start at this level.

Despite the leadoff Louisville batter reaching base in each of the first three innings (two via walk, one via single), Gasser buckled down each time to leave the runners stranded as the Sounds’ offense steadily compiled a comfortable lead.

Catcher Mario Feliciano plated 1B Jon Singleton (2-for-3, 2 walks) with a 2nd inning RBI double for an early 1-0 lead. SS Cam Devanney (1-for-2, 3 walks) later singled and scored on an error in the 4th inning and 3B Brice Turang (1-for-4, double, walk) doubled and scored on a DH Pedro Severino RBI single in the 5th inning to extend the lead to 3-0.

LF Sal Frelick (2-for-4, walk, 2 SBs) had already extended his on-base streak to 39 games with a leadoff walk in the 3rd inning, then singled to lead off the 6th inning, stole second base and scored on a 2B Pablo Reyes RBI single as Nashville’s lead grew to 4-0.

With a Louisville runner on first base and Gasser needing one more out in the bottom of the 6th inning to complete a scoreless start, the Bats unfortunately notched an infield single and then an RBI double to bring the potential game-tying run to the plate. However, Sounds’ Manager Rick Sweet confidently kept the Gassmeister in to get the final out of that frame and he came through by inducing Michael De Leon to fly out to right field.

RHP's JC Mejia, Lucas Erceg and Trevor Kelley were nearly flawless in three innings of bullpen work, allowing just one of ten hitters to reach base with a meaningless single. This was Kelley’s first action in Nashville since September 2nd, after spending nearly three weeks with the Brewers (part on taxi squad, part on MLB roster).

The Sounds grabbed the final run of the game without a hit in the 8th inning, as CF Jonathan Davis was hit-by-pitch, stole second base, moved to third base on a wild pitch and scored on yet another wild pitch.

With Toledo and Columbus splitting a Thursday doubleheader, Nashville’s magic number to clinch the International League’s West Division is down to one game. Any victory by Nashville in its remaining five games or loss by Toledo in its final six games will send the Sounds to Las Vegas for the AAA playoffs.

Three Quick Strikes and a Footnote:

• Singleton drew his 111th and 112th walks of the season in this game, breaking Otis Nixon’s long-standing Nashville record.
• The Stolen Base is returning to Milwaukee next season. The Sounds grabbed six bases in this contest, with nobody caught stealing – two for RF Matt Lipka, two for Frelick and one each for Davis and Turang. With larger bases and speed to burn coming to the majors in 2023, expect a lot of exciting action on the bases next year.
• Leading 5-1 in the top of the 9th inning, Frelick exited for a pinch hitter, though I suspect that this was more about giving him a breather. We’ll have to watch the Friday and Saturday lineups to know if we should be concerned.
• Feliciano’s two passed balls give him 13 on the season, potentially raising concerns that an old problem is rearing its head. We believe in you Mario! Expect him to be back in top form by his next turn behind the plate.

Friday’s outlook: Sounds’ Pitcher of the Year RHP Caleb Boushley (12-2 record, 3.34 ERA in 121 1/3 IP) goes for his 13th victory tonight (with no losses since April 12th!), as Nashville aims to take a 4-1 series lead.

We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Let’s clinch on Friday!

Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores

Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth

Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth