Brewers Minor League Link Report (8/25): Sunday Sweep Caps Solid Week for MILB Affiliates

[Ro Mueller]

Chad Patrick and Will Rudy were solid in victories for Nashville and Wisconsin, while Lamar Sparks and Luis Castillo helped power Biloxi and Carolina to Sunday wins as part of a 4-0 sweep.

For the week, Nashville and Carolina each won their series 4-2, while Biloxi and Wisconsin managed 3-3 series draws.

Transactions:

• LHP Aaron Ashby recalled by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville

Game Action:

Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Nashville 10, Jacksonville 0
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Slam Jumbo Shrimp, Take Series with Finale Win

RHP Chad Patrick started on 4 days’ rest for the third time of 2024, setting aside a difficult Tuesday (5 R in 3 IP) to earn his 12th win in impressive fashion on Sunday (6 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 8 Ks).

 

Nashville grabbed a 5-0 lead by the 3rd inning, with every Sound hitting over walking over the 9 innings.

The game report told you about the key contributions of center fielder Carlos D. Rodriguez, C Francisco Mejia and DH Vinny Capra, but videos are fun to watch too:

Sounds’ Extras:

• Leading from start to finish, the Sounds’ staff was able to pound the zone, with 4 pitchers combining for 83 strikes in 116 pitches in the efficient 2-hour, 24-minute game.
• Proving his hit tool plays at every level of baseball, it will be interesting to see if the 23-year old Rodriguez (10-game hitting streak) ends up on a 40-man MLB roster this winter.
• MLB roster expansion watch: While left fielder Tyler Black and right fielder Brewer Hicklen didn’t do much to help their case (combined 0-for-6, 2 walks, 1 SB), RHPs Kevin Herget (1.1 IP, 1 single) and Elvis Peguero (1 IP, 1 infield single erased by GIDP) were solid.

Next week’s outlook: Nashville travels to Charlotte for a six-game set against the White Sox affiliate, with RHP Logan Henderson scheduled to start on Tuesday.

Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Biloxi 5, Birmingham 1
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Sparks' 3-RBI Day Leads Shuckers to 5-1 Win in Series Finale to Earn Split

25-year old left fielder Lamar Sparks has been the Sounds most consistent bat over the past 3.5 months (.847 OPS in his last 262 PAs), reaching base 4 times (HR, 2 singles, walk, 3 RBIs) in this contest.

Starting LHP Nate Peterson (2 2/3 IP, 1 R (0 ER), 2 H, 2 BB, 6 Ks) retired 6 of the first 7 batters he faced, before an error and double put him in trouble in the 3rd inning. He and RHP Nick Merkel ultimately limited the damage to one run, with Peterson notching 2 Ks and Merkel getting the inning-ending pop-out after Peterson walked two to load the bases.

Shuckers’ Extras:

• The game report and box score shows that Merkel and fellow righties Bo Bowman, Will Childers, Blake Holub and Justin Yeager combined on 6 1/3 scoreless innings, though there was some tension as the Barons had 2 -on with less than 2-out in each of the 6th, 7th and 8th innings. Well done ‘pen to get the clutch outs each time.
• 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. was out of the lineup for a 4th straight game, but he’s not on the injured list. Hopefully he’ll be back to mashing soon. Zavier Warren (1-for-3, HR, walk) capably handled first base duties and opened the scoring with this no-doubter:

Next week’s outlook: Biloxi comes home to face Rays’ affiliate Montgomery. Although my colleague @Joseph Zarr has been advocating for Peterson and fellow south-paw Adam Seminaris to come out of the ‘pen, roster limitations continue to force them to start. Seminaris is listed as the man to take the hill in Tuesday’s series opener.

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Wisconsin 5, Great Lakes 2
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Wisconsin Gets Series Split with Sunday Win

RHP Will Rudy (4 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 Ks) wasn’t fazed by making his 3rd start in 11 days, putting in a solid outing over 64 pitches (41 strikes).

We don’t have video of the solo shot by right fielder Hedbert Perez (2-for-4) which pushed Wisconsin’s lead to 4-1, but BrewerFanatic Minor League Forum watchers noted it was a 108mph nuke.

While the Great Lakes’ two errors helped Wisconsin to 2 unearned runs, RHP Jeferson Figueroa was able to work around an error in the 5th inning which put him in a 2-on, 1-out situation with the game still 3-1 at that point. Two fly outs ended that threat, then he worked around 2 walks in the next frame and a double in his third inning of relief work.

Timber Rattlers’ Extras:

• It’s not every day you see two teams go a combined 0-for-23 with runners in scoring position and still produce a 7-run game.
• With another 2 singles and a double, 20-year old 2B Jadher Areinamo sits nicely as first in the 12-team Midwest League in doubles (29) and second in hits (121). Remember that he’s also a defensive whiz, in terms of the tool which pops most often.

Next week’s outlook: Wisconsin returns home to take on Royals’ affiliate Quad Cities, with RHP Alexander Cornielle expected to get the starting nod for Tuesday's opening game.

Final: Carolina 7, Augusta 5
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Big Inning Lifts Mudcats To Series Win Over Augusta

The Mudcats had little to show for 3 hits, a walk and a playing reaching on error in the 2nd/3rd innings, each of which ended in a double play, before erupting in the 6-run 5th frame.

Five Mudcats registered 2-hit games, including right fielder Luis Castillo with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs and SS Daniel Guilarte with two singles and an RBI.

19-year old starting LHP Anthony Flores was able to deliver 5 innings (3 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 6 Ks), while RHPs Harrison Durow (retired 6 of 7) and Dikember Sanchez (retired 3 of 4) were nearly lights out in relief.

Mudcats’ Extras:

• The box score will show that 20-year old LHP Anfernny Reyes struggled in one inning of work to tighten the game at 7-5 in the 8th inning. However, he did well to buckle down after the first 4 batters reached against him on a single and 3 walks, escaping with a GIDP and swinging K.
• The other Mudcats with 2 hits on the day included center fielder Yophery Rodriguez (double, single), DH Marco Dinges (double, single) and 3B Eric Bitonti (2 singles, 2 RBIs).

Next week’s outlook: Carolina will take the bus over to Lynchburg, Virginia to battle the Guardians’ affiliate for six games commencing on Tuesday.

We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Monday’s an off day for the entire organization, with everyone back in action on Tuesday evening.

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

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[Joseph Zarr]

A Quick Synopsis of 'Where We Stand':

For those of you wondering at Home, the Mudcats are indeed in their Home stretch. At Lynchburg for a six-game set this week. Home vs Delmarva for another six-game set and then they are in those Divisional playoffs. Those pesky (and talented) Fred Nats currently hold a 3.0 G lead over Salem for that final playoff spot. 

Wisconsin also has a mere two series remaining - Home vs Quad Cities this week then Away at Cedar Rapids before their Divisional Playoff set begins.  As of right now, it certainly looks like it is going to be either Quad Cities or Peoria in that initial best of three.

Biloxi still has that precarious 2.5 G lead over Mississippi and 4.0 G over stumbling Pensacola. They take on first half winners Montgomery (and current 1/2G division leading over the Shuckers) this week before heading to Rocket City and then closing with what may be a crucial six-game home set vs current 2nd Place Mississippi. A lot can happen between now and that final series. Lotttta ball game(s) left. Let's hope they can close strong and discover more consistent offense.

Nashville won their series this past week 4-2 but lost a game on the division leading Columbus Clippers. They sit 5.0 G back as of today. A lot would have to happen to pull out an improbable playoff push and berth but it is certainly mathematically possible none the less. The Sounds have four series remaining: @ Charlotte this week followed by Home series vs Gwinnett and Memphis then closing on the road @ Norfolk.