Brewers Minor League Link Report (5/23): Brown and Bennett Lead Wisconsin and Biloxi to Much Needed Wins

Tuesday’s Game Balls go to Eric Brown Jr., Matt Wood, Nick Bennett, James Meeker and Will Rudy.

Transactions:

• LHP Russell Smith promoted to AA Biloxi from High-A Wisconsin
• LHP Adam Seminaris placed on AA Biloxi's 7-day injured list
• LHP Brandon Knarr placed on AA Biloxi's 7-day injured list

Game Action:

Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Iowa 4, Nashville 1
Box Score / Game Log

Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review the affiliate write-up as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Fall in Series Opener to I-Cubs

The Sounds’ offense was lacking in this series opener at home, outhit 10-5. Even rehabbing DH/1B Luke Voit (0-for-3, walk) went hitless, now 0-for-7 with 5 walks in AAA.

At least we have this spectacular catch by left fielder Skye Bolt as a keepsake:

Three Quick Strikes:

• Starting RHP Janson Junk (5 1/3 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 4 Ks) gave up a home run on the first pitch of the game, but was solid thereafter as he makes his case for another MLB spot start.
• C Payton Henry (2-for-4, double) had a double and single to lift his season OPS to .830, while right fielder Monte Harrison (2-for-4, RBI, SB, CS) had two hits including the team’s only RBI.
• RHP JC Mejia (1 1/3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K) had one of his more effective outings, inducing a ground ball double play to help Junk escape the 6th inning, while LHP Darrell Thompson (1/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 BB; 7.20 ERA in AAA) continues to find AAA ball more daunting than his time at Biloxi.

Wednesday’s outlook: RHP Pedro Fernandez is scheduled to start and try to even the series at one game apiece.

Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Biloxi 4, Montgomery 0
Box Score / Game Log

Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Bennett, Meeker, Contreras Combine for Shuckers Sixth Shutout Win

After scheduled starter Seminaris was scratched, LHP Nick Bennett (4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 7 Ks) stepped up with a top-notch performance, allowing only a single and hit-by-pitch against 14 batters. 

Three Quick Strikes:

• RHP James Meeker (4 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 4 Ks was also terrific, throwing four shutout innings just two days after closing out Sunday’s extra inning victory. Together with RHP Luis Contreras, the staff threw 77 strikes in 105 pitches.
• 1B/C Wes Clarke (2-for-2, 2 doubles, walk, RBI) leads the team in doubles (9), collecting two more in this game, while OF Jackson Chourio got the day off.
• It was good to see SS Freddy Zamora back in action after leaving Sunday’s game early, but INF Ethan Murray remains absent.

Wednesday’s outlook: High-performing RHP Justin Jarvis gets the ball as Biloxi aims to double its series lead to 2-0.

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Wisconsin 8, Cedar Rapids 4
Box Score / Game Log

Via the Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Pop Kernels 8-4 to Snap Streak

The streak is over, they were winners all the while. Wisconsin controlled this game from start to finish, grabbing a 5-1 lead by the 3rd inning and responding to the Kernels’ attempted comeback by adding runs in three of the last four frames.

We greatly appreciate this road highlight of SS Eric Brown Jr. (4-for-5, HR, 3 RBIs, SB) crushing a ball.

Three Quick Strikes:

• Of 12 hits, seven came from Brown and C Matt Wood (3-for-5, 3 RBIs), who also combined to drive in six runs.
• Cedar Rapids certainly had opportunities (2-for-14 with RISP), but starting RHP Tyler Woessner (5 2/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 5 BB, 6 Ks) and the bullpen were effective in stranding 11 Kernels.
• RHPs Taylor Floyd and Max Lazar conceded two runs, but also K’d seven batters in three innings of work. Being effective in High-A ball since 2021, it feels like it’s time for Floyd to try out AA ball again.

Wednesday’s outlook: After some rough outings and a lot of bad luck (.389 BABIP against), RHP Alexander Cornielle needs a bounce back game in his start today.

Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Down East 9, Carolina 5
Box Score / Game Log

Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Waste Early Lead in 9-5 Loss

This series opener felt like two games in one, with Carolina grabbing a 3-0 lead by the 5th inning, then being outscored 9-2 thereafter, but it only counts as one game in the standings, unfortunately allowing Down East to move into first place in the division. 

Three Quick Strikes:

• It was yet another smooth sailing game for 2022 fifth round draft selection RHP Will Rudy (5 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 Ks), who lowered his ERA to 0.93 after four starts and raised his strikeout rate as well, exiting with a 3-0 lead.
• After 3B Luke Adams (1-for-2, double, walk, RBI, SB, CS) doubled to score 2B Jheremy Vargas (2-for-5, 2 doubles), the game went entirely downhill. Adams was caught stealing and exited after one more inning in the field, so we’ll keep an eye on his status.
• When healthy, the team likes RHP Miguel Guerrero (2 IP, 5 R) to get to about 40 pitches, but those last 12 pitches were costly in this game, with three batters reaching to start the 8th inning, each of which scored. RHP Yerlin Rodriguez (2 IP, 4 R) also struggled in just his 3rd game of the season.

Wednesday’s outlook: RHP Aidan Maldonado is the expected starter, with Carolina needing a victory to avoid a 2-0 series hole.

We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Good luck in the Wednesday games, including an early start for the Timber Rattlers.

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