Brewers Minor League Link Report (5/28): Gray and Chourio’s Homers Can’t Prevent Three Losses

The promising week fizzled out with a 1-and-5 weekend. Biloxi (3-3), Wisconsin (3-3) and Carolina (2-2) each tied their series, while Nashville lost 4 of 6 games.

Sunday’s Game Balls go to Joe Gray Jr., Jackson Chourio, Luke Voit, Luis Urias and Alex Jackson.

Transactions:

• N/A

Game Action:

Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Iowa 14, Nashville 9
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 Doomed By Big Innings Again In Loss

The Sounds couldn’t hold leads of 2-0 in the 2nd inning and 7-5 in the 6th inning, falling in the finale despite outhitting the Cubs 15-14. At least the 11,444 fans in attendance got to see a lot of action in just under three hours of baseball. 

Three Quick Strikes:

• RHP Janson Junk’s (6 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 Ks) audition for an upcoming call up didn’t go as planned, due largely due a 4-run third inning. The good news is that he only allowed one extra base hit (a double in the 5th inning).
• Rehabbing 1B Luke Voit and DH/INF Luis Urias likely gave Brewers’ brass something to think about in terms of their upcoming activation, with each going 3-for-5 with one double and two singles. Voit knocked in three runs, but also struck out and grounded into a double play.
• C Alex Jackson (3-for-4, triple, walk) started the four-run 6th inning with a first pitch single, before LHP Darrell Thompson (2/3 IP, 3 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 0 Ks; 9.45 ERA in AAA ball) and RHP Tyson Miller (2/3 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 WP) combined to give it all back the next inning. Thompson walked the first and last batters he faced as his AAA struggles continue, while Miller gave up three doubles in a rare terrible outing for him.

Next week’s outlook: Nashville (25-25) heads on the road to face White Sox affiliate Charlotte (25-26). RHP Pedro Fernandez (2.97 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 7.6 K/9 in 33 1/3 IP) has been effective in 11 games and is expected to start the opener.

Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Montgomery 11, Biloxi 3
Box Score / Game Log

Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shuckers Drop Finale to Biscuits, 11-3

Seeing a lineup without mainstays Tyler Black, Noah Campbell, Jeferson Quero and Freddy Zamora, coupled with RHP TJ Shook (3 2/3 IP, 4 R (2 ER), 3 H, 1 BB, 4 Ks) making his first start of 2023 immediately sparked the “It’s a bold strategy Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for ‘em” meme, at least in this writer’s mind.

However, center fielder Jackson Chourio (2-for-3, HR, double, RBI) was in his usual spot, delivering his 7th homer of the season, although he exited after seven innings with the team trailing 11-1 at the time. 

Three Quick Strikes:

• Clicking on the box score and article above, you’ll note that Biloxi found unique ways to turn this into a blow-out loss, committing four errors (vs. zero for the Biscuits), having both attempted basestealers thrown out, having two more runners thrown out on the basepaths and going 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. I can imagine the 2,415 fans in attendance were not impressed.
• After committing three errors in the first three innings to fall behind 2-0, the real damage occurred in the five-run 4th inning. Shook started well with two Ks, before exiting after yielding back-to-back singles. LHP Nick Bennett (1 1/3 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 0 Ks), fresh off a fabulous outing on Tuesday (4 IP, 0 R, 7 Ks), came in to concede a full count walk, infield RBI single and grand slam to suddenly put the team in a 7-0 hole.
• In more positive news, C Nick Kahle broke his 0-for-22 start to the season with an infield single and added a base hit to center field later in the game. 2B Felix Valerio also collected three hits, while RHPs James Meeker and Zach Vennaro pitched two scoreless innings late.

Next week’s outlook: The Shuckers (23-22) will remain home to take on first place Pensacola (the Marlins’ affiliate is 28-17). Although no starter is presently listed, it’s RHP Justin Jarvis’ (2.66 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 in 44 IP) turn in the rotation.

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Cedar Rapids 9, Wisconsin 6
Box Score / Game Log

Via the Rattlers’ website, game details: Lead Slips Away in Cedar Rapids

Sunday’s game featured Joe vs. the Kernels and Mr. Joe Gray Jr. (3-for-4, 2 HRs, double, 6 RBIs) truly held his own through four and a half innings:

• 3-run homer in the 1st inning for a 3-0 lead
• 2-run blast in the 3rd inning for a 5-1 advantage
• RBI double in the 5th inning to push the score to 6-4

Unfortunately, by the time Gray came to the plate again in the top of the 8th inning, Wisconsin trailed 9-6. With no real opportunity to play “hero”, he could only muster a fly out.

Three Quick Strikes:

• After earning a win in Tuesday’s game, starting RHP Tyler Woessner (3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, 2 Ks, 1 WP) lasted only three innings this time. Each of Woessner, RHP Ryan Brady (2 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 WP) and LHP Karlos Morales (1 IP, 3 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 Ks, 1 WP) struggled, with Morales tagged with the loss.
• Cedar Rapids really ran C Matt Wood ragged, stealing six bases, although Wood managed to gun down one runner in the 7th inning.
• 3B Ben Metzinger (1-for-2, 2 walks) was a key beneficiary of Gray’s big day, reaching base three times and scoring on each occasion. Unfortunately, the rest of the lineup went 0-for-24.

Next week’s outlook: The Timber Rattlers (14-30) return home with their 3-game losing streak to battle Cardinals’ affiliate Peoria (21-24). RHP Alexander Cornielle (5.63 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 9.8 K/9 in 32 IP) will aim to tame the Chiefs in the first game of the series.

Via the Mudcats’ website, rainout details: Mudcats & Wood Ducks Canceled Sunday

Sunday’s pivotal doubleheader contest for first place was unfortunately rained out, so the Mudcats retain their half-game advantage atop the Carolina League North Division.

Next week’s outlook: First place Carolina (24-18) heads to Virginia to play Guardians’ affiliate Lynchburg (22-23). My guess would be that either of RHPs Yujanyer Herrera (last pitched May 21) or Will Rudy (last pitched May 23) will start the first game of the series.

We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Wishing a respectful Memorial Day to all, as the players have off on Monday.

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