Eye Black

Final: Orem 5, Helena 0 Owlz shut out Brewers 5-0 By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers The Orem Owlz (21-10) shut out the Helena Brewers (12-19) 5-0 on Friday to pick up the series win in the two teams' final meeting of the year. Josh Uhen (1-2) picked up the loss, despite his best outing of the year. The righty tossed six innings of one-run baseball, giving up four hits, walking one and striking out three. The lone run off Uhen would come in the sixth when Andrew Daniel hit a solo homerun to left-center. It was Daniel's third homer of the season. Trailing 1-0 the Brewers put J.B. Kole on the mound for the seventh. The Owlz would pad their lead with four more runs on four hits including a leadoff double for Michael Hermosillo. Kole would not make it out of the inning, just pitching two thirds of the frame. Helena had just four hits on the night tying a season low which was set back on June 25th, against the Great Falls Voyagers. Brandon Diaz came up with two of those four hits, including his sixth double of the season. Gregory Munoz's nine-game hitting streak came to an end as he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. It was just the second time this season the Brewers have been shut out and the first time at home. The Brewers will now face off against the Grand Junction Rockies in a four-game series starting Saturday at Kindrick Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Helena Box Score A night after putting up 15 runs the Helena offense was held to just 4 hits and no runs. CF Brandon Diaz was 2-for-4 with a double, the lone extra base hit for the Brewers tonight. Starting RHP Josh Uhen's final line was 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO, 1 HR allowed. Helena Game Log

One trade candidate that could add some depth around the diamond is the Twins Trevor Plouffe. Plouffe would require a bigger return than what the Brewers gave up in 2011 for Hairston, but he would also be under team control for three more seasons which could ease the transition of losing Ramirez as the everyday 3B in the not too distant future. At 28, Plouffe is a solid role player that has experience at several positions around the diamond. While he has primarily been a 3B throughout his MLB career, he has played major league games at SS, 2B, 1B, LF, and RF over his five seasons. He is unlikely to ever repeat his 24 HR season of 2012, but he is an adequate hitter for a guy with his versatility. This year he has a 101 OPS+, and through 77 games he has a 1.6 WAR (B-Ref). One other interesting connection with Plouffe is that he has been a good friend and off-season training partner with Ryan Braun for the past eight off-seasons, and is also represented by Braun and Garza's agent, Nez Balelo.

Final: Helena 15, Orem 7 Offense charges Brewers win over Owlz By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (12-18) powered their way to a 15-7 win over the Orem Owlz (20-10) on Thursday night on the power of 17 hits. The Brewers set a season-high for runs on Thursday with 15, courtesy of a seven-run seventh inning. Helena grabbed a 2-1 lead after the first inning and would never lose it. Arjenis Fernandez was roughed up in the start for Orem, giving up eight runs on nine hits in his four innings of work. Sthervin Matos would take Fernandez deep in the fourth for a three-run homer to break open an 8-2 lead for the Brewers. Matos had his best game of the season, going 3-for-5 with two homeruns, six RBI and two runs scored. He now has 15 RBI in just nine games in the Pioneer League. The Owlz pulled to within one run in the seventh when they made it an 8-7 ballgame, but the Brewers would respond with a seven-run bottom of the frame to put it away for good. Sthervin Matos had his second homer of the game and Eric Williams hit his first professional homerun to left-center. Williams was 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Cy Sneed pitched the final three innings for the Brewers and closed out the game by striking out Ryan Seiz. The Brewers and the Owlz will face off in a rubber match Friday night at Kindrick Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Helena Box Score 2B Francisco Castillo was 2-for-4 with a walk. 3B Tucker Neuhaus was 3-for-4 with a walk and 2 RBI's. Neuhaus had two hits up the middle to center field and a line drive base hit to right field. Sthervin Matos was playing 1B this evening and had a 3-for-5, 2 HR, 6 RBI night. Since arriving in Helena Matos is now 17-for-38 with 3 doubles and 4 homers. Still an extremely small sample size, but very encouraging nonetheless. The only Helena batter to go hitless was the guy you might least expect, C Greg McCall finished the night 0-for-5. LF Mitch Meyer had a hit, but also showed off some defensive prowess. He was credited with two outfield assists for throwing out base runners, once at second base and once at home plate. DH Eric Williams and SS Gregory Munoz each had two hits including a homer for Williams and a double for Munoz. CF Edgardo Rivera was 3-for-5 and had two stolen bases. Helena Game Log It was the night of the big inning(s) for Helena. The first of which was a five-run 4th inning which included 3 singles, a double and Sthervin Matos homerun. Helena Bottom of the 4th Eric Williams singles on a fly ball to right fielder Caleb Adams. Gregory Munoz doubles (8) on a fly ball to left fielder Quinten Davis. Eric Williams scores. Edgardo Rivera singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Arjenis Fernandez. Gregory Munoz to 3rd. Francisco Castillo grounds out, third baseman Zach Houchins to first baseman Ryan Seiz. Edgardo Rivera to 2nd. Tucker Neuhaus singles on a line drive to right fielder Caleb Adams. Gregory Munoz scores. Edgardo Rivera to 3rd. Sthervin Matos homers (3) on a fly ball to left center field. Edgardo Rivera scores. Tucker Neuhaus scores. Greg McCall grounds out to first baseman Ryan Seiz. Elvis Rubio strikes out swinging. Helena outdid their earlier big inning with a seven-run 7th inning. It included 4 singles and homeruns from Eric Williams and once again, Sthervin Matos. While Helena sent 10 batters to the plate in the inning, Catcher Greg McCall had the dubious distinction of bookending the frame with strikeouts (one looking, one swinging). Helena Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Christopher Ellis replaces Jordan Kipper. Greg McCall called out on strikes. Elvis Rubio hit by pitch. Mitch Meyer singles on a line drive to center fielder Bo Way. Elvis Rubio scores. Mitch Meyer scores. Throwing error by third baseman Zach Houchins. Eric Williams homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Gregory Munoz grounds out, shortstop Wendell Soto to first baseman Ryan Seiz. Edgardo Rivera singles on a ground ball to first baseman Ryan Seiz. With Francisco Castillo batting, Edgardo Rivera steals (7) 2nd base. Francisco Castillo singles on a fly ball to center fielder Bo Way. Edgardo Rivera scores. Pitching Change: Jacob Petersen replaces Christopher Ellis. With Tucker Neuhaus batting, wild pitch by Jacob Petersen, Francisco Castillo to 2nd. Tucker Neuhaus singles on a ground ball to center fielder Bo Way. Francisco Castillo scores. Sthervin Matos homers (4) on a fly ball to left field. Tucker Neuhaus scores. Greg McCall strikes out swinging.

A sneak preview of tonight's Helena report as they bat in the bottom of the 8th inning, six Brewers batters have multi-hit games led by Sthervin Matos two homerun, six RBI night. In all Helena accumulated 15 runs, on 17 hits. [sarcasm]One can only assume the Helena squad used Wednesday's Link Report assessment of their underperforming roster as bulletin board material to fuel tonight's offensive outburst[/sarcasm].

Orem rallies to down Helena in 10th By Curt Synness / Helena Independent Record The Helena Brewers overcame three early home runs by the Orem Owlz to send the game into extra innings Wednesday, only to have the league-leading Owlz score three runs in the top of the 10th for a 10-7 win. The loss at Kindrick Legion Field drops the last-place Brewers to 11-18 on the year, while Orem improves to 20-9. The visitors jumped out to an early 5-3 lead, powered by a pair of 2-run homers by Michael Strentz and Ryan Seiz, and a solo shot by Caleb Adams. The Brewers got even in the fifth frame when, with the bases loaded and one out, Alan Sharkey lofted a towering fly ball to right-center field. The ball banged high off the wall, bringing home Edgardo Rivera and Greg McCall to make it 5-all. The hosts pulled ahead 7-5 in the sixth by playing a little Billy Ball. Greg Munoz led off with and walk and proceeded to swipe second base. Brandon Diaz’s single put runners on the corners, and then Munoz scored on a double steal. Next, Diaz went to third on a passed ball before racing plateward on Greg McCall’s sacrifice fly to center. After Orem’s explosive start, Helena pitching shut out the Utah club for four innings before the Owlz knotted things up in the ninth to force extra innings. Then in the top of the 10th, Seiz rapped a ground ball to second baseman Munoz, with Nathaniel Delgado scoring the go-ahead run on the ensuing error. Orem pushed across two more runs for insurance, and then relief pitcher Ronald Muck set the Brewers down in order in their last at-bat to clinch the victory. Helena was outhit 15-8, with Strentz and Andrew Daniel posting three hits apiece for the visitors. The Brewers used three pitchers — Jorge Ortega, Brandon Moore and Donnie Hissa — with Hissa taking the loss. One of the game’s best web gems occurred in the top of the fifth, after the Helena catcher threw out Raul Linares on an attempted steal of second. For the next out, Brewers third baseman Tucker Neuhaus scooped a hot smash by Orem’s Michael Strenz and, with one motion, got his man with a throw to first. The two teams meet again today at Kindrick Legion at 7:05 for the second tilt of a three-game series. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c1/ec1f4610-0d78-11e4-82fe-0019bb2963f4/53c768d00cd65.preview-620.jpg Helena Brewers catcher Jack Cleary makes contact with the ball during a series-opening game against the visiting Orem Owlz on Wednesday night at Kindrick Legion Field. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/9f/19f1f18c-0d79-11e4-add4-0019bb2963f4/53c76910efdb1.preview-620.jpg After getting caught in a pickle on the base paths, the Brewers’ Brandon Diaz slides back into second just out of reach of Orem’s Andrew Daniel.

Final (10 Innings): Orem 10, Helena 7 Owlz rally late and win in extras, 10-7 By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers The Orem Owlz (20-9) used a late surge to beat the Helena Brewers (11-18) for the fourth time this year, topping their hosts 10-7 in 10 innings. The Owlz would jump out to a 4-0 lead early on a pair of two-run homers, one belonging to Michael Strentz and the other to Ryan Seiz. Helena's starter Jorge Ortega would go six innings, giving up five runs on eight hits while striking out three. After trailing 4-0, the Brewers would come up with three runs in the second and third to pull within one. All three of those would come in after the runners reached on walks. Justin Anderson struggled with accuracy in the start for Orem, giving up three runs in his three innings of work and walking three batters. Helena would then score four runs in the fifth and sixth innings to take a 7-5 lead which would last all the way to the ninth. Brandon Moore was unable to pick up the save, giving up two runs in the inning including an RBI single to Michael Strentz to score Andrew Daniel and draw things even. It was more Owlz in extras as Donnie Hissa (0-1) could not deliver in the tenth, giving up three runs to give Orem a healthy 10-7 lead. Ronnie Muck (1-0) pitched three solid innings of relief picking up his first win of the season and striking out five. Helena is now 1-4 against Orem. The Brewers and Owlz will face off in game two of their three-game series Thursday from Kindrick Field. First pitch from Helena is set for 7:05 p.m. Helena Box Score CF Brandon Diaz was 1-for-5 with a walk and 2 stolen bases. Helena as a team was 6-for-6 on stolen base attempts. DH Greg McCall was 1-for-3 with a walk, his season BA sits at .346. 3B Tucker Neuhaus went 0-for-4 with a walk. SS Luis Aviles hit a triple, which proved to be one of just two extra base hits for Helena. RF Mitch Meyer was the only Brewers player with a multi-hit game, he ended up 2-for-5 on the evening. Helena Game Log

Tough to be the odd team out on minor league affiliate musical chairs. Despite the poor facility, I have always thought Nashville was good location for the AAA club. With the new stadium, I was very excited about the future of the relationship with Nashville. Unfortunately this change would not only be disappointing for the Brewers organization, but I am sure Fresno would be far from stoked about losing their affiliation with the Giants. It will be interesting to see how long the deal would stretch and if it ends up being a short-term marriage. There are some other AAA affiliations that have been rumored to be possibly changing this year (Oklahoma City/Astros), I wonder if there are any other options for the Brewers outside of Fresno. Well, like Mass Haas mentioned the move to Fresno will make for many late nights on the Link Report!

Some Link Report reminiscing, MLB All-Star Game version (special thanks to MiLB Prospective Blog): http://www.milb.com/images/2011/10/31/G2tiSGv3.jpg http://cmsimg.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=U0&Date=20120516&Category=APC020602&ArtNo=205160812&Ref=PH&Item=6&q=90 http://i.imgur.com/slQ2Jo3.jpg

Garcia lifts Grand Junction to victory over Brewers By Helena Independent Record Grand Junction first baseman Henry Garcia was 3 for 4 with a pair of home runs and six RBIs, and the Rockies defeated the Helena Brewers 13-5 Monday at Suplizio Field in Colorado. Helena starting pitcher Devin Williams (1-4) was hung with the loss, giving up six runs on seven hits through 3 1/3 innings. Grand Junction reliever Craig Schlitter (1-1) earned the win after throwing three innings of one-hit ball while striking out four. The Pioneer League squads had a home run derby of their own going on Monday, as the two teams combined for four in the contest. First baseman Sthervin Matos and third baseman Tucker Neuhaus both hit homers for the Brewers, who have today off before returning to Helena for a seven-game homestand. The Brewers host Orem for three games, beginning Wednesday at 7:05 p.m., before four against Grand Junction. Catcher Greg McCall and second baseman Gregory Munoz led the Brewers offensively Monday, each with a 3-for-4 effort. It was a hit parade, as Grand Junction finished with 13 hits and Helena had 11. The Rockies also stole four bases. The Brewers (11-17) struck first, but then came 10 unanswered runs by the Rockies (16-12). Grand Junction led 10-1, before Helena plated four runs in the seventh inning. But it was too little too late for the Brewers, who went 2-5 on the Southern Division road swing. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/23/823c814e-0bdf-11e4-be85-0019bb2963f4/53c4bb4d9ca6b.preview-620.jpg Gregory Munoz of the Brewers watches his hit bounce across the infield during the top of the fifth inning of Monday's game against the Grand Junction Rockies. Munoz tried to turn the hit into a triple, but was out on a close call at thrid base.

Final: Grand Junction 13, Helena 5 Rockies take 13-5 victory and series By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers The Grand Junction Rockies (16-12) took their rubber match Monday against the Helena Brewers (11-17) by a score of 13-5 at Suplizio Field in Colorado. The Rockies would score in seven of their eight innings at the plate and compile 13 hits on the evening. The offensive anchor for the Rockies would be the first baseman, Henry Garcia. Garcia was 3-for-4 on the night with 5 RBI and two homeruns; a solo shot and a two-run blast. Devin Williams (1-4) got roughed up in the start for the Brewers, giving up six runs on seven hits in three plus innings. The highlight of the night for Helena would be back-to-back homeruns in the top of the seventh. Sthervin Matos hit his second of the year, a two-run homer to score Greg McCall, and was immediately followed up by Tucker Neuhaus' second homerun of the season. It is the first time in 2014 that Helena has had back-to-back round-trippers. The Brewers now travel back to Helena for a seven-game home-stand at Kindrick Field. The stand begins with a three-game series against the Orem Owlz starting Wednesday. First pitch from Helena is set for 7:05 p.m. Helena Box Score Helena pitchers allowed runs in each of the first 6 innings, but gave up no more than two runs in any single inning during that stretch. Devin Williams final line: 3.1 IP, 7 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), 3 walks, 0 strikeouts, 1 HR allowed, 2 wild pitches. Two of the 10 outs recorded by Helena during Williams outing were runners thrown out on the base paths (a caught stealing and a pick-off). Catcher Greg McCall was 3-for-4 with a double, to raise his season average to .346. 2B Gregory Munoz was 3-for-4 with two doubles. Helena Game Log Helena managed three hits and a run in the first frame against 2014 MLB Draft first round pick for the Rockies, LHP Kyle Freeland. For the game Freeland went 3.0 IP allowing 4 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, with 2 strikeouts. Helena Top of the 1st Edgardo Rivera grounds out, shortstop Luis Jean to first baseman Henry Garcia. Brandon Diaz doubles (5) on a fly ball to left fielder Randy Reyes. Elvis Rubio singles on a ground ball to right fielder Yonathan Daza. Brandon Diaz scores. With Greg McCall batting, Elvis Rubio caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Dom Nunez to shortstop Luis Jean. Greg McCall singles on a fly ball to left fielder Randy Reyes. With Sthervin Matos batting, passed ball by Dom Nunez, Greg McCall to 2nd. Sthervin Matos flies out to right fielder Yonathan Daza. Helena began the 7th inning with 5 straight hits including back-to-back HRs. Helena Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Cristian Quintin replaces Craig Schlitter. Greg McCall singles on a ground ball to center fielder Omar Carrizales. Sthervin Matos homers (2) on a fly ball to left field. Greg McCall scores. Tucker Neuhaus homers (2) on a fly ball to right field. Luis Aviles singles on a ground ball to center fielder Omar Carrizales. Gregory Munoz doubles (7) on a fly ball to center fielder Omar Carrizales. Luis Aviles to 3rd. Pitching Change: Yoely Bello replaces Cristian Quintin. Dionis Hinojosa grounds out, shortstop Luis Jean to first baseman Henry Garcia. Luis Aviles scores. Gregory Munoz to 3rd. Edgardo Rivera strikes out swinging. Brandon Diaz strikes out swinging.

We will cover this in a little more detail later, but the Helena Crew had 3 hits in the 1st inning and scored the first run that 8th overall draft pick LHP Kyle Freeland has given up as a professional (only his second outing). It proved to be the only run Freeland gave up in 3.0 IP tonight.

Awesome, thanks for posting the gun readings. And out of curiosity, Stalker II?

I didn't realize Grant Holmes signed for the same bonus as Medeiros, but I would guess he might have held out for a little more if he had been taken at 12 (instead of 22). Holmes was the guy I was really excited about as a possibility when the Brewers pick came up and he will certainly be a guy I follow as he progresses through the ranks of professional ball, but like you mentioned I am rooting for Medeiros to evolve into the talented LHP the organization envisions him becoming.

Final: Helena 7, Grand Junction 5 Brewers force rubber match with 7-5 victory By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (11-16) scraped out a 7-5 victory over the Grand Junction Rockies (15-12) on Sunday afternoon at Suplizio Field in Colorado. Helena would post 15 hits on the game, the second highest total their offense has produced this season. The Brewers would take the first lead of the game, scoring twice in the third and scoring all seven of their runs in the third and fourth. Brandon Diaz led off the third with his first triple of the season and scored later on an RBI single from Francisco Castillo. Castillo would play just six innings and was pulled in favor of Luis Aviles in the seventh. The Rockies would take a short lead after scoring three runs in the bottom of the third on a Hamlet Marte three-run shot. It was Marte's second homer of the season. Mitch Meyer hit his team-leading fifth homerun to tie it up at 3-3 in the fourth as part of a five-run, six-hit frame for the Brewers. Sthervin Matos and Jack Cleary added RBI doubles to give Helena the lead for good. Zach Hirsch and Javi Salas pitched the final four innings of relief for the Brewers after Chad Thompson (3-2) picked up a win on five solid innings in the start. The Brewers and Rockies will face off in a rubber match Monday night from Suplizio Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Helena Box Score Helena Game Log Helena took an early two run lead in the 3rd. Helena Top of the 3rd Brandon Diaz triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Terry McClure. Francisco Castillo singles on a ground ball to left fielder Randy Reyes. Brandon Diaz scores. Elvis Rubio singles on a ground ball to left fielder Randy Reyes. Francisco Castillo to 2nd. Sthervin Matos walks. Francisco Castillo to 3rd. Elvis Rubio to 2nd. Alan Sharkey grounds into a double play, second baseman Wesley Jones to shortstop Max George to first baseman Nate Causey. Francisco Castillo scores. Elvis Rubio to 3rd. Sthervin Matos out at 2nd. Jack Cleary grounds out, third baseman Kevin Padlo to first baseman Nate Causey. After falling behind 3-2 to Grand Junction, Helena put up six hits and five runs in the 4th. Helena Top of the 4th Mitch Meyer homers (5) on a fly ball to right field. Edgardo Rivera singles on a line drive to center fielder Terry McClure. Gregory Munoz singles on a ground ball to second baseman Wesley Jones. Edgardo Rivera to 2nd. Brandon Diaz hits a sacrifice bunt. Fielding error by pitcher Carlos Polanco. Edgardo Rivera to 3rd. Gregory Munoz to 2nd. Brandon Diaz to 1st. Francisco Castillo grounds into a force out, shortstop Max George to second baseman Wesley Jones. Edgardo Rivera scores. Gregory Munoz to 3rd. Brandon Diaz out at 2nd. Francisco Castillo to 1st. With Elvis Rubio batting, Francisco Castillo steals (6) 2nd base. Elvis Rubio lines out to second baseman Wesley Jones. Sthervin Matos doubles (3) on a ground ball to left fielder Randy Reyes. Gregory Munoz scores. Francisco Castillo scores. Pitching Change: Taylor Black replaces Carlos Polanco. Alan Sharkey singles on a ground ball to first baseman Nate Causey. Sthervin Matos to 3rd. Jack Cleary doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Randy Reyes. Sthervin Matos scores. Alan Sharkey out at home on the throw, left fielder Randy Reyes to second baseman Wesley Jones to catcher Hamlet Marte. Francisco Castillo was pulled in the 6th inning after grounding out. Helena Top of the 6th Brandon Diaz singles on a line drive to left fielder Randy Reyes. With Francisco Castillo batting, passed ball by Hamlet Marte, Brandon Diaz to 2nd. Francisco Castillo grounds out to first baseman Nate Causey. With Elvis Rubio batting, Brandon Diaz steals (6) 3rd base. Elvis Rubio strikes out swinging. Sthervin Matos grounds out, shortstop Max George to first baseman Nate Causey. Grand Junction Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Zach Hirsch replaces Chad Thompson. Defensive Substitution: Luis Aviles replaces second baseman Francisco Castillo, batting 2nd, playing shortstop. Defensive switch from shortstop to second base for Gregory Munoz. With Helena up 7-3 and Javier Salas in his third inning of work, Grand Junction scores two before the rally fizzles out. Grand Junction Bottom of the 9th Randy Reyes hit by pitch. Luis Castro grounds into a force out, shortstop Luis Aviles to second baseman Gregory Munoz. Randy Reyes out at 2nd. Luis Castro to 1st. With Kevin Padlo batting, passed ball by Jack Cleary, Luis Castro to 2nd. Kevin Padlo doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Edgardo Rivera. Luis Castro scores. Wesley Jones grounds out, shortstop Luis Aviles to first baseman Alan Sharkey. Kevin Padlo to 3rd. Max George singles on a line drive to left fielder Edgardo Rivera. Kevin Padlo scores. Terry McClure grounds out, third baseman Sthervin Matos to first baseman Alan Sharkey.

Posted the full story in the Brevard County thread, here is a link to a very good article from Adam McCalvy detailing some of the family matters Jorge Lopez is dealing with this season: Futures Game rep Lopez keeps son on his mind

Futures Game rep Lopez keeps son on his mind By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com MINNEAPOLIS -- Jorge Lopez was all smiles Sunday at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, a stopping point for Brewers prospects past on their way to the big leagues. The right-hander dressed at a locker neighboring former Milwaukee All-Star Jose Hernandez, who served on the "World" team's coaching staff, in a clubhouse filled with some of Minor League Baseball's best international talent. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Lopez briefly took the mound at Target Field and retired the only hitter he faced with some help from second baseman Jose Rondon's slick defense on a ground ball toward second base. Part of Lopez's mind, however, was on a little boy in Miami. His 13-month-old son, Mikael, is awaiting an intestinal transplant. "It's a little bit tough sometimes when you try to work every day and you've got that in your mind," Lopez said. "But God is good, and I take it as one of life's experiences." Lopez, 21 and a second-round Draft pick of the Brewers in 2011, has sweetened his stock this season (he's No. 19 on MLB.com's list of Milwaukee's top prospects) while pitching for the advanced Class A Brevard County Manatees. He is 8-4 with a 3.26 ERA in 16 starts, with the best ratio of strikeouts to walks (2.69) of his brief career. He has been granted peace of mind pitching near his young son. Mikael Lopez was born prematurely last year and spent the first year of his life in a hospital suffering from an unknown autoimmune disease. After dad was assigned to Brevard County, he arranged for Mikael to be transferred to a facility in Miami, where doctors determined a transplant was necessary. The Manatees will stage a golf fundraiser in August, collecting entry fees and hole sponsorships to help Lopez and his family cover medical and transportation costs. The Brewers organization has helped by occasionally altering Lopez's schedule to allow him to travel down Interstate 95 to Miami when necessary. "It's part of life," Lopez said. But it's not a part of life most 21-year-olds experience, so the Brewers have been supportive. "In my time here, we do a great job of reaching out and helping our guys," said Minor League pitching coordinator Rick Tomlin. "His staff in Brevard has gone overboard to help him, [manager] Joe Ayrault and [pitching coach] David Chavarria, and we've worked around his concerns and issues, trying to be supportive and keep him going. "As difficult a thing as this has been for him, I think he's coming through this pretty good. ... He's a good kid. He's solid. He's mature." He's also a nice pitcher. Listed as 6-foot-4 and 186 pounds in the Brewers media guide, Lopez has put on good weight during his three years pitching professionally. He has embraced Tomlin's increased focus on learning to pitch at an earlier stage in player development, instead of simply gaining arm strength in the Minor Leagues. Lopez has impressed coaches with his grasp of the changeup. "He's the poster child for player development," Tomlin said. The Futures Game was another good step in that development. Two of the Brewers' four 2014 All-Stars once upon a time played in the event (Aramis Ramirez and Francisco Rodriguez) as did a slew of past Brewers All-Stars, including Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Yovani Gallardo and Jimmy Nelson. "Myself and [brewers field coordinator Charlie Greene] talked to Lopez and explained to him that almost everybody who's played in this game has pitched in the big leagues, and what a great honor this is," Tomlin said. Lopez was already aware. "I have followed the Futures Game, but I never imagined being selected," Lopez said. "It's a big opportunity. I never thought I would be here. "I like Jimmy Nelson a lot. I follow him all the time, watch him pitch whenever I can. When I saw he made the [Futures Game U.S.] team last year, I saw him pitch. I never thought the next year I would come here. I'm excited."

Reminder that today is the 16th-annual Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game, which will begin at 4:00 p.m. CST at Target Field. The game is broadcast on MLB Network. Here are the updated rosters: World Team Roster U.S. Team Roster Jorge Lopez will serve as the Brewers lone representative in this year's game, and is one of 10 pitchers on the World Team roster. EDIT: Here are the Team Rosters with some additional player information and the game will be live streamed on MLB.com. Futures Game updates are also available via Twitter by following @futuresgame. One final fun fact, this year there were 14 players selected for the Futures Game that are older than Mike Trout.

Final: Grand Junction 13, Helena 2 Grand Junction rocks the Brewers 13-2 By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (10-16) were trounced by the Grand Junction Rockies (15-11) 13-2 in their series opener from Suplizio Field in Colorado. J.B. Kole got the start for Helena, pitching a solid first inning before falling apart in the second. Kole (0-1) gave up a leadoff walk, hit two batters and allowed four hits for seven runs in the second before being pulled. It was the second highest scoring inning the Brewers have allowed this season. The Brewers would score the first of their two runs in the third when Luis Aviles led off with a single. He advanced to third on an Eric Williams base hit and scored on a Gregory Munoz grounder. Aviles was 2-for-4 in the ballgame with a double and two runs scored. The Rockies added to their lead with six runs over a three-inning span including four runs in the sixth. Max George led Grand Junction offensively hitting for the cycle. He was 4-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBI. He is the first player since June of 2011 to hit for the cycle in the Pioneer League for the Rockies. Despite keeping scoring to a minimum, Grand Junction would put six pitchers on the hill. Logan Norris (3-0) got the win pitching two innings of shutout baseball and allowing just one hit. The Brewers and Rockies will face off in game two of their three-game series Sunday from Suplizio Field. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. Helena Box Score Helena Game Log

90 seconds of video from the 2nd inning of Kodi Medeiros professional debut from this YouTube Channel. Also includes a nice backhanded play from Jake Gatewood at the end of the video.

Final (Completion of Suspended Game): Helena 3, Orem 2 Final (7 innings): Orem 10, Helena 4 Brewers and Owlz split double-header By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (10-15) split a Friday double-header with the Orem Owlz (17-8) by scores of 3-2 and 10-4. The win in the first game of the day would snap Helena's four-game losing streak, a season-high. Play picked up in the top of the fifth after a rain suspension on Thursday night with a runner on third and one out for the Brewers. Elvis Rubio and Sthervin Matos came up with RBI singles to give the Brewers a 2-1 lead coming out of the frame. After the Owlz tied it up in the bottom of the fifth, Helena would score the final run of the game in the top of the seventh when Gregory Munoz hit a leadoff double and later scored on a wild pitch. Luis Ortega (1-3) picked up his first win of the year pitching four innings of solid relief, giving up just one run on two hits and striking out three. In game two, a seven-inning contest, offense would be the name of the game. The two teams combined for 14 runs and 19 hits in the series finale. Orem grabbed the first lead with three runs in the bottom of the second, but Helena immediately responded with four runs in the top of the third. Matos ripped an RBI double and scored later on a fielding error by Wade Wass. After trailing 4-3, the Owlz responded with 7 unanswered runs being spread across the next four innings. Michael Strentz would be the offensive anchor going 4-for-4 with a double, homerun and 5 RBI. The Brewers now head to Grand Junction to take on the Rockies for a three-game series at Sam Suplizio Stadium. First pitch on Saturday is set for 7:05 p.m. Helena Box Score (Completion of Suspended Game) Helena Game Log (Completion of Suspended Game) Helena Box Score (7 innings) Of the nine hits Helena recorded in the game, five were doubles. Also, Sthervin Matos stayed hot with a pair of hits in both games tonight and he is now 10-for-21 since joining the Helena lineup. Helena Game Log (7 innings) All of the Helena scoring in the second game occurred in the 3rd inning. Helena Top of the 3rd Gregory Munoz doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Miguel Hermosillo. Brandon Diaz out on a sacrifice bunt to first baseman Wade Wass. Gregory Munoz to 3rd. Tucker Neuhaus walks. Elvis Rubio singles on a ground ball to center fielder Miguel Hermosillo. Gregory Munoz scores. Tucker Neuhaus to 2nd. Greg McCall flies out to center fielder Miguel Hermosillo. Tucker Neuhaus to 3rd. Sthervin Matos doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Quinten Davis. Tucker Neuhaus scores. Elvis Rubio to 3rd. Alan Sharkey reaches on a fielding error by first baseman Wade Wass. Elvis Rubio scores. Sthervin Matos scores. With Francisco Castillo batting, Alan Sharkey caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Michael Strentz to shortstop Wendell Soto.

Helena Game vs. Orem Suspended in 5th Inning Tonight's Helena game at Orem was suspended due to rain in the top of the 5th inning. At the time Helena trailed 1-0, but had moved a runner to third base with one out. The game will resume tomorrow evening and be followed by a 7-inning contest. Helena Box Score Helena Game Log

Owlz rally past Helena Provo (UT) Daily Herald The Orem Owlz, as has happened often in the past couple of weeks, trailed early when they took on Helena Brewers on Wednesday night at Brent Brown Ballpark. But the Owlz, as they have often in the past couple of weeks, rallied in the middle innings and went on to earn an 8-3 victory over the Brewers, The victory helped Orem improve to a league-best 16-7, three games ahead of second-place Grand Junction in the Pioneer League South standings. The Owlz trailed 2-1 early, but a three-run sixth, fueled by a solo homer from Zach Houchins and a two-run shot from Nataneal Delgado, gave Orem the lead for good at 5-3. A three-run seventh gave the home team some breathing room, as Andrew Daniels and Bo Way opened the frame with a double and an RBI triple. Way scored on a wild pitch and Michael Strentz drove in another run for an 8-3 Owlz advantage. And that was more than enough. Raman Rodriguez came on in the sixth to get starter Michael Bolaski out of a bit of trouble, getting a fly out to end the inning after one run scored and another runner was in scoring position. Rodriguez got out of a little bit of his own trouble in the eighth, getting a strikeout after a two-out walk and double left two runners in scoring position. In the ninth, Jonah Wesley struck out two of the three batters he faced Bolaski went 5.2 innings for the win, giving up six hits and three runs, walking two and striking out seven. Rodriguez got the win, giving up just one hit and struck out five in his 2.1 innings. Andrew Daniel led the Owlz at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, a triple and and RBI. Houchins was 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI, and Delgado was 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBI as Orem pounded out 13 hits. The same two teams play Game 3 of their four-game series tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Brent Brown Ballpark.

Final: Orem 8, Helena 3 Brewers lose fourth straight 8-3 By Dustin Daniel / Helena Brewers The Orem Owlz (16-7) stymied the Helena Brewers (9-14) for the second straight night, beating the visitors 8-3. Helena would score first when Jack Cleary and Alan Sharkey each came up with RBI singles in the first, giving them a 2-0 lead for the second consecutive game. Sharkey led the way offensively going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. The Owlz responded with one run in both the bottom of the first and second off Brandon Woodruff to tie things up. Woodruff pitched a season-high four innings in the start, giving up two runs on four hits, walking two and striking out three. The score would remain tied 2-2 through five innings before the Brewers captured another lead. Sharkey had his second RBI single of the game to score Greg McCall and put the Brewers up 3-2. Orem responded immediately with three runs in the bottom of the sixth and six runs over the next two innings. Jonah Wesely closed out the ninth for the Owlz, pitching a clean inning and giving them their second straight victory. All four Pioneer League North Division teams lost on Wednesday, keeping the Brewers at a manageable four games out of first place with 15 games remaining in the first half. The Brewers and Owlz will face off in game three of their four-game series Thursday at Brent Brown Ballpark. First pitch from Orem is set for 7:05 p.m. Helena Box Score Helena struggled at the plate with 14 strikeouts in the game, which doubled the number of hits they recorded. Leading the way in the strikeout category was Brandon Diaz with 5 strikeouts in 5 at-bats. Helena Game Log Leading 3-2 going into the bottom of the 6th inning, the wheels fell off for Helena in a hurry during the next inning and a half with Devin Williams on the mound. Orem Bottom of the 6th Zach Houchins homers (5) on a line drive to left field. Michael Strentz doubles (3) on a ground ball to left fielder Edgardo Rivera. Natanael Delgado homers (3) on a fly ball to right field. Michael Strentz scores. RJ Santigate called out on strikes. Quinten Davis bunt pops out to catcher Jack Cleary in foul territory. Caleb Adams flies out to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Helena Top of the 7th Luis Aviles strikes out swinging. Brandon Diaz strikes out swinging. Tucker Neuhaus strikes out swinging. Orem Bottom of the 7th Andrew Daniel doubles (5) on a line drive to center fielder Brandon Diaz. Bo Way triples (2) on a line drive to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Andrew Daniel scores. Ryan Seiz grounds out, shortstop Luis Aviles to first baseman Alan Sharkey. With Zach Houchins batting, wild pitch by Devin Williams, Bo Way scores. Zach Houchins doubles (8) on a ground ball to left fielder Edgardo Rivera. Michael Strentz singles on a ground ball to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Zach Houchins scores. Natanael Delgado singles on a ground ball to left fielder Edgardo Rivera. Michael Strentz to 2nd. RJ Santigate lines out to center fielder Brandon Diaz. With Quinten Davis batting, Jack Cleary picks off Natanael Delgado at 1st on throw to Alan Sharkey.

So about that whole jinx thing , Devin's final line tonight: 3.0 IP, 9 Hits, 6 Runs (all earned), 0 BB, 4 K's, 2 HR's allowed

At the risk of jinxing him, it was a good first inning of work for Devin Williams tonight. Orem Bottom of the 5th Pitching Change: Devin Williams replaces Brandon Woodruff. Caleb Adams strikes out swinging, catcher Jack Cleary to first baseman Alan Sharkey. Andrew Daniel doubles (4) on a ground ball to left fielder Edgardo Rivera. Bo Way strikes out swinging. Ryan Seiz strikes out swinging.