bkrause2

Not overly concerned, but it is interesting. I wonder if it's a matter of the Brewers deciding he can't play SS, or if it's just that they have other guys to play the position. I know they had him paired with Arcia quite a bit through Spring Training and Extended until Arcia got injured. His value is obviously higher if he can play SS but I think his main attributes are his bat and his speed. I seem to remember some questions when he was drafted as to if he could stick at short. Some people saw him as a future center fielder if I recall correctly.

Rattler Radio Nine After Nine

Final: Wisconsin 5, Burlington 8 Rattlers can't hold lead and drop 8-5 decision in Burlington By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 06/23/2012 10:58 PM ET June 23, 2012 BURLINGTON, IA - In a game of rallies, the Burlington Bees got the last one and beat the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 8-5 Saturday night at Community Field. Eliezer Mesa's two-out, three-run double in the bottom of the seventh inning gave the Bees a 6-5 lead and the Burlington bullpen held on for the win. The loss was the fourth straight for Wisconsin. Burlington (35-37 overall, 2-0 second half) grabbed the early lead against Rattlers starting pitcher Drew Gagnon. There were two runners on with one out in the bottom of the first inning when Landaeta struck. The Bees first baseman hit a fly ball down the left field line that just stayed fair for a three-run homer and a 3-0 lead. Wisconsin (44-27, 0-2) got their first run of the game with a home run of their own. Ben McMahan hit a solo homer with one out in the fourth inning for the Rattlers first hit of the game. The Rattlers came out swinging in the fifth inning. Bees starter Seth Frankoff recorded the first out. The next six Wisconsin batters connected with hits. Chadwin Stang singled to start the rally. Wisconsin caught a big break on Greg Hopkins bloop single to right. Stang was running on the pitch and started to head back to first when it looked Bobby Crocker would make the catch. Crocker trapped the ball and should have forced Stang at second. But, the throw was wild and both runners stayed alive. Brandon Macias followed with a single to left field to drive in Stang and send Hopkins to third. However, Macias got caught in a rundown trying to advance to second on the throw to third. Mitch Haniger was at the plate with Hopkins at third base. Before Haniger could take the bat off his shoulder, Hopkins scored on a wild pitch to tie the game 3-3. Haniger restarted the rally with a single to left. That was the first professional hit for Milwaukee's supplemental first round pick in the 2012 draft. Haniger had two hits and a walk in five plate appearances on Saturday night. Nick Ramirez continued the hit parade with a single to knock Frankoff out of the game. McMahan greeted reliever Drew Tyson with a double off the wall in left-center to score a pair of runs and put Wisconsin in front 5-3. Gagnon held the Bees in check until there were two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Burlington had nobody on base when number nine hitter Nick Rickles blooped in a single the barely reached the outfield grass behind first base. Sean Jamieson was next and his single drove Gagnon out of the game. Lefty reliever Stephen Peterson came on to face left-handed batter Chih-Fang Pan. Peterson got a weak grounder on the infield grass to short, but Pan beat the throw to first to load the bases. Mesa was next and hit a double that one-hopped the wall near the line in the right field corner. All three runners scored and the Bees took a 6-5 lead. Cameron Garfield drew a leadoff walk in the top of the eighth inning and pinch runner Lance Roenicke took second on a passed ball. Yadiel Rivera bunted Roenicke to third, but the tying run was left stranded there when the inning ended. Burlington tacked on two more two-out runs in the eighth inning to go up 8-5. The Rattlers could not recover from the late three run deficit. The final game of the three game series is Sunday afternoon. David Goforth (5-4, 5.56) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Burlington plans on Drew Granier (9-3, 3.02) to start for them. Game time is 2:00pm. HOME RUNS: WIS: Ben McMahan (5th, 0 on in 4th inning off Seth Frankoff, 1 out) BUR: Douglas Landaeta (8th, 2 on in 1st inning off Drew Gagnon, 1 out) WP: Drew Tyson (1-0) LP: Stephen Peterson (1-1) SAVE: Jonathan Joseph (3) TIME: 2:51 ATTN: 1,457 Wisconsin Box Score Ben McMahan led the way for the Rattlers offense, going 2 for 4 with a double and his fifth home run of the season. He knocked in three of the TRats five runs. Mitch Haniger got his first professional hit and finished the night 2 for 4 with a walk. Chadwin Stang also had a pair of hits and stole a base. Greg Hopkins, Brandon Macias, Nick Ramirez and Max Walla each contributed a base hit as well. Walla was caught stealing for the sixth time in thirteen attempts. Macias committed his 10th error. Drew Gagnon got hit early, giving up three runs in the first inning, but then settled down and pitched pretty well. He struck out five in 6 2/3 innings. He got in trouble again in the seventh, allowing back to back two out singles. Stephen Peterson came on in relief to play the role of Kameron Loe, allowing both inherited runners to score, before surrendering the lead and taking the loss. Wisconsin Play By Play The Rattlers four run fifth inning saw them string together six straight hits to take the lead Wisconsin Top of the 5th Max Walla strikes out swinging. Chadwin Stang singles on a line drive to right fielder Bobby Crocker. Gregory Hopkins singles on a line drive to right fielder Bobby Crocker. Chadwin Stang to 2nd. Brandon Macias singles on a fly ball to left fielder Rashun Dixon. Chadwin Stang scores. Gregory Hopkins to 3rd. Brandon Macias out at 2nd on the throw, left fielder Rashun Dixon to shortstop Sean Jamieson to first baseman Douglas Landaeta. With Mitch Haniger batting, wild pitch by Seth Frankoff, Gregory Hopkins scores. Mitch Haniger singles on a line drive to left fielder Rashun Dixon. Nick Ramirez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Bobby Crocker. Mitch Haniger to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Drew Tyson replaces Seth Frankoff. Ben McMahan doubles (10) on a fly ball to left fielder Rashun Dixon. Mitch Haniger scores. Nick Ramirez scores. Cameron Garfield flies out to right fielder Bobby Crocker.

The DSL Brewers split with the Braves on Friday. They lost game one 7-5 and won the rain make-up 6-1. I've noticed the league site dominicansummerleague.com usually updates quicker than milb.com. They also have this game story on the Brewers win. I'm very very slowly trying to learn Spanish but am by no means fluent so please forgive me as I butcher this but I believe the story translates something like: Designated Hitter Carlos Pena batted in four runs and scored two in the Milwaukee Brewers defeat of the Atlanta Braves in the resumption of the game from earlier in the season in the Dominican Summer League. Pena went 2 for 3. His teammate Elvis Rubio went 2 for 3 with two runs scored. The winning pitcher was Juan Santiago, who in six complete innings allowed a single run. His record is now two wins and zero losses. Nelson Leon was the losing pitcher, after giving up four runs in three and a third innings. Milwaukee now has 10 wins and six losses, while the Braves have won nine and lost five. *edit - actually it looks like the 6-1 win, rain make-up was game one and the 7-5 loss was game two.

Rattler Radio Nine After Nine Includes this note on the pitching tandems/rotation for the 2nd half here is how the pitching rotation (with tandems) sets up for the start of the second half: RHP Matt Miller RHP Drew Gagnon RHP David Goforth w/ RHP Chad Pierce RHP Mark Williams RHP Chad Thompson w/ RHP Jacob Barnes

Timber Rattlers game story from the Burlington side. Bees Squeeze Out 2-1 Win The Bees opened the second half with an exciting win. By Daniel Trivinos / Burlington Bees BURLINGTON, Iowa - The Burlington Bees (33-37 overall, 1-0 second half) capitalized on great pitching and used aggressive base running to win 2-to-1 over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (44-26, 0-1). They attempted a squeeze play in the eighth, but instead scored on a wild pitch to take a 2-to-1 lead late the first game of the second half. The Bees couldn't have stolen a game in the late innings without a stellar performance from the pitching staff. Max Perlman (1-3) made his third start of the season and match his season-high of five innings pitched for the third consecutive outing. The tall right-hander tossed dealt with a tight, but consistent strike zone and battled through all five innings. He only allowed one run on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Macias that scored Yadiel Rivera in the top of the third. Overall Perlman only allowed two hits, two walks, an earned run, and struck out two batters en route to a no-decision. The Harvard grad also lowered his team leading ERA to an impressive 2.73 mark in 18 appearances this season. The Bees managed to score in bottom of the sixth after loading the bases with no outs. Unfortunately Rashun Dixon grounded into a double play, but Eliezer Mesa scored on the play to tie the game 1-to-1 after six innings. Despite Wisconsin's starter, Matt Miller (5-5) owning an 0-3 record with 7.20 ERA against the Bees this season, the Bees' offense struggled to connect against the tall righty and actually struck out eight times. The Bees turned to Jose Macias who started the season in the rotation, but amassed a 2.05 ERA in seven starts before entering the bullpen. Macias pitched 2.2 innings and only allowed two hits while striking out four members of the Timber Rattlers' lineup. Despite not acquiring one RBI in the game, the Bees still managed to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Mesa lined a one-out single into centerfield. Mesa immediately took off for second base and earned more than just his 11th stolen base of the season after the catcher's throw bounced into centerfield. Bees manager Aaron Nieckula wasted no time in ordering a squeeze attempt. Sean Jamieson tried to bunt the ball, but didn't connect on the wild pitch from Tyler Cravy. Because Mesa was running on the pitch, the Bees were able to score despite the ball not travelling far from Wisconsin's catcher, Tyler Roberts. Jeff Urlaub (5-4) retired a batter in the eighth and preserved the win in the top of the ninth by striking out the side. In fact, Urlaub struck out all four batters he faced and earned his fifth win. The Bees play game two with the Timber Rattlers on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. Those in attendance can enjoy Friends and Family Night at the park, as well Oakland A's night, which will feature the Bees wear A's uniforms. For information on Bees baseball call (319) 754-5705 or visit http://www.gobees.com.

Final: Wisconsin 1, Burlington 2 Bees top Rattlers in second half opener By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers BURLINGTON, IA - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers made a pair of uncharacteristic errors on Friday night at Community Field. The errors cost them a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Burlington Bees as both teams got back into action after the four day All-Star Break. Eliezer Mesa had two hits and scored both runs for the Bees to ruin another fine start by Wisconsin pitcher Matt Miller. Yadiel Rivera started a rally for the Timber Rattlers (44-26 overall, 0-1 second half) in the top of the third inning. He singled back through the middle to lead off the frame. A wild pitch by Burlington starter Max Perlman allowed Rivera to scamper all the way to third base. Brandon Macias drove in Rivera with a sacrifice fly to right. Miller struck out eight and allowed two hits in the first five innings. But, he ran into trouble against the top third of the order in the bottom of the sixth. Mesa singled to start the inning. Sean Jamieson tried to sacrifice Mesa to second. He did that and reached first base on an error by Miller. BA Vollmuth was next and his single to left loaded the bases with no outs. Miller and the Rattlers almost pulled a great escape in the inning. Cleanup hitter Rashun Dixon sent a grounder to third. Macias fielded the ball on his backhand about a step from the base. He stepped on third for the force on Jamieson at third and threw to second to get Vollmuth for the second out. But, the relay to first was just a tad late to get Dixon for the triple play and the fielder's choice allowed Mesa to score the tying run. The Rattlers had an opportunity to go in front in the top of the eighth inning. Rafael Neda singled to start the eighth. Lance Roenicke came on to pinch run for the Rattlers catcher. Then, Yadiel Rivera dropped a sacrifice bunt to get Roenicke into scoring position against Bees reliever Jose Macias. The Rattlers could not cash in the chance. Jose Macias got Brandon Macias to fly out to center. Then, lefty Jeff Urlaub came into the game and struck out lefty Max Walla to end the threat. Mesa started the winning rally for the Bees (33-37, 1-0) in the eighth with a one out single. He would steal second with Jamieson at the plate and take third on a wild throw to second base. The Bees called for a suicide squeeze on the next pitch. The offering was low and Jamieson couldn't get the bunt down. But, the ball bounced away from Roberts and Mesa scored the run to make the score 2-1. Urlaub came back out for the top of the ninth and struck out the side in order to nail down the Burlington victory. Wisconsin's two errors in the game gave them 56 in 70 games played, the lowest total of the sixteen teams in the Midwest League. The errors meant that both Burlington runs in the game were unearned Game two of the series is Saturday night at Community Field. Drew Gagnon (6-1, 2.49) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Burlington plans on sending Seth Frankoff (1-5, 5.69) to the mound. Game time is 6:30pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280 or timberratlers.com starting with Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:10pm. WP: Jeff Urlaub (5-4) LP: Tyler Cravy (1-3) TIME: 2:29 ATTN: 864 Wisconsin Box Score Tough loss for the Timber Rattlers to start the second half of the season. Matt Miller pitched really well, going six innings and allowing only one unearned run. He struck out eight and had a 8:0 groundout to flyout ratio. Tyler Cravy was the tough luck loser after allowing just one hit and striking out four in his two innings of work. Tyler Roberts had a rough 8th inning defensively after coming in to catch. Only four hits for the Rattlers offense, all singles. Yadiel Rivera was 1 for 2 with a sacrifice and scored the team's only run. Max Walla, Cameron Garfield and Rafael Neda had the other base hits. Mitch Haniger went 0 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout in his first game of the season. Lance Roenicke made his MWL debut when he came on to pinch run for Neda in the 8th but was stranded at second base. Ben McMahan stole his sixth base of the season. Wisconsin Play By Play The almost triple play in the sixth Burlington Bottom of the 6th Eliezer Mesa singles on a line drive to center fielder Mitch Haniger. Sean Jamieson hits a sacrifice bunt. Fielding error by pitcher Matthew Miller. Eliezer Mesa to 2nd. Sean Jamieson to 1st. B. A. Vollmuth singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ben McMahan. Eliezer Mesa to 3rd. Sean Jamieson to 2nd. Rashun Dixon grounds into double play, third baseman Brandon Macias to second baseman Gregory Hopkins. Eliezer Mesa scores. Sean Jamieson out at 3rd. B. A. Vollmuth out at 2nd. Rashun Dixon to 1st. Bobby Crocker lines out to center fielder Mitch Haniger. Unearned run in the eighth turned out to be the difference in the game. Burlington Bottom of the 8th Defensive Substitution: Tyler Roberts replaces Lance Roenicke, batting 8th, playing catcher. John Nester strikes out swinging. Eliezer Mesa singles on a line drive to center fielder Mitch Haniger. With Sean Jamieson batting, Eliezer Mesa steals (11) 2nd base, . Eliezer Mesa advances to 3rd, on throwing error by catcher Tyler Roberts. With Sean Jamieson batting, wild pitch by Tyler Cravy, Eliezer Mesa scores. Sean Jamieson strikes out swinging. B. A. Vollmuth walks. Rashun Dixon called out on strikes.

Works for me. If you can take them tonight and tomorrow yet, then I will plan on taking the Rattlers once the second half starts up next Friday.

I can chip in, I'm just a little hesitant to take a team full-time. I do a fair amount of traveling and hotel internet is always hit or miss. I'm out of town for a few days now, home after the MWL All-Star game on Tuesday and then should be able to get a majority of the Nashville and/or AZL games but would miss a few here and there. If someone wanted to maybe tag team with me that might work best. Or if you find someone to take them on full-time I can always just sub for guys when needed too.

Just got back from the Sounds game. I was all set to come on here and defend Rogers after the third inning because his defense really let him down.....then the 4th inning happened. Not a good game. Rogers was between 91-93 on the stadium gun. I could be wrong, but I thought he threw a little harder than that in the past? And the bad news keeps coming, Logan Schafer had to leave the game after fouling a ball off his leg in the third inning. Looked like it was his shin, below his knee. He stayed in the game and singled but could not run at all and had to come out of the game. He was limping to the locker room after the third inning ended. When Schafer left the game, Gindl shifted to center and Jordan Brown moved from first to right field. Brown had one ball that he misplayed that went over his head, and another down the line where he appeared to get lazy when most people around me agreed he could have got to it. Anyway, not much of a ballgame. The highlight for me was listening to Fred Dabney talking about the Thornburg fight in pre-game. He had some good Turner Ward and Dwayne Hosey stories, and was easily the most entertaining part of the day. Also I think Anthony Rizzo is ready for Chicago. His first home run might have been wind aided, but his second one was a bomb. It hit halfway up on the scoreboard in right field.

1. Tyler Thornburg 2. Taylor Jungmann 3. Scooter Gennett 4. Jimmy Nelson 5. Wily Peralta 6. Jed Bradley 7. Jorge Lopez 8. Logan Schafer 9. Caleb Gindl 10. Kyle Heckathorn 11. Brooks Hall 12. Santo Manzanillo 13. Yadiel Rivera 14. Chris McFarland 15. Khris Davis 16. Hunter Morris 17. Kentrail Davis 18. Cody Scarpetta 19. Michael Fiers 20. Nick Bucci Not sure about my rankings of Bradley and Lopez but they are the two guys on my list that I haven't seen play yet. I'm also very high on McFarland after watching him this spring, I think he could be another Scooter. (High school player, signed away from college, who hits everything) I would have had D'Vo ranked somewhere between 10-15 but I left him off because I have no idea what his status is and if/when he will be returning.

Reynolds, Express Fall at Nashville 7-3 Sounds scored three in the first inning and never looked back roundrockexpress.com Nashville, Tenn. –Brooks Conrad and Jordan Brown hit back-to-back homers off Greg Reynolds in the first inning for Nashville and Round Rock never recovered as the Sounds took down the Express 7-3 in Saturday night’s Pacific Coast League action at Hershel Greer Stadium. Nashville (20-28) leads the series 2-0. Round Rock (21-29) left nine runners on base, including two in the top of the ninth inning. Nashville began their barrage off Reynolds with one out in the bottom of the first inning as Jeff Bianchi singled to right field. Conrad, an Express infielder for parts of four seasons from 2004 through 2007, followed with a two-run homer into the left field stands. Brown followed with a solo shot to right field to put the Sounds ahead 3-0. The Express got on the board with a run in the top of the fourth on a solo home run by Ryan Spilborghs, his second in as many days. However, Nashville answered in the bottom of the fifth as Conrad grounded into a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded to extend the Sounds’ lead to 4-1. Round Rock notched their second run in the top of the sixth with their second solo home run of the night, this time off the bat of Brad Nelson. Then for the second time, Nashville answered. Cory Patterson led off the bottom of the sixth and was hit by a Reynolds fastball. Two batters later, Caleb Gindl and Eric Farris singled back-to-back to load the bases with one out. Martin Maldonado then knocked a single to left field to drive in Patterson. Newly acquired left-hander John Gaub relieved Reynolds and stuck out Logan Schafer for the second out. Then with Bianchi batting, Gaub threw one in the dirt and it got past Dusty Brown to allow Gindl to score to make it 6-2. Gaub then stuck out Bianchi to end the threat. Nashville added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth as Gindl scampered home while the E-Train rolled up a Schafer double play grounder with the bases loaded. Round Rock added another in the ninth as well. Tommy Mendonca singled home Michael Bianucci but Sounds reliever Brian Baker retired the top of the Express order to shut it down. Mark Rogers (1-2) earned the win for the Sounds. He allowed two runs on six hits in six innings with five walks and three strikeouts. Reynolds (3-4) got the loss for the E-Train. He allowed six runs on eight hits in five and one-third innings with two walks and five strikeouts. John Gaub made his Round Rock debut tonight after being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Thursday. He pitched one and one-third shutout innings with a walk and three strikeouts. Conrad paced the Sounds with three RBI. Bianchi, Gindl and Farris each notched a pair of hits as well. Spilborghs led the way for Round Rock with his home run and an outfield assist in the seventh inning. Julio Borbon added three hits to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. Round Rock continues its four-game series Sunday at Nashville. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. CDT. Left-hander Michael Kirkman (3-1, 6.25 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Express opposite Sounds right-hander Wily Peralta (1-5, 5.63 ERA).

Sounds Derail Express, 7-3, To Extend Win Streak To Four Rogers Earns 1st Triple-A Win, Conrad Homers For 4th Straight Game For Nashville Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Brooks Conrad homered and drove in three runs and Mark Rogers hurled a quality start to lead the Nashville Sounds to a 7-3 triumph over Round Rock on Saturday evening in front of 8,111 fans at Greer Stadium. Nashville (20-28) earned its fourth consecutive victory, matching the club's longest winning streak of the season. Rogers (1-2) tossed a quality start to earn his first Triple-A victory in his 14th career start at this level for the Sounds. The right-hander held the Express to two runs on six hits over six innings of work, walking five batters and striking out three during his 97-pitch effort. Conrad continued his incredible groove for Nashville, putting the home team on the board with an opposite-field, two-run homer to left-center off Round Rock starter Greg Reynolds. The roundtripper, which also plated Jeff Bianchi (single), was Conrad's eighth big fly in his last nine games and extended the veteran's hitting streak to 16 games. Conrad has also recorded an extra-base hit in each of his last 10 contests. Jordan Brown followed Conrad's blast with his second homer of the year, a solo blast to right that upped the Nashville lead to 3-0. It marked the club's first set of consecutive longballs this season. Left fielder Ryan Spilborghs put the visitors on the board when he led off the fourth inning with his second homer of the series, a solo shot off the left field foul pole. The blast off Rogers was the outfielder's fourth of the season. Conrad drove in his third run of the night in the fifth when his bases-loaded fielder's choice plated Martin Maldonado from third to make it a 4-1 contest. The Sounds had loaded the bags with one out on a Maldonado walk followed by singles from Logan Schafer and Bianchi, who went 2-for-5 in his return from the disabled list, but managed only the one run in the inning as Brown flew out to end the frame. Former Sound Brad Nelson pulled Round Rock back within a pair of runs at 4-2 when he led off the sixth inning with a solo homer to dead center that Schafer almost pulled back over the wall with a leaping stab. The roundtripper was Nelson's fourth of the year. Nashville stretched its lead to 6-2 in the home half of the sixth. After Corey Patterson was hit by a Reynolds pitch to open the frame, Caleb Gindl, Eric Farris, and Maldonado recorded three consecutive singles, the third of which by the Nashville backstop brought in Patterson and chased Reynolds from the contest. Left-hander John Gaub came on and struck out Schafer for the second out before uncorking a wild pitch to allow Gindl to race home with the second run of the frame. Sounds third baseman Andy Gonzalez singled in the bottom of the seventh inning to extend his season-best hitting streak to nine games. Brown was thrown out at the plate on the knock, however, as he attempted to score from second. Nashville added its final tally in the eighth, loading the bases against Express reliever Mark Hamburger but netting only one run when Gindl scored on Schafer's double play groundout to up the lead to 7-2. Round Rock closed out the evening's scoring with a run in the top of the ninth against Brian Baker, who made his first appearance for the Sounds since May 12. Michael Bianucci led off with a double to left field and came around to score on a one-out single by Tommy Mendonca. The teams continue the series on Sunday afternoon with a 2:05 p.m. matinee. Right-hander Wily Peralta (1-5, 5.63) will man the bump for the Sounds to face Round Rock southpaw Michael Kirkman (3-1, 6.25).

Jacobo Single Sinks Manatees in 9th Blue Jays Win 5th Straight Over Brevard County By Craig Durham DUNEDIN, FL - When a game is tied in the bottom of the 9th at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium it is becoming less a question of if, and more of a question of how the Blue Jays will win it in 2012. On Saturday night, in front of 1,154 screaming fans, it was Gabe Jacobo who became the hero with a walk off RBI single that sent the Blue Jays home 4-3 winners over the Brevard County Manatees in game two of a three game series. The Blue Jays jumped out to 2-0 lead in the first inning as they came out of the gates with three straight hits, and it looked like that would be enough for Asher Wojciechowski to earn his third victory of the year. Wojciechowski was in complete command of the Manatees hitters all night, and he surrendered just one run over six innings on a solo home run in the 5th. The righty finished the game with a season high eight strikeouts, and did not walk a batter. Marcus Knecht blasted his eighth home run of the season to put the Blue Jays ahead 3-0 after three, but the Manatees started their comeback in the 5th with a Cody Hawn home run, and it just kept coming. Trystan Magnuson allowed a run on two hits and two walks in the 7th, and Brevard County tied the game 3-3 with a two out rally in the top of the 9th against Dayton Marze. But it was all for naught. Kenen Bailli led off the bottom of the 9th with a double to deep center field, and a Jonathan Jones sacrifice bunt - just the Blue Jays fourth sacrifice bunt all year - moved him to third with one out ahead of Jacobo. The Blue Jays new leadoff hitter wasted no time jumping on a first pitch breaking ball from Casey Medlen, and the line drive single into left field scored Bailli to end the game. The D-Jays are now 7-1 against the Manatees in 2012, and have won three straight in the middle of a 10 game home stand. Egan Smith (5-3, 2.98) will take the hill in Dunedin on Sunday afternoon opposite Taylor Jungmann (3-3, 2.90) in the finale of the three game set. Vladimir Guerrero will be making his first start as a member of the Dunedin Blue Jays in the game that is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm. Tickets are just $6, and the game can be heard live on dunedinbluejays.com.

Brevard's comeback spoiled by Dunedin Manatees fall 4-3 to first-place Jays on walk-off single By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees rallied to tie Saturday night's game in the top of the ninth inning, only to fall in the bottom of the ninth by the score of 4-3 to the Dunedin Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Down 3-2 in the top of the ninth with a runner on first, the Manatees (19-28) were down to their final out. Scott Krieger made sure that he wasn't the final out of the game as he had a game-tying RBI triple to plate Parker Berberet to tie the game at 3-3. In the bottom of the ninth, Dunedin's Kenen Bailli led off with a double off of Casey Medlen. Jonathan Jones then sacrificed Bailli over to third to put the winning run 90 feet away with one out. Gabe Jacobo then won it for the Blue Jays (32-17) on a RBI single that plated Bailli. The Manatees were down 3-0 after four innings, but slowly started to chip away at Dunedin's lead. In the fifth, Cody Hawn hit a solo homer and then in the seventh, Krieger drove in Reggie Keen with a RBI single to cut it to a 3-2 game. Manatees starting pitcher Brooks Hall allowed three runs - two earned - in five innings of work. He scattered six hits, while walking two and striking out two. Shaw, Hawn, Krieger and Mike Walker all had two hits each for Brevard County. In the last ten games, Walker has had five multi-hit games. Brevard County will look to avoid the sweep against Dunedin as the two teams close out their three-game series on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. 2011 first round draft pick Taylor Jungmann (3-3, 2.90) will toe the rubber for the Manatees. In his last start on Tuesday against Charlotte, Jungmann allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings while striking out eight. Lefty Egan Smith (5-3, 2.98) will get the start for the Blue Jays. In two relief appearances against the 'Tees this season, Smith has a 1-1 record with a 7.36 ERA. Nine-time Major League All-Star Vladimir Guerrero is expected to be in Dunedin's line-up tomorrow against the Manatees. Guerrero signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on May 10.

Final: Round Rock 3, Nashville 7 Nashville Box Score Brooks Conrad is killing AAA pitching right now. He homered again tonight for the Sounds. That's eight of his last nine games with a home run. Jordan Brown followed Conrad's two run bomb in the first with a solo shot of his own. Jeff Bianchi, fresh off the DL, continued to state his case for a roster spot in Milwaukee when another one of their shortstops inevitably goes down. He had two hits and scored a run in his first game back. Eric Farris went 2 for 4 with a double. Martin Maldonado had a single and a pair of walks, and Caleb Gindl went 2 for 4 and scored two runs. Good to see Gindl starting to heat up. Mark Rogers started the game for Nashville and pitched pretty well despite allowing five walks. He tossed six innings and the only runs he allowed were a pair of solo home runs to former Major Leaguers Ryan Spilborghs and Brad Nelson. Rogers got through the first rather easily, only tossing five or six pitches. He seemd to struggle with his control the most when pitching out of the stretch in the 2nd inning with runners on base. Rob Wooten pitched two scoreless innings of relief. He did take a line drive off his leg on the last out of the eighth inning though. Brian Baker came on to pitch the ninth but he was already warming up in the pen when Wooten was hit, so it seemed he was coming in for the 9th anyway. Here's hoping that won't turn in to anything serious for Wooten. Finally, can we talk defense for a second? Man are Logan Schafer and Martin Maldonado fun to watch in the field. Schafer had a couple of loonnggg running catches in the third and the ninth, and almost robbed Nelson of his home run as well. Maldonado also made a sick throw to second to pick off a runner in the third. If the big league club can get things turned around, these two could definitely play a role in September. Nashville Play By Play First Inning Fireworks Nashville Bottom of the 1st Logan Schafer flies out to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs. Jeff Bianchi singles on a fly ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Brooks Conrad homers (10) on a line drive to left field. Jeff Bianchi scores. Jordan Brown homers (2) on a fly ball to right field. Corey Patterson flies out to center fielder Julio Borbon. Andy Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Julio Borbon.

Final: Brevard County 3, Dunedin 4 Brevard County Box Score I guess I couldn't bring the Manatees any luck either. This was a rather sloppy night for Brevard and it cost them in a close one run game. Nick Shaw led off the game with a base hit but then got thrown out on a stirke 'em out, throw 'em out double play. Mike Walker singled in the 4th but promptly got picked off first. Miguel Velazquez and Shaw each had errors. Brooks Hall got the start and worked five innings. He allowed three runs, two earned, struck out two and walked two. His defense did him no favors either. Hall gave up a leadoff double in the first, then a base hit that went under the glove of Velazquez for a two base error, and another hit for the first two runs. He worked in and out of trouble in the second and gave up a 3rd inning home run to Marcus Knecht. He should have been through the 4th inning cleanly but for Shaw's error that extended the inning. Hall got through the fifth with just a walk before giving way to Thomas Keeling and Greg Holle who eached pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Casey Medlen mowed through the Dunedin lineup in the eighth with D-Jays announcer Craig Durham marvelling at the curve that Medlen was flipping up there. But he gave up a double to start the ninth that would come around to score the game winning run for Dunedin, when Gabe Jacobo ripped a single over the Manatees five man infield to end the game. Scott Krieger led the offense with a pair of hits, including his game tying two out RBI triple in the ninth. He was also hit by a pitch. Nick Shaw, Mike Walker and Cody Hawn each had two hits as well, including Hawn's fourth home run of the season. As mentioned in the transactions thread, Joey Paciorek joined the Manatees today as they have lost three catchers to injury now in the past two days days. Brent Dean landed on the DL a couple days ago. Then Adam Weisenburger and Shawn Zarraga were both injured on plays at the plate last night. Weisenburger left the game after a 6th inning collision and Zarraga was injured running over the Dunedin catcher in the eighth. The Sea Cows were going up against Asher Wojciechowski who is ranked as the Blue Jays 10th best prospect in Baseball America's 2012 Prospect Handbook. Wojciechowski is a big righty who is repeating High-A after spending 2011 with Dunedin as well. According to Durham, Wojciechowski was doing a really good job of mixing his pitches, throwing four pitches for strikes including a 93 MPH fastball, 82 MPH slider, 78 MPH curve, and mixing in a changeup for good measure. Durham (who does an excellent job on the mic by the way) also made note of the fact that Vladimir Guerrero would be joining Dunedin for tomorrow's series finale with the Manatees. Brevard County Play By Play Brevard missed a chance to do some more damage in the 7th Brevard County Top of the 7th Pitcher Change: Trystan Magnuson replaces Asher Wojciechowski. Mike Walker strikes out swinging. Reggie Keen walks. Cody Hawn singles on a line drive to center fielder Jonathan Jones. Reggie Keen to 2nd. Miguel Velazquez called out on strikes. With Parker Berberet batting, Reggie Keen steals (15) 3rd base. Parker Berberet walks.Cody Hawn to 2nd. Scott Krieger singles on a line drive to center fielder Jonathan Jones. Reggie Keen scores. Cody Hawn to 3rd. Parker Berberet to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Boomer Potts replaces Trystan Magnuson. Nick Shaw flies out to center fielder Jonathan Jones. The Manatees 9th inning comeback to tie the game Brevard County Top of the 9th Cody Hawn grounds out, pitcher Boomer Potts to first baseman Gabe Jacobo. Pitcher Change: Dayton Marze replaces Boomer Potts. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Franklin Romero Jr. replaces Miguel Velazquez. Franklin Romero Jr. grounds out, second baseman Ryan Schimpf to first baseman Gabe Jacobo. Parker Berberet singles on a line drive to right fielder Kenen Bailli. Scott Krieger triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Kenen Bailli. Parker Berberet scores. Nick Shaw flies out to center fielder Jonathan Jones.

Nashville Pre-Game Audio Sounds broadcaster Jeff Hem with reliever Vinnie Chulk

'Tees fall in Bradley's return from DL Brevard topped 7-4 by Dunedin to open three-game set By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees 05/25/2012 11:59 PM ET DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees dropped the first game of a three-game set to the Florida State League North Division leading Dunedin Blue Jays, 7-4 on Friday night at Florida Auto Exchange Park in Dunedin. 2011 first round draft pick Jed Bradley made his first start since May 14 as he was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day after recovering from a groin injury. Bradley lasted just 4 2/3 innings as he allowed five runs - four earned - on 12 hits, while not allowing a walk and fanning four. Bradley ran into trouble in the second inning when he gave up three runs to the Blue Jays. After getting Kevin Ahrens to fly out to start the inning, Bradley allowed back-to-back hits including a RBI double by Kenen Bailli. Bradley then hit Jonathan Jones with a pitch to put two on with one out. Gabe Jacobo then doubled to left to clear the bases and give Dunedin a 3-1 lead. The southpaw allowed a run in the fourth and the fifth before being lifted for reliever Brian Garman. Garman pitched just 1/3 of an inning as Andy Moye went the rest of the way for the 'Tees. He threw three innings and allowed two runs on two hits, while striking out five. Offensively, the Manatees (19-27) had nine hits with three of those coming off the bat of Reggie Keen. In his last five games, Keen is hitting .615 (8-for-13) with five RBI. Nick Shaw added two hits from the leadoff spot and Miguel Velazquez had two RBI, both on sacrifice flies. Brevard County will hand the ball to Brooks Hall (0-2, 5.40) on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. in the second game of this three-game set with Dunedin (31-17). Hall was roughed up in his last start as he allowed seven earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings against Charlotte this past Monday. The Blue Jays will counter with Asher Wojciechowski (2-1, 5.53). In two starts against the Manatees this season, Wojciechowski has allowed two runs in 12 innings of work.

Express Edged at Nashville 7-6 Statia eighth-inning single gives Sounds opener 05/25/2012 11:32 PM ET NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Hainley Statia's eighth-inning, two-out RBI single propelled the Nashville Sounds to a 7-6 victory over the Round Rock Express in Friday night's Pacific Coast League series opener at Herschel Greer Stadium. The Express (21-28) fall to 4-9 in series openers and suffered their 10th loss in their last 13 road games. The Sounds (19-28) have won three straight. Corey Patterson singled to open the bottom of the eighth, and former Express member Edwin Maysonet pushed Patterson to second on a sacrifice bunt. Caleb Gindl grounded out to first, advancing Patterson to third. Statia followed with a single to right on Johan Yan's 1-0 offering. It was Yan's first career Triple-A outing after being promoted from Double-A Frisco earlier in the day. That made a winner of Amaury Rivas (3-2), who worked around a Tommy Mendonca leadoff bunt single for a scoreless top of the eighth; he had one strikeout. Vinnie Chulk surrendered only a Ryan Spilborghs one-out single in the ninth with two strikeouts for his first save. Nashville starter Seth McClung, who spent part of last season with Round Rock, allowed four runs on five hits and four walks over five and two-thirds innings with four strikeouts. Ben Snyder (1-2), who surrendered Patterson's eighth-inning leadoff single before giving way to Yan, was charged with the loss; he retired the side in order with one out in the seventh. Starter Martin Perez yielded six runs - three earned - on four hits and four walks with one strikeout over four innings. Nashville plated four first-inning runs on just one hit, benefiting from two Express errors. Brooks Conrad, who played for Round Rock from 2004 to 2007 and still holds several Express career records, tacked on a two-run homer in the second. Round Rock battled back, starting with Joey Butler's fourth-inning sacrifice fly. The Express plated three runs on two hits and a pair of walks in the sixth. Brad Nelson started the scoring with an RBI single. After Butler was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Mike Bianucci delivered an RBI single. McClung then hit Luis Martinez, forcing home the third run. Spilborghs tied the game in the top of the seventh, following Yangervis Solarte's one-out single with his third homer of the season. Mendonca was stranded at third in the eighth when Luis Hernandez struck out. Spilborghs was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk. Julio Borbon singled twice, pushing his hitting streak to 13 games (.431, 25-for-58). Nelson was 2-for-4. Spilborghs' home run was the only of Round Rock's 10 hits that went for extra bases. It marked the first time the Express did not produce a double since the season opener, ending a 47-game streak. Patterson had Nashville's lone multiple-hit game, going 2-for-4. Conrad was 1-for-3 with two RBI, a walk and two runs scored. Statia wsa 1-for-3 with two RBI, and Eric Farris scored twice. Round Rock and Nashville continue their four-game series Saturday with a 6:35 p.m. CDT first pitch at Greer Stadium. Right-hander Greg Reynolds (3-3, 4.15 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Express, while right-hander Mark Rogers (0-2, 5.29 ERA) is slated for the Sounds.

Statia Provides Sounds With 7-6 Victory Over Round Rock On Friday Brooks Conrad Homers Again For Nashville Nashville Sounds 05/25/2012 11:21 PM ET NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nashville Sounds third baseman Hainley Statia provided the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning for a 7-6 victory over the Round Rock Express on Friday night at Greer Stadium. With Corey Patterson on third base on two outs, Statia roped a liner to right field for the Sounds' second last-at-victory in consecutive nights and eighth of the season. Nashville moved to 19-28 on the season and 12-5 in one-run games. Outfielder Corey Patterson (2-for-3) was the lone Sound with multiple hits while six others collected one hit. The Sounds batted around with only one hit while plating four runs in the bottom of the first on Round Rock starter and top prospect Martin Perez. Nashville quickly loaded the bases as the first three hitters reached open the frame abd scored their first two runs on an infield error and sacrifice fly by Patterson. Statia and catcher later worked two-out walks with the bases loaded to bring home the next two runs. After second baseman Eric Farris singled to lead off the second inning, the hot-hitting Brooks Conrad extended the Sounds' lead to 6-0 with a two-run bomb off of his name on the guitar-shaped scoreboard. His team-leading ninth homer was also his seventh long ball hit in his last eight games while also extending his hitting streak to a team-leading 15 games. Round Rock plated their first run in the top of fourth after the club loaded the bases with no outs against Nashville starter Seth McClung. Joey Butler's foul sacrifice fly down the right field line was caught by Caleb Gindl just a few feet from the wall, bringing home Yangervis Solarte. The Express scored three more in the sixth to trim the lead to 4-6. McClung walked two, hit two, and allowed two singles frame before getting removed with two outs in the inning. Reliever Johnnie Lowe gave up his first earned runs of the season in the top of the seventh after Ryan Spilborghs two-run, homer knotted the contest at 6-6. Lowe's scoreless streak was halted at 16 1/3 innings to open the season, second-longest in the PCL behind teammate Jim Henderson. Facing his former club, McClung surrendered four runs on five hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings for a no-decision. Lowe was charged with two runs and a blown save. Amaury Rivas tossed one scoreless inning. Vinnie Chulk worked around a hit while fanning two to earn his first save of the year. Perez earned a no-decision with six runs (three earned) and four walks in four innings. Ben Snyder (1-2) took the loss. The Sounds and Express continue their series at 6:35 pm CT on Saturday night at Greer Stadium. Right-hander Mark Rogers (0-2, 5.29) look for his first win from the mound against Round righty Greg Reynolds (3-3, 4.15).

Final: Round Rock 6, Nashville 7 Nashville Box Score The Sounds put up six runs in the first two innings but then the bats went silent until the 8th when Hainley Statia came up with a clutch two out single to score Corey Patterson. I caught part of the game on milb.tv and saw the go-ahead run. Great job of manufacturing a run by Mike Guerrero's bunch. Patterson led off the inning with a single. Edwin Maysonet executed a sacrifice bunt to move Patterson to second. Then Caleb Gindl contributed with a productive out, grounding out to first and moving Patterson to third. Statia followed with a single to right to knock in the eventual winning run. Big night for the "AAAA" types in Nashville. Brooks Conrad belted his ninth home run of the season. He's now gone yard in four of five games since returning from Milwaukee. Patterson went 2 for 3 and had a sac fly. Vinnie Chulk picked up his first save and former Brewers prospect Brad Nelson had a pair of hits for Round Rock. Logan Schafer and Gindl each doubled for the Sounds only other extra base hits. Seth McClung started for Nashville. He went 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs and was in line for the win. But Johnnie Lowe surrendered his first earned runs of the season tying the game at 6-6. Amaury Rivas worked a scoreless eighth to earn the win, and Chulk turned in a scoreless ninth for the save. Nashville Play By Play The 4 run first inning. Nashville Bottom of the 1st Logan Schafer doubles (12) on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs. Eric Farris reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by pitcher Martin Perez. Eric Farris to 2nd. Logan Schafer advances to 3rd, on throwing error by pitcher Martin Perez. Brooks Conrad walks. Jordan Brown reaches on force attempt, fielding error by third baseman Tommy Mendonca. Logan Schafer scores. Eric Farris to 3rd. Brooks Conrad to 2nd. Corey Patterson out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Julio Borbon. Eric Farris scores. Brooks Conrad to 3rd. Edwin Maysonet walks. Jordan Brown to 2nd. Caleb Gindl lines out to second baseman Yangervis Solarte. Hainley Statia walks. Brooks Conrad scores. Jordan Brown to 3rd. Edwin Maysonet to 2nd. Dayton Buller walks. Jordan Brown scores. Edwin Maysonet to 3rd. Hainley Statia to 2nd. Logan Schafer strikes out swinging. And the eighth inning go-ahead run. Nashville Bottom of the 8th Corey Patterson singles on a ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Pitcher Change: Johan Yan replaces Ben Snyder. Edwin Maysonet out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Johan Yan to first baseman Michael Bianucci. Corey Patterson to 2nd. Caleb Gindl grounds out, first baseman Michael Bianucci to pitcher Johan Yan. Corey Patterson to 3rd. Hainley Statia singles on a line drive to right fielder Joey Butler. Corey Patterson scores. Dayton Buller called out on strikes.

Lawrence Carves Up Manatees Dunedin Clubs 15 Hits in 7-4 Victory By Craig Durham 05/25/2012 10:35 PM ET DUNEDIN, FL - Casey Lawrence allowed one run on five hits over six strong innings and the Dunedin Blue Jays improved to 31-17 with a 7-4 victory over the Brevard County Manatees on Friday night at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. On a night when the fans set a record for the most people blowing a bubble gum bubble at the same time, the Blue Jays offense made sure it was the main attraction for the first half of the game. Trailing 1-0 heading to the bottom of the 2nd, Dunedin staged a one out rally that led to three runs on three hits and put the home team ahead for good. Koby Clemens started things with a single, and he scored on a Kenen Bailli double off the wall in left. Two batters later Gabe Jacobo doubled to the corner in left, and in an instant the Blue Jays had taken a 3-1 lead. Brevard County starter Jed Bradley struggled mightily as the night progressed, and the D-Jays just kept the offense coming. Last year's 15th overall pick allowed a run in the fourth, and another in the fifth when Kenen Bailli knocked him out of the game with the Blue Jays 12th hit of the night. Lawrence was efficient all night long, and the right-hander from McSherrystown, Pennsylvania finished the night with no walks and three strikeouts in his six innings of work. He improved to 4-0 on the season and allowed just one earned run for the third consecutive start. In his last three starts Lawrence has worked 20 innings and allowed just three runs on 14 hits while striking out 16 and walking just one. Offensive highlights on the night included a 2-5, 2 RBI performance from Gabe Jacobo and a 2-4, 2 RBI performance from Kenen Bailli. Every Blue Jay in the starting lineup collected at least one hit, and six finished the game with two hits each. The Blue Jays will give the ball to Asher Wojciechowski on Saturday night as they look to win their third straight overall and their fifth straight against Brevard County. Dunedin is 6-1 against the Manatees so far in 2012.

Final: Brevard County 4, Dunedin 7 Brevard County Box Score Jed Bradley struggled a bit in his first game back off the DL. He gave up 12 hits and hit a batter. On the bright side, he didn't walk anyone so it looks like he was throwing strikes. His final line: 4.2 IP, 12H, 5R, 4ER, 0BB, 2K. Reggie Keen stayed hot with three more hits tonight. He now has eight hits in the last three games. Shea Vucinich extended his hitting streak to seven games and has hit safely in eight of his last nine. Newly promoted Parker Berberet doubled in his first at bat as a Manatee after entering the game in the sixth inning. Nick Shaw committed his 10th error of the season, a 4th inning throwing error, allowing an unearned run to score. He also had two hits, including a double and an RBI. The damage for Bradley could have been worse as Brian Garman came on in relief of Bradley and gave up a single, but Franklin Romero Jr. gunned down Koby Clemens at the plate to end the fifth inning. Having watched Romero the past couple years in Appleton, I can attest to the fact that he has a cannon for an arm in right field. Brevard County Play By Play The Manatees tried to rally in the 8th Brevard County Top of the 8th T. J. Mittelstaedt walks. Shawn Zarraga walks. T. J. Mittelstaedt to 2nd. Mike Walker grounds out to first baseman Gabe Jacobo. T. Mittelstaedt to 3rd. Shawn Zarraga to 2nd. Reggie Keen singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jonathan Jones. T. Mittelstaedt scores. Shawn Zarraga to 3rd. Reggie Keen to 2nd on the throw. Pitcher Change: Bryan Longpre replaces Shawn Griffith. Miguel Velazquez out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Kenen Bailli. Shawn Zarraga scores. Reggie Keen to 3rd. Parker Berberet called out on strikes.

Hey guys, as Tedaltada mentioned I'm going to be filling in for him tonight and tomorrow with the Brevard and Nashville games. Go easy on me. Been reading the site for a long time and figured it was time to start contributing. I spent the day down in Appleton at the D3 World Series, so I'm just settling in and caught the tail end of the Manatees game. I'll get the updates posted up here in a bit.