Ro Mueller

That’s a terrific Link Report. Thank you Senor Julio.

Last year, the International League scored 16.4% fewer runs and had an OPS 8.3% lower than the PCL. The average OPS in the International League in 2021 was .743, but that should rise this year assuming pitchers no longer need to hit: 2015 – PCL 4.73 R/G, .750 OPS; IL 3.97 R/G, .689 OPS 2016 – PCL 4.78 R/G, .751 OPS; IL 3.96 R/G, .697 OPS 2017 – PCL 5.05 R/G, .774 OPS; IL 4.24 R/G, .719 OPS 2018 – PCL 4.97 R/G, .763 OPS; IL 4.16 R/G, .709 OPS 2019 – PCL 5.85 R/G, .831 OPS; IL 5.16 R/G, .787 OPS 2021 – PCL 5.74 R/G, .810 OPS; IL 4.80 R/G, .743 OPS

Last year, the International League scored 16.4% fewer runs and had an OPS 8.3% lower than the PCL. The average OPS in the International League in 2021 was .743, but that should rise this year assuming pitchers no longer need to hit: 2015 – PCL 4.73 R/G, .750 OPS; IL 3.97 R/G, .689 OPS 2016 – PCL 4.78 R/G, .751 OPS; IL 3.96 R/G, .697 OPS 2017 – PCL 5.05 R/G, .774 OPS; IL 4.24 R/G, .719 OPS 2018 – PCL 4.97 R/G, .763 OPS; IL 4.16 R/G, .709 OPS 2019 – PCL 5.85 R/G, .831 OPS; IL 5.16 R/G, .787 OPS 2021 – PCL 5.74 R/G, .810 OPS; IL 4.80 R/G, .743 OPS

Thank you. I know it’s a long shot, but also wanted to give some appreciation to the AAA guys. Usually the only meaningful older position player contract selections we make are utility types (Hernan, Sogard, Jace, etc.), but this crop at least appears more intriguing. Weston should have more to offer as a future big leaguer than Nate Orf did back in the day, while I believe that Singleton, Dahl and White are more talented than our customary AAA set.

Thank you. I know it’s a long shot, but also wanted to give some appreciation to the AAA guys. Usually the only meaningful older position player contract selections we make are utility types (Hernan, Sogard, Jace, etc.), but this crop at least appears more intriguing. Weston should have more to offer as a future big leaguer than Nate Orf did back in the day, while I believe that Singleton, Dahl and White are more talented than our customary AAA set.

Thank you. I know it’s a long shot, but also wanted to give some appreciation to the AAA guys. Usually the only meaningful older position player contract selections we make are utility types (Hernan, Sogard, Jace, etc.), but this crop at least appears more intriguing. Weston should have more to offer as a future big leaguer than Nate Orf did back in the day, while I believe that Singleton, Dahl and White are more talented than our customary AAA set.

Thank you. I know it’s a long shot, but also wanted to give some appreciation to the AAA guys. Usually the only meaningful older position player contract selections we make are utility types (Hernan, Sogard, Jace, etc.), but this crop at least appears more intriguing. Weston should have more to offer as a future big leaguer than Nate Orf did back in the day, while I believe that Singleton, Dahl and White are more talented than our customary AAA set.

If the Brewers are looking for instant offense, they’re in luck. Five veteran players at AAA Nashville have broken out as top early-season performers, ready to step up and produce in Milwaukee. From sadness that .395-hitting (in AA in 1987) LaVel Freeman never became an MLB regular to anger at the 1995 release of AL Rookie of the Month Troy O’Leary and frustration at the 2013-14 failure to promote .328-hitting Eugenio Velez to allow the poor man to break his 0-for-46 MLB hitless streak, some of us spend a disproportionate amount of time pulling for Brewers’ fringe players (and Curtis Pride, but that was a more fulfilling story). But if there’s a charity case today, it’s the Brewers’ woeful offense, not our crop of “AAAA” veterans we have playing in Nashville. Here’s how that Brewer offense stacks up after nine games: 25th in OPS (.618) 28th in runs per game (2.78) 29th in home runs per game (0.56) With at least one open 40-man MLB roster spot, 15-person pitching staff, and optionable position players like Mike Brosseau and Keston Hiura, why not roll the dice on two or three of our hottest hitters in AAA? Remember, these are non-roster guys who actually played a full spring training and are now into grooves that might benefit our slumping offense. Without further ado, here are the top five early-season Sounds hitters that are just a phone call away from flying to Milwaukee to bolster the parent squad: David Dahl – OF – Left-Handed Hitter – 28 years old Are you tired of seeing the Brewers send out two right-handed hitting outfielders against opposing right-handed starters? Have you already given up hope of Hunter Renfroe coming through in the clutch against an opposing righty? Former Colorado Rockies’ 2019 All-Star outfielder David Dahl may be the man for you. Despite a Covid-disaster 2020 in Colorado (.470 OPS in 99 PAs) and similarly disappointing 2021 in Texas, Fanatic excitement around Dahl grew steadily with his August 2021 signing and .911 OPS in AAA Nashville, ultimately peaking with the December trade of fellow left-handed hitter Jackie Bradley Jr. With only one left-handed outfield bat (Yelich) remaining in an ocean of righties (Renfroe, Cain, McCutchen, Taylor), Dahl entered spring training with at least a chance to earn an MLB roster spot. Of course, such roster spots are not served on a silver platter, and while Hiura and Tyrone Taylor starred in 2022 spring training, Dahl put together a dismal .538 OPS in 16 plate appearances. But c’mon, the man just needed to shake off some rust. After a 2-for-19 start to the AAA season with no extra-base hits or RBIs, he’s 6-for-12 in his last three games, with two home runs, a double, and 7 RBIs. Mr. Dahl’s 2022 OPS in AAA is now up to a solid .808, and he’s ready to contribute on the big stage. Weston Wilson – IF/OF – Right-Handed Hitter – 27 years old The always-good, never-great 2016 17th round draft pick Wilson never seemed to make any prospect lists but consistently progressed nonetheless: 2016 - .887 OPS at Advanced Rookie Helena 2017 - .842 OPS at Low-A Wisconsin 2018 - .777 OPS at High-A Carolina 2019 - .739 OPS at AA Biloxi Then after the lost 2020 season, Wilson stepped into AAA Nashville in 2021 and showed more power than expected: 16 home runs in 246 plate appearances, with a .902 OPS before having his season cut short in early August due to thoracic outlet syndrome. With his consistent production, burgeoning power, and ability to play all over the field (2021: 20 starts at first base, 11 at shortstop, eight at second base, eight in the outfield, six at third base), some of us wondered whether an MLB club would take a flyer on Wilson in the offseason Rule 5 draft. But that draft was canceled for the first time since 1891. How’s Mr. Wilson performing through his first eight games at AAA Nashville this year?: .375 AVG / .464 OBP / .583 SLG through 28 plate appearances 9-for-24 with one home run and two doubles eight runs scored and 6 RBIs four walks vs. six strikeouts five starts at third base, one at second base, one at first base Whether it’s a Mike Brosseau swap or replacing Keston Hiura with a right-handed-hitting utility player (who hits better than Pablo Reyes), Weston Wilson is fully prepped to help the Brewers immediately. Jon Singleton – 1B – Left-Handed Hitter – 30 years old While perhaps not on the level of the remarkable comebacks of Josh Hamilton, Rick Ankiel, and Darryl Strawberry, a return to the majors for Jon Singleton would undoubtedly garner a solid bit of media attention. A former can’t-miss prospect who reportedly signed the first-ever extension by a drafted prospect with no major league service time (guaranteed $10 million, up to $35 million five year contract with the Astros in June 2014), Singleton made his major league debut as a 22-year old shortly after that, mashing 13 home runs over the remainder of that season. However, despite a solid 2015 in AAA, he struggled in his MLB opportunities, hitting .192 with one home run in 58 plate appearances, and was remarkably outrighted by November 2016, suspended 100 games in January 2018 for a third positive drug test (the first two were for marijuana in 2012) and released in May 2018. Singleton’s last organized baseball game was on September 4, 2017, before playing for Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Mexican League on June 8, 2021. Oh, how’d he perform en La Ciudad de Mexico? He posted a 1.196 OPS with 15 home runs in 137 at-bats, with 51 walks and 50 strikeouts. Wowsers! So much for easing back into it! The Brewers signed Singleton in December 2021, and he’s been an immediate success in AAA Nashville, producing a .859 OPS over his first 38 plate appearances, including two doubles, a triple, two home runs, and six RBIs. Though he’s only drawn three walks against ten strikeouts thus far, this likely isn’t a concern if you look at his terrific BB/K ratios from 2014-2017 and 2021. Could Mr. Singleton be the instant offense that the Brewers require? Or would it be impossible to pair him with left-handed-hitting Rowdy Tellez, forcing either Andrew McCutchen or Renfroe to the bench? Tyler White – 1B – Right-Handed Hitter – 31 years old As Jon Singleton faded out of Houston’s plans, Tyler White tried to step into the void. A 33rd-round pick in 2013, White efficiently worked his way to the big leagues, having his contract selected in April 2016 and hitting eight home runs in 276 plate appearances that season. After limited MLB action in 2017, White returned in a big way in 2018, putting up a 140+ OPS in 237 plate appearances, with 12 home runs. Unfortunately for him, he disappointed in 2019, was designated for assignment in June, and struggled with the Dodgers as well, being outrighted in February 2020. White regained his form at AAA Buffalo in 2021, with a .292 AVG / .424 OBP / .476 SLG in 353 plate appearances, including 13 home runs, 80 walks, and only 73 strikeouts, but didn’t get the promotion to the Blue Jays. Though his 2022 start has not been other-worldly (.211 AVG / .375 OBP / .579 SLG in 24 plate appearances), perhaps Mr. White is the right-handed hitting platoon partner that the Brewers need at first base if Keston Hiura can’t quite put it together yet. Mark Mathias – IF/OF – Right-Handed Hitter – 27 years old I admit I was baffled when the Brewers traded a catching prospect and gave a 40-man roster spot in November 2019 to a 25-year infielder who’d only posted one encouraging OPS in his previous three seasons. But of course, the “In Stearns We Trust” motto runs deep, so I didn’t doubt the move. Mathias then appeared to be a serviceable utility man for Craig Counsell’s 2020 squad, though in limited action (16 games, 36 plate appearances, mainly in the outfield) and was poised for a potentially bigger role in 2021 before a March shoulder injury shelved him for the entire season. Designated for assignment in November 2021 and not claimed by any other club, Mr. Mathias is now doing his best to remind Brewers’ brass of why they grabbed him in the first place, with an early season .350 AVG / .435 OPS / .550 SLG through 23 plate appearances, all in the infield. While Mathias doesn’t offer the pop of Weston Wilson, could his prior MLB experience playing for Manager Counsell give him a selection advantage What do you think? Who should be the first position player called up to Milwaukee from our minors system in 2022? View full article

As tantalizing of a prospect as that is, I'm guessing they'll want to see Hedbert Perez and Hendry Mendez start hitting first. They also have players like Alejandro Marte, Reidy Mercado and Eduarqui Fernandez which could get promoted if they're ready. Let's see!

As tantalizing of a prospect as that is, I'm guessing they'll want to see Hedbert Perez and Hendry Mendez start hitting first. They also have players like Alejandro Marte, Reidy Mercado and Eduarqui Fernandez which could get promoted if they're ready. Let's see!

Pretty shallow fly ball to test him on! Back at it tonight. I'm also curious who'll get the Sunday start for the Rattlers, since Shook came on in relief on Friday night. Joey Matulovich? Antoine Kelly to get two starts in the same week?

Pretty shallow fly ball to test him on! Back at it tonight. I'm also curious who'll get the Sunday start for the Rattlers, since Shook came on in relief on Friday night. Joey Matulovich? Antoine Kelly to get two starts in the same week?

@BrewersPD added a video of RHP TJ Shook's dominating form for Wisconsin: ...as well as just-turned-18 CF Jackson Chourio hitting dingers in extended spring training:

@BrewersPD added a video of RHP TJ Shook's dominating form for Wisconsin: ...as well as just-turned-18 CF Jackson Chourio hitting dingers in extended spring training:

Thanks! Let’s give the fanatics what they want!

Thanks! Let’s give the fanatics what they want!

We’re so hitter-heavy, so I doubt it as we’ll just see hitters moving up and down like usual. We probably need Antoine Kelly to dominate and then guys like Justin Bullock, Victor Castaneda and/or Miguel Segura to emerge as potential studs. I don’t think they’ll put much stock in relievers like Uribe, Floyd, Robinson, etc.

We’re so hitter-heavy, so I doubt it as we’ll just see hitters moving up and down like usual. We probably need Antoine Kelly to dominate and then guys like Justin Bullock, Victor Castaneda and/or Miguel Segura to emerge as potential studs. I don’t think they’ll put much stock in relievers like Uribe, Floyd, Robinson, etc.

Shuckers are now 7-0. Lazar & Shook throw a combined shutout for the Rattlers. Sounds go 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position, lose close one. Mudcats are routed Friday’s games saw frustration for the Sounds, domination from expected places (Biloxi Shuckers; Wisconsin’s RHP Max Lazar) and take-note performances from the relatively-unheralded RHP TJ Shook, DH/C Brent Diaz and RHP Brannon Jordan. After a barrage of homers across the squads on Thursday, only Diaz connected this night, but it was a grand salami ?. Transactions: None Game Action: Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Fredericksburg 14, Carolina 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: ‘Cats Commit Five Errors in 14-1 Loss Fans of the young Mudcats should expect fair shares of awesome, good, bad and ugly this year, with this game falling into the latter category. After again taking the early lead, Fredericksburg quickly reversed it in the same inning and piled on from there. But hey, each squad tallied 8 hits, so if not for the 10 walks, 5 wild pitches, 1 hit batsman, 5 errors and hitting into 3 double plays, we could have been right in this game. Right? ? We start in the top of the first, where DH Jeferson Quero singled and advanced on an error, ground out and wild pitch to give the Mudcats a 1-0 lead. But that didn’t last long, as RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez loaded the bases with two hits and a hit-by-pitch, then a 1B Jesus Chirinos error and a wild pitch allowed 2 runs to score. The second inning saw 3B Alberis Ferrer’s night-to-forget unravel, hitting into a double play, then committing his first of his 3 errors on the night. Rodriguez was removed after giving up a home run and two singles in the frame, throwing 48 pitches on the night. LHP Karlos Morales came in with 2-on and 1-out, but the Ferrer error and a ground out allowed both inherited runners to score. 5-1 Nationals. The Nationals added 2 more in the 3rd inning on 2 wild pitches, a walk, and a single, then 1 more run in the 4th inning on an error and a passed ball. 8-1 Nats. By this point, Carolina’s bright spot had already entered the game. RHP Brannon Jordan covered the 4th through 7th innings in exceptional fashion: no hits, 4 walks, 8 strikeouts, 1 run that I swear was unearned. Unfortunately, the Mudcats’ bats did not wake up in spite of Jordan’s terrific effort. Then LHP Jakob Brustoski tried to handle the 8th inning, but instead simply opened the turnstile: 4 walks, a double, a homer, and a wild pitch to give up 6 earned runs before handing over to LHP Pablo Garabitos, who mercifully ended the carnage. It is worth noting that Mudcat pitchers did win the strikeout battle of the evening, K’ing 13 Nationals in 8 innings of challenging work. Tomorrow will be a better day, young men. Lace ‘em up! Performances of Note: Micah Bello – 2-3, walk Jheremy Vargas – 2-4 Jose Sibrian – 2-4 Carlos F. Rodriguez (Loss) – 1 1/3 innings, 5 runs (4 earned), 2 Ks Brannon Jordan – 4.0 innings, 1 run (unearned though the box score presently says otherwise), 8 Ks Saturday’s outlook: Expect RHPs Edwin Jimenez and Israel Puello to cover most innings, as the Mudcats try to mount a comeback from their 3-1 series deficit against Fredericksburg. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 2, Beloit 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Win Fifth Straight on 2-0 Shutout at Beloit The Timber Rattlers and Beloit Sky Carp played a much crisper game (no hit-by-pitches, wild pitches, or passed balls), though with limited offense. The story in Beloit was the duo of RHPs Max Lazar and TJ Shook, who combined to throw 87 strikes in 121 pitches, allowing just 2 hits, one walk, and no runs. In the top of the first inning, LF Carlos D. Rodriguez (single, stolen base) and C Wes Clarke (RBI single to left field) produced the only run that Lazar and Shook would actually require. 1-0 Timber Rattlers. Lazar then went to work, allowing only 1 of 13 batters to reach base over 4 innings. That was a 1-out double in the first inning, which thankfully went for naught. Given the early season passes issued by our major leaguers, it’s terrific to see a Brewers’ hurler not give up any walks, systematically destroying the opposition while throwing in the zone. However, don’t expect Lazar to get the quick promotion to AA Biloxi just yet, as he’s still ramping up after a long injury, throwing just 50 pitches this evening. If Beloit was thinking they’d have better success post-Lazar’s exit, TJ Shook crushed that dream quite readily, striking out the first two batters he faced. In fact, only three Sky Carp managed to reach base against Shook over five innings (5th inning infield hit, 6th inning walk, 9th inning error). His most amazing stretch was five consecutive strikeouts from the 6th to 8th innings, all swinging. In all, no Beloit hitter so much as reached 3rd base on the evening. Way to go Max and TJ! Rattler bats were relatively quiet this night, producing only three hits. But that last hit was a 9th inning RBI single by DH Darrien Miller, driving home RF Joe Gray Jr. who had walked and stolen 2nd base. That 2-0 lead was more than enough cushion for Shook to finish the job and earn the win. We’d be remiss not to recognize the solid game thrown by Beloit’s 20-year-old LHP starter Dax Fulton, who had to wear the loss despite giving up just 1 run and 2 hits over 5 1/3 innings Performances of Note: Wes Clarke – 1-3, walk, RBI Darrien Miller – 1-4, RBI Carlos D. Rodriguez – 1-4, SB Max Lazar – 4.0 innings, 0 ER, 4 Ks TJ Shook (Win) – 5.0 innings, 0 ER, 10 Ks Saturday’s outlook: RHP Brandon Knarr is on the hill after being unlucky his first time out (a loss despite yielding 1 run in 5 2/3 innings), as the Timber Rattlers seek a 6th straight win. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 7, Mississippi 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shuckers Slam Their Way to Seventh Straight Win Another boring, ho-hum victory for the Biloxi Shuckers, their 7th in a row to start the season? Not quite, actually. This one featured a grand slam for the Shuckers and constant traffic against Biloxi pitchers, as the Mississippi Braves left 11 runners on base in the game. After the Braves stranded two runners in the top of the first against Biloxi RHP Tyler Herb, the Shuckers grabbed the lead in the bottom half via a 3B Ashton McGee single to drive in 2B Felix Valerio. While Herb settled in from there, Braves’ RHP Darius Vines got a little wild in the 3rd inning, with a wild pitch scoring Valerio (10 runs in seven games for Super Felix!) and walks to McGee (full-count) and LF Tristen Lutz (four pitches) to load the bases. Then DH Brent Diaz entered the box expecting a first-pitch strike and sent it high and deep into the dark left-field night. Grand Slam! 6-0 Shuckers. More highlights -- Brent Diaz – 2-3, HR, HBP, 4 RBIs Ashton McGee – 1-2, 2 walks, RBI Garrett Mitchell – 1-3, walk Tyler Herb – 4.0 innings, 2 runs (1 earned), 4 Ks Luis Contreras (Win) – 3.0 innings, 0 ER, 3 Ks Harold Chirino + Lucas Erceg – combined 2.0 innings, 1 ER, 4 Ks Saturday’s outlook: RHP Victor Castaneda (1.93 ERA in 4.0 innings) is scheduled for his 2nd start in 2022, as the Shuckers try for an 8th consecutive win to start the season. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Gwinnett 2, Nashville 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details: Missed Opportunities Doom Sounds in Gwinnett With several regulars on the bench as part of early-season roster shuffling, the Sounds just could not collect a key hit in this tough loss to the Stripers, going a hard-to-comprehend zero-for-18 with runners in scoring position. But let’s give credit to Gwinnett, who struck out 15 Nashville batters and threw out a runner at home which would have given the Sounds an 8th inning lead. RHP Josh Lindblom was his usual solid self, as he undoubtedly wonders when he’ll get his next chance in the majors. He scattered 5 hits and 2 walks across 5 1/3 innings, with the Stripers knocking in one run in the bottom of the 5th inning. Lindblom did not allow lead-off doubles in the 1st inning or 4th inning to result in any damage and did well to escape the 5th inning with only the one run allowed, getting two infield outs to strand 2 runners. Now about those Sounds’ hitters. Despite a 3B Mark Mathias walk and C Mario Feliciano single giving the team 1st and 3rd with one out in the 2nd inning, DH Alex Jackson and LF Dustin Peterson could not knock a run in. The 3rd and 5th innings saw SS Andruw Monasterio stranded at 2nd base despite reaching there with no outs and 1 out, respectively. And in the 6th inning, 1B Tyler White was left stuck at 2nd base. LHP Rex Brothers finished off the 6th inning for Lindblom, before the Sounds knotted it up in the 7th inning on a walk and an error. However, as was the theme of the night, Nashville was unable to add a second run even though Monasterio had stolen 3rd base with just one out, as CF Garrett Whitley struck out on three pitches and RF Abraham Almonte grounded out. RHP Zack Brown pitched a clean bottom of the 7th inning before the Sounds faced more pain in the 8th. A lead-off single by White and ground-rule double by Mathias had Nashville poised to take the lead and potentially blow the game open. Instead, Feliciano grounded out to first (on a nice defensive play with the infield in) and Jackson flew out to right, with Gwinnett RF Justin Dean throwing a strike home to double up White at the plate. Performances of Note: Mark Mathias – 1-2, double, 2 walks Dustin Peterson – 1-3, double, walk Andruw Monasterio – 1-3, walk, 3 SBs Tyler White – 1-3, HBP Josh Lindblom – 5 1/3 innings, 1 ER, 4 Ks Rex Brothers + Zach Brown – combined 1 2/3 innings, 0 ER, 2 Ks Miguel Sanchez (Loss) – 1.0 inning, 1 ER, 1 K Saturday’s outlook: LHP Ethan Small makes his third start, as Nashville looks to take a 3-2 series lead in Gwinnett, while regulars Brice Turang, David Dahl and Weston Wilson will likely return to the line-up. Unfortunately, when three of the four affiliates are on the road, we may end up with more embedded Twitter highlights from the opposition, so let me balance that by adding this video of LHP Russell Smith dominating Beloit on Thursday evening: We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Good luck this weekend, Brewers’ affiliates. View full article

Rattlers sweep a doubleheader. Shuckers move to 6-0. Sounds win a close one, Mudcats lose on a walk-off. Forget the organizational prospect rankings and look at the standings: AAA Nashville Sounds – 6-3 – 2nd place AA Biloxi Shuckers – 6-0 – 1st place High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers – 5-1 – 1st place Low-A Carolina Mudcats – 4-2 – 2nd place Aggregate: 21-6 – Best in the World Thursday’s minor league action saw a strong debut from LHP Russell Smith, a 4-4 Felix Valerio night (with a home run), a game-winning homer by C Darrien Miller, first blasts of the season for Joey Wiemer, Joe Gray Jr., Micah Bello, Alberis Ferrer, and Brent Diaz, a continued resurgence by David Dahl and welcome returns to full action by three players we were concerned about (Garrett Mitchell, Ashton McGee, Oswel Leones). Transactions: RHP Matt Hardy activated by AAA Nashville Sounds RHP J.T. Hintzen transferred to AA Biloxi Shuckers from AAA Nashville Sounds, so he can finally get some playing time RHP Justin Bullock placed on AA Biloxi Shuckers’ 7-day disabled list retroactive to April 13th On to the Game Action: Final: Fredericksburg 7, Carolina 6 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details, please review: House and FredNats Walk Off Mudcats 7-6 Despite their usual hot start, the Mudcats could not hold on to leads of 4-0 (5th inning) and 6-3 (7th inning), giving up three walks and a walk-off 2-run single with one out in the 9th to fall this time. Rare off nights from Eduardo Garcia and Jheremy Vargas couldn’t slow down the Mudcat offense, which started with an Albert Cipion 2-run single in the 3rd inning and Micah Bello 2-run homer in the 4th inning. RHP Ryne Moore was dominant through 4 shutout innings before faltering to give up a solo shot in the 5th, two more runs in the 6th inning, and not retiring a batter in the 7th. The runs stained Moore’s final line, but he exited with the lead, and the underlying metrics weren’t too bad: 6.0 innings, five hits, five earned runs, one walk, two hit by pitches, two wild pitches, and five strikeouts. An Alberis Ferrer 2-run homer had extended the lead to 6-3 in the 7th inning before Fredericksburg clawed back those two runs in the 7th to keep it tight at 6-5 Mudcats. RHP Christian Tripp covered two strong innings, yielding no runs (with one hit and three strikeouts) to set up RHP Trevor Tietz for the potential save. Unfortunately, after striking out the opening batter in the bottom of the 9th inning, Tietz gave up three consecutive, excruciating full-count walks before a 2-run opposite-field single to right field by 18-year old Nats’ prospect Brady House gave Fredericksburg the walk-off win and a 2-1 series lead against the Mudcats. Performances of Note: Micah Bello – 2-3, HR, walk, 2 RBIs Hendry Mendez – 2-3, walk Alberis Ferrer – 1-2, HR, 2 walks, 2 RBIs Arbert Cipion – 1-3, walk, 2 RBIs, SB Ryne Moore – 6.0 innings, 5 ER, 5 Ks Christian Tripp – 2.0 innings, 0 ER, 3 Ks Trevor Tietz (Loss) – 1/3 inning, 2 ER Friday’s outlook: Expect the tag team of RHP Brannon Jordan and RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez to stifle Frederickburg’s bat to even the series at two games apiece. *** First Game Final: Wisconsin 1, Beloit 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details, please review: Miller’s Late Homer Drops Sky Carp in Game One If you’re a fan of exceptional pitching, this was the game for you, as Wisconsin’s Russell Smith went toe-to-toe with Beloit’s Pat Monteverde, neither yielding a run nor even blinking over the first 4+ innings. In all, six pitchers covered the seven innings for the two clubs, giving up a combined one run and six hits while striking out 16 batters. Yes, the Rattler bats were a bit sleepy in this one, striking out ten times. However, the team still had solid chances, unable to convert bases loaded 2nd inning or leadoff 5th inning double (Darrien Miller) into runs before Miller took matters into his own hands in the top of the 7th and final inning. With one down and a 2-0 count, Miller blasted his second home run of the season, this one to right field for the game's only run. Have we told you before that this Timber Rattlers team is strong? Manager Joe Ayrault was undoubtedly spoiled for choice selecting between studs Cam Robinson, James Meeker, or Kent Hasler to close it out after an impressive 2-inning scoreless bridge provided by RHP Zach Mort in his first appearance of the young season. The call this time went to Meeker, who induced two groundouts and a fly ball to left to close out a clean save. Performances of Note: Darrien Miller – 2-2, HR, double, RBI Ernesto Martinez – 1-3 Carlos D. Rodriguez – 1-3 Russell Smith – 4.0 innings, 0 ER, 4 Ks Zach Mort (Win) – 2.0 innings, 0 ER, 2 Ks James Meeker (Save) – 1.0 inning, 0 ER *** Second Game Final: Wisconsin 7, Beloit 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details, please review: Gray Drives in Four for Wisconsin in Game Two Win at Beloit Wisconsin’s bats got an earlier start in this one, with Joe Gray Jr. breaking out of his early-season mini-slump in fine fashion. A Sal Frelick single drove in Ethan Murray in the 3rd inning before Gray’s 2-run double opened up a nice lead. Oh, wait, Gray also scored on his own double due to a catcher error. Let’s call it a little league homer. ? 4-0 Timber Rattlers’ lead through 3 innings. Starting pitcher, RHP Justin Jarvis cruised through the Beloit line-up the first time through 9-up and 9-down with four strikeouts. Unfortunately, things went a bit south for Jarvis, with two 4th inning walks and a single allowing Beloit to get back into the game at 4-2. This continued in the 5th inning, with a single and home run (by Marlins’ prospect David Bradshaw) tying it up 4-4 and Jarvis giving way to RHP Cristian Sierra for his first action of the year. Remember Joe Ayrault’s bullpen? Yeah, good luck scoring on them. Sierra threw 1.2 innings, striking out 3 to keep it knotted up, entering the 7th and final inning and Joe Gray Jr.’s heroics. Two strikeouts sandwiched a Yeison Coca single before Carlos D. Rodriguez reached on a well-timed (or ill-timed if you’re Beloit) throwing error from short. Enter Gray: called strike, called strike, foul ball, foul ball, 3-run home run to left-center field. Woo hoo! 7-4 Rattlers. Back to the bullpen, and RHP Cam Robinson got the call to close out this one, not allowing a ball out to leave the infield. That’s Robinson’s 2nd save of the year. Performances of Note: Joe Gray Jr. – 2-4, HR, double, 4 RBIs Zavier Warren – 2-4 Yeison Coca – 1-2, walk, SB Ethan Murray – 1-2, walk, SB Sal Frelick – 1-3, walk, RBI Ernesto Martinez – 1-3 Justin Jarvis – 4 1/3 innings, four earned runs, 5 Ks Cristian Sierra (Win) – 1 2/3 innings, 0 ER, 3 Ks Cam Robinson (Save) – 1.0 inning, 0 ER, 2 Ks Friday’s outlook: RHP Max Lazar makes his second start of the season and will not disappoint. Expect RHP fire-baller Kent Hasler to close it out if needed. *** Final: Biloxi 8, Mississippi 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details, please review: Biloxi Slugs Three Home Runs, Pitching Stifles M-Braves in 8-1 Victory You’ve got to love a game where everything comes into place. From the relief of seeing CF Garrett Mitchell and 3B Ashton McGee healthy and back in the starting line-up, to knowing you’ve got always-dominant LHP Andy Otero on the mound and finally jumping out to a 4-0 lead by the 3rd inning. Felix Valerio and Joey Wiemer got things started quickly for the Shuckers with a 2-run home run (his first of the year) scoring Valerio after his single. Brent Diaz then doubled in Cam Devanney in the 2nd inning and Thomas Dillard drilled a double to score Valerio in the 3rd inning to extend the lead to 4-0. As for Otero, he cruised through four scoreless innings, not allowing any runner to reach 2nd base, before giving up two doubles and a run in the 5th inning. Felix Valerio added his third hit of the night in the bottom of that frame, but the squad wasn’t able to knock him in this time. Have no fear, a Gabe Holt single, Devanney double and Diaz homer extended the lead back to 7-1 in the 6th inning. Not quite content, Valerio decided to score himself by opening the 7th inning with a solo shot to left center for his 3rd home run of the year, giving us the final score of 8-1. With Biloxi advancing to 6-0, could there be any downside on the day? Well yes, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels were also winners, leaving the Shuckers and Mighty Mussels as the only undefeated teams in MLB or MILB. Of course, Brewers’ affiliates won’t be playing Fort Myers anytime this year, but something tells me our new cyber overloads (hail thee, hail thee) are keeping a close eye on the Twins’ affiliate. Via WXXV: Additional highlights: Performances of Note: Felix Valerio – 4-4, HR, RBI Brent Diaz – 2-4, HR, double, 3 RBIs Joey Wiemer – 1-3, HR, walk, 2 RBIs Thomas Dillard – 1-3, double, walk, RBI Cam Devanney – 1-4, double, RBI Andy Otero (Win) – 5.0 innings, 1 ER, 4 Ks Robbie Hitt – 2.0 innings, 0 ER, 2 Ks J.T. Hintzen + Zach Vennaro – combined 2.0 innings, 0 ER, 3 Ks Friday’s outlook: With Justin Bullock injured, RHP Tyler Herb makes his first start of the year, as the Shuckers will extend their record to 7-0. *** Final: Nashville 5, Gwinnett 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details, please review: Quick Start Leads Nashville to Another Win at Gwinnett Exploding to a 4-run lead in the 1st inning, then keeping it a close contest into the 9th inning is not a bad way to entertain the fans, even if they’re road fans and you’re actually just tormenting them ?. David Dahl knocked in the first run with a single, followed by Weston Wilson driving in another with a double, then a wild pitch and Corey Ray single extending the lead to 4-0. Undeterred, the Stripers answered back with a 2-run shot by Braves’ AAAA RF Travis Demeritte in the bottom of the frame to set the affair at 4-2. Sounds’ RHP Jason Alexander and Gwinnett reliever then settled in for three scoreless innings apiece, before each team added a run in the 5th inning, with Weston Wilson driving in his second run of the night on a base hit and the Striper stringing two hits together to keep it close at 5-3. A Pablo Reyes double in the 6th inning and Alex Jackson lead-off single in the 8th inning were not converted into runs, while the Sounds’ middle inning relievers were formidable: no hits and only one walk given up by Connor Sadzeck, J.C. Mejia, Thomas Jankins. Gwinnett nearly made the most of their final chance in the 9th inning, leading off with a Ryan Casteel homer, then coaxing a 1-out walk. But of course, RHP Pete Strzelecki responded to the pressure, with consecutive full-count strikeouts to end the game 5-4 for the Sounds’ second consecutive close win. Performances of Note: Weston Wilson – 2-4, double, 2 RBIs David Dahl – 2-4, RBI Pablo Reyes – 1-4, double Corey Ray – 1-4, RBI Brice Turang – 1-4, walk Jason Alexander (Win) – 5.0 innings, 3 ER, 3 Ks Connor Sadzeck, JC Mejia, Thomas Jankins – combined 3.0 innings, 0 ER, 4 Ks Pete Strzelecki (Save) – 1.0 inning, 1 ER, 2 Ks Friday’s outlook: RHP Josh Lindblom makes his second start of the year, as Manager Rick Sweet must again juggle his vast roster of early season players to win a 3rd straight game over Gwinnett. Friday April 15th: Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Thank you all for reading my first-ever Brewers’ Minor League Link Report in the new format. I’ll try it again tomorrow, before handing it over to @Mass Haas for the weekend. Enjoy the games! View full article

Tough news on Noah Campbell, but glad to hear that the now-mysterious Alec Bettinger is healthy.

Tough news on Noah Campbell, but glad to hear that the now-mysterious Alec Bettinger is healthy.