Joseph Zarr

Boy, did Eddy Alvarez lay down a beauty of a bunt down the 3B line - unexpected, I would add. He sends Devanney to 3B and the wild throw sends Devanney Home. 4-0 Sounds. Let's Go, men! Let's get game #3 of this series and take a 2-1 lead.

Gasser 2nd inning: Nasty breaking ball grabs the very dangerous OF Jerar Encarnacion on an 0-2 count. K. Nasty breaking ball on a 1-2 count cuts the inner stripe. Just plum nasty. K. Falls to 2-0 on a fastball down and in. The breaking ball is earning the paycheck today grabs inside corner to 2-1 the count. Misses another nasty breaking ball what might have missed (if it did - several strikes lead me to believe the ABS may not be working?) by 2" called a ball high. Misses inner stripe on an inside breaker. 3-2 WALK. Gets ahead 0-2. Foul. Induces a shallow liner on another inside breaking ball - Reed corrals easily.

This is what I needed to hear, partner. <insert Clint Eastwood hat tip gif here>

Hey now! OF Jesse Winker hits a first pitch liner just over the ascending wall in RF. 3-0 Sounds. Nice to see from Winker!

Gasser's first inning: Two pitch fly out to RF (0-1 count) Five pitch walk Two pitch weak chopper directly to 2B (0-1 count) - Alvarez makes a very weird play look very easy (it wasn't - bless his athletic prowess).

AND OF Roman Quinn walks the bases full. OF Monte Harrison will try to do some damage here. This could be a big big moment in Game 2. Well, that was unfortunate. Harrison ripped a 100 mph dart up the middle - directly off the foot of the pitcher. The ball ricocheted a good 9 feet but the pitcher was already headed that direction. Whew. That would have likely scored a couple. On to the bottom half for Gasser's first work.

It's 2-0 Sounds early here - top of the 1st. A Patrick Dorrian double and an Eddy Alvarez sac fly have plated the two runs. Fantastic start. Consecutive single from Cam Devanney (who hit his 4th HR in game 1 - he's slowly heating up as he crushed a 447 footer to dead CF to break up the shutou) and Brian Navarreto have runners on 1st and 2nd with two down.

I'm working Double shifts. I feel like an early 20's misfit Minor League line cook.

This is fair. This being said, I would still propose he didn't look all that good working on his fastball. 🤣 That sailing release point is something I saw all last year with LHP Russ Smith - and, no, I am not comparing the two. I would love if the Brewers had a month to spare so Lauer could keep working on his toolkit to the tune of 4-5 outings. Then see where the dust has settled. Unfortunately, given the way the injury-laden season has gone they really don't have that luxury.

Valerio's ongoing 'issue' is quite simply: defensive limitations render his bat an absolute must. Last year's numbers were extremely skewed by a prolonged slump and then, really, just unfortunate results. He was really getting a hold of balls in late summer and they very very often just went right to someone. The bat has to play. But, thankfully, it can - he can absolutely rake.

It was an action-packed full day of Brewers Minor League baseball. When all was said and done, the affiliates came away with a stalwart five victories in six contests. We had late game heroics in many a tilt - down in the ACL, in West Michigan, at Five County Stadium, and in Jacksonville. Let's get into the report! Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic Game Balls: RHP James Meeker gets a nod for his five consecutive K's and giving his team a chance to steal one late OF Michael Reed for his pivotal XBH's - a key two-run blast and a two-run double late. C Payton Henry (more below) continued his scorching hot work at the plate while calling a fantastic bullpen effort DH Darrien Miller poked a key sac fly early and then hit a pivotal and game-winning two-rbi single in the 8th inning. INF Felix Valerio continues a scorching hot run at the dish: 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 R, 2 RBI in a 3-for-4 evening. Transactions: RHP Jacob Misiorowski was promoted to High-A Wisconsin from Low-A Carolina RHP Will Childers was promoted to Low-A Carolina from the ACL Brewers LHP Wande Torres was placed on ACL Brewers’ full season injured list RHP Aldrin Gonzales was placed on ACL Brewers’ full season injured list LHP Caden Vire was placed on ACL Brewers’ full season injured list Highlights from the MONTH that Was: INF Eric Brown Jr. was recognized as the Brewers Minor League Hitter in the Month for his May resurgence kickstarting the Timber Rattlers mini turnaround: And, newly arriving High-A ace RHP Jacob Misiorowski was recognized as the Brewers Pitcher of the Month for his fabulous May in Low-A Carolina: Final: Nashville 11, Jacksonville (Marlins) 4 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Late Offensive Explosion Leads Sounds to Win LHP Eric Lauer began his rehab tour as he looked to rebound from a disastrous start to his MLB campaign. The Sounds finally had a sixth starter in their clubhouse and I'm sure, rehab or not, manager Rick Sweet was pleased at the newfound flexibility heading into game 1 of a series. Lauer was actually fairly good early as he pounded the inside of the zone - no inning better than his second frame. However, as he has done most of 2023, he absolutely fell apart. He lost the zone up and away to righties consistently throughout. He gave up numerous liners and seeing eye hits. The 2-0 lead quickly evaporated to 2-3 and there was nobody out. He lasted a mere 2 2/3 IP. Thankfully, the Sounds bullpen simply shut it down from there. An incredible performance from the strength of the Sounds ball club. Three Quick Strikes: 1) Back to Lauer. A serious question could be asked at this point: Is Lauer in danger of a prolonged stay in Nashville? I only ask this given the same issues that have plagued him at the MLB level throughout 2023 were abundantly present tonight. He lacked control of his release point. He fell behind batters. He lacked any meaningful consistency. I know this is a rehab outing. I know the pitching staff up north is currently experiencing their own bout of injuries. But, I think it's fair to say Lauer needs to show something in Nashville. Tonight, he certainly did not. 2) C/DH Payton Henry continues his fantastic season for the Sounds. He has been on fire of late and that certainly didn't change tonight: 3) LHP Darrell Thompson's scoreless 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K effort was his third straight scoreless outing in June. You love to see these rebound efforts as he looks to find that shutdown success from his time in Biloxi up at Triple-A. Go take a look at that box score. There are big performances throughout - OF Michael Reed, INF Cam Devanney, LHP Clayton Andrews etc. The Sounds had 16 hits and every man in the line-up grabbed at least one knock. The 7-for-14 effort with RISP certainly helped. Final: Mississippi (Braves) 9, Biloxi 8 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Shuckers Tally Eight Runs, 13 Hits in Series-Opening Loss to M-Braves The feel good story of RHP Tobias Myers' very early season has transitioned to a question of "Is he at risk of seeing his season get away from him?" I've mentioned in recent starts his fastball has appeared to completely level off - it has become a very hittable pitch. I proposed in the game thread tonight his recent success, though fleeting, has largely arisen when he relegates that heater to a third offering or a pitch he simply mixes in. Well, tonight, Myers couldn't quite find what worked. He lost the Shuckers lead in his fifth and final inning - granted this was aided and abetted by LHP Russ Smith giving up a long ball in relief. This was very much a game the Shuckers could have won had they gotten just a little bit more from Myers or Smith. Three Quick Strikes: 1) On a night where LHP Russ Smith and RHP Tobias Myers continued to work through their ongoing issues, it was RHP James Meeker who demonstrated how far he has come in a year's time. Showcasing that new-look sexy curveball, sprinkling in a very effective slider and change-up, and changing levels throughout every AB with his low 90's heater Meeker calmly struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh inning after OF Jackson Chourio had left the bags dripping with a swinging strikeout of his own. Meeker continues to show the confidence and poise you look for as well as an ability to grow. I remain a big fan. 2) OF Jackson Chourio, INF/OF Tyler Black, and C Jeferson Quero get the vast majority of the public accolades and notoriety, but I'm going to point out the ongoing improved play and offensive output of INF Felix Valerio; INF Ethan Murray; and 1B/C Wes Clarke. Their play of late should absolutely not go unnoticed. All three men have been coming on in various ways over the past few weeks. All three men filled the stat sheet tonight. 3) Ok. Back to the accolades and the top ranked prospects. INF Tyler Black did tie the Shuckers franchise record tonight with his 27th consecutive game on base after ripping a triple high off the CF wall in the top of the fifth frame. There's a reason we love him so. Unfortunately, for the Shuckers, they just couldn't pull this one out. The game was very much a 9-8 affair and both teams had ample chances. Final: Wisconsin 4, West Michigan (Tigers) 2Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: It's Miller Time for Wisconsin RHP Edwin Jimenez came to the hill with quite a bit less control than we've grown accustomed to - control he's demonstrated throughout the 2023 season to date. He fell to 3-0 on his first batter. He fell to 3-1 after an 0-1 count on his second batter. This was the first action I've seen from him all year where he regressed to his 2022 form. He managed to really locate the change-up, however, and found his way out of the jam with two punch outs and a weak pop fly to shallow CF. A really nice recovery. All in all, however, it wasn't a sharp outing by his 2023 standards. But, it's a testament to his resilience he managed to complete 5 IP and limit the damage: 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 2 ER. Three Quick Strikes: 1) The T-Rats drove the Whitecaps starting pitcher from the game after 2/3 IP. They drove his pitch count to 30 after INF Eduardo Garcia grounded into a force out at 2B. They led 2-0. They had men on the corners with two down. It could have been much worse, as well, when DH Darrien Miller crushed a potential grand slam down the RF that hooked foul by a matter of feet. Regardless, it's a fairly big win when you can drive the starter before the first inning is over. I don't imagine this was in the Whitecaps' game plan. Thankfully, Miller got his payback on that foul ball when he knocked in the winning runs in the eighth inning. 2) In a random bit of Brewers Minor League history, it's quite the thing to consider rehabbing INF Wily Adames played for the Tigers' West Michigan Whitecaps back in 2014. I wonder what was going through his mind as he visited his old stomping grounds from nine years back. He's had quite the journey since and I can't imagine he had this roadtrip on his baseball itinerary for 2023. 3) This was likely the best game I've seen from INF Robert Moore in over a month. He was everywhere on the infield. He was taking healthy swings at the dish. It was wonderful to witness. When he was in his funk, his swing was a proverbial mess. When he's at his best, like he was tonight, his swing is easy; level; and with limited movement. The double in the first inning was hit very well. He made a key diving stop to end an early inning threat with the toss to Adames at 2B. It's games like these that remind us how talented he is. Miles to go, but this was a nice bounceback outing. He ends his evening 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. He did get caught stealing for the sixth time on the young season - a surprising tally. Final: Carolina 7, Fayetteville (Astros) 6Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Perez and Perez Power Mudcats to Comeback Victory Clinging to a 0.5 game lead over red hot Down East with just 16 days before the first half is over, the Mudcats were looking for some home cooking versus Carolina League South's last place Fayetteville Woodpeckers. It's hard to believe, but the Mudcats are only 0.500 at their home park. RHP Will Rudy looked to stake his claim as the Mudcats first half Ace now that Misiorowski is up north in Wisconsin. He was a tad rusty to start things off but, boy, he found the zone early and often in the second frame. He grabbed two K's in the inning and also benefited from a fantastic sliding catch by RF Kaylan Nicasia down the shallow RF foul line. Rudy did give up his first home run on his young season via a two-run shot down the right field line as the Woodpeckers grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third frame. They tacked on another run in the fourth inning on an extremely weakly hit dribbler that found its way into the LF grass. Having given up only two runs on the season, Rudy suddenly saw an 0-3 deficit on the scoreboard. It was his least productive outing in terms of end result but, aside from the two-run blast (a no doubter), I would simply state the contact wasn't really worrisome. He'll look to sharpen his tools for his next trip to the hill. But, really, he'll look for better luck. Three Quick Strikes: 1) It didn't look good early for the Mudcats' bats with Woodpeckers starter RHP Jose Fleury keeping the entire lineup off balance and on their heels with an extremely good blend of a curveball to change-up all over the zone. He kept the Mudcats batters guessing further with some heat sprinkled in for good measure. There just wasn't a lot to hit. A tip of the cap is due for Fleury. He was very very good early. But, as the Mudcats have done all season, they started putting in professional AB's and they drove him from the game before the fifth frame was over. 2) It was OF Hedbert Perez and his line drive two-run blast over the RF wall that got the tying rally going in the 9th inning. It was a classic Perez liner. Easy swing. Great launch angle. Line drive. Suddenly, with his second homer of 2023, it was a mere 5-6 deficit. Pivotal two-out knocks by INF Gregory Barrios and Alexander Perez (with the automatic double) tied the game at six runs apiece. We were on to Extras! 3) Before the start of the 10th inning, Mudcats announcer Greg Young shared the Woodpeckers had yet to score a run in extra innings on the year. They failed to do so again tonight when their 10th frame ended in a 6-4-3 double play. If you want to look at reasons why Fayetteville started their early season in first place and now find themselves with the worst record in the Carolina League, that's certainly one place to look. That is an extremely tough situational hitting pill to swallow for any manager. Final: ACL Brewers 2, ACL Rangers 1 Box Score/Game Log Two DSL pitching standouts from 2022 debuted tonight in the ACL achieving very similar successes. 19-year-old LHP Osbriel Mogollon grabbed the starting nod and pitched a very effective 5 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 ER outing. His stablemate, 19-year-old LHP Anfernny Reyes, was perhaps even more impressive in his stellar 2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 4 K. INF Juan Baez continued his clutch ways of the very early going knocking in OF Reidy Mercado for the go-ahead run on a single in the eighth inning. RHP Darling Solano struggled with free passes giving up 4 BB's in 1 1/3 IP late. It was up to 20-year-old RHP Jose Chavez, in his third year in the Brewers ACL, to try and end a two men on and one out scenario in relief of Solano in the 9th and the ACL Brewers clinging to a 2-1 lead. He was very much up to the challenge striking out the only two batters he faced. Final: DSL Brewers #1 5, DSL Brewers #2 0Box Score/Game Log Well, someone had to lose. The DSL Brewers Uno y Dos clashed head-to-head in just their second game of the DSL season. The Brewers Uno prevailed 5-0 - all runs came in the first two innings and held for the duration. The DSL Brewers #1 pitching staff - led by 17-year-old Nicaraguan starter RHP Enniel Crotez's 5 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 ER - held the Brewers #2 to a single hit over a standard DSL 7-inning affair. 19-year-old RHP Yeferson Tales did manage to grab the Save after RHP Roman Perez (now pitching in his second DSL Brewers season) walked the bases full in the 6th frame. Tales went 1 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K. INF Kevin Ereu continued impacting the end result in just his second game: 1-for-2, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB (his 3rd in two games). Contrary to yesterday's struggle with RISP, the DSL Brewers #1 capitalized on a 4-for-8 mark with RISP. An interesting aside, as our very own @damuellementioned HERE with his astute baseball eyes, we do appear to have our second two-way prospect (RHP/1B/DH Quinton Low in Low-A Carolina being the other) in the DSL: 17-year-old RHP Argenis Aparicio is also, apparently, a switch-hitter. He went 0-for-2 with a BB in the DH spot today for the DSL Brewers #1. The DSL Brewers (and the ACL Brewers) return to action Thursday. The DSL and ACL Brewers may have off tomorrow but, fear not, we have two double-headers for Nashville and Carolina as they seek to make-up previously postponed contests - no rest for us weary Minor League aficionados. Looking at the listed starters for tomorrow's tilts, I have to say I'm leaning heavy toward Carolina (yet again) with their RHP Quinton Low and RHP Aidan Maldonado pairing. As always, thanks for reading. And, thank you for supporting Brewers Minor League baseball! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scoresCurrent Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and DepthCurrent Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

RHP Jose Chavez, now in his third season of the Brewers ACL, came on in relief of RHP Darling Solano who was struggling with a case of the walks in his 1 1/3 IP. With the ACL Brewers clinging to a 2-1 lead and with runners on 1st and 2nd base, Chavez - the cool 2023 vine ripened cucumber he is - struck out the only two batters he faced. Yeah baby!

Well, in two games INF Juan Baez has been absolutely clutch in key spots. He just poked another single scoring OF Reidy Mercado who had just stolen 2B. The ACL Crew now lead 2-1 in the 8th. Fantastic outings from last years DSL stalwarts, LHP's Osbriel Mogollon and Anfernny Reyes, have given the young men a chance to jump out of the gates at 2-0.

RHP James Meeker remains one of my favorite pitchers in the system. 2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 5 K. He's giving his team a chance to win one late. He's much more than a low 90's change-levels guy. He has a slider. A change. And, that sexy new look curveball. He's still improving even at his older age. I just love him on the mound.

Chourio came to the dish with the bases juiced in the 7th. Two down. Fell behind 0-2. Laid off a slider down. Swung and missed on a beautiful change-up dead center that fell just on the lower edge of the zone. Great pitch. Strikeout. Inning over. Shuckers still trail 9-8.

Valerio stays red hot at the dish. I'm here for it. Every. Day. A 3B earlier. He just ripped a line drive double deep to LF wall. Lutz travels to 3B. Men on 2nd and 3rd. One down. Isaac Collins with a chance to do some damage. Shuckers trail 9-8.

Big win for Nashville tonight. The bullpen. What can you say about their continued ability to fill in and win games despite year-long starting pitching woes. They overcome Lauer's scuffling outing. LHP Clayton Andrews just continues his monster 2023 campaign. 6 1/3 scoreless IP for the Pen. Just incredible stuff. They held serve until the late inning breakout. Also of note here is LHP Darrell Thompson's third consecutive scoreless appearance in early June. Let's hope he can keep it up!

Book it. 7-6 Mudcats baby. WP walk-off. The Woodpeckers, btw, have yet to score a run in extras all year long. Incredible.

Avina has family in town with his dad and brother in Five County to see him. Let's give the family a walk-off knock!

Wow. A 6-4-3 dp keeps the Woodpeckers off the board in the 10th inning. The Mudcats will bat with a chance to walk it off.

Boy, Adams with a pro's pro walk right there. He brought the 1-2 count full and laid off a slider off the plate and away. That's his 2nd walk - he continues to show patience beyond his years (BA aside). Men on 1st and 2nd and Kaylan Nicasia will get the chance to play here.

I see after taking the 7-4 lead, Myers and Russ Smith gave it right back with a 5-spot in the bottom-half. That's a 'Yikes'.

YES SIR! Replacement CF, Alexander Perez just ripped an automatic double down the LF line! Wow. He replaced Luis Lara who was ejected after spiking his helmet in the 8th. TIE GAME! Oh baby. Luke Adams is to the dish with two down and Perez on 2B. Let's GO!

Have a night Michael Reed. After the two-run jack earlier (a laser shot), he just ripped a dart to straightaway CF just off the diving glove of the Shrimp CF'er. He drives in two more. It's now a 10-4 Sounds lead. Break em' open! It's a 6-run 8th!