Jim Goulart

Final: Biloxi 7, Pensacola 2 It's not supposed to be this easy... Shuckers take first ever series after 7-2 triumph on Saturday Biloxi sits alone atop the Southern League with a 3-0 record Biloxi Shuckers http://www.milb.com/assets/images/8/9/0/117750890/cuts/DSC_0186_hbrmt3fa_etq6o7ec.JPG Nick Ramirez blasted the franchise's first home run with a pinch hit solo shot in the seventh (Photo by Cristina Coca) PENSACOLA, FLA. - The Biloxi Shuckers could not have asked for a better start to the franchise's history, as the club won its third game in three tries after taking down the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Saturday night, 7-2. Biloxi has dominated Pensacola 18-3 through the first three games of the series and sit alone atop the entire Southern League with the 3-0 record. Entering Saturday's game, the Shuckers were just one of just three minor league teams to have not surrendered an earned run (Columbus, AAA CLE, New Hampshire, AA TOR). It didn't take long for the Shuckers to jump on the scoreboard when Orlando Arcia (2x4, 3B, R, RBI) continued to swing a hot bat and tripled with one out in the first. Nathan Orf (3x4, RBI) followed with a single up the middle to score Arcia to give Biloxi a 1-0 lead. Arcia has recorded three straight multi-hit contests and is 7-for-12 with four runs, two doubles, a triple and four RBI to open the 2015 season. His seven hits lead the Southern League. Pensacola was quick to respond when Seth Mejias-Brean singled up the middle to bring in Juan Silva to tie the game at one. The Shuckers (3-0) responded in the second inning, putting up two runs to retake the lead. Yadiel Rivera (3x3, SB, 3B, RBI, BB, 2 R) and Josh Fellhauer (1x4, R, BB) reached safely on singles to put runners on the corners before Parker Berberet struck out looking. Hobbs Johnson tried to lay down a bunt to advance Fellhauer, but ended up reaching safely on an error by pitcher Tim Adleman to load the bases. Kyle Wren (2x5, R) flew out to center for the second out to set up the hot-hitting Arcia. The Brewers' No. 2 prospect, according to Baseball America, promptly lined a single to left that was misplayed by Sean Buckley and scored two, giving the Shuckers a 3-1 lead they would never relinquish. Nick Ramirez (1x2, HR) placed himself in the Biloxi Shuckers record book as he blasted a pinch hit homer over the right field wall in the top of the seventh, extending the lead to 4-1. Biloxi tacked on two more runs in the eighth and another in the ninth to give the Shuckers their final tally. Starting pitcher Johnson labored through 2.2 innings, allowing a run on two hits, four walks and two strike outs, but needed 61 pitches. Brent Suter whirled a gem out of relief for Johnson. The left-handed reliever retired Mejias-Brean and Kyle Skipworth to get out of the bases-loaded jam in the third, and allowed just three base runners over his 3.2 innings of work to go along with six punch outs. Austin Ross (2 IP, R, 2 SO) and Damien Magnifico (IP, SO) held down Pensacola in the final three innings to wrap up the contest. Pensacola (0-3) starter Tim Adleman allowed three runs - one earned - on 10 hits in his quality start. The combination of Carlos Gonzalez (IP, R), Kevin Shackelford (IP, 2 R) and Ben Klimesh (IP, R, SO) took the final three frames for the Blue Wahoos. The two teams will play game four of the five-game set Sunday afternoon at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, where RHP Jorge Lopez will make his first start of 2015 against LHP Wandy Peralta. Lopez was Milwaukee's lone reprehensive in the MLB Futures Game in 2014. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM, with coverage beginning at 3:45 on 1240-AM WGCM and the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network. Fans can also listen to the game using the TuneIn Radio app or by going to http://www.biloxishuckers.com. The game can also be seen, live, on MiLB.TV. Biloxi Box Score This isn't news, folks, many of us could see this collection was going to be a blast this season. The 2014 Huntsville squad took a first-half crown, but that group lacked star power and was by far the oldest in the Southern League. This group has a much different profile, and it could be argued is the most talent-laden club of the Link Report (2001-) era. For instance, the 2004 Huntsville club featured Fielder-Weeks-Gwynn-Nelson, but that didn't translate to wins, and the pitching can't compare to this staff. Biloxi, hope this maiden voyage doesn't spoil you. If you have a nomination for a better collection of talent than this club from this era, let us know which year and affiliate you have in mind. Biloxi Game Log It cannot be understated how much value the Brewers have in organizational shortstop depth. Yadiel Rivera is a defensive whiz, and if his game continues to expand (great game here), the absolute key to the Brewers' big league success moving forward lies in what management nets in eventually moving excess middle infield talent -- if Jean Segura returns to 2013 form, how much trade value will he have when Orlando Arcia and Rivera are ready? Oh, and Luis Sardinas, anyone? Kudos to LHP Brent Suter and RHP Austin Ross, who deserve AAA slots, but the Crew went extra-heavy on veteran upper level pen depth this season.

New countdown clocks in Triple-A are a distraction to many By Joe Paisley, Colorado Springs Gazette The new pace of play clock's impact so far this season for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox? Being a distraction. "I was sitting in the bullpen and it was so bright I wasn't even looking at the catcher," left-handed pitcher Brent Leach said of the clock nearest the visiting dugout. Another is near the home dugout with the other on the center field fence near the scoreboard. "It was more of a distraction than anything." The fans in the stands also found their eyes drawn to the clock, even during Saturday's 5-3 win by the Nashville Sounds before a crowd of 3,778 fans. The Sounds took advantage of six hits and an error in the top of the first inning and never trailed. "You can't help but look at it," local fan Mike Desch said. "(The countdown) must really mess with the pitchers." The pitchers seemed to have adjusted well. But the new rules through the first three games at Security Service Field have had little effect with Thursday's opener lasting 3 hours, 21 minutes and Friday's contest 3:47. Saturday lasted only 3:01. Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet is not enamored with the new rule which is being used in Double-A and Triple-A, which was implemented in hopes of shortening the game to make them more TV friendly and accessible to younger fans. Major League Baseball established a pace-of-game committee in September on speeding up games, which lasted for a record average of 3 hours, 2 minutes in 2014, up from 2:33 in 1981. "They are always guys who take a real long time when they pitch but we played a 3 ½-hour game (Thursday) and it had no effect on the game at all," Sweet said. "In other sports you run the clock out, but in ours you have to get 27 outs to win. That's the beauty of it." The clock counts down from 20 seconds in between pitches once the batter and pitcher are ready and does not allow either to restart in most cases. The clock also counts down from 2:25 in between innings and half-innings (2:45 in televised games). After May 1, penalties of balls, strikes and $500 fines will be assessed. MLB has already sent 10 warning letters to Major League players about speeding up their plate or mound appearances. Leach said the rules are just a way for higher-ups to feel they are doing something to help the game. The device made its debut during spring training. Sweet said most offenders were hitters who did not leave at least one foot in the batters' box once the clock began. Sweet said the best way is to eliminate TV commercials at the Major League level. That would hurt revenue, so that will never happen. "I have loved this game my whole life so I didn't see a reason to add it," said Sweet, who is in his 25th season managing in the minors. "But it's the rule and we will abide by it." http://cdn.csgazette.biz/cache/w300-efe202065e02b13dc16d9f64e05ecdbb.jpg A new pace of play clock ticks down from twenty second between plays as Colorado Springs Sky Sox pitcher Taylor Jungmann winds up to pitch as the Sky Sox take on the Nashville Sounds in their home opener at Security Service Field. Photo by Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette

Final: Nashville 5, Colorado Springs 3 Four Run First Dooms Sky Sox in 5-3 Loss To Nashville Sky Sox Fall to 1-2 on the Season after Second Straight Loss By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/5/2/6/117763526/cuts/04_09_102_pk_fdljxdkd_aqywdfb1.jpg Brent Leach tosses in second-straight scoreless relief appearance in 5-3 loss to Sounds. (Paat Kelly) COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Like their parent club's nickname, Nashville came out swinging on Saturday night as they jumped to a quick 4-0 lead against Sky Sox starter Nick Additon in front of 3,778 fans at Security Service Field. While six hits allowed to his first nine batters faced seems unsightly, Additon (0-1, 10.38) was not nearly as ineffective as one might think when reviewing the game's box score. A high-chop to shortstop Luis Sardinas off the bat of leadoff man Billy Burns set the tone early as Sounds hitters continued to find holes on the strength of a few seeing-eye singles. It seemed that Additon would work his way out of trouble when, with two on and one out, former Sky Sox outfielder Jason Pridie grounded into what looked like an inning-ending 3-6-3 double play. The call never came and Pridie ended up reaching on a fielder's choice, setting up another former Sky Sox outfielder with a chance to give Nashville an early lead. Kent Matthes took full advantage ripping a two-run double down the left field line past the diving reach of third baseman Elian Herrera. A couple of infield singles and a throwing error later created uncertainty for the veteran lefty before striking out Sounds designated hitter Matt Angle to stop the bleeding. Sounds pitching kept Sky Sox hitters off the board in all but one inning as starter Angel Castro allowed two runs while striking out five in 3.1 innings of work before giving way to a stellar bullpen that gave up just one earned run in 5.2 combined innings of relief. Lefty reliever Ryan Verdugo (1-0, 2.45) made his season debut and gave up just two hits in 3.2 innings pitched, setting three batters down on strikes along the way. Left-hander Eury De La Rosa pitched a scoreless 8th before handing the ball over to closer Chad Smith who earned his first save of the 2015 season. The Sky Sox offense found life in the bottom of the fourth inning as base hits by Jason Rogers and Pete Orr along with a walk by Ben Guez set up Sardinas for a shot at redemption after committing two errors in the third and fourth innings. Sardinas slapped a two-run single to left field to that cut the deficit to one. The RBIs were Sardinas' 3rd and 4th of the young season. The Sky Sox offense could not find a rhythm from that point on as Sounds relievers would not allow another base hit until an Orr single in the 9th off of Smith. Orr, playing in his first game of the season after Herrera and Donnie Murphy filled in at second in games one and two, collected two singles in a game where Colorado Springs had no extra-base hits. Manager Rick Sweet's bullpen performed well in relief of Additon as a combination of lanky right-hander Chris Leroux and opening night winner Brent Leach pitched 4.2 innings of scoreless relief with five total strikeouts and just three hits allowed. The Sky Sox hope to end the series on a high note on Sunday afternoon as RHP Drew Gagnon is set to square off against fellow highly-touted right-handed pitching prospect Arnold Leon in game four. First pitch is slated for 1:35 PM (2:35 Central) at Security Service Field. Colorado Springs Box Score Three errors in three games thus far for Luis Sardinas; I think Juan Centeno is going to hit enough to prove to be a very worthwhile waiver pick - 24, LH bat, and another minor league option for 2016. Ben Guez walked thrice. Colorado Springs Game Log Won't post that first inning log -- seemed plenty ugly enough in the paragraph above...

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Sky Sox' site. Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog Brevard County Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Manatees' site. Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog *** STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League South Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin *** Weather.com: Colorado Springs, CO Pensacola, FL Viera, FL Grand Chute, WI

Follow Sunday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

DVR ALERT! Click that link above and you'll see that five Wisconsin games are on local TV this week, Monday through Friday, four night games on My NEW32 and the Tuesday matinee on TWC. Plan accordingly.

Sunday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Drew Gagnon at home vs. Nashville (Athletics), 2:05 PM pre-game, 2:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link We welcome Dan Karcher, who is the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox; follow him on Twitter @SkySoxKarch MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Colorado Springs games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $49.99 season-long package ($12.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. The video of each game is archived online, which is a nice feature. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. NOTE: Notice that on MiLB.TV's page, you can click on "Filter", then "Milwaukee Brewers", and you'll see just the Crew's organizational TV lineup. ********** Biloxi: RHP Jorge Lopez at Pensacola (Reds), 3:45 PM pre-game, 4:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link We also welcome Chris Harris as the very first play-by-play voice of the Shuckers! Follow Chris on Twitter @CHarris731. We'll be looking off to his very promising "Shuck Dynasty" blog. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be radio broadcast. MiLB.TV - Seven of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi staff indicates it is hopeful it will be eight when the new stadium opens. NOTE: This opening series in Pensacola will be broadcast on MiLB.TV (with the Blue Wahoos audio feed). ********** Brevard County: RHP Javier Salas at home vs. Daytona (Reds), 3:35 PM pre-game, 4:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link Dave Walkovic returns as the play-by-play voice of the 'Tees; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio, as all games are scheduled to be broadcast in 2015. No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV. ********** Wisconsin: LHP Kodi Medeiros at home vs. Peoria (Cardinals), 3:45 PM pre-game, 4:05 gametime; RHP David Burkhalter will appear as part of the tandem Free Live Audio Link - WNAM Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio. NOTE: Forty-two (!) of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (9) and WACY-TV My NEW32 (34) will split duties. We'll let you know when and who, and remember to refer to the Rattlers' full TV schedule so you can coordinate your DVR activity. *** So, for the $49.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sky Sox games, most Shuckers games, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games.

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

We'll see where the Sky Sox game ends up, but check out this sequence -- Nick Additon, already trailing 4-0 after a rough 1st inning, works out of a mega-jam in the 4th, and his mates pick up three runs immediately after: Nashville Top of the 4th Matt Angle singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Matt Long. Billy Burns reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Luis Sardinas. Matt Angle to 2nd. Andy Parrino walks. Matt Angle to 3rd. Billy Burns to 2nd. Max Muncy grounds into a double play, pitcher Nick Additon to catcher Juan Centeno to first baseman Matt Clark. Matt Angle out at home. Billy Burns to 3rd. Andy Parrino to 2nd. Jason Pridie strikes out swinging. Col. Springs Bottom of the 4th Jason Rogers singles on a ground ball to center fielder Billy Burns. Bryan Petersen strikes out swinging. Ben Guez walks. Jason Rogers to 2nd. Pitching Change: Ryan Verdugo replaces Angel Castro. Pete Orr singles on a line drive to right fielder Kent Matthes. Jason Rogers to 3rd. Ben Guez to 2nd. Juan Centeno out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Billy Burns. Jason Rogers scores. Ben Guez to 3rd. Pete Orr to 2nd. Luis Sardinas singles on a line drive to center fielder Billy Burns. Ben Guez scores. Pete Orr scores. Matt Long strikes out swinging.

Lead post updated for 2015 -- nice tool.

EPIC FAIL!

Article link includes video interview with Kodi Medeiros First-round pick Medeiros adjusting to pro game]First-round pick Medeiros adjusting to pro game Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media GRAND CHUTE – It will likely take weeks for Kodi Medeiros to get comfortable with Wisconsin's cool spring temperatures. When you grow up in Hawaii, dealing with 35-degree days can be tougher than facing Miguel Cabrera with the bases loaded. Time, though, is on Medeiros' side. He's just 18 years old and figures he'll adapt to the weather, just like he'll adjust to Midwest League hitters in his first full season of professional baseball with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The Milwaukee Brewers will be watching his development closely after making Medeiros the 12th overall selection in the 2014 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound lefty is scheduled to start Wisconsin's 4:05 PM home opener Sunday against Peoria. Medeiros probably won't pitch longer than five innings in his Rattlers' debut, since manager Matt Erickson plans to use pitching tandems early in the season. "I'm really excited and honored to throw the home opener," Medeiros said. "Hopefully, all goes well." Medeiros didn't come cheap. He originally committed to Pepperdine University, but decided to turn pro after receiving a $2.5 million signing bonus from the Brewers, plus another $240,000 to pay for his college education. Medeiros has a low-to-mid-90s fastball — with excellent movement — and a big, breaking slider along with a change-up. He throws from a rather low three-quarters arm slot. "That gives me a lot of movement on my fastball," Medeiros said. "My slider is my best pitch. It's a sweeping breaking ball that I throw about 79-to-82 (miles per hour)." Medeiros will have to improve his control after walking 13 in 17 2/3 innings and throwing five wild pitches with the Arizona Brewers in Rookie League play last summer. But he had an impressive 26 strikeouts in compiling an 0-2 record with a 7.13 earned run average. "His ball dances all over the place," Erickson said. "He's not a real big guy, but he's an athletic kid and he's got a unique three-quarters arm slot. His ball sinks and cuts. There's been a tremendous amount of contact by hitters pounding home plate, so he's going to get a lot of ground balls." Medeiros performed exceptionally well in a showcase event at Miller Park prior to the draft, which convinced the Brewers to invest their first-round pick in him. In his senior season at Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawaii, Medeiros compiled a 7-1 record with an 0.97 ERA and 83 strikeouts and 14 walks in 43 1/3 innings. He also hit .486 with a home run and 13 RBI. "He's really shown that when he throws it over, he's going to get some results early in the count," Wisconsin pitching coach Gary Lucas said. "He has a lot of movement to his pitches and like any young pitcher with tools, he's probably thinking about overpowering hitters when really it's just about outs. "I think that's the lesson to be learned with time. We want to get him on the track to not just be a thrower, but a pitcher. He's got stuff and he's got movement, but he epitomizes a lot of young pitchers we have on our staff. He might have to just gear it down a little and just be functional in the strike zone and pitch to contact, rather than maybe trying to overpower and embarrass hitters. A lot of them here that have youth and tools are going to do that on a given at bat, a given inning or a given night." Medeiros is the highest-drafted player to be selected out of high school from Hawaii, and hopes to follow in the footsteps of St. Louis pitcher Kolten Wong and Boston outfielder Shane Victorino, both native Hawaiians. Wong was a first-round pick out of the University of Hawaii in 2011 and was also raised in the Hilo area on Hawaii's Big Island. Victorino was a sixth-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of Wailuku High School (Maui) in the 1999 MLB draft. "Baseball is very big in Hawaii," Medeiros said. "With guys like Shane Victorino and Kolten Wong getting drafted and having success, that opened a lot of doors for guys from Hawaii, especially from the Big Island. It just shows that if you put in the time and effort, you've got a chance." Baseball was Medeiros' passion growing up in Hawaii, but it wasn't his lone hobby. "I've been asked if I surf, but you know, I've never really done that," Medeiros said. "My favorite underwater sport is spearfishing. That's one of my favorite things to do. It's tons of fun and it's pretty big in Hawaii." As for the cool Wisconsin weather, Medeiros is taking it in stride. "It's different, but I've got to adapt to it and be able to pitch in it," Medeiros said. "I think I'll be fine."

Reminder in extended spring it's a long two months of non-official games against other organization's rookie ballers -- Athletics' right-hander Jarrod Parker is scheduled to throw three innings (45 pitches) in a controlled game against the Milwaukee Brewers’ Arizona League team on Monday. -- Sacramento Bee

RHP Barrett Astin Broxton trade) is on the Daytona roster, but the Manatees have yet to see him. Similarly, from the same deal, former 40-man roster RHP Kevin Shackelford is on the Reds' AA Pensacola roster, but the Shuckers haven't faced him yet. *** The two players allowed to be taken in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft (Sean Halton, Orioles, and Kentrail Davis, Angels) were both assigned to the AA level. *** When Biloxi travels to Mobile next week, they'll see Diamondbacks AA OF Mitch Haniger. *** You can see where other 2014 (now-ex) Brewers farmhands are assigned by visiting this thread.

Via @BrewersPD tweet -- RHP Brandon Kintzler has been placed on the DL with Col Springs. RHP Chris Leroux has been added to the active roster to replace him. Via Haudricourt tweet -- Just got word that Kintzler went on DL with nail avulsion of right middle finger. I believe that means he tore it off. Ouch.

AUDIO via Miller Park Prospects -- The Colorado Springs Sky Sox fell to the Nashville Sounds on Friday night by a score of 12-8. After the game, our own Ryan Kaufman caught up with Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet. *** VIDEO: Jason Rogers bashes a two-run homer in Colorado Springs' 12-8 loss to Nashville Friday night *** VIDEO: Biloxi's Adam Weisenburger hits a three-run double as the Shuckers top Pensacola, 7-1

Baseball America reports that veteran minor league infielder Hainley Statia, whose roster status had not been reported previously, is on the 7-day DL. It is likely as a roster stash, but we can't say that with certainty. Statia did see spring training game action. Back on December 4th, we posted this detailed summary on his career at the time of his re-signing.

Take that, shift! God, I love Matt Clark... Col. Springs Bottom of the 1st Matt Long called out on strikes. Elian Herrera pops out to second baseman Joey Wendle. Matt Clark singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Niuman Romero. Jason Rogers grounds into a force out, third baseman Niuman Romero to second baseman Joey Wendle. Matt Clark out at 2nd.

From April 2nd: Here's Kusnick's tweet from Friday night -- Oh for clarification Manny Barreda requested his release to go to Mexico

As was posted on March 24th, Leal's path to last night is interesting.

PREGAME AUDIO: RHP Hiram Burgos joins Jerry Durney of the Manatees Radio Network *** AUDIO, Game Highlights: The 'Tees win the home opener, 8-1 *** Manatees get even with Daytona in home opener Michael Parsons, Florida Today VIERA – The Brevard County Manatees showed the 1,854 fans the kind of baseball they can expect this summer. Power hitting and aggressive base running. "These guys have been swinging the bats well all spring," Joe Ayrault said of his team's 8-1 win against the Daytona Tortugas in the home opener. Clint Coulter hit his first home run of the season, a shot to left field in the fifth, and the Manatees finished with five doubles, part of 13 hits. "He has definitely got legit power," Ayrault said of his right fielder. "Especially with the wind blowing in from left field, he just cut the wind. I was just hoping it wouldn't go foul from third base, I was trying to blow it to keep it fair. He crushed that ball." The top two in the lineup wreaked havoc as Johnny Davis and Chris McFarland scored the first four runs of the game and five of the eight total runs. Davis finished with two hits and three runs scored while McFarland had three hits, scored twice and drove in two. It was more than enough for starter Wei-Chung Wang, who tossed six shutout innings, striking out six, to get the win. "He did a great job of mixing up his pitches and attacked hitters," Ayrault said. "It was a good outing for him." The Manatees added three runs in the fifth inning to pull away for their first victory of the 2015 season. "It's always nice to get a W in front of the home crowd; we had a good crowd tonight," Ayrault said. And they did it with clutch hitting as five of the team's eight runs were scored with two outs. "That is one of the things we preach is picking up your teammates," Ayrault said. "The two-out knocks are big." The two teams will meet tonight in Daytona Beach for Game 3 of the series with Brandon Woodruff making his Manatees debut. Game 4 will be at Space Coast Stadium on Sunday evening. *** Photo gallery via Florida Today

VIDEO: WLOX with Shuckers highlights *** Here's the Pensacola News-Journal Game Coverage *** Shuckers dominate Pensacola to take Game 2 By Patrick Magee, SunHerald.com http://media.sunherald.com/smedia/2015/04/10/22/47/15JC08.AuSt.77.jpeg Photo by Barrett McClean / Pensacola Blue Wahoos Biloxi Shuckers first baseman Nick Ramirez, left, takes a lead while Pensacola Blue Wahoos first baseman Kyle Waldrop covers the bag Friday in Pensacola, Fla. The Shuckers won, 7-1. PENSACOLA, Fla.--The Biloxi Shuckers made it look easy again Friday night in a rain-shortened game at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. A night after shutting out the Blue Wahoos 4-0 in the season opener, the Shuckers rolled to a 7-1 victory over Pensacola in 6 1/3 innings Friday in front of another sold-out crowd of 5,038. There was intermittent rain early in the contest and a heavy downpour began with one out in the top of the seventh. The game was put to a stop and the tarp was brought on the field at 8:25 PM. The umpires decided to call it a game at 9:03 PM. Tyler Wagner (1-0) was impressive in his first start of the season for the Shuckers, giving up one unearned run on five hits in six innings to earn the complete game. He struck out four and walked none. "He was great," Biloxi catcher Adam Weisenburger said. "He didn't have his curve ball going today, but he had enough to get the job done. He's a competitor, a great guy to have on that mound. He showed why he's good." After going 13-6 with a 1.86 ERA at Class-A Brevard (Fla.) last season, the 6-foot-3 Wagner was labeled the No. 9 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He lived up to the billing Friday night, but he thinks he can do better. "(The curve ball) is not what I want it to be, but I have other pitches that I can throw for strikes," Wagner said. "It was a good mix of those and (Weisenburger) called a great game." The Shuckers (2-0) have 53 games remaining in their season-opening road trip, but they seem at ease two contests into a five-game series in the confines of Bayfront Stadium. The Biloxi pitching staff has held Pensacola to one run on eight hits in 15 innings. Shuckers shortstop Orlando Arcia, the second-rated prospect in the Brewers organization, continued his hot start to the season. After going 3-for-4 with three RBIs in the opener, he went 2-for-4 with two runs scored Friday. "They took away a base hit up the middle (from Arcia) and turned it into a double play," Subero said. "He's swinging the bat well through two games." The man rated No. 1 in the Brewers' system by Baseball America is Shuckers centerfielder Tyrone Taylor, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs Friday. The only run Wagner surrendered came in the first. Pensacola leadoff man Beau Amaral reached on an error by Arcia at shortstop. Amaral advanced to second on a groundout and took third on a passed ball by Weisenburger. Sean Buckley grounded out to Nathan Orf at third to bring home Amaral and set the score at 1-0 after one inning. The Shuckers answered with three runs in the top of the second when Weisenburger stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out and pulled a double down the left field line to clear the bases. "He showed me all of his pitches early," Weisenburger said. "I got comfortable and was able to get a good pitch to hit and capitalize." Biloxi pushed its lead to 6-1 with three more runs in the the third. Taylor and Michael Reed both had RBI singles to right field and Reed later scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Nick Shaw. Blue Wahoos pitchers struggled with their control, walking seven batters through the first four innings. Pensacola starting pitcher Daniel Wagner (0-1) took the loss, giving up six earned runs on five hits in 2 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out none. Subero was pleased with the approach of his batters Friday night. "The biggest thing is we worked deep counts and that's part of what this team is about," he said. "We took a bunch of borderline pitches that went our way as balls. We got into good hitting counts and drove in runs when we had to." Left-hander Hobbs Johnson will be the starting pitcher for the Shuckers in today's 4:00 PM game in Pensacola with the Blue Wahoos going with left-hander Wandy Peralta.

Final: Nashville 12, Colorado Springs 8 Sky Sox Falter Late in Slugfest With Sounds Guez and Rogers Homer but Sky Sox Fall For First Time in 2015 with 12-8 Loss to Sounds By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/2/8/8/117588288/cuts/04_09_035_pk_d6wt810o_fzmwc17h.jpg Elian Herrera reached base four times in Friday's 12-8 loss to Nashville. (Photo by Paat Kelly) COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - A potential pitcher's duel between former big-leaguers quickly turned into a heavyweight battle as the Nashville and Colorado Springs lineups went shot-for-shot before a crowd of 3,177 at Security Service Field. Making his first start of the season, John Ely made quick work of the Sounds order in the early going with the help of some devastating changeups, striking out three of his first five batters faced. Staked to an early 2-0 lead heading into the top of the third inning, Ely struggled to find the same efficiency giving up six runs on six hits and two walks over his next 1.2 innings pitched before being relieved by left-hander Jed Bradley with two outs in the fourth. 2002 Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito started for Nashville in his first Triple-A appearance since a rehab stint with the Fresno Grizzlies in 2011. Zito's signature curveball carried him through four strong innings of work until things started to unravel in the bottom of the fifth inning. After surrendering a loud lead-off double to Elian Herrera and walking Jason Rogers, Sky Sox center fielder Ben Guez made Zito pay with a prodigious blast that went well over the left field fence. The three-run shot travelled an astonishing 429 feet and brought the Sox back to a one-run deficit at 6-5. Things seemed like they would continue to go in favor of manager Rick Sweet's squad as third baseman Rogers added to the slug fest with a two-run shot off of Sounds reliever Kevin Whelan in the bottom of the sixth inning to give the team an 8-6 lead. Bradley and fellow reliever Ariel Peńa combined to turn in 3.1 innings of one-run ball as the Sky Sox took an 8-7 lead into the 8th inning. Former Brewers set-up man Brandon Kintzler (0-1, 54.00) started the 8th but was only able to record one out before being pulled with an apparent injury with a 1-0 count on Nashville right fielder Jason Pridie. David Goforth was summoned to pick up where Kintzler left off in what was his first ever Triple-A appearance after serving as Double-A Huntsville's All-Star closer in 2014. While Goforth recorded his first career Triple-A strikeout after blowing second baseman Joey Wendle away with a 94 mph fastball, he struggled with command, ultimately allowing his inherited runners to score while giving up a run of his own. Nashville continued to pile on the runs and brought in righty Chad Smith to shut the door as they downed the Sky Sox by a final score of 12-8 giving Ryan Cook (1-0, 0.00) the win after a strong two inning appearance. There was certainly no lack of offense in the game as the two sides combined for a total of 32 hits and 20 runs scored. Rogers, Guez, Herrera and opening night hero Matt Clark turned in strong offensive performances that give the team optimism heading into game three of the 2015 season. The Sky Sox will look to take control of the four-game series in game three tomorrow night at Security Service Field as LHP Nick Additon makes his season debut against Nashville right-hander Angel Castro starting at 5:05 PM (6:05 Central). Colorado Springs Box Score Welcome to the "real" Pacific Coast League box score sample. Kintzler's injury aside, the veteran bullpen arms struggled again. John Ely made only one appearance in 2013 (Tommy John) and pitched strictly out of the bullpen last season. Colorado Springs Game Log More of this, please, LHP Jed Bradley -- Jason Pridie singles on a line drive to right fielder Elian Herrera. Anthony Aliotti scores. Billy Burns scores. Max Muncy to 3rd. Jason Pridie advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by right fielder Elian Herrera. Pitching Change: Jed Bradley replaces John Ely. Bryan Anderson grounds out to first baseman Matt Clark. Nashville Top of the 5th Joey Wendle grounds out, shortstop Luis Sardinas to first baseman Matt Clark. Niuman Romero singles on a line drive to left fielder Matt Long. Alden Carrithers grounds into a double play, second baseman Donnie Murphy to shortstop Luis Sardinas to first baseman Matt Clark. Niuman Romero out at 2nd.

Final: Biloxi 7, Pensacola 1, six innings, rain Shuckers win second straight, in rain shortened 7-1 affair Biloxi has outscored Pensacola 11-1 in the first two games of series By Thaddeus Krzus / Biloxi Shuckers http://www.milb.com/assets/images/2/3/8/117556238/cuts/DSC_0268_6s4si3cg_awlhzx8f.JPG Orlando Arcia had two more hits on Friday and is 5-for-8 to start the 2015 campaign. (Photo by Cristina Coca) PENSACOLA, FLA. - The Biloxi Shuckers (2-0) opened up the scoring before the rain rolled in and shortened Friday night's 7-1 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to six innings at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Biloxi earned its second straight victory after a 55-minute rain delay paused play in the top of the seventh inning. The Shuckers have outscored the Blue Wahoos 11-1 over the last two days, while the pitching staff has allowed just one unearned run on eight hits in 15 innings of work. Orlando Arcia continued to show why he was the second-ranked prospect in the organization according to Baseball America, going 2-for-4 and scoring two runs. Through two games, the young right-handed hitter is 5-for-8 with three RBIs and three runs scored. The 20-year-old shortstop was not perfect, however, as his first-inning error led to leadoff man Beau Amaral reaching safely. Amaral would come around to score on an RBI groundout by Sean Buckley and put the Shuckers in a 1-0 hole. Starting pitcher Tyler Wagner (1-0) kept his composure after the error, retiring the next 10 Blue Wahoos who stepped into the batter's box, before Buckley doubled with one out in the fourth. Wagner earned the complete game, going six innings and allowing just the one unearned run on five hits and four strikeouts. Biloxi answered Pensacola's run in the first with three of its own in the top of the second. Nick Ramirez (0x2, R, 2 BB) led off the frame with a walk. After a Michael Reed (2x3, RBI, R) fly out, Tyrone Taylor (2x3, 2 RBI, R) singled and Nick Shaw (0x1, RBI, R) followed with a base-on-balls. The stage was set for Adam Weisenburger's bases-clearing double to put the Shuckers up for good. Biloxi's offense did not let up from there, putting up three more runs in the third, knocking Blue Wahoo's starter Daniel Wright (0-1) out in the process. The right-handed hurler would surrender six runs on five hits and four walks through 2.2 innings. Arcia singled and Ramirez's one-out walk put a runner in scoring position for Reed, who singled in Arcia from second. Taylor drove in Ramirez with a single of his own with Reed hustling into third on the play. Shaw's sacrifice fly to center gave the Shuckers a 6-1 advantage, and forcing Wright from the game. Taylor would get another RBI in the fourth when he drew a bases-loaded walk to plate Arcia. Pensacola (0-2) used two relievers before the rains came in the top of the sixth inning with Shaw at the plate. Jacob Johnson lasted 2.1 innings in relief, gave up just one run on three hits and three walks, while striking out two. Kyle McMyne pitched the fifth and allowed a hit and had a 2-1 count on Shaw before the game was called due to rain. The two teams will battle it out Saturday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, where LHP Hobbs Johnson will take the mound for the Shuckers against RHP Tim Adleman. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:15 p.m. on 1240-AM WGCM and the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network. Fans can also listen to the game using the TuneIn Radio app or by going to www.biloxishuckers.com. The game can also be seen, live, on MiLB.TV. Biloxi Box Score Even in just six innings, all the Shuckers, including Tyler Wagner, reached at least once via a hit or walk. Biloxi Game Log Wagner needed only 72 pitches for the complete game six-inning effort, fantastic...