Jim Goulart

Brewers send Voyagers packing by Jesse Geleynse, Tribune Sports Writer HELENA — The beauty of baseball lies in the fact that you always get another chance. Helena Brewers third baseman Taylor Brennan didn’t miss his opportunity as his bases-loaded two-run double gave the Brewers their first lead in the sixth inning. Helena held on to beat the Great Falls Voyagers 8-6 and sweep the best-of-three Pioneer League North Division Championship Series in front of 984 fans here at Kindrick-Legion Field. “It’s a great feeling,” said Brennan, who made the final out of the first and third innings. “My teammates did a great job getting on base and giving me the opportunity to get the job done.” It was an abrupt end for the Voyagers, who coasted into the postseason with the league’s best overall record and a six-game winning streak. But Helena proved the better team Monday and Tuesday as they pounded out 11 more hits Tuesday after a 16-5 shellacking of the Voyagers Monday at Centene Stadium. “They’re a really good team and I wish them nothing but the best in the finals,” Voyagers manager Pete Rose Jr. said. “They out-played us and you have to tip your cap to them and wish them the best of luck.” The Voyagers plated five runs in the first two innings, but were unable to hold a 5-1 lead. Neither starter was particularly sharp, and both were gone by the fourth inning. Brewers’ starter Barrett Astin lasted just one-plus innings, allowing five earned runs and four walks. Voyagers’ starter Andrew Mitchell was lifted after three innings having allowed two runs on three hits and four walks of his own. Instead it was Brewers reliever Chris Razo who enabled Helena’s comeback. Razo allowed one hit in four scoreless innings as the Brewers scratched their way back into the game and into the lead. “He got us back in the game for sure,” Brennan said. “He did a great job.” The Voyagers took a 5-3 lead into the sixth inning. Brennan gave the Brewers the lead at 6-5 as he greeted reliever Anthony Santiago with a bases-loaded double in the sixth. “We always hit eventually,” Brennan said. “It might come late, but we always hit.” Santiago’s struggles continued in the sixth as he allowed a double and a single, then back-to-back walks to force in another run to make it 7-5. The first two Voyagers reached in the eighth. Justin Jirschele was called out at third on a double steal attempt for the first out, but Adam Engel dunked a single into right field to score Christian Stringer and slice the lead to 7-6. “Questionable call at third and I think that ballgame’s tied, but that’s baseball,” Rose said. “No sour grapes here. They beat us fair and square. We had our chances and we didn’t capitalize.” The Brewers answered with an insurance run in the bottom of the frame. Michael Ratterree ripped a one-out double and Jose Pena drove Ratterree in when his grounder glanced off shortstop Tyler Shryock’s glove for an RBI single. Tyler Alexander struck out the side in the ninth to end the Voyagers’ season. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of our group,” Rose said. “They had an unbelievable season. We just came out a little bit short. They played their tails off and played until the end.” The Voyagers took an early lead in the first with an RBI single by Zac Fisher and a two-run double by Jacob Morris. Adam Giacalone’s two-out double to the gap in right-center scored Ratterree as the Brewers cut the lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the first. Engel homered to left-center with Christian Stringer aboard in the top of the second inning to stretch the lead to 5-1. Pena’s RBI single scored Ratterree in the third, and Jalen Harris tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the fourth to cut the Voyagers’ lead to 5-3. “We got on them early and we just didn’t put up the zeroes when we had to,” Rose said. “(Razo) threw well and you have to tip your cap to them.”

James Ridle photo, Blackfoot Media Group Helena’s Michael Ratterree dives back to first base during a pick-off attempt in a playoff game Tuesday against the Great Falls Voyagers. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b3/5b3e9dfc-1aa9-11e3-82c4-0019bb2963f4/52300a5b90710.preview-620.jpg

Hope you're listening, currently 7-5 Brewers through the 7th at 10:30 Central. As noted on Twitter -- #Brewers OF Michael Ratterree, Pioneer League MVP, has been to the plate ten times in this playoff series thus far. He's reached nine times. Thru 7 innings, @helenabrewers 3-4-5 hitters (Ratterree, Giacalone and Pena) have combined to reach base 12 times in 12 plate appearances.

New this season: Helena has media notes; it's a unique link each day, but look for it just prior to game time each day within the "Stats and Scores" banner here.

Helena: RHP Barrett Astin at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 7:45 PM Central pre-game, 8:05 gametime; Brewers lead league semifinal best-of-three series 1-0; game three in Helena Wednesday if necessary Free Live Audio Link Voice of the Helena Brewers Steve Wendt is back on board, and this year he's added Twitter to the mix @steve_wendt. We've been treated to Steve's work for many years now (ten!); he is among the very best at the art of the pre-game interview, especially considering how at ease he makes all these first-time professional ballplayers. *** Follow Tuesday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Helena Box Score / Game Log *** Weather.com: Helena, MT

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Helena Box Score / Game Log Minus some fielding miscues on the right-side of the infield, it's all good. Every player with at least one base knock, and the league's MVP on base five times, as noted above. Enjoy!

Our rookie ball thread for Zac Vierra's feature on LHP Anthony Banda

Brewers' Banda having quality year By ZAC VIERRA for the Independent Record In Little League, one of Anthony Banda’s coaches tried to convince him to throw right-handed. When Banda realized he couldn’t throw with his right hand he decided to stick with what’s comfortable and pitch from the left side. He made the right decision. In his second professional season, and first with Helena, Banda has rounded into form, especially in the second half of the season. The 6-foot, 3-inch southpaw has given Helena a quality start in three of his last four outings and has posted a team-leading six quality starts this season. The only other Brewers to have a quality start this season are Zach Quintana and Tyler Linehan. In the first round of the Pioneer League Playoffs against Great Falls, Helena skipper Tony Diggs has a weapon to match up with the Voyagers’ Jake Sanchez, the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year. “Banda has been giving us quality starts from the top to the bottom. He has had a couple outings that were kind of rough and kind of in-between, but he has been a solid mainstay in the rotation. He’s been good,” said Diggs. Banda credits his recent accomplishments to focusing on his fastball-change up combination to keep hitters off balance. But Banda, who is a humble guy, is quick to credit his teammates for his success this season. “We have been playing so well as a team everything has been going so well and clicking together it’s not just pitching, it's defense and the offense because if you pitch and put up all zeroes, you still are not going to win,” said Banda. With players such as Angel Ortega and Taylor Brennan making web gems on the left side of the infield, and mainstays like Omar Garcia and Michael Ratterree tracking down balls in the outfield, Banda has felt confident in the defense behind him this season. And although he is second on the Brewers with 45 strikeouts, Banda has focused on pitching to contact because of the trust in his defense. “I feel so comfortable just throwing the ball over the plate and letting them hit it and letting my defense work,” he said. “Most people just see pitching as trying to strike people out, but it’s not all about that. I believe the pitcher’s job is to throw the ball of the plate and let them hit it and let your defense work. They are there for a reason.” This season has been one of milestones for Banda. After getting drafted by Milwaukee in the 10th round out of San Jacinto Junior College in June 2012, this was his first season where he attended spring training. It has also been his first season starting fulltime after splitting between the bullpen and the rotation last year with the Arizona Brewers. Banda likes starting and enjoys the routine of knowing when he will be pitching. But he also knows it comes with responsibilities. “As a starter you are supposed to get the job done, and if you don’t get the job done, you can end up in the bullpen,” he said. Since he has been starting all season, Banda has racked up some mileage on his arm. He has pitched 60 2/3 innings, second most on the team behind Quintana, much more than the 41.2 innings he pitched in his first pro season with Arizona. Although Banda has thrown more than ever and was skipped the last time through the rotation, he feels great physically. “I feel kind of stronger compared to last year at the end of the season. I’ve gotten more confident and just my overall body feels so much stronger than what it was at the beginning of the season and last year,” said Banda. One reason for his health this late in the season could be his delivery, a trait that goes all the way back to the Little League coach that told him to throw right-handed. Throughout his time growing up, right-handed pitchers coached Banda. Because of this, he believes he has developed a fluid delivery, almost like a standard right-hander instead of quirky lefties like Mitch Williams or Dontrelle Willis. Banda has looked up to Philadelphia Phillies southpaw Cliff Lee and has developed a similar smooth windup and throwing motion. “When people see left-handers they think weird, they think funky, they think something different. But for me it’s straightforward. I think it’s easier; it’s less dramatic,” he said. Now that the playoffs have begun, the goal for Banda and his teammates will be to come away with a Pioneer League championship ring. But as much as the Pioneer League is about winning, it is also about development as players try to reach the big leagues. Banda’s development has impressed his manger. “He has shown the ability to make adjustments. He has shown the ability to throw strikes and when you do that especially being left-handed, you have a bright future,” said Diggs. James Ridle Photo / Blackfoot Media Group http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/0a/f0ae3440-056b-11e3-8e93-0019bb2963f4/520c67f6d8696.preview-620.jpg

Notes from the Helena Independent Record: *** Brewers hang 16 runs on Voyagers in playoff opener Dionis Hinojosa and Michael Ratterree drove in four runs apiece, leading the Helena Brewers to a 16-5 victory over the Great Falls Voyagers in the first game of the Pioneer League’s Northern Division playoffs. Helena (43-33) used three pitchers in the triumph in the Electric City, with starter Taylor Williams collecting the win. The Brewers will entertain the Voyagers in Game 2 Tuesday at Kindrick Legion Field. A Helena win will send the Brew-crew to the Pioneer League championship finals. Helena scored early and often in the win over Great Falls (48-29) Monday, tallying two runs in the first inning, one in the second, three in the fourth, four in the fifth and eighth frames and two in the ninth. The Brewers ripped 15 base hits in the contest, with seven extra-base hits. Hinojosa was 2 for 5, with a home run and three runs scored. Ratterree was 3 for 4, with a double, a homer and two runs. Jose Pena blasted a 3-run homer and Charlie Markson chipped in with two hits, a triple, three runs and an RBI. Williams worked five innings, giving up four hits and three runs, while striking out six and walking two. He was relieved by Tristan Archer and Estevenson Encarnacion. Helena hurlers held the hosts to seven hits. Great Falls starter Jake Sanchez gave up six runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings, and was hung with the loss. Zach Fisher and Jacob Morris had homers for the Voyagers.

Via MLB.com: *** Ratterree MVP for Helena in opener Pioneer League's top player plates four in rout of Great Falls By Grant Tunkel / MiLB.com Michael Ratterree slugged his way through the Pioneer League regular season to earn MVP honors. With the playoffs underway, he didn't miss a beat. Ratterree went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and four RBIs to help Rookie-level Helena rout Great Falls, 16-5, in the opener of the best-of-3 North Division Finals. He reached base five times and helped pace a 15-hit attack. It was the right fielder's first appearance at the dish that set the tone for the entire evening. Facing Jake Sanchez, the circuit's Pitcher of the Year, Ratterree came to the plate with a runner on third base and one out in the top of the first inning. "I was just trying to drive the ball to the outfield, so I was looking out over the plate," the 22-year-old Brewers prospect said. "He threw me an offspeed pitch. I was able to stay on it and the wind did the rest. "It was big for us to come out and throw the first punch." Helena didn't let up either. With the breeze blowing out at Centene Stadium in Great Falls, the Brewers hit three home runs and totaled seven extra-base hits. The offensive outburst was a welcome change for a team that averaged fewer than three runs per game during a season-ending four-game losing streak. "Our hitting coach [Chuckie Caufield] gave us a little bit of an approach," Ratterree said. "He said just to look out over the plate. We haven't been hitting well over the last couple of days." Ratterree, the Rice University product (photo below by Chris Talley/FutureStarPhotos.com) said the team had a little bit of extra energy heading into the game against Sanchez. The Voyagers hurler went 6-3 with a 2.87 ERA during the regular season, but he allowed six runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings Monday. "You're always excited for an opportunity like that," Ratterree said. "We had some adrenaline coming into the game." Every batter in the Brewers lineup had at least one hit. Leadoff hitter Dionis Hinojosa smacked a three-run homer on a four-RBI night. Jose Pena added a three-run homer in the eighth. Game 2 will be in Helena at 8:05 p.m. CT on Tuesday. "They have great pitching, great hitting. They're always gonna fight," Ratterree said of Great Falls. "I think we have to keep swinging the bats. That's what's led us all season." http://www.milb.com/assets/images/7/8/2/60109782/cuts/090913ratterree_39hn2hv6_h9sg9yvf.jpg *** In other Pioneer League playoff action: Idaho Falls 7, Grand Junction 1 Royals' No. 7 prospect Hunter Dozier went 2-for-4 with a double and Daniel Rockett drove in two runs. Chukars left-hander Jonathan Dziedzic tossed five innings of one-run ball and struck out six batters to earn the victory. His mound counterpart, the Rockies' Devin Burke, allowed six unearned runs in six innings and took the loss. Grand Junction committed eight errors in defeat.

Dionis Hinojosa hit a three-run homer in the fifth Apparently it went a long way. OK, long, but maybe not that long.

Via the opponent's local press perspective -- *** Pioneer Playoffs: Helena Brewers crush Voyagers in Game 1 by Jesse Geleynse, Great Falls Tribune Sports Writer Maybe the Great Falls Voyagers were simply overdue for a loss. After a second half that saw them lose only nine times and end the regular season with a six-game winning streak, maybe a letdown was inevitable. The Voyagers just hoped it wouldn’t be this soon. Or this drastic. The Voyagers committed three errors and Pioneer League pitcher of the year Jake Sanchez had his roughest outing of the season as the Helena Brewers routed Great Falls 16-5 in the first game of a best-of-three Pioneer League North Division Championship Series in front of 1,102 fans at Centene Stadium Monday. “We were able to swing the bats and get a lot of barrel on the ball,” Brewers outfielder Michael Ratterree said. “We got a lot of momentum going right now. The way we played all year is we led with our bats. Our bats woke up tonight and helped us out.” The series shifts to Helena tonight at 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). A third if-necessary game would be played Wednesday in Helena with the winner traveling to face the South Division champion. Great Falls had swept a four-game series in Helena to end the season that had no bearing on the postseason. But Monday belonged to the Brewers. “We didn’t see them as meaningless games – we had some things we wanted to work on and gain some momentum,” Ratterree said. “There were some rainouts and our heads might not have been in it. But we were able to flip the switch tonight.” It was Pioneer League MVP Ratterree who bested Sanchez with a two-run home run in the first inning that started the rout. Ratterree’s homer gave a lead they never relinquished to go one game up in the series. Dionis Hinojosa hit a three-run homer in the fifth and Jose Pena hit a three-run home run in the eighth as the Brewers pounded out 15 hits. The Voyagers hit two homers of their own, but both were of the solo variety. Ratterree said the ball carried particularly well Monday night. “Especially to right field in the early innings – I thought I just hit a sac fly to right,” Ratterree said. “Luckily the wind picked it up and it got out.” Sanchez – who was 5-1 in his last six starts and hadn’t allowed an earned run in 13 innings – lasted only 3 1/3 innings for his shortest start of the year. It was Sanchez’s second loss to Helena this season. The Brewers beat Sanchez on July 3 in his only other start against Helena. “It just kind of proves to everybody that he’s human,” Voyagers manager Pete Rose said. “Everybody has bad starts and that’s part of the game. His head’s fine. He picked himself up off the ground and probably can’t wait to get the ball again.” Helena starter Taylor Williams (2013 4th round, Kent State) was the star on the mound. Touching the upper 90s on the radar gun, Williams fanned six in five innings to pick up the win. “He’s got great stuff,” Ratterree said. “When he throws strikes, he’s lethal.” The Brewers broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning against reliever Jose Bautista. Dustin Houle doubled and scored on an error, and Hinojosa belted a long three-run home run to left as Helena opened up a 10-1 lead. The Voyagers got two back in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI double from Adam Engel and an RBI single by Danny Hayes. Great Falls added another in the sixth when Jacob Morris singled and scored on an RBI fielder’s choice by Justin Jirschele to make it 10-4. Pena’s home run pushed the lead to 14-4 in the eighth. Zac Fisher homered leading off the bottom of the eighth, but that was as close as the Voyagers got. Ratterree added a two-run double in the ninth to complete the scoring. Ratterree homered following a Charlie Markson one-out triple in the top of the first for a 2-0 lead. The Brewers pushed the lead to 3-0 in the second when Taylor Brennan doubled in Houle. Morris’s solo home run in the second made it 3-1, but Hinojosa and Markson had RBI singles in the fourth to chase Sanchez. Bautista balked in another run before getting the final two outs as Helena increased the lead to 6-1. Andrew Mitchell goes to the hill for Great Falls tonight in a quest to keep the season alive. Barrett Astin (2013 3rd round, University of Arkansas) will get the ball for Helena. “We’ll be ready (today),” Rose said. “Now it’s a matter of seeing what they’re made of. We’ll get on the bus tomorrow, travel down there and play the game we’re supposed to play it and we’ll see what happens.” Voyagers second baseman Christian Stringer attempts to turn a double play after forcing out Helena Brewers baserunner Michael Ratterree on Monday night at Centene Stadium. / TRIBUNE PHOTO/RION SANDERS http://cmsimg.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=G1&Date=20130909&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=309090038&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Pioneer-Playoffs-Helena-Brewers-crush-Voyagers-Game-1

AUDIO from the weekend -- Helena Brewers outfielder Charlie Markson talks about his recent success and playing outfield in different parks

New this season: Helena has media notes; it's a unique link each day, but look for it just prior to game time each day within the "Stats and Scores" banner here.

Helena: RHP Taylor Williams at Great Falls (White Sox), 7:40 PM Central pre-game, 8:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link Voice of the Helena Brewers Steve Wendt is back on board, and this year he's added Twitter to the mix @steve_wendt. We've been treated to Steve's work for many years now (ten!); he is among the very best at the art of the pre-game interview, especially considering how at ease he makes all these first-time professional ballplayers. *** Follow Monday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Helena Box Score / Game Log *** Weather.com: Great Falls, MT

MiLB.com's preview story includes more tidbits and quotes from Brewers OF Michael Ratterree.

Pioneer Baseball: Red-hot Voyagers ready for postseason, Helena Great Falls Tribune The Great Falls Voyagers swept their final four-game series against the Helena Brewers. Now come three games that actually matter. The Pioneer League North Division second-half champion Voyagers play host to the first-half champion Brewers tonight at Centene Stadium in the first game of the best-of-three playoff series at 7:00 PM (8:00 Central). The series shifts back to Helena Tuesday, and if necessary, Wednesday. The winner plays the South Division winner for the league title. The Voyagers finished the regular season with six consecutive wins and the best overall record at 48-28. The Brewers finished 43-33. Pioneer League pitcher of the year Jake Sanchez (6-3, 2.78 ERA) is slated to pitch for the Voyagers against Helena’s Taylor Williams (3-1, 4.25). Great Falls’ Andrew Mitchell (1-3, 4.50) is scheduled to face Helena’s Barrett Astin (1-1, 4.30) Tuesday, and the Voyagers’ Nick Blount (4-4, 3.18) would face Anthony Banda (3-4, 4.45) in the if-necessary game. This marks the seventh straight season the Voyagers have qualified for the playoffs. Missoula topped the Voyagers two games to one last season en route to the league title. Great Falls won the title in 2011 and 2008. Helena is making its first postseason appearance since it won the title in 2010. Zach Voight is the Voyagers’ leading hitter with a .320 average. He has eight homers and 41 RBIs. Christian Stringer is hitting .312 and Corey Thompson is batting .310 with four homers and 40 RBIs. Justin Jirschele, Adam Engel and Zach Fisher are all hitting over .300. Jacob Morris leads the team with 12 homers. Adam Giacolone is hitting .337 with five homers for the Brewers. Michael Ratteree is hitting. .314 with 12 homers and 58 RBIs. Grand Junction faces Idaho Falls in the best-of-three South Division series. The winners will play each other later in the week. Thursday would be a travel day to the home of the South winner with a game Friday. Saturday is the return travel day with Games Two and Three at the North winner’s home.

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Seamheads.com: Stephen Peterson: Adversity Just Another Obstacle for Milwaukee Brewers’ Prospect

Photo by James Ridle, Blackfoot Media Group Eduard Reyes delivers a pitch in the fourth inning against the Voyagers. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/1b/61bf2534-190f-11e3-9c6b-0019bb2963f4/522d5a9dbc803.preview-620.jpg

For eight games in 2008, he was a Helena Brewer! Happy 27th Birthday to Logan Schafer!

New this season: Helena has media notes; it's a unique link each day, but look for it just prior to game time each day within the "Stats and Scores" banner here.

Helena: LHP Tyler Linehan at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 1:45 PM pre-game, 2:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link Voice of the Helena Brewers Steve Wendt is back on board, and this year he's added Twitter to the mix @steve_wendt. We've been treated to Steve's work for many years now (ten!); he is among the very best at the art of the pre-game interview, especially considering how at ease he makes all these first-time professional ballplayers. *** Follow Sunday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Helena Box Score / Game Log *** STANDINGS: Rookie Advanced - Pioneer League North Division NOTE: To view first half or overall standings for Helena, you'll notice an option at the link for that. Otherwise it's second-half standings as the default view for those this league. *** Weather.com: Helena, MT

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