Jim Goulart

Stars Win Series Opener, Third Straight Game By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars To begin a five-game set and 11-game homestand at Joe Davis Stadium, the Huntsville Stars held on to beat the Mobile BayBears by a score of 4-3 on Tuesday night. After finishing off their series against the Chattanooga Lookouts with two straight wins, the Stars got off to the right track against BayBears starting pitcher Bradin Hagens in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs, outfielder Chadwin Stang was hit by a pitch by Hagens and then stole second on the very next pitch. During that same at-bat, an infield single from second baseman Nick Shaw accompanied by a BayBears throwing error allowed Stang to score. Later in the inning, an RBI single from outfielder Rene Tosoni scored Shaw to make the score 2-0. The Stars would hold that lead until the top of the fifth inning, where Stars starting pitcher Drew Gagnon got hurt by the longball. One out into the inning, outfielder Keon Broxton put the BayBears on the board with a solo homer. Then, after Hagens drew a walk against Gagnon, outfielder Ender Inciarte roped a two-run homer just inside the right-field foul pole to put Mobile up by one run. Fortunately for Gagnon, he was taken out of harms way for the loss in the bottom of the seventh inning. Following a one-out single from first baseman Jason Rogers and a walk drawn by outfielder Eric Patterson, third baseman Mike Walker came through with a two-run triple off of BayBears righty Bryan Woodall to put Huntsville on top for good. For Walker, the game-winning hit was his second in the last three days. To ensure the victory, righty David Goforth notched his second save of the season with two innings of scoreless baseball. Goforth stranded runners on first and third in the ninth inning. Aside from Goforth, righty Eric Marzec improved to 5-0 on the year with the win in relief while Gangon gave up three runs in six innings with four strikeouts for a quality start in a no-decision. On offense, the Stars were paced by two hits apiece from Shaw and Rogers. The win for Huntsville was their third in a row. Four of the Stars last five wins have been by one run. On Wednesday, the Stars will play game two of a five-game series with the Mobile BayBears. The BayBears are the two-time defending Southern League champs and won the Southern League South division crown in the first half this year. Huntsville will send RHP Andy Moye (5-12, 4.43 ERA) to the hill while the BayBears will counter with RHP Archie Bradley (8-5, 2.10 ERA). Bradley is the top prospect in the Diamondbacks organization and is a consensus top-10 prospect in all of Minor League baseball. First pitch is at 6:43 PM.

Yup, that Steve Garrison. The 2005 10th round Brewer draft pick LHP, who has one big league game with the Yankees in 2011 under his belt, will be 27 in September. He's toiled for three other organizations, mostly at AA, the last two seasons.

Final: @AZL Brewers 4, AZL Diamondbacks 2 Quality win! AZL Brewers Box Score Clint Coulter was behind the plate, not DH'ing, here, and hit his 3rd Maryvale HR, his 6th overall in 192 AB's split between Wisconsin, Helena, and Maryvale. Coulter also exited after grounding out to end the 5th. Outfielders Johnny Davis and Brandon Diaz each had two singles at the top of the A-Crew order. Really nice devlelopment year for 2012 9th round RHP Alex Lavandero, now a year-plus removed from a Miami high school. It's a process. Congrats Alex, on your 1st pro win! Behind Lavandero's five innings of work, 5th round RHP Josh Uhen tossed two perfect innings and 34th round RHP Dylan Brock made his 1st appearance since July 28th, a scoreless frame. Congrats as well to undrafted RHP Tyler Spurlin on his 1st pro save! It's an exclamation mark kind of post here tonight. AZL Brewers Game Log Nice start -- AZL Brewers Bottom of the 1st Johnny Davis singles on a line drive to right fielder Dane McFarland. Brandon Diaz singles on a line drive to center fielder Matt McPhearson. Johnny Davis to 2nd. With Jose Sermo batting, Johnny Davis steals (12) 3rd base. Brandon Diaz steals (16) 2nd base. Jose Sermo strikes out swinging. Clint Coulter homers (3) on a fly ball to left center field. Johnny Davis scores. Brandon Diaz scores. Elvis Rubio pops out to shortstop Sergio Alcantara. David Denson strikes out swinging. Up 4-1 to the 9th, hang on loosely, .38 Special -- AZL D-backs Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Tyler Spurlin replaces Dylan Brock. Matt McPhearson grounds out, catcher Jack Cleary to first baseman David Denson. Sergio Alcantara called out on strikes. Jacob Cordero singles on a line drive to right fielder Eric Williams. Jamie Westbrook reaches on catcher interference by Jack Cleary. Jacob Cordero to 2nd. Jamie Westbrook to 1st. Justin Williams reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Steven Halcomb. Jacob Cordero scores. Jamie Westbrook to 3rd. Justin Williams to 2nd. Yeisson Rosario grounds out, pitcher Tyler Spurlin to first baseman David Denson.

AUDIO: Helena Pre-Game Interviews -- RHP Ryan Fasano talks about his first spring training and his season so far *** Hitting coach Chuckie Caufield talks about the progress of players to this point in the season

As is being discussed in the Major League Forum, OF Caleb Gindl has been optioned to Nashville to make room for Aramis Ramirez. Purely a numbers game on that one. See you in September, Caleb. INF Blake Davis, who we learned has an injured hamstring, goes on the Sounds' DL to make room for Gindl.

From Saturday's Link Report: We'll let Garrett give the news via his hospital-based tweet. Hopefully he'll be OK. *** No specific details, but apparently they're not going to take any chances with Cooper's wrist, as he goes on the 7-day DL. Hopefully not a hamate bone -- why is it only the power sluggers seem to lose that bone? RHP Eric Semmelhack is activated from the Wisconsin DL to fill the open spot. 13 pitchers on the Rattlers' 25-man roster now.

Bob Brainerd's latest feature focuses on Timber Rattlers catcher Tyler Roberts and his young family

Via the Manatees: RHP Damien Magnifico has been placed on the disabled list, retroactive to August 11th. Brevard County's roster is at 24 active players, one under the Florida State League limit, with six players on the disabled list and one player on Major League rehab assignment. *** No word on whether this is DL trip #3 related to blisters. If it is, that's frustrating but a bit silly that they can't get it under control yet. And yet you hope that's all it is and nothing of a more serious nature.

Moniker Madness is back, and they've abandoned the bracket format for a different voting look. The four Brewers are Huntsville RHP David Goforth, Huntsville OF Chadwin Stang, Brevard RHP Damien Magnifico, and Helena OF Dionis Hinojosa. Leaderboard - former Brewer Zelous Wheeler currently #1 in voting.

Weather.com: Reno, NV Huntsville, AL Tampa, FL Helena, MT Maryvale, AZ San Pedro De Macoris, DR

STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League North Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division Rookie Advanced - Pioneer League North Division Rookie - Arizona Summer League DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris Division *** NOTE: To view first half or overall standings for Huntsville, Brevard County, Wisconsin, and Maryvale, you'll notice options at the respective links for that. Otherwise it's second-half standings as the default view for those three leagues.

Look for Nashville media notes at the link just prior to game time. New this season: Brevard County has media notes; as of now, 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. Also 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.

To see tweets as to when the Link Report has been technically "completed" with available links, as well as to know when the new day's Report has been posted, please follow @Mass_Haas on Twitter.

Follow Tuesday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Huntsville Brevard County Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers New MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Tuesday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: RHP R.J. Seidel at Reno (Diamondbacks), 8:45 PM pre-game, 9:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link Jeff Hem is the play-by-play voice of the Sounds; follow him on Twitter @jeffhempbp; we'll link to his blog updates at On the Air…and Off MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $39.99 season-long package ($9.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. ********** Huntsville: RHP Drew Gagnon at home vs. Mobile (Diamondbacks), 6:28 PM pre-game, 6:43 gametime Free Live Audio Link Alex Cohen is the play-by-play voice of the Stars; follow him on Twitter @alexmcohen. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast. It appears four Southern League teams air their home games on MiLB.TV, and we'll let you know when those dates pop up on the schedule. ********** Brevard County: LHP Brent Suter at Tampa (Yankees), 5:00 PM pre-game, 6:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the link based on listed schedule Manatees audio, hooray! Dave Walkovic is the first play-by-play voice of the 'Tees since 2007, he's joined by Andy Towne; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio. All home games and many road games are scheduled to be broadcast. When road games are only available via the opponents' audio feed, we'll let you know that. ********** Wisconsin: Idle ********** Helena: RHP Zach Quintana at home vs. Orem (Angels), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 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. MiLB.TV -- When the H-Crew makes their way to Grand Junction (August), those games will be available for viewing online. ********** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home vs. the mini-Diamonbacks, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league ********** DSL Brewers: at the DSL Blue Jays, 9:30 AM gametime, although game data won't be available until later in the day

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That will mean the last three interleague series with the Red Sox will be at Fenway, since that one and only Miller Park series in 2003. Not that I'm personally complaining. Can the Brewers bring the roof with them April 4th? Brrrrrrrr.....

J.P. at Disciples of Uecker normally takes a look at the minor league box scores three or four times a week, and in today's notes (scroll to bottom), he talks about Brandon Diaz. Much respect for the crews at BrewCrewBall, DOU, etc. But you'll notice the Link Report is your seven-day-a-week staple . Though admittedly, we're running on fumes this time of year!

Pitching to contact, throwing the breaking ball for strikes Those are Cravy's own words from his July 20th audio interview. Granted, more specific details in online form hard to come by.

VIDEO: Hunter Morris rips a single in Nashville's 12-7 loss to Reno

Here's Jeff Hem's Monday chat with Nashville Manager Mike Guerrero Veteran IF Blake Davis nursing a hamstring strain...

Final: @AZL Dodgers 6, AZL Brewers 5 AZL Brewers Box Score RHP Gian Rizzo tossed the first five innings (6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K, ERA now 4.05). The Venezuelan product turns 20 in September, so there's a good shot we'll see him to begin the Wisconsin season in 2014, rather than hang around extended spring again. In 40 innings in Maryvale, Rizzo has a 43-to-4 BB-to-K ratio, so the dude knows how to pitch, just a bit hittable at times. RHP Drew Ghelfi surrendered five hits in the 6th inning (two runs, left the bases loaded). LHP Chris Matulis ended up taking the walkoff loss. CF Brandon Diaz hit a two-run HR in the 2nd for an early Maryvale lead, it was his 3rd of the summer. Diaz also walked and stole two bases (now with 15 in 19 attempts). AZL Brewers Game Log Maryvale scored two in the 8th to tie with good batting eyes -- AZL Brewers Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Wagner Mateo replaces Brody Greer. Francisco Castillo walks. With Johnny Davis batting, throwing error by Wagner Mateo on the pickoff attempt, Francisco Castillo to 2nd. Johnny Davis walks. Tucker Neuhaus walks. Francisco Castillo to 3rd. Johnny Davis to 2nd. Pitching Change: Bud Jeter replaces Wagner Mateo. Jose Sermo singles on a ground ball to first baseman Phildrick Llewellyn, deflected by pitcher Bud Jeter. Francisco Castillo scores. Johnny Davis to 3rd. Tucker Neuhaus to 2nd. Elvis Rubio grounds into a double play, shortstop Sergio Alcantara to second baseman Jamie Westbrook to first baseman Phildrick Llewellyn. Johnny Davis scores. Tucker Neuhaus to 3rd. Jose Sermo out at 2nd. Jack Cleary strikes out swinging. *** Staged a two-out rally that fizzled in the top of the 9th, only to go home in a non-winning fashion -- AZL Brewers Top of the 9th Brandon Diaz called out on strikes. Alan Sharkey grounds out, second baseman Jamie Westbrook to first baseman Phildrick Llewellyn. Joe Andrade singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Bud Jeter. Joe Andrade advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by pitcher Bud Jeter. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Edgardo Rivera replaces Joe Andrade. Francisco Castillo walks. Johnny Davis grounds out, first baseman Phildrick Llewellyn to pitcher Bud Jeter. AZL D-backs Bottom of the 9th Edgardo Rivera remains in the game as the designated hitter. Sergio Alcantara singles on a line drive to center fielder Brandon Diaz. Phildrick Llewellyn out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Jack Cleary to first baseman Alan Sharkey. Sergio Alcantara to 2nd. With Jamie Westbrook batting, wild pitch by Chris Matulis, Sergio Alcantara to 3rd. Jamie Westbrook singles on a line drive to center fielder Brandon Diaz. Sergio Alcantara scores.

Gas line explosion lights up night skies near Erie, Illinois And the Rattlers' team bus saw it -- too up close...check out the tweets and pictures: Max Walla Garrett Cooper Chris McFarland Ryan Gibbard

The DSL young men tried to rally in the 7th and final inning of their nightcap, but came up short, 5-4. *** The Maryvale Crew's rally came in the 8th to tie things at 5-5, but they lost in the 9th on a walkoff one-out single, 6-5. *** Here are the details on the Sounds' 12-7 loss. That link includes the box score link at the top of the story and several audio clips as well. We will expand each of these three snippets later this morning. Thanks for your patience.

The Helena Independent Record with a look at the road game in Billings -- *** Mustangs best Brewers in rare home win For one of the few times this season, Billings put together a complete game at Dehler Park on Monday. Unfortunately for Helena, that resulted in a 4-2 Mustangs win despite solid pitching and another road-game homer by right fielder Michael Ratterree. The loss drops Helena to 29-22 on the year, while the Mustangs — picking up just their sixth home win the season — improve to 18-33. The Brewers certainly got things started well, with Ratterree connecting on a first-inning pitch by Junior Morillo and sending it out of the park. It was his seventh homer of the year, with all of them coming on the road. Billings, though, responded quickly and in-kind, when Jose Ortiz took Brewers starter Barrett Astin deep. It was also his seventh home run of the season and tied the game at one run apiece. Nick Benedetto — on after a Helena error — gave Billings the lead later in the frame, coming home on a Jon Matthews single. The eventual game-winning run came in the bottom of the third on an RBI-double by Ortiz. The Brewers did climb to within one run in the sixth. Omar Garcia doubled to left and Renaldo Jenkins followed with a single, also to left, scoring Garcia. Again, though, Billings had an answer. This time it came off the bat of Robert Ramirez, who picked up just his second home run of the seaon off reliever Tanner Poppe, resulting in the final of 4-2. Morillo gave up just two hits in five innings to get his first win since being called up to Billings a couple of weeks ago. Astin took the loss for the visitors, giving up six hits and three runs — two of them earned — while striking out four in five innings of work. It was the first loss of the season for Astin, a third-round pick out of Arkansas. Billings will now leave for a series at Idaho Falls, while Helena returns to Kindrick Legion Field for a seven-game homestand. That stretch begins at 7:05 PM today (8:05 Central) against Orem. Zach Quintana (4-2, 6.51 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Brewers, while Garrett Nuss (0-2, 6.53) is the probable starter for Orem. Ronald Bueno of Billings runs down Renaldo Jenkins of Helena between second and third base on Monday at Dehler Park. Photos by PAUL RUHTER/Billings Gazette http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/dc/adc83654-03da-11e3-b2fd-0019bb2963f4/5209c6a128053.preview-620.jpg Mustangs' catcher Jose Ortiz drops the ball while attempting to tag Omar Garcia at home plate Monday. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/4a/34a2df50-ed6c-52db-948e-a89a19eb4861/5209bb18b350e.preview-620.jpg