Jim Goulart

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Catching up, here's the Helena Box Score Jesse Weiss finally played in the field (first base), all seven of his previous games were at designated hitter. Jalen Harris on base three times, as he took his turn at DH. Nine walks last night for the team is good, 0-for-9 with RISP is not. Helena Game Log RHP Danny Keller showed promise in his opening stints this year, but the 2011 6th rounder from a California high school now sports a 9.04 ERA in 85.2 pro innings - walks have not been the problem. Ugly lines across the board in this one, a rare team misstep in every facet.

VIDEO from Monday: Hunter Morris triples in Nashville's 4-2 win at Omaha To left field, really? How? Well, watch! That's Scott Fletcher's son Brian, by the way. (Scott, 1992 Brewer!). Fletcher also homered, this was his first AAA game. NOTE: Scotty turns 55 today (Tuesday), h/t to BrewCrewBall.

Final: @AZL Reds 4, AZL Brewers 3 AZL Brewers Box Score A-Crew scored single runs in the 7th and 8th to get within one, but went down 1-2-3 in the 9th, falling to 10-22 and so far not taking advantage of the 2nd half standings reset, now 1-3. We probably won't know about Tucker Neuhaus' injury status (see earlier post in this thread) soon unless Tucker tweets something out himself later today. Thought Yonki Hernandez' HR might have been the first of his career, but it was his 5th, as he sneaks one in each of his pro seasons (two in his rookie 2010 DSL year). Following up Marco Estrada's first rehab stint (one run, 4 K's in 2.2 IP), Eric Arnett retired all four men he faced, so a better outing for Eric than his first on Friday. Brewer pitchers allowed three triples (ah, young legs) and two of those were surrendered by UW-Milwaukee's Josh Uhen, who is in need of a mulligan for 2013's rookie campaign. Wish granted, Josh, big things coming next spring for you. AZL Brewers Game Log This frame should have been so much more -- AZL Brewers Top of the 7th Eric Williams singles on a line drive to center fielder Jose Fernandez. Alan Sharkey doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Jose Fernandez. Eric Williams scores. Yonki Hernandez doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Kevin Garcia. Alan Sharkey to 3rd. Luis Aviles walks. Brandon Diaz pops out to second baseman Yonatan Suero. Francisco Castillo flies into a double play, right fielder Aristides Aquino to catcher Jose Duarte. Alan Sharkey out at home.

Kevin Shackelford gets the save for Huntsville. Same game, Stephen Shackleford blows the save for Jackson. OK, now it's time to freak out!

Brewers drop first-half finale by Curt Synness, Helena Independent Record Missoula Osprey pitchers limited the Helena Brewers to four hits on Monday as the visitors rolled to a 13-4 Pioneer League win at Kindrick Legion Field. Osprey starter Blayne Weller had a no-hitter going into the fourth inning and finished giving up just two hits in five innings of work. Weller, whose fast ball was clocked as high as 96 MPH during the evening, struck out six and walked three. Helena’s Jose Pena broke up the no-hitter with a single with two outs in the fourth inning. Five Osprey relievers followed Weller, who earned the win, to pitch the last four innings of the game. Brewers starter David Otterman also had a no-hitter going for his three innings of work — although he walked five — but was lifted in the fourth for Danny Keller. And that was the beginning of the end for the home team, as Keller gave up eight runs in 1 1/3 innings, all of them earned. Keller was saddled with the loss. Helena also wound up using five pitchers. Missoula rang up five runs in the fourth frame, three in the fifth, three in the seventh and two in the ninth. The two teams combined for 22 bases on balls, with Missoula hurlers walking nine and Helena pitchers permitting 13 free passes. Jose Queliz and Yorman Garcia paced the Osprey’s 11-hit effort with three hits apiece. Queliz scored two runs and posted two RBIs, while Garcia had a double and two RBIs. Missoula teammate Chuck Taylor stroked a double and drove in two runs while Daniel Polka had a pair of RBIs as well. Helena got on the board with a run in the fifth, on an RBI-double by Michael Turay. In the sixth, the Brewers tallied three runs without a hit, using four straight walks, an RBI-ground out double play and two wild pitches. The game was the final contest of the first half of the season. The Brewers had already claimed the North Division’s first half title, earning a spot in the postseason. They finish the half with a 23-15 record. That’s just one win shy of last year’s win total for the entire year. Missoula, meanwhile, improves to 16-22 with the win. The North will take today off, and these two teams will meet for another series on Wednesday, this time in Missoula. All photos by Eliza Wiley, Helena Independent Record Helena's Omar Garcia sneaks onto second base Monday night as the ball lands in the Missoula second baseman's glove. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c3/2c3ecbda-f8cb-11e2-9c1d-001a4bcf887a/51f73804e5af1.preview-620.jpg Michael Ratterree prepares to bat under a Big Sky sunset Monday night at Kindrick Legion Field. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/6e/36e0559a-f8cb-11e2-bbdc-001a4bcf887a/51f73817150a1.preview-620.jpg Taylor Brennan scores against Missoula's pitcher Cody Geyer bringing Helena to a score of 4-8. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/17/417b4668-f8cb-11e2-b319-001a4bcf887a/51f73828b2e71.preview-620.jpg

Walks Haunt in Loss to Missoula Brewers walk a season-high 13 in 1st half finale By Zac Vierra / Helena Brewers On Sunday, Helena Brewers pitchers walked just one batter in a win over Missoula. A day later the scene was quite the opposite as Helena pitchers walked a season-high 13 and the free passes cost the Brewers in a 13-4 loss. Things started out well for Helena as Brewers starter David Otterman tossed three no-hit innings to start the game. But once he was out of the game in the fourth inning, the Missoula offense went to work. Jose Queliz led off the inning with a single off of Danny Keller and after Stryker Trahan walked, Joe Munoz ripped a double off the wall in left to plate Queliz. When left fielder Jose Pena bobbled the ball, Trahan came home to score. Jake Miller would follow by pushing a bunt to the right side of the infield. Keller tried to scoop the ball to first but the toss was off the mark and Munoz scored on the error. After Antonio Alvarez walked, Yorman Garcia hit a ball to shallow center and Omar Garcia dove but the ball went off his glove and Miller scored on what ended up being a double. Alvarez would score the fifth run of the inning when Colin Bray hit a sac fly to center. The Osprey would bat around for the second straight inning in the fifth as Keller loaded the bases to start the frame thanks to a hit, a walk, and a hit by pitch. After Keller got the first out of the inning via a strikeout, he was replaced by Juan Santiago. Santiago would immediately throw a wild pitch as Queliz scored and then the walks would begin to hurt. Santiago walked a pair as the Osprey scored another run. After getting a strikeout, Santiago would walk another batter with the bases loaded to put Missoula up 8-0. The Brewers would start chipping away in the bottom of the fifth when Taylor Brennan led off with a walk and scored on a double into the gap in right-center by Michael Turay. Helena would get another run back in the bottom of the sixth thanks to walks as Mike Blake surrendered four straight free passes. The Brewers would score another run when Turay grounded into a double play and Michael Ratterree came home. Brennan would later score on a passed ball to make it a four run game. The Osprey would add three runs in the top of the seventh thanks to a sac fly by Chuck Taylor, a groundball by Daniel Palka, and a RBI single by Queliz. Missoula would cap the scoring with two runs in the ninth. It was a sloppy game in which the teams combined for 22 walks, three wild pitches, a passed ball, and a hit batter. The Brewers offense was also limited as they managed only four hits on the night. Blayne Weller picked up the win after allowing just one run on two hits in five innings. Keller was handed his first loss of the season for Helena. It was the final game of an exciting first half that saw the Brewers clinch a playoff spot with a record of 23-14. After an off day on Tuesday, the Brewers will begin the second half of the season in Missoula on Wednesday. Helena Site Photo of David Otterman by Seth Eikomstead http://www.milb.com/assets/images/7/9/4/55229794/cuts/32_David_Otterman_P_2rc9m3jm_w9wybbd9.jpg

LINK INCLUDES VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH GARRETT COOPER (some quotes included below) Cooper shows off power in Timber Rattlers loss by Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media GRAND CHUTE — It’s hard to tell just 27 games into his professional career if Garrett Cooper will launch the long ball on a regular basis. But early signs suggest that Cooper could be a slugger in the making. Cooper, Milwaukee’s sixth-round pick out of Auburn in June’s draft, socked four home runs in his first 16 games of rookie league ball with Helena to earn a quick promotion to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Cooper displayed his power to Wisconsin fans on Monday night, slamming his first homer as a Rattler to provide the lone highlight in a 5-1 Midwest League loss to the Burlington Bees. Cooper’s round-tripper was a bomb, a towering shot hit well over the wall in left-center field. “It’s always good to get that first one on the board,” said Cooper, a right-handed-hitting first baseman. “It was a curveball that just hung there.” When Cooper got to the dugout, he was ignored by Timber Rattlers teammates with the classic silent treatment often given to new players following their first home run. Moments later, they broke the silence with laughter and congratulated Cooper. “I kind of knew that was coming,” said Cooper with a chuckle. “I’m the new guy who had just hit his first home run, so you kind of expect it.” At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, Cooper looks like he could hit a lot of homers in professional baseball. He slammed two of them in his first pro game at Helena, including a home run on the first pitch thrown to him in pro baseball. “This one took a little longer, but still felt really good,” said Cooper. “I had never played in a wood bat league before and I’m still adjusting. But I’ve performed fairly well so far.” The 22-year-old Cooper had a game-winning triple Sunday and is hitting .263 in 11 games with the Timber Rattlers. “He’s kind of an inside-outside hitter who uses the right-center field gap,” said Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson. “He shows a lot of power in batting practice and we’ll see if it correlates into the games.” Cooper’s blast was one of just three hits the Rattlers generated off Bees left-hander Patrick Lowery, who went the distance with a rare complete game. Lowery changed speeds expertly and threw strikes, striking out six and not walking a hitter. “He did a nice job, but I don’t think we made it very hard on him,” said Erickson. “We swung at some bad pitches early in the count and didn’t make many adjustments.” The Rattlers also struggled in the field, committing four errors, all on throws. “I was a little disappointed with our overall effort,” said Erickson. “We had a chance to bury them and get a sweep, and it didn’t happen."

Rattler Radio Blog - Postgame entry including video

AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS WITHIN GAME STORY Stars Win Second Straight Against Generals By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars Following their series-opening victory on Sunday, the Huntsville Stars beat the Jackson Generals by a score of 5-3 on Monday night at The Ballpark at Jackson. Exactly like he did in game one of the series, Jason Rogers gave the Stars an early lead over the Generals. With second baseman Nick Shaw aboard, Rogers launched his second two-run homer during the first inning in as many games to give Huntsville a 2-0 advantage (audio). Unlike the previous night, the early lead for the Stars would not last. After holding the Generals hitless through the first two innings, Huntsville starting pitcher Andy Moye ran into trouble in the third. Following an error from shortstop Hector Gomez, Moye gave up a single to Generals second baseman Jack Marder and hit outfielder Julio Morban with a pitch to load the bases. With two outs, first baseman Ji-man Choi came through with a bases-clearing triple to give the Generals their first lead of the series. Fortunately, the Stars were able to return the favor and execute on a few Generals miscues in the sixth inning. Following a leadoff walk by Rogers, an error from Marder put runners on first and third with one out. After a walk drawn by catcher Adam Weisenburger, pinch-hitter Eric Patterson came through with a bases-loaded, two-run single to put the Stars back up by one (audio). Later in the inning, a throwing error from third baseman Ramon Morla plated Weisenburger to make the score 5-3. The two-run advantage was plenty for the Stars pitching staff. Once Moye exited the game before the sixth inning, righties Greg Holle and Kevin Shackelford (S, 3) each pitched two innings of scoreless relief to ensure the victory for the Stars (audio - final out). With the victory, Moye improved to 5-11 on the season. He gave up three runs (none earned) on just three hits while striking out four and walking one. For Rogers, the two-run homer in the first inning was his third roundtripper of the series over the first two games. During his current 10-game hit streak, Rogers is hitting .405 (15-for-37) with seven homers and 17 runs batted in. He is now tied for the Southern League-lead in homers with 17 while leading the league in runs batted in outright with 70. Aside from Rogers on offense, the Stars got a two-hit night from outfielder Rene Tosoni. On Monday, the Stars will play game three of a five-game series at The Ballpark at Jackson against the Jackson Generals. Huntsville will send RHP Taylor Jungmann (9-6, 3.78 ERA) to the bump to try to earn a series victory while Jackson will counter with LHP Anthony Fernandez (6-8, 2.99 ERA). First pitch is 7:05 PM.

Helena Pre-Game Audio: RHP Tanner Poppe talks about the first half of his first professional baseball season *** Infielder Renaldo Jenkins talks about his recent success at the plate

And in Maryvale -- ugh... AZL Brewers Top of the 1st Brandon Diaz grounds out, pitcher Jeremy Kivel to first baseman Logan Uxa. Francisco Castillo strikes out swinging. Tucker Neuhaus walks. With Paul Eshleman batting, passed ball by Jose Duarte, Tucker Neuhaus to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Steven Halcomb replaces Tucker Neuhaus. Paul Eshleman grounds out, shortstop Cory Thompson to first baseman Logan Uxa.

Looks like the official scorer, who had discretion, punished Matt Miller and awarded the Brevard win to Tommy Toledo (in effect costing Miller the win, Toledo the save). Retaliation for the four HBP's?

McCalvy passes along more great stories here.

Darn it in Appleton (the injury, much moreso than the circumstances): Burlington Top of the 6th Sherman Johnson strikes out swinging. Pedro Toribio singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Mike Garza. With Exicardo Cayones batting, Pedro Toribio steals (23) 2nd base, . Pedro Toribio advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Parker Berberet. Exicardo Cayones reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by second baseman Christopher McFarland. Pedro Toribio scores. Exicardo Cayones advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by second baseman Christopher McFarland. Wade Hinkle singles on a ground ball to pitcher Ryan Gibbard. Exicardo Cayones scores. Wade Hinkle advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by pitcher Ryan Gibbard. Pitching Change: Preston Gainey replaces Ryan Gibbard. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers pitcher Ryan Gibbard left the game due to an injured leg. Zach Wright homers (1) on a fly ball to center field. Wade Hinkle scores.

In a remarkable three innings of middle relief (so far tonight), the Manatees Matt Miller has walked five, hit four men, allowed two hits, and only given up two runs (stranding seven). Jupiter Bottom of the 5th Pitching Change: Matt Miller replaces Tyler Cravy. Brent Keys singles on a line drive to left fielder Ben McMahan. Austin Barnes hit by pitch. Brent Keys to 2nd. Ryan Fisher walks. Brent Keys to 3rd. Austin Barnes to 2nd. Yordy Cabrera grounds into a double play, first baseman Nick Ramirez to catcher Cameron Garfield to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Brent Keys out at home. Yordy Cabrera out on batter interference. Ryan Rieger singles on a ground ball to right fielder Mitch Haniger. Austin Barnes scores. Ryan Fisher to 3rd. Ross Wilson hit by pitch. Ryan Rieger to 2nd. Alfredo Lopez grounds out, second baseman T. J. Mittelstaedt to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Jupiter Bottom of the 6th Ryan Goetz walks. Austin Nola grounds into a double play, third baseman Nick Delmonico to second baseman T. J. Mittelstaedt to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Ryan Goetz out at 2nd. Brent Keys walks. With Austin Barnes batting, Brent Keys steals (12) 2nd base. Austin Barnes walks. With Ryan Fisher batting, Brent Keys steals (13) 3rd base. Austin Barnes steals (5) 2nd base. Ryan Fisher strikes out swinging. Jupiter Bottom of the 7th Yordy Cabrera hit by pitch. Ryan Rieger strikes out swinging. Ross Wilson hit by pitch. Yordy Cabrera to 2nd. Alfredo Lopez walks. Yordy Cabrera to 3rd. Ross Wilson to 2nd. Ryan Goetz out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Ben McMahan in foul territory. Yordy Cabrera scores. Austin Nola grounds out, pitcher Matt Miller to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

Via Jeff Hem's blog -- Audio from Omaha — “Mondays with Mike” "Here is this week’s installment of “Mondays with Mike” with Sounds manager Mike Guerrero, who discusses the events of Sunday’s game when he fainted in the dugout before the second inning; how much the Sounds’ difficult season has worn him out; the addition of speedy, versatile infielder/outfielder Eugenio Velez and the impact Guerrero’s experience managing winter ball in the Dominican Republic can have on the Brewers; and how much the Sounds are ready to be done with Omaha for the year given the Storm Chasers’ stable of left-handed pitchers (8 of the 12 on their staff are southpaws)."

VIDEOS from the weekend: Hunter Morris plates a run with a hit in Nashville's 5-4 loss to Omaha Nashville's Josh Prince swipes third base in the Sounds' 4-1 loss to Omaha Huntsville's Jason Rogers hits his second homer in the Stars' 7-2 win *** That was Rogers' 7th July HR -- he already has #8 tonight. Check out the month-by-month. Rogers' June was as hideous as June was glorious for Wisconsin's Tyrone Taylor.

Tyler Cravy started for the Manatees tonight, as noted, vs. Jupiter. The Hammerheads just brought in Kevin Cravey in relief. Cravy, man, cravey...

Weather.com: Omaha, NE Jackson, TN Jupiter, FL Grand Chute, WI (Appleton) Helena, MT Maryvale, AZ San Pedro De Macoris, DR

STANDINGS (YEE-HAH, Helena!): 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 and Wisconsin media notes at the links just prior to their game times. 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 Monday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers New MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Programming notes: Jackson has their games on MiLB.TV, so you'll be able to watch this Huntsville series live and on archive if a subscriber. *** Brevard County audio only available via the opponent audio feed until the next homestand August 7th. *** Tonight's Timbers Rattlers game is being televised on TWC Sports 32, starting just before gametime at 7:00 PM.