Jim Goulart

Final: @AZL Brewers 7, AZL Angels 5 AZL Brewers Box Score Three wins in four games for the A-Crew; 1B David Denson and Stars 1B Jason Rogers are similar in body size, position, and oddly were injured and returned on the same day. Denson homered and was HBP (even his first stolen base) here. 2B Francisco Castillo was 4-for-4 including a double at the bottom of the order; Castillo is tied for the league lead in hits with 32 (but only five walks in 94 AB's). CF Brandon Diaz has had a nice first summer in pro ball, and he hit his first HR in this one. Contributions up and down the lineup, nice, check them out. AZL Brewers Game Log 5th round RHP Josh Uhen was awarded the win in relief, but it was undrafted LHP Chris Matulis who deserved it. Uhen has walked 15 in 15 innings and has been underwhelming. (Top pick Devin Williams, idle in this one, has walked 12 in 13.2 innings, it should be noted).

Brevard Audio: Game High/Lowlights Pre-Game w/RHP Tyler Cravy

Rattler Radio with postgame video lowlights

Sounds lose error filled game 9-5 to Zephyrs Metairie, LA – The Nashville Sounds suffered a 9-5 loss to the New Orleans Zephyrs on Friday evening at Zephyr Field, evening the series at one game apiece. New Orleans got off to a quick start against Sounds starter Aaron Laffey, sending nine men to the plate during a three-run first inning. Jake Smolinski belted a two-run homer during the frame, his seventh roundtripper of the year. The Sounds responded with a four-spot in the top of the second inning to take a short-lived 4-3 lead. Three of the four runs against Doug Mathis were unearned following a Kevin Kouzmanoff throwing error. Kentrail Davis (2-for-5) ripped an RBI single during the inning to extend his hitting streak to six games with Nashville; the outfielder has hit safely in each of his games with the club since a promotion from Double-A Huntsville. The Zephyrs leveled the contest at 4-4 in the bottom of the second when Gorkys Hernandez led off with a triple and scored on a sac fly before pulling ahead in the fourth with a pair of unearned runs off Laffey resulting from a pair of Sounds errors in the frame. New Orleans extended its lead to 7-4 in the fifth on Nick Green’s solo homer, the infielder’s fifth big fly of the campaign. The Sounds got a run back in the seventh against reliever James Leverton when Blake Davis scored on a two-out Robinzon Diaz single, but New Orleans once again answered a Nashville rally with one of its own in the bottom of the frame, plating two runs against Jesus Sanchez on Hernandez’s two-out single to right. Mathis (5-7) picked up the victory with a quality start for the Zephyrs, allowing one earned run (four runs total) on four hits while striking out seven during his six innings of work. Laffey (4-4) drew the loss for Nashville after giving up six runs (four earned) in his four frames of action. The teams continue the series with a 6:00 p.m. meeting on Saturday night. Right-hander Johnny Hellweg (7-4, 2.82) will make the start for Nashville and face New Orleans left-hander Duane Below (5-3, 2.39). Nashville Box Score E: Diaz, R @ 3B (1, fielding), Prince @ CF (7, throw), Davis, B @ SS (15, throw). Nashville Game Log

AUDIO: Huntsville Game Highlights from Alex

Stars Win Second Straight Against Blue Wahoos By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars A night after recording their fourth shutout in the month of July, the Huntsville Stars hung on the beat the Pensacola Blue Wahoos by a score of 3-2 on Friday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Much like the previous night, the Stars broke out to an early lead that they would not relinquish. In the second inning, the Stars led off the frame against Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Carlos Contreras with back-to-back singles from third baseman Mike Walker and catcher Shawn Zarraga. After a sacrifice bunt from shortstop Hector Gomez moved both runners into scoring position with one out, Stars starting pitcher Brooks Hall helped out his own cause with an RBI single that plated Walker to put Huntsville on the board. Unlike Thursday night, the Stars bats were able to have a second offensive breakthrough against the Pensacola pitching staff. Following back-to-back singles from first baseman Jason Rogers and outfielder Rene Tosoni, an RBI groundout from Walker and an RBI single by Zarraga put the Stars up 3-0. With Hall tossing the last of his inning-mandated four frames, the Blue Wahoos began to chip away at the Stars lead. After the 23-year-old righty retired the first two batters, Pensacola catcher Chris Berset came through with a two-out double. One batter later, an RBI single from first baseman Travis Mattair put the Blue Wahoos on the board. Two innings later, another two-out rally put Pensacola in striking distance. After shortstop Devin Lohman was hit by a pitch from Stars righty Casey Medlen (W, 3-4), a pinch-hit RBI double from Mike Costanzo scored Lohman to bring the Blue Wahoos deficit to within a run. Fortunately for the Stars, that was the closest the game would get. Righty Frankie De La Cruz pitched two scoreless innings for Huntsville while reliever Kevin Shackelford sent the Blue Wahoos down in order during the ninth inning for his second save of the season. Despite stranding 12 runners on base, the Stars offense cranked out 10 hits, led by three singles from Zarraga. Outfielder Chadwin Stang also chipped in with two hits. For Huntsville, the victory was their second in a row by one run. The Stars are now 9-6 in the month of July, already eclipsing their win total for the entire month of June (8). On Saturday, the Stars will play game three of a five-game series at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium against Pensacola. Huntsville will send RHP Taylor Jungmann (9-6, 3.56 ERA) to the bump to try to clinch the series victory while Pensacola will counter with RHP Josh Smith (7-8, 3.72). First pitch is at 6:30 PM.

Helena Independent Record on the road game: After suffering a tough road loss on Thursday, the Helena Brewers bounced back to win the finale in a three-game stretch at Idaho Falls, 7-6, on Friday. The win gave the Brewers the series and strengthened their hold on the Pioneer League North Division lead. Helena’s in front of Great Falls by two games and third place Missoula by four. Helena got things started quickly on Friday, thanks to Michael Ratterree’s third homer in as many games. The first-inning shot brought home two, including Angel Ortega, on with a leadoff single. Idaho Falls answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning, taking advantage of a pair of wild pitches from Helena starter Daniel Keller to put up three and take the lead. The Brewers’ bats continued in the second inning, however, and Ortega connected on his first triple of the season to score Jalen Harris following an Idaho Falls double play. He then came home on a Charlie Markson single. The Brewers added another run in the third, a solo homer from Taylor Brennan — his fifth of the season. Idaho Falls didn’t go away, scoring one in the fifth, but Helena responded with two in the top of the sixth, which the Chukars matched in the bottom half of the frame. And that’s where the score remained, giving Tristan Archer his first professional win. Estevenson Encarnacion pitched the final 1 1/3 innings to earn the save.

VIDEO: Helena's Michael Ratterree hits a two-run homer as the Brewers fall to Idaho Falls, 17-5, on Thursday Second video HR for Ratterree in as many days, this one closed the gap at the time to 7-3.

MillerParkProspects.com -- Future of the Franchise: Third Base

INF Ozzie Chavez is on the Nashville DL, Sounds going with 13 pitchers on the 25-man for now.

Birthdays! Tim Dillard - 30 Brian Garman - 25 Tanner Poppe - 23

AUDIO: Helena Brewers pitcher Sean Albury talks about the comeback from his injury, the return to pitching in live games, and his many nicknames

Nice win - Maryvale! Among the mini-tidbits, pro debut for UCLA RHP Ryan Deeter. If someone can fully cover the game for me this AM, thanks!

Wisconsin RHP Austin Blaski Before After Note to self, need to follow-up on that...

Via Rattler Radio Blog -- There was a happy ending on Thursday and a little something to put the game in perspective. Matt Erickson’s wife Julie has been getting close to giving birth to their third child. Matt came out on the road and the baby wasn’t due until Tuesday or Wednesday. But, he was ready to head back at a moments notice. The call came in the seventh inning that little Emma couldn’t wait anymore. Matt showed me a picture on his cell phone as we got on the bus and he was still getting the details as we headed back to the hotel. Matt will be heading home tomorrow morning and will rejoin the team next Wednesday when the homestand with Clinton starts. Congratulations to the Ericksons. *** Wow, it's a themed Link Report. Despite the brutal loss, this entry from Chris is one of his best efforts for entertainment and info, and that's saying something. Two days of video highlights, too.

Congratulations, Jeff Hem (and the Mrs.)! What timing, All-Star Break!

Helena Top of the 3rd Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Charlie Markson replaces CF Omar Garcia. No apparent reason...

Huntsville Photo Gallery includes nice Drew Gagnon shot *** Huntsville Game Story via the Pensacola News Journal *** Alex's Game Story via the Huntsville Site *** LHP Brian Garman, who last pitched for the Stars on June 22nd, tweeted he's Maryvale-bound, but not without difficulty. Hopefully to be seen in a rehab stint soon. Injury details unclear, haven't got in the habit of putting these guys on the spot yet via Twitter on that... *** Audio highlights

Final: @AZL Reds 4, AZL Brewers 3 AZL Brewers Box Score Trailing 3-0 into the 9th, a rally (with a bit of help) against former NFL prospect and Brewer draft pick Chad Jones -- AZL Brewers Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Chad Jones replaces Ty Boyles. Brandon Diaz walks. With Eric Williams batting, wild pitch by Chad Jones, Brandon Diaz to 2nd. Eric Williams singles on a ground ball to left fielder Kevin Garcia. Brandon Diaz scores. Tucker Neuhaus hits a ground-rule double (5) on a fly ball to left field. Eric Williams to 3rd. Pitching Change: Oswaldo Mieres replaces Chad Jones. Elvis Rubio strikes out swinging. Tanner Norton grounds out, shortstop Cory Thompson to first baseman Aldi Guzman. Eric Williams scores. Tucker Neuhaus to 3rd. Jack Cleary reaches on a fielding error by first baseman Aldi Guzman. Tucker Neuhaus scores. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Yonki Hernandez replaces Jack Cleary. With Alan Sharkey batting, Oswaldo Mieres picks off Yonki Hernandez at 1st on throw to Aldi Guzman Immediately lost in the bottom of the 9th vs. RHP Dylan Brock in his second inning of work -- AZL Reds Bottom of the 9th Defensive Substitution: Paul Eshleman replaces Yonki Hernandez, batting 6th, playing catcher. Jose Fernandez grounds out, shortstop Luis Aviles to first baseman Alan Sharkey. Aristides Aquino triples (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Cory Thompson hit by pitch. Kevin Franklin singles on a ground ball to left fielder Eric Williams. Aristides Aquino scores. Cory Thompson to 2nd. AZL Brewers Game Log Disappointing line for top pick RHP Devin Williams - 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 1 HBP LHP Clint Terry continued his stellar work and stranded three of Williams' baserunners. RHP Alex Lavandero continues to make strides. CF Brandon Diaz (two walks) and LF Eric Williams (single, walk) were the only Brewers to reach base more than once.

Southern League All-Star Game Notebook: Biscuits' Cameron Seitzer wins HR derby Brock Kjeldgaard did not homer in the derby... *** South limits North to one hit to win Southern League All-Star game Huntsville is in the North... *** Huntsville pitchers struggled in the 6-0 loss: SOU South All-Stars Bottom of the 4th Pitching Change: Taylor Jungmann replaces Alberto Cabrera. Edward Salcedo grounds out, shortstop Arismendy Alcantara to first baseman Adam Weisenburger. Mike Freeman singles on a line drive to center fielder Joc Pederson. With Cameron Seitzer batting, Mike Freeman steals (1) 2nd base. Cameron Seitzer singles on a ground ball to shortstop Arismendy Alcantara. Mike Freeman to 3rd. Christian Bethancourt called out on strikes. Jaime Pedroza singles on a ground ball to right fielder James Jones. Mike Freeman scores. Cameron Seitzer to 2nd. With Jake Marisnick batting, wild pitch by Taylor Jungmann, Cameron Seitzer to 3rd. Jaime Pedroza to 2nd. Jake Marisnick pops out to first baseman Adam Weisenburger in foul territory. SOU South All-Stars Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Ariel Pena replaces Yimi Garcia. J. T. Realmuto walks. With Jaime Pedroza batting, J. T. Realmuto steals (1) 2nd base. Jaime Pedroza walks. Jake Marisnick pops out to second baseman Rafael Ynoa on the infield fly rule. With Ender Inciarte batting, J. T. Realmuto steals (2) 3rd base. With Ender Inciarte batting, Jaime Pedroza steals (1) 2nd base, J. T. Realmuto scores. Jaime Pedroza to 3rd. Throwing error by catcher Rafael Lopez. Ender Inciarte strikes out swinging. Pitching Change: Ross Stripling replaces Ariel Pena. Justin Greene walks. With Jose Martinez batting, Justin Greene steals (1) 2nd base. Jose Martinez grounds out, shortstop Marcus Semien to first baseman Adam Weisenburger. Kjeldgaard with a pinch-hit walk in the 6th, later struck out swinging. Adam Weisenburger played the whole game cleanly at first base (groundout, popout, HBP). Box Score Game Log

Rattler Radio Post-Game Blog

North Division first baseman Adam Weisenburger of the Huntsville Stars flips the ball to first for an out during the Southern League All-Star game on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo) http://imgick.al.com/home/bama-media/width620/img/sports_impact/photo/adam-weisenburgerjpg-df196facc1cb7a76.jpg

VIDEO: Helena's Michael Ratterree hits a solo homer as the Brewers beat Idaho Falls, 9-5

AUDIO: Helena Manager Tony Diggs gives an update on the season as the end of the first half draws near

Manatees' Ramirez closes in on team's home run record First baseman needs 2 more to set single-season mark by Michael Parsons, FLORIDA TODAY There have been a lot of power hitters come through Brevard County, from Ryan Braun to Jonathan Lucroy to Kevin Millar to Hunter Morris. But with two more home runs, Nick Ramirez will have hit more home runs than any other Brevard County Manatee in a single season. Ramirez has hit 18 this season. Milwaukee Triple A slugger Morris holds the record, hitting 19 in 2011. He did not know he was that close to the record until he asked manager Joe Ayrault on the ride back from Palm Beach on Monday night. “I had no idea I was that close,” said the first baseman, who came into Wednesday’s game hitting .261 on the season. But Ramirez, who went 1-for-4 in a wet 9-3 loss to St. Lucie on Wednesday night at Space Coast Stadium, is not worried about setting the record. “It is just one of those things that if it happens, it happens,” Ramirez said before Wednesday’s game. “I am not going to go out and change my approach and drop 50 points and hit one home run in 15 games because of it.” With the way he is swinging the bat, the home runs will come. Ramirez was named the Florida State League Player of the Week earlier this week, hitting .526 with eight RBIs. The slugger really got things going shortly after the All-Star break, where he won the Home Run Derby. “I don’t want to blame it on that, but after the Home Run Derby I hit a little funk. I am usually the kind of person who says that the Derby doesn’t ruin a swing, but I guess I developed a couple of bad habits during the Home Run Derby,” Ramirez said. So after about a week, Ramirez slowed things down, began using a heavier bat (33/34 from a 31.5) and began swinging easy. “I have been working on staying short and swinging easy,” the fourth round pick in 2011 said of his swing. “Realized after the Home Run Derby that I had a really hard swing, a max effort swing.” The difference has not only led to a .438 average in the past 10 games, but his power has continued as he has hit two home runs in the past five games. And it has Ramirez in a good place at the plate. “It’s not really excitement, more of a realization that I don’t have to put forth the max effort to hit the ball out of the park. If I just stay smooth and put the good part of the bat on the ball, it is going to go out rather than me trying to hump up,” Ramirez said.“I think it is going to help me down the road, when I do feel myself muscling up I can go back to that point where I got when I started swinging easy. The results showed it.” And soon he could hold a record. It is all more than he thought he would accomplish when he was in spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers. “I literally told myself I would be happy with 10 home runs. That is how hard, how much I heard about this league. It is not an easy place to do it,” Ramirez said of hitting home runs. “I am not going to try and do it because when I try to do it, that is when I am not very good at the plate.“ And lately he has been very good at the plate. Nick Ramirez is close to breaking the Manatees' single-season home run record. (Submitted to Florida Today) http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130718/SPORTS/307180026/Manatees-Ramirez-closes-team-s-home-run-record