Jim Goulart

Great Falls site: Voyagers Hop Over Brewers GREAT FALLS - The Great Falls Voyagers (36-33, 12-19) pulled a late comeback on the Helena Brewers (22-47, 9-22) for a 5-4 win Thursday night at Centene Stadium. The Voyagers are now 10-1 against Helena this season. J.C. Casey struggled against the league-last Helena offense tonight as he allowed two runs in the first inning. The Voyagers fought back for one in the first and tied the game in the second when Zach Voight doubled and Angel Rosario singled him home for a 2-2 tie. Casey gave up two more runs in the fourth when Michael Turay singled home a pair and Helena led 4-2 through the middle innings. Ryan Bollinger (4-3) pitched a scoreless sixth, his first appearance since injuring his back on August 18, and set up the Voyagers for a three-run, lead-taking sixth. Barroso and Tanner reached when Thomas McCarthy doubled to center to score Barroso, and Chris McFarland's throw to the plate became lodged in the backstop to advance both runners and tie the game 4-4. With McCarthy on third, Zach Voight drove a sacrifice fly to center to finish the rally and give the Voyagers a 5-4 lead. David Putman struck out the side in the seventh and Brandon Hardin entered in the eighth to attempt a six-out save. Aside from a single in the eighth, Hardin had no troubled closing out the game for a 5-4 Voyagers win. The Voaygers play game two of four with the Brewers Friday night at Centene Stadium. The game starts at 7:00 (8:00 Central).

3 Brevard homers beat Daytona Cubs 6-5 By SEAN KERNAN, Daytona News-Journal Staff writer DAYTONA BEACH -- Brevard County manager Joe Ayrault got thrown out and the Manatees' Mike Walker, Shea Vucinich and Joey Paciorek hit balls out of Jackie Robinson Ballpark Thursday night in a 6-5 victory over the Daytona Cubs. Walker crushed two home runs, his 11th and 12th of the year, while Vucinich and Paciorek each smacked one long ball to highlight the Manatees' 12-hit attack. "It's a good yard to hit in here," said Walker, who also hit two homers in a game against Fort Myers earlier in the season. "When the wind isn't blowing in you have a chance to hit it out. We really swung the bats well as a team." Walker's first home run carried over the double-deck fence in right-center field and his second blast hit off the batter's eye behind center field. Daytona starter Kyle Hendricks, one of the two players Chicago acquired in a trade for Ryan Dempster at the end of July, and reliever Eduardo Figueroa (3-5) each allowed two home runs. "We basically lost the game on the long ball -- they hit four home runs," Cubs manager Brian Harper said. "I thought it was a good ballgame. Walker had a great game for them. Figueroa really has been throwing the ball great for us all season. He just had a couple of pitches that got hit." Walker's second homer of the game broke a 4-4 tie and Paciorek's first home run for Brevard County proved to be the game-winning run because the Cubs came back with a run in the ninth. Ayrault was booted by home plate umpire Ryan Clark after the manager had argued a called third strike to end the top of the fifth inning. The Manatees (34-30 in second half, 63-69 overall) pulled within 1 1/2 games of first place in the FSL North. The Cubs (26-36, 56-74) have been eliminated from a playoff spot and will try to play the role of spoiler in the remaining three games against Brevard County. Daytona was led by FSL All-Star outfielder John Andreoli, who had three hits in five at-bats, including a double, and scored a run. Cubs prospect Javier Baez launched a solo home run to lead off Daytona's fourth. The Chicago Cubs' first pick of the 2011 first-year player draft belted a fastball over the scoreboard beyond left field to give the Cubs a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Guess that the three called strike 3's were "questionable": Brevard County Top of the 5th Pitching Change: Matthew Spencer replaces Kyle Hendricks. Jason Rogers walks. Mike Walker walks. Jason Rogers to 2nd. Cody Hawn called out on strikes. Shea Vucinich singles on a ground ball to pitcher Matthew Spencer. Jason Rogers to 3rd. Mike Walker to 2nd. Joey Paciorek called out on strikes. Juan Sanchez called out on strikes. Daytona Bottom of the 5th Brevard County Manatees Manager Joe Ayrault ejected by HP umpire Ryan Clark.

Rattler Radio manages to find video highlights from the 9-2 loss

Nashville Sounds infielder Erick Almonte says playing days just about done by Nick Cole, The Tennessean After 17 professional seasons, Sounds infielder Erick Almonte said the 2012 season probably will be the last of his baseball playing career in the United States. “I’m going to go play winter ball and see what the future is going to be for next year,” Almonte said. “I’ve met so many people through the course of my career. Seeing different states and different stadiums across America, playing with a lot of different guys… it’s been pretty fun. A lot of bus rides and airplanes, but it’s been worth it.” The 34-year-old said he plans to stay involved with baseball in some capacity, transitioning into a coaching or scouting role. “For like the last five years I’ve been thinking about it,” Almonte said about the possibility of coaching. “I kind of like to give the younger guys some advice.” Almonte signed with the New York Yankees as a non-drafted free agent in 1996. He spent the first seven seasons of his career as a shortstop in the Yankees system, finding himself behind Derek Jeter on the organizational depth chart. Almonte appeared in a combined 39 games for the 2001 and 2003 American League champion teams. Almonte has played in the Dominican Winter League for 13 consecutive seasons. “Baseball is the Dominican No. 1 sport and everybody follows baseball, so it’s exciting to play there,” he said. Aside from a 16-game stint with the Brewers in 2011, Almonte has spent the past four seasons in Nashville. “I really like the city and love the people,” Almonte said of Nashville. “I love the fans and I’ve had a chance to meet a lot of great people both inside and outside the stadium. It’s been a really good four years.” Almonte hit .233 in 133 major league at-bats and holds a career .274 average in nearly 5,000 minor league at-bats. He has played in 33 games this season for the Sounds, hitting .203. Arizona Fall League: Sounds outfielder Khris Davis has been selected to represent the Brewers in the Arizona Fall League. “It’s an honor,” Davis said. “Hopefully I get the chance to go out there and get better. With the competition and pitching out there, it’s going to make my game come to another level.” The AFL, founded in 1992, is a six-team league that features prospects from all 30 organizations. Goodlettsville Little League to be honored: The Sounds will honor the U.S. champion Goodlettsville Little League team in pregame festivities on Saturday. “Our players are excited to meet and interact with the Little Leaguers,” Sounds manager Mike Guerrero said. “We followed their championship run from the locker room during our recent road trip.” The Little Leaguers will get to participate in batting practice with the Sounds, and each will throw an honorary first pitch. The Sounds will wear the Goodlettsville team’s Southeast hats during the game against the Memphis Redbirds. Batter of the week: Sounds outfielder Caleb Gindl was named the Pacific Coast League batter of the week for Aug. 20-26. He went 16-for-30 (.533), hitting two home runs and driving in 10 runs. Erick Almonte, who has played the past four seasons in Nashville, said he is retiring. / GEORGE WALKER IV, THE TENNESSEAN http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20120831&Category=SPORTS04&ArtNo=308310067&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Nashville-Sounds-infielder-Erick-Almonte-says-playing-days-just-about-done

Alec's Top 25

Catching up -- Rattler Radio video highlights from Wednesday

On a related note, catcher Jason Jaramillo has eight games under his belt for AAA Sacramento (Oakland).

Hey, good for him. Recently-released LHP Dan Merklinger (career stats) was picked up by the Rockies and has been pitching for AAA Colorado Springs. Merklinger's first Colorado appearance was a two-inning scoreless start -- talk about adventurous, though! Tucson Bottom of the 1st Daniel Robertson walks. Andy Parrino walks. Daniel Robertson to 2nd. Jedd Gyorko walks. Daniel Robertson to 3rd. Andy Parrino to 2nd. Jesus Merchan pops out to second baseman Charlie Culberson on the infield fly rule. Vince Belnome grounds into a double play, third baseman Brandon Wood to second baseman Charlie Culberson to first baseman Chad Tracy. Jedd Gyorko out at 2nd. Tucson Bottom of the 2nd Eddy Rodriguez doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Brandon Roberts. Blake Tekotte flies out to right fielder Matt McBride. Jonathan Roof walks. Thad Weber out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Dan Merklinger to second baseman Charlie Culberson. Eddy Rodriguez to 3rd. Jonathan Roof to 2nd. Daniel Robertson walks. Andy Parrino flies out to center fielder Brandon Roberts.

AUDIO: Joe Block's Brewers Pregame Interview with Sounds LF Khris Davis Kudos again to Block and the TMJ production crew for coordinating so many interviews with the prospects this season...

No Wisconsin Timber Rattlers were named to the 13-member Midwest Post-season All-Star Team.

Rattlers Press Release: Sports32 will televise Timber Rattlers playoff game on September 6 GRAND CHUTE, WI – Sports32 covered more Wisconsin Timber Rattlers games in 2012 than in any previous season. Now, they are adding at least one Midwest League playoff game to their schedule. Time Warner Cable subscribers in the state of Wisconsin will be able to watch the Timber Rattlers play their first home playoff game since 2005 on September 6 at 6:35 PM. The Timber Rattlers will host Game Two of the first round series on September 6. The opponent of the Timber Rattlers in the series has not been determined yet.

Latest audio with Nashville Manager Mike Guerrero (from Monday 8/27)

Look for Nashville and Wisconsin media notes at the links just prior to their game times. Huntsville is posting theirs more consistently (and did so for their most recent game). Rest your pointer under the "Roster" banner on the Stars' home page shortly before game time to see the link.

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.

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 (FINAL) DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris Division (FINAL) *** NOTE: AAA Nashville, Rookie Maryvale and the DSL do not play a split schedule. When you click on a standings link for Huntsville, Brevard County, Wisconsin, and/or Helena, you'll then be able to choose 1st half and/or overall standings in addition to the current 2nd half standings.

Follow Thursday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin Helena

Thursday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: RHP Claudio Vargas at home vs. Iowa (Cubs), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link Jeff Hem is the new 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 Johnnie Lowe at Montgomery (Rays), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Huntsville feed from the MiLB main audio page Alex Cohen is the new play-by-play voice of the Stars; follow him on Twitter @alexmcohen. It's fantastic that Huntsville is returning to what will be a traditional broadcast format this year. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast ********** Brevard County: RHP Matt Miller at Daytona (Cubs), 6:05 PM gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Daytona feed from the MiLB main audio page Once again this season, Brevard does not have its own audio coverage. It appears two teams in the Manatees North Division (within which the majority of games are played) have audio, and all six teams in the South Division have audio (at least for their home games), so there will be opportunities to listen to approx. 70% or Brevard's games this season, just all from the opponent's perspective ********** Wisconsin: RHP Jacob Barnes at home vs. Beloit (Twins), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link - 1280 AM 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. MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; Wisconsin is one of only two (Great Lakes) Midwest League clubs that have all their home games available via MiLB.TV; Chris' call provides the audio. So for the $39.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, all Timber Rattlers home games, and Stars' road games from four Southern League locales. ********** Helena: RHP Ryan Gibbard at Great Falls (White Sox), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Helena feed from the MiLB main audio page We're lucky to have Steve Wendt back on board for another H-Crew season. ********** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Season complete; final stats here ********** DSL Brewers: Season complete; final stats and analysis here

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Wisconsin falls in 12 innings against Beloit by Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent staff writer GRAND CHUTE — A dramatic walk-off win looked like a distinct possibility for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in the ninth inning Wednesday night. Instead, plain-old walks issued by their pitching staff cost the Timber Rattlers a ballgame. Beloit’s A.J. Pettersen drilled a two-out RBI single in the top of the 12th inning following a leadoff walk — one of seven collected by the Snappers in a 6-5 Midwest League win over the Rattlers. It was a frustrating loss for the Rattlers (75-59) because they blew a 4-0 lead and were robbed of a potential game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth by Beloit center fielder Wang-Wei Lin. With a runner on third, two out and the score tied 4-4, Wisconsin’s Chadwin Stang drilled Zack Jones’ fastball to left-center. But Lin took off like a sprinter and ran down Stang’s liner before it hit the gap, making a sensational over-the-shoulder catch for the third out. “We were all just shocked that he caught it,” said Wisconsin outfielder Ben McMahan. “He made a heck of a catch.” Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson agreed that Lin’s catch was a defensive gem, but felt that his bullpen’s inability to throw strikes, along with some shaky defensive play, were bigger factors. “That was a great play, but this game was lost well before that in the seventh inning, “ said Erickson. “We couldn’t find the plate in the seventh and had a two-base throwing error. It’s not a good feeling when you get a lead like that and can’t hold it. We didn’t take care the ball and we didn’t throw strikes.” Two walks by Wisconsin reliever Eric Semmelhack, followed by a two-base throwing error by catcher Cameron Garfield, led to Beloit’s three-run seventh that erased a 4-1 Rattlers lead and tied the game. Beloit grabbed a brief 5-4 lead in the top of the 10th on Pettersen’s RBI single, but Wisconsin stayed alive in the bottom of the inning on an RBI sacrifice fly by Nick Ramirez on a well-hit ball that was snagged by Lin with another nice running catch. Wisconsin outhit Beloit 10-9 and was led by McMahan, who went three-for-five with a long solo homer to left. “I’ve been going through kind of a rough stretch and I just went up there hacking to see if I could get something started,” said McMahan. “It was a fastball, low and in, and I kind of got it up there in that jet stream.” It was the 13th home run of the season for McMahan, a .285 hitter who is second on the team with 65 RBI.

Wednesday's Brevard/Lakeland game cancelled Game will not be made up as two teams don't face each other again By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees LAKELAND, Fla. - The scheduled game on Wednesday, August 29 between the Brevard County Manatees and Lakeland Flying Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland has been cancelled due to heavy rain and unplayable field conditions. Since the Manatees and Threshers do not play each other again this season, the game will not be made up. Since last Tuesday, the 'Tees have had a total of four games that were either postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather. Brevard County will close out the season with a four-game set against the Daytona Cubs at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach. The first game of the series will be Thursday, August 30 at 7:05 PM (6:05 Central).

Pickoffs: Taylor Wall 3 (Amaral, B at 2nd base, Matthews, Jo at 1st base, Vincej, Z at 1st base). Nice job by the Helena southpaw.

The Mustangs chase a ball in the outfield while Jose Pena of Helena reaches second base after hitting an RBI double to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead on Wednesday at Dehler Park. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/12/812d7c4a-c3e6-5404-83c0-5cc2cce71557/503f00ee7d6b3.preview-620.jpg Pena was listed at 6'2", 192 to begin this season.

AUDIO: Helena pre-game interview with young infielder and newest H-Crew'er Renaldo Jenkins

AUDIO: Nice interview with Caleb Gindl on Nashville sports radio AUDIO: Voice of the Sounds Jeff Hem interviewed