Jim Goulart

Helena Independent Record staff analyze the box score and provide a game summary of the road contest -- Brewers trampled by Mustangs in Billings The Helena Brewers outhit the Billings Mustangs handily, but were undone by 15 stranded base runners and three errors in a 12-7 Pioneer League road loss on Friday night. Helena had its second straight horrible night batting with runners in scoring position in Billings, going 2 for 20 on Friday after going just 2 for 14 in Thursday’s 7-2 defeat. The Brewers actually outhit the Mustangs 12-10, but Billings exploded for five runs in the bottoms of the fourth and eighth innings for the majority of their offense. Billings’ Robert Ramirez went 3 for 4 with five runs batted in to lead that effort, while Gabriel Rosa was 2 for 5 with two runs scored and two runs knocked in on his pair of doubles. Dan Langfield (2-0) pitched two innings of relief, allowing two hits and a run while striking out two to pick up the win for the Mustangs. Erik Miller pitched the final 1.1 innings and allowed a hit while striking out two to pick up his first save of the season. Helena starter David Otterman (0-1) lasted three innings and gave up six earned runs on just four hits to take the loss. Otterman hurt his cause by walking a pair of batters and plunking another in the Mustangs’ five-run fourth inning. The Brewers wasted a 4-for-5 night from Michael Reed that included a pair of doubles but produced no runs batted in. Michael Turay hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to finish 1 for 5 with three RBIs. Alfredo Rodriguez was 1 for 3 (plus two HBP's) and added his own pair of RBIs for the Brewers in the loss. Last-place Helena next hosts Missoula today at 7:00 PM (8:00 Central) in the opener of a three-game home series that will run through Monday night.

Sounds hit two home runs in shutout of Redbirds By Luke Johnson, Memphis Commercial Appeal Maybe it was the 42-minute weather delay, but both starting pitchers cruised through the opposing lineup like they had an important date after the game in Nashville's 2-0 win against Memphis on Friday night in AutoZone Park. Redbirds starter Tyler Lyons (0-4) entered with an ugly 7.40 ERA in four starts since his June 15 debut, but he spent most of the night in control of his pitches and the Sounds bats. The left-hander struck out eight in seven innings and gave up two runs. He spent much of the night pounding the strike zone, with 60 of his 94 pitches in for strikes. But Lyons' evening was derailed by two homers despite what were at times blustery conditions. "He threw his fastball on both sides of the plate," said Redbirds manager "Pop" Warner. "He made a couple mistakes … but usually that's not going to beat you." After breezing through the first six batters, Lyons let a 1-0 fastball drift over the plate to Sounds left fielder Edwin Maysonet, who sent it over the left-field fence to lead off the third. Caleb Gindl, who entered after Sounds starting center fielder Logan Schafer was hurt sliding into second base on a fourth-inning double, took Lyons deep to right-center field for the game's only other run in the sixth. The homers were plenty against Lyons as his counterpart kept the balls in the park. Journeyman starter Claudio Vargas (3-1) turned in six shutout innings for the Sounds, stranding five runners. "It was a solid effort," Warner said. "We kind of wasted a good outing by (Lyons). But give them credit, Vargas pitched good and their bullpen shut us down." The 'Birds failed to cash in on several opportunities, with their best chance in the eighth. Trailing 2-0, Memphis opened the inning with a walk and a single. Shortstop Ryan Jackson then bunted both over. The stage was set — two runners in scoring position with one out and the Redbirds' Nos. 3 and 4 hitters coming up with a combined 23 home runs. But first baseman Mark Hamilton feebly chased strike three, and Eugenio Velez, who started in right field, grounded out to second and end the threat. Sounds all-star Jim Henderson pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 10th save. The Redbirds handed out replica World Series rings to the first 3,000 fans. The first reported fan set up at 10 a.m., waiting seven hours in blistering heat before the gates opened.

WOW! is right Strongly suggest you check out the Timber Rattlers Twitter Feed from tonight

Huntsville video from Thursday -- Hitting approach discussion

McCalvy also notes that the Brewers announced the signing of undrafted free agent catcher Joe Andrade out of Dixie State (Utah) College. Andrade, a senior out of Yuma, AZ, is a left-handed bat. He completed the regular season by hitting .330 in 49 games and 48 starts for the Red Storm. He had 58 base hits, 28 runs scored, 15 doubles, 44 runs batted in, four homers, 16 walks and a .483 slugging rate.

Adam McCalvy reports that 2012 8th round OF Edgardo Rivera, out of Adolfina Irizarry de Puig High School in Puerto Rico, has signed. (Adam also confirms the signing of 5th round RHP Damien Magnifico out of U-Oklahoma, which was reported earlier, pending physical).

AUDIO - Helena Brewers broadcaster Steve Wendt catches up with the Brewers rookie southpaw David Otterman, out of British Columbia It's Thursday audio -- Otterman is tonight's starter...

Audio from Memphis — “(Steve) Selby Speaks” Tonight’s interview is with Redbirds radio announcer Steve Selby, a guy who has broadcast in Nashville and has been with the Redbirds for many years. He shares his thoughts about the Redbirds’ season so far and players like Matt Adams and Shelby Miller, the Cardinals’ playoff run last year and whether or not he thinks the layout and travel schedule for the Pacific Coast League will ever undergo significant changes. *** Selby's a hoot -- enjoyable interview...

In a pleasant development, Sthervin Matos has been promoted stateside to the Maryvale roster. Hopefully we'll see him in a box score soon, definitely one of the more exciting DSL kids we tracked last summer as a 17-year-old. *** In another DSL move, we have a new signing alert! LHP Joan De La Cruz will be making his pro debut when he appears in a Link Report box score here. Listed at a classic 6'3", 175, De La Cruz, a Dominican native, is only 17, he'll turn 18 on September 30th. We've seen it before, someday we might link to this very post as a history reminder before De La Cruz steps on Miller Park's mound some day. Long road, we'll see. In my book, the Brewers can pretty much sign any breathing 6'3" lefty, and I'm OK with it .

As per the Timber Rattlers Twitter account -- Roster moves: C Tyler Roberts & OF Mitch Haniger to the 7-day DL. LHP Alan Williams and IF Adrian Williams transferred from Helena to Wisconsin. *** Haniger, the supplemental first rounder, limped back to the dugout after grounding out Thursday night. We may never know the circumstances behind the mystery demotion of the talented 22-year-old southpaw reliever Alan Williams from Brevard County to the "paper" Helena roster back on May 15th. Good to see he'll be back on a mound as soon as this evening. Roberts' stint is retroactive to 7/4.

Wisconsin Media Notes

Nashville Media Notes

So he could be Alex Gonzalez -- he'd take that career in a second, along with the Brewers.

Dwayne Hosey, back in Huntsville as coach after brief tenure as player, knows value of perseverance By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Dwayne Hosey doesn't remember much about the spring of 1991, when he was playing for the Huntsville Stars. He can reel off the names of several teammates. He can recall how small the clubhouse used to be. He remembers the outfield wall, "the same as now, except it's a little more beat up." Aren't we all? As he drives around town now, having come back to town as the Stars' hitting coach, he sees few landmarks that are familiar. No old restaurants. No sites. He doesn't remember where he lived those few weeks. Hosey does remember the afternoon of May 20, 1991. When tough times hit them, he'll even share the story with his players. Hosey stretched out that day in the vast center field at Joe Davis Stadium. He hadn't been putting up good numbers. He wasn't playing a lot. Some organizational politics had kicked in. He knew he was still a prospect, but .... He sprawled on the outfield grass, and enveloped himself in a sense of calm. "I just laid out there, and I was just praying," Hosey said. " 'Whatever you have for me, I don't know what direction it is, but I'm ready.' As soon as I did that, I had a peace about it." Only a couple of hours later, manager Casey Parsons called him into his office. It was the old "organization has decided to go another direction" speech. Hosey, 24 at the time, was being released. "I knew they were making a mistake," he said. "I was a prospect for them at the time." Before he got home, he "already had a connection with the Milwaukee Brewers to sign with them." Two years later, he came back to the Southeast another time. He bashed a homer, triple and single, made two sensational defensive plays and was named MVP of the Double-A All-Star Game in Memphis. Hosey met his agent that day. The performance opened some doors and opened some eyes, having "the opportunity to play against All-Stars and prospects and show your skills." Three years after that, on Sept. 1, 1996, he entered a game at Fenway Park, his major league debut. He came in as a pinch-runner. For, of all people, Jose Canseco, the Huntsville Stars' first superstar. Hosey is a lesson in perseverance. He played for five organizations, always having to re-prove himself, before the Red Sox brought him to the majors. It wasn't a long stay. He batted .274 in 52 games. By the time his playing career ended in 2002, he had played in 15 professional seasons and for 15 different minor league clubs. Now, he's trying to get his players to the majors. Trying to help them through the lean times, to build on the strong ones. For much of the season, Huntsville was atop the Southern League in team batting. He's trying to create some improvement in "situational hitting," to cash in a few more runs from the plethora of hits. He's had the individual success stories, like the improvement in Hunter Morris' power numbers and the recovery from a dismal start by Josh Prince. That's why he does what he does. Not because he's somehow addicted to riding busses after all these years. "I love people," Hosey said Thursday evening, sitting only a few feet from where Casey Parsons once handed him his walking papers. "I'm a people person. I like to see people successful. I like to see guys be productive in life and in general. That's what makes me happy, to see people achieve their goals. That's what keeps me going." The Birmingham News/Mark Almond Photo Stars hitting coach Dwayne Hosey, left, with Huntsville manager Darnell Coles http://media.al.com/sports_impact/photo/11273919-large.jpg

Morris Earns Monthly Honors for June By Southern League MARIETTA, GA - Huntsville Stars first baseman Hunter Morris has been named the Topps Southern League Player of the Month for June, an award voted upon by Southern League Field managers. Morris is the Stars' first position player to capture the honor since Mat Gamel was named Player of the Month for May of 2008. A native of Huntsville who represented the Stars in both the Southern League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, Morris led the circuit with seven home runs and 58 total bases in June. He also topped the league with 27 RBI, which were tied for ninth in all of Minor League Baseball during the period. After opening the month with a pair of singles against the Tennessee Smokies, Morris homered three times in his next four games against the Mississippi Braves to match his home run total for the season's first two months. The 23-year-old enjoyed a similar stretch toward the end of the month, clubbing three home runs in a four-game span June 25-28. Morris drove in at least one run in 11 of his final 15 games in June, concluding the month ranked second in the Southern League with 57 RBI - just two behind Tennessee's Justin Bour. Through the end of June, Morris was leading the league with 26 doubles, 38 extra-base hits and 147 total bases. He is on pace to shatter his career highs of 29 doubles and 69 RBI established last year in 126 games with the advanced Class-A Brevard County Manatees and four games with the Stars. Prior to being selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, Morris established a school record with 23 home runs in his junior season at Auburn. He also batted .386 with 76 RBI that year en route to Southeastern Conference Player of the Year honors. A four-time Huntsville City Player of the Year, Morris batted a .470 with 46 home runs and 198 RBI at Grissom High School. He originally was selected in the second round of the 2007 draft by the Boston Red Sox, with whom he did not sign.

Huntsville's Hunter Morris named Southern League Player of the Month for June By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Hunter Morris, the Huntsville Stars' first baseman, was announced Friday as the Topps Southern League Player of the Month for June. Morris, a former Grissom High standout who played college ball at Auburn where he was SEC Player of the Year as a junior, is the first Stars' position player to win this award since Mat Gamel in May 2008. Ironically, Gamel has been been sidelined with an injury much of the season since starting out at first base for the Milwaukee Brewers. Morris will likely go into next spring training competing with Gamel for that job. Morris, the first Huntsville-born man to play for the Stars, led the league with seven homers, 58 total bases and 27 RBI in June. He was also selected for the Southern League All-Star Game and participated in its Home Run Derby. Going into tonight's game with Chattanooga, Morris is batting .301 with 10 homers and 59 RBIs. He leads the league in doubles, is second in RBIs, second in hits (to teammate Scooter Gennett) and second in total bases. Morris is the son of Jeff and Linda Morris. He and wife Maci have a young son, Tripp.

The Brevard County Manatees will be wearing patriotic jerseys presented by Northrop Grumman from July 4-7. The jerseys will be auctioned off online and all proceeds from the auction will go to benefit the AVET The auction will begin at 5:00 p.m. ET on July 4 and end at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 7. http://manatees.milbauctions.com/images/stores/87/500/JerseyFront_500.JPG

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

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

Friday's Daily Menu: TGIF! All times are Central Nashville: RHP Claudio Vargas at Memphis (Cardinals), 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). We imagine the audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. ********** Huntsville: RHP Josh Stinson at home vs. Chattanooga (Dodgers), 6:28 PM pre-game, 6:43 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. MiLB.TV subsciption note: Huntsville road games in four locales (Mississippi, Tennessee, Jacksonville and Pensacola) will be broadcast. ********** Brevard County: RHP Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 5:35 PM gametime Sorry, no audio for this series... 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. There are no Florida State League games on MiLB.TV this year. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Chad Thompson at Cedar Rapids (Angels), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 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 24 Stars' road games (one Helena series this summer, too). ********** Helena: LHP David Otterman at Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 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): at home vs. the Dodgers' young un's; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league ********** DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Tigers, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until late afternoon at the earliest

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The Tennessean -- Nashville is latest stop for rising pitcher Tyler Thornburg

Hunter Morris' friends and family must number in the thousands...

Helena Independent Record write-up on the H-Crew's road game -- Mustangs top Brewers in Billings The Billings Mustangs broke open a close game with a four-run sixth inning and never looked back, beating the Helena Brewers 7-2 Thursday at Dehler Park. Unlike the previous night’s game, when Helena rallied late for the win, the Brewers’ comeback came up short Thursday. Helena led off the ninth with back-to-back singles by Raul Mondesi Jr. and Adam Giacalone, but three quick outs stymied the Brewers’ hopes of a repeat. As has been the case numerous times this season, the Brewers put men aboard and failed to bring them home, batting just 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position and stranding eight base runners. Robert Maddox continued his hot hitting for Billings. The Pioneer League’s home run king connected on a solo shot in the fourth inning off of Helena starter Eric Semmelhack (0-3) — Maddox’s sixth long ball this year. That gave the Mustangs a 2-0 lead, but the Brewers trimmed the deficit an inning later with Alfredo Rodriguez’s RBI double. The game got no closer than that, with Billings scoring five unanswered runs. All but two players in the Mustangs’ lineup recorded a hit, but none had more than one. Brewers third baseman Michael Garza was the only player in the contest with two, extending his hitting streak to 10 games with a 2-for-4 performance. Billings pitcher Carlos Ramos earned the win in relief, despite allowing the Brewers’ only runs. Ramos went 2 2/3 innings and allowed two earned runs in a one-hitter. He walked two and fanned four. Mustangs pitchers struck out a dozen on the night. Semmelhack, who entered with the lowest ERA among those in Helena’s starting rotation, allowed three runs on six hits while walking three and fanning five. Helena closes out the three-game set tonight in Billings, with first pitch slated for 7:00 PM (8:00 Central). The Brewers return home to Kindrick Legion Field on Saturday for a brief three-game homestand with Missoula before hitting the road for a seven-game trip.