Jim Goulart

Missed this last week -- Field Pass Has Greg Hopkins on his offensive outburst at Miller Park.

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 54 45 .545 - - 29-20 25-25 6-4 W1 Memphis 51 48 .515 3.0 42 30-21 21-27 4-6 L1 Nashville 48 52 .480 6.5 39 30-22 18-30 7-3 W5 Iowa 44 56 .440 10.5 35 27-25 17-31 3-7 L5 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Chattanooga 16 12 .571 - - 7-8 9-4 4-6 L1 Carolina 14 13 .519 1.5 42 7-7 7-6 6-4 L1 Huntsville 13 15 .464 3.0 40 5-8 8-7 4-6 W1 Jackson 12 16 .429 4.0 39 6-7 6-9 6-4 W1 * Tennessee 12 16 .429 4.0 39 7-6 5-10 4-6 W1 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Tampa 15 13 .536 - - 9-7 6-6 5-5 L1 * Daytona 13 15 .464 2.0 41 5-7 8-8 4-6 L1 Dunedin 13 15 .464 2.0 41 5-8 8-7 3-7 W1 Lakeland 12 14 .462 2.0 42 7-7 5-7 4-6 L2 Brevard County 11 14 .440 2.5 42 5-7 6-7 5-5 L2 Clearwater 12 16 .429 3.0 40 8-6 4-10 3-7 W2 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Kane County 16 11 .593 - - 7-8 9-3 4-6 L1 Quad Cities 16 11 .593 - - 9-6 7-5 7-3 W1 Beloit 14 13 .519 2.0 42 8-7 6-6 4-6 L3 Clinton 14 13 .519 2.0 42 7-8 7-5 4-6 W1 Cedar Rapids 12 15 .444 4.0 40 8-7 4-8 6-4 W1 Wisconsin 11 16 .407 5.0 39 5-10 6-6 3-7 W1 * Burlington 9 18 .333 7.0 37 7-8 2-10 3-7 L4 Peoria 9 18 .333 7.0 37 4-11 5-7 2-8 L6 PIO North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Missoula 19 12 .613 - - 8-6 11-6 7-3 W2 Billings 15 16 .484 4.0 4 8-9 7-7 4-6 L3 Great Falls 15 16 .484 4.0 4 8-9 7-7 5-5 W1 Helena 15 16 .484 4.0 4 7-7 8-9 6-4 W1 AZL Central Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak AZL Reds 14 12 .538 - - 7-6 7-6 6-4 W1 AZL Indians 13 12 .520 0.5 31 6-6 7-6 5-5 W2 AZL Dodgers 12 13 .480 1.5 30 6-7 6-6 2-8 L2 AZL Brewers 7 17 .292 6.0 26 4-8 3-9 4-6 W3 DSL S.D. North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak DSL Mariners 35 11 .761 - - 19-4 16-7 8-2 W4 DSL Brewers 28 18 .609 7.0 20 13-10 15-8 5-5 L2 DSL Cardinals 16 31 .340 19.5 7 11-13 5-18 4-6 W2 DSL Athletics 16 32 .333 20.0 6 10-13 6-19 5-5 W1

Look for the Nashville and Wisconsin media notes here and here later on, respectively. If Huntsville posts theirs, it will be found by placing your cursor over the "roster" banner at the Stars' home page.

Follow Saturday's action as it happens: Nashville (Gameday also available) Huntsville (Gameday also available) Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Arizona Rookie (Maryvale)

Saturday's Daily Menu: Nashville: RHP Frankie De La Cruz at home vs. Iowa (Cubs), 6:20 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Nashville feed from the MiLB main audio page MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Huntsville: LHP Dan Merklinger at home vs. Chattanooga (Dodgers), 6:43 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Huntsville feed from the MiLB main audio page iPad/iPhone: Listen Traditional Broadcast Live Audio Link -- It's the Lookouts feed... Brevard County: RHP Austin Ross at St. Lucie (Mets), 5:30 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the St. Lucie feed from the MiLB main audio page Wisconsin: LHP Charly Bashara at Great Lakes (Dodgers), 5:45 PM pre-game, 6:05 gametime Live Audio Link MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Helena: RHP Chad Pierce at home vs. Idaho Falls (Royals), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Helena feed from the MiLB main audio page Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home vs. the Cublettes; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league DSL Brewers: Idle for the DSL All-Star break; the game is Sunday, no word on which Brewers will participate

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Brett Carroll pre-game interview with Cory Provus

Friday night’s game between the St. Lucie Mets and the Brevard County Manatees was postponed because of rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader, set to start at 10:30 AM (9:30 Central) Sunday in Port St. Lucie. *** Trying to remember if the Manatees will be allowed to be the home game for one of the contests, for some reason I don't believe that's been the case in these situations. We'll see Sunday.

Nelson steadily improving by Jim Oskola, Appleton Post Crescent Jimmy Nelson might not get promoted to high Class A Brevard County in the Florida State League this season but over his last five starts, the big Timber Rattlers right-hander has shown that he is certainly figuring out what it takes to succeed. After a start on June 7 at Bowling Green during which he gave up seven runs in five innings, Nelson had a 1-5 record with an ERA of 5.68. Since that start, Nelson has gone 4-2 with four no-decisions. Over those 57 2/3 innings, Nelson, the Brewers tenth-ranked prospect, has allowed 50 hits, 21 walks and 22 runs (19 earned). That translates into a 2.98 ERA. Take a look at his last five starts covering 33 2/3 innings and the ERA is even better - 2.13. After his last start at Fox Cities Stadium, Nelson gave a lot of credit to his defense, commenting that they played well behind him and bailed him out of some tough spots. Maybe, but one doesn't come up with an ERA of 2.13 unless he's doing something right on his own, too.

Ramirez helps Brewers rip Chukars Helena Independent Record Big first baseman Nick Ramirez continued swinging a hot bat for the Helena Brewers on Friday, sparking an 8-2 victory over the Idaho Falls Chukars. Ramirez, a 6-foot-3, 225-pounder from Anaheim, Calif., went 2 for 4 with two doubles and a pair of RBIs in the second tilt of a four-game set versus the Chukars at Kindrick Legion Field. Helena starter Eric Arnett hurled the win. He went seven innings and scattered eight hits, while striking out seven. The 6-5 Arnett, who attended the University of Indiana, did not give up a base on balls. David Goforth tossed the final two innings of hitless and scoreless ball for Helena, striking out three. Ramirez entered the Pioneer League contest batting .521 with seven doubles and eight home runs over the last 10 games, amassing a 1.125 slugging percentage. Arnett and Idaho Falls’ Kellen Moen were locked in a scoreless duel until the fourth, when the visitors broke on top 2-0. The inning saw Chukars manager Brian Buchanan ejected for arguing too aggressively that Mark Threlkeld’s blast into the netting down the left field line should have been called fair instead of foul. Helena evened the score in their half of the inning, when Ramirez led off with a double and Tyler Roberts walked. Then Max Walla lined a two-bagger to left, plating two runs. Roberts was actually tagged before crossing the plate, but the ball popped out of the catcher’s glove. Ramirez’s safety extended his hitting streak to 11 straight games. The hosts went up 4-2 in the fifth, after Gant Elmore walked, Robbie Garvey bunted a single and Ramirez laced his ninth double of the year to drive in two runs. Manager Joe Aryault’s club then tacked on four more in the sixth stanza to ice the victory, highlighted by a solo home run by Yadiel Rivera. Garvey (two runs) and Walla (double, two RBIs) joined Ramirez with two hits apiece. Walla and Elmore made two of the better defensive plays on the night for the Brewers. The Chukars were paced by Michael Liberto and Threlkeld, at two base knocks each. Idaho Falls used four pitchers, with Moen taking the loss. All photos by Dylan Brown Independent Record Brewers' Tyler Roberts knocks the ball out of Idaho Halls catcher Edul Escobar's mitt to tie up the game Friday night at Kindrick Legion Field. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/d7/dd74b862-b4d8-11e0-875d-001cc4c002e0/4e2a3ae2451e8.image.jpg Mr. Clay Park calls Brewers' Nick Ramirez, center, safe, while Idaho Falls second baseman Michael Liberto contests the call http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/0c/b0cb1748-b4d8-11e0-bdca-001cc4c002e0/4e2a3a9755940.image.jpg

Chris' postgame Rattler Thoughts

Look for the Nashville and Wisconsin media notes here and here later on, respectively. If Huntsville posts theirs, it will be found by placing your cursor over the "roster" banner at the Stars' home page.

In general, let's try and limit commentary in the formal Transaction Thread. For instance, there is a Khris Davis thread from earlier this week here, thanks.

Random question - will this Power 50 include unsigned draft picks? No, never has, never will. You want a Power 50 spot? Then sign with the organization...

Hat tip to BrewCrewBall for the find, and we'll link here but also copy for the archives here, hopefully Mr. Brainerd won't mind and will appreciate the wider reading audience... *** Branching out from the Family Tree by Bob Brainerd, sports32.com (Time Warner Cable) http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Pac-Tom.jpghttp://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Pac-John.jpg http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Pac-Jim.jpg Joey Paciorek admits he really doesn’t know any better. Baseball has been in his blood and a topic of dinner table conversation not to mention family get-togethers, thanks to a father and a pair of uncles who all made a name for the Paciorek family name in the major leagues. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been around it,” said Paciorek, a 15th round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2007. “I actually lived in Japan for a couple of years while my Dad was playing over there. I’ve just always been around it and really don’t know any better…it’s always been baseball since I can remember.” Check the branches on the top tier of the Paciorek family tree and you’ll see not only Joey’s father Jim, but Jim’s brothers and Joey’s uncles, John and Tom. John had the briefest career of the three, notching just three at-bats in 1963 with the Houston Colt .45s, but making the most of his last day of the season September call-up to record three hits, draw a pair of walks, score four runs and drive in three. Uncle Tom was drafted by the Dodgers in 1968 and garnered notable footnotes during his career. Tom was named The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year in 1972, was traded to Atlanta in 1976 for Dusty Baker, then posted a .326 average with Seattle in 1981 for the second best hitting mark in the American League that season. “Never saw him play, it was before my time, but I asked him recently what is the best advice he can give to a guy like me coming up in the minor leagues,” said Joey. “He said confidence is the biggest thing…every time you step on the field; go out there like you’re going to be the best player that day. It might not always be the case but go out there like you’re going to be the best one on the field. That is something that really stuck with me.” http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Pac-Son-sitting-300x199.jpg But it was the daily dose of Dad that kept Joey intrigued to pursue baseball and follow the lead set by his elders. Jim, drafted by the Brewers seven rounds higher (8th) than his son 25 years later, spent most of his career in the minor leagues. His call-up to the show came in 1987, and 48 major league games later, it was over. But the game grabbed Jim’s attention and taught him lessons on the diamond and in life he would one day dispense to his son. “When I signed, he told me about how to carry myself on and off the field, being a professional,” said Paciorek. “Not a whole lot of technical stuff. Every once and awhile he gives me some little tidbits, but as far as carrying myself on and off the field, how to handle clubbies, coaches and teammates and how to be a good teammate.” Old school Brewers fans may recall Jim Paciorek’s shining moment highlight in 1987. During Juan Nieves’ no-hitter against Baltimore on April 15th, Paciorek made a skid mark, full extension lunge in leftfield. At the time, it was an exclamation point play, but still only the second inning. Only seven innings later, when the Nieves no-no was complete, did the game rewind show Paciorek’s catch as a bonus clutch performance to help preserve history. Quiz the son about it now, and Joey will laugh and tell you he’s in the dark and possesses faint knowledge of his father’s lasting legacy with “Team Streak.” “He’s not a big glory day’s guy,” said Joey. “He’s pretty quiet, but he’s got a lot of knowledge about the game. Mostly, it will be to me to go out and play your game the way you know how to play it.” Jim now enjoys retirement and golf in Tucson, his Arizona destination of choice after coaching his son at Blaine High School in Washington. Joey blossomed as an all-league selection all four years of prep baseball, hitting .516 as a senior. Like his father Jim, who played football as well as baseball at the University of Michigan, the son showed off his athletic side. http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Pac-Son-throw-200x300.jpg “I played three sports in high school…football, baseball and basketball, but baseball has always been my number one sport,” said Paciorek. “I might have been able to go somewhere and play football, but it’s always been baseball.” Jim had versatility back in the day, able to play first base, third base and the outfield. Joey was a carbon copy of his old man, getting his name on lineup cards all over the diamond as his minor league climb began in the Brewers system. Paciorek even provided pitching relief in a 10-1 loss against Ogden during his days with Helena of the Pioneer Rookie League. But there was still a vacant spot where Paciorek might be able to catch the attention of the Brewers brass. “I came down early in January for spring training for a winter program, and a few days in to that, I was a utility guy who could play around the infield, so they thought learning how to catch might help me in the long run,” said Paciorek. “The more positions you can play, the better, so just to have that under my belt helps.” Eager to heed the advice bestowed upon him from John, Tom and Jim, Joey discovered that the open invitation was worthy of an immediate RSVP. “It started off as just a situation that I could catch in an emergency situation,” said Paciorek. “Spring training came around, and I was playing mostly infield, and then on the last day they called me in and said they wanted me to work on my catching a little more and start doing it full time.” Paciorek got his feet wet back in Helena, setting up shop behind the plate for seven games before getting a return ticket trip back to Appleton. Unlike a season ago with the Timber Rattlers, Paciorek has a new set of responsibilities, not to mention, his in-game vantage point. “Handling your pitchers is the biggest thing, taking care of the pitching staff and calling the game, you’ve got a lot on your shoulders,” said Paciorek. “Everything is in front of you and you control the game, kind of like the quarterback out there. I’m getting more comfortable in that roll and being a leader out there on the field. http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Pac-Son-hitting1-300x200.jpg “There are still a bunch of technical things as far as receiving, blocking, throwing and all that stuff, but I feel it’s coming along pretty well. I’m just trying to get comfortable controlling my pitchers and calling a good game out there.” One lesson learned has Paciorek playing part-time psychiatrist to the young guns who hurl the ball in his direction. The former infielder used to make an occasional trip for a pep talk at the mound. Now, his words are more than just idle chatter. “Everybody’s different, and you’ve got to know how to handle them,” said Paciorek. “If they start struggling you’ve got to know when to have a mound visit and know what to say to them. You have to know what their best pitches are if they start getting behind in counts. “There’s a lot to it and I’ve got a lot of learning to do but I’m up to the task.” Rather than grumble and grouse about having to haul on the harness, shin guards and catcher’s mask, Paciorek has jumped into his new assignment with genuine enthusiasm and a willingness to follow the blueprint process. He picks the brain of any catcher who has strapped on the “tools of ignorance,” including Brewers roving instructor Charlie Greene. “I’m just taking it day by day, trying to learn,” said Paciorek. “All I can do is keep a good work ethic, keep a good attitude about it and see what happens down the road.” Paciorek was even pleasantly surprised to find out a full plate of catching duties on defense does nothing to tarnish or impede any progress at the plate. “It hasn’t taken away from my hitting,” said Paciorek. “If anything, I’ve almost matured a little bit as a hitter because as a catcher, you start learning pitchers tendencies and what they’re trying to accomplish on the mound, so when I step into the box I feel like I have a little better idea what the pitcher is trying to do.” http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Pac-Son-follow-through-199x300.jpg James Joseph Paciorek prefers “Joey” over “Jim” to avoid comparisons or expectations associated with his father. The son isn’t hiding behind the Paciorek family tree. In fact, he’s hoping to be the next branch that extends from the roots of three former major leaguers. “I don’t feel any extra pressure because of the name,” said Paciorek. “I’ve got my own expectations and the expectations that the coaches have for me. I don’t feel any added pressure having the last name. “I think it’s a pretty cool thing, actually. I talk to some managers who say ‘Hey, are you related to Jim or Tom or John?’ I think it’s a cool thing; I don’t look at it as a curse at all.”

Chris Mehring indicates in the Timber Rattler Media Notes: Pitcher Del Howell has been transferred from the Timber Rattlers to the Arizona League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. *** Here are the numbers on the soon-to-be 24-year-old southpaw, who will hope to straighten things out in Maryvale. That move now gets the Wisconsin roster down to the 25-man limit.

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 53 45 .541 - - 28-20 25-25 5-5 L2 Memphis 51 47 .520 2.0 44 30-21 21-26 4-6 W2 Nashville 47 52 .475 6.5 40 29-22 18-30 7-3 W4 Iowa 44 55 .444 9.5 37 27-25 17-30 3-7 L4 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Chattanooga 16 11 .593 - - 7-8 9-3 5-5 W2 Carolina 14 12 .538 1.5 43 7-7 7-5 7-3 W4 Huntsville 12 15 .444 4.0 40 4-8 8-7 3-7 L2 Jackson 11 16 .407 5.0 39 5-7 6-9 5-5 L1 * Tennessee 11 16 .407 5.0 39 6-6 5-10 3-7 L3 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Tampa 15 12 .556 - - 9-7 6-5 6-4 W2 * Daytona 13 14 .481 2.0 42 5-6 8-8 5-5 W1 Lakeland 12 13 .480 2.0 43 7-7 5-6 5-5 L1 Dunedin 12 15 .444 3.0 41 5-8 7-7 2-8 L3 Brevard County 11 14 .440 3.0 42 5-7 6-7 5-5 L2 Clearwater 11 16 .407 4.0 40 7-6 4-10 3-7 W1 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Kane County 16 10 .615 - - 7-8 9-2 5-5 W3 Quad Cities 15 11 .577 1.0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 L1 Beloit 14 12 .538 2.0 44 0-0 0-0 0-0 L2 Clinton 13 13 .500 3.0 43 0-0 0-0 0-0 L2 Cedar Rapids 11 15 .423 5.0 41 0-0 0-0 0-0 L4 Wisconsin 10 16 .385 6.0 40 5-10 5-6 2-8 L2 * Burlington 9 17 .346 7.0 39 0-0 0-0 0-0 L3 Peoria 9 17 .346 7.0 39 4-11 5-6 3-7 L5 PIO North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Missoula 18 12 .600 - - 7-6 11-6 7-3 W1 Billings 15 15 .500 3.0 6 8-9 7-6 4-6 L2 Great Falls 14 16 .467 4.0 5 8-9 6-7 5-5 L1 Helena 14 16 .467 4.0 5 6-7 8-9 5-5 L1 AZL Central Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak AZL Reds 13 12 .520 - - 7-6 6-6 5-5 L1 AZL Dodgers 12 12 .500 0.5 32 6-6 6-6 2-8 L1 AZL Indians 12 12 .500 0.5 32 6-6 6-6 5-5 W1 AZL Brewers 6 17 .261 6.0 27 4-8 2-9 3-7 W2 DSL S.D. North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak DSL Mariners 34 11 .756 - - 18-4 16-7 8-2 W3 DSL Brewers 28 17 .622 6.0 22 13-10 15-7 6-4 L1 DSL Athletics 15 32 .319 20.0 7 10-13 5-19 4-6 L2 DSL Cardinals 14 31 .311 20.0 8 10-13 4-18 2-8 L2

Final: DSL Dodgers 1, @DSL Brewers 0 DSL Brewers Box Score Venezuelan RHP Jorge Ortega only turned 18 years old last month, but has shown the ability to work deep into games on occasion, as his numbers indicate; eight innings here, leadoff walk led to a rather cheap earned run in the 3rd and it cost him, since the offense behind him only mustered six baserunners (an Orlando Arcia double, a Yonki Hernandez triple, three walks, and an HBP) -- and none of those six baserunners were on base at the same time; Ortega fanned three, walked two, and garnered 11 ground ball outs; the DSL is never an offensive circuit, but this year's league ineptitude overall is at new lows -- regardless, Brewer coaches are excelling with this group as the peripherals, for the most part, surpass even the limited runs allowed... DSL Brewers Play-by-Play U - G - L - Y, it ain't got no alibi, it's ugly... DSL Brewers Bottom of the 4th Yonki Hernandez triples (5) on a fly ball to center fielder Abinaer Soriano. Raphachel Colatosti grounds out, shortstop Jose Luis Javier to first baseman Jeffry Rojas. Orlando Arcia pops out, pitcher Abdiel Velasquez to first baseman Jeffry Rojas. Deivi Mejia grounds out, third baseman Leo Rodriguez to first baseman Jeffry Rojas.

Follow Friday's action as it happens: Nashville (Gameday also available) Huntsville (Gameday also available) Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Arizona Rookie (Maryvale) DSL Brewers

Friday's Daily Menu: TGIF! Nashville: RHP Amaury Rivas at home vs. Iowa (Cubs), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime; Dave Bush opposes... Live Audio Link -- Select the Nashville feed from the MiLB main audio page MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Huntsville: RHP Michael Bowman at home vs. Chattanooga (Dodgers), 6:43 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Huntsville feed from the MiLB main audio page iPad/iPhone: Listen Traditional Broadcast Live Audio Link -- It's the Lookouts feed... Brevard County: RHP Evan Anundsen at home vs. St. Lucie (Mets), 6:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the St. Lucie feed from the MiLB main audio page Wisconsin: RHP Jimmy Nelson at Lansing (Blue Jays), 5:45 PM pre-game, 6:05 gametime Live Audio Link Helena: RHP Eric Arnett at home vs. Idaho Falls (Royals), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Helena feed from the MiLB main audio page Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Dodgers' complex in Glendale; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league DSL Brewers: at the DSL Mariners, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until late afternoon at the earliest

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Brewers return home, but lose to Idaho Falls Helena Independent Record The Idaho Falls Chukars jumped out to an 8-0 lead over the Helena Brewers Thursday, and went on to post an 8-3 Pioneer League victory at Kindrick Legion Field. The Chukars scored all their runs in first three innings — tallying three in the first, one in the second and four in the third. Left fielder Chris Elder led Idaho Falls at the plate, going 3 for 4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Visiting pitcher, lefty Brennan Martin (2-2) started and went five innings, allowing five hits and three runs, while striking out six. Idaho Falls pitcher William Avinazar entered the game in the seventh inning and he was replaced by Edwin Carl. The relievers combined for five strikeouts and didn’t allow a hit. Mark Threlkeld (double), Edul Escobar and Runey Davis had two hits apiece for Idaho Falls. Leadoff man Tyler Chism was hitless, but reached base three times and scored three runs. The Brewers scored two in the fourth on a two-run home run by first baseman Nick Ramirez over the fence in center field after Kyle Dhanani singled. It was Ramirez’s eight home run this season and his 27th and 28th RBIs. The hosts added a run in the sixth when Ramirez singled, advanced to second on a walk to Parker Berberet, and scored on Tyler Roberts’ RBI single. The Brewers used three pitchers: Drew Gagnon, Tyler Cravy and Sean Albury. Gagnon (0-1) started and gave up four runs in 1 2/3 innings. Albury successfully stranded three of Cravy's baserunners in the 8th. July hasn’t been kind to the Brewers, who returned Thursday from a seven-game road trip. Helena opened the season 7-4 in June, but is 7-12 in July for an overall record of 14-16 — last in the Pioneer League’s North Division. Idaho Falls, which the Brewers beat twice in a three-game series last week, improved to 13-17 and is third in the South Division. The four-game series resumes at 7:05 PM tonight (8:05 Central) at Kindrick Legion Field. All photos by Dylan Brown Independent Record Brewers pitcher Drew Gagnon delivers a pitch in the second inning against Idaho Falls Thursday evening at Kindrick Legion Field. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/3f/13f0fc26-b406-11e0-946a-001cc4c002e0/4e28d93dd5e70.image.jpg Brewers first baseman Nick Ramirez tags out Idaho Falls' Henry Moreno in the first inning. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/81/5817d370-b406-11e0-a33b-001cc4c002e0/4e28d9b0343ec.image.jpg Ramirez catches a pop-fly in the second inning http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/fb/7fb31e80-b406-11e0-826e-001cc4c002e0/4e28d9f2a134c.image.jpg

Sounds Sweep Division-Rival Cubs With 8-7 Victory Almonte's Eighth Inning Blast Powers Sounds To Win Nashville Sounds DES MOINES, Iowa - Erick Almonte's two-run blast in the top of the eighth inning gave the Nashville Sounds an 8-7 victory and four-game series sweep of the division rival Iowa Cubs on Thursday night at Principal Park. Taylor Green reached base earlier in the frame on a fielding error, followed by Almonte hitting his fifth home run to left field off Iowa reliever John Gaub (3-2). The sweep was Nashville's (47-52) second of the season after taking four straight from New Orleans from June 25-28 at Greer Stadium. Winners of a season-best six consecutive contests, the Sounds have played in a PCL-high 44 one-run games this season, going 20-24 in those contests. Extending his hitting streak to a season-high ten contests, outfielder Jordan Brown went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs. Brown is hitting safely in 11 of his last 12 games at a .429 clip (18-for-42) and has driven in a run in seven of his last eight contests. Green (2-for-3) gave Nashville a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. After Brown doubled to center field, Green hammered the first pitch he saw from Iowa starter Casey Coleman over the right field wall. The long ball was Green's 14th of the season. Cubs shortstop Marwin Gonzalez broke out of an 0-for-17 slump and hit his first Triple-A home run in the bottom of the third to bring the Cubs within one, a solo shot on the first pitch from Narron. Both clubs exploded for four runs with two outs in the fourth inning, each receiving help from their starting pitcher's bat. Nashville's damage was started by catcher Mike Rivera, who doubled to center and moved to third on a Caleb Gindl groundout. The Cubs then chose to pitch around Brandon Boggs to face Narron, who helped his own cause with an RBI single up the middle. Eric Farris then looped an RBI base hit to center to score Boggs, followed by a two-run double by Brown. Iowa brought the club back within one run at 6-5 thanks to five hits in the inning, including two triples. Gonzalez added to his RBI total with a two-run single to right field, followed by a two-run triple from pitcher Coleman. The three-bagger was Coleman's first of his career. The Cubs were able to get to Narron and knot the contest at 6-6 in the bottom of the seventh inning. D.J. LeMahieu lined a one-out double to right and scored as Tyler Colvin singled to right. Almonte's two-run homer in the eighth off Gaub gave Nashville the 8-6 advantage. Mike McClendon had to work for his third save of the season. Third baseman Mat Gamel made a fielding error to allow the leadoff hitter reach, followed by two straight singles to trim the Nashville lead to 8-7. Outfielder Lou Montanez then hit a grounder to Almonte at first, who threw behind McClendon trying to cover the bag. As the ball got away towards home, Iowa catcher Welington Castillo attempted to tie the game and score from third, but was tagged out while sliding into home by Gamel on a controversial call that got Iowa Manager Bill Dancy ejected. Narron matched a season-high 12 hits allowed for six runs in 6 2/3 innings of work in a no-decision. The start was Narron's sixth straight of six innings or more. Zack Segovia (4-3) and Daniel Herrera each tossed 2/3 of a scoreless inning in relief. Coleman gave up six runs on eight hits while fanning five in seven innings. The Sounds and Cubs travel back to Music City to begin a new four-game series at 7:05 PM CT at Greer Stadium on Friday night, the fifth of eight consecutive games. Right-hander Amaury Rivas (6-9, 4.71) takes the hill for Nashville against former Sounds and Brewers' hurler Dave Bush (0-0, 3.86).

Manatees pounded by Mets 'Tees handed worst loss of season By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- Coming home from a 4-4 road trip, the Brevard County Manatees were handed their worst loss of the season on Thursday night as they were pounded by the St. Lucie Mets 14-3 at Space Coast Stadium. Manatees starting pitcher Hiram Burgos allowed nine runs - eight earned - over 4 2/3 innings of work. He gave up seven hits, walked three and hit one batter. After falling behind 8-0 in the fourth, the 'Tees finally scratched a run across in the bottom of the inning. Kentrail Davis led off the inning with a single and then stole both second and third base. He would then score on a Hunter Morris groundout. Down 9-1 in the sixth, Brevard County would plate its last two runs of the evening in the bottom of the frame as D'Vontrey Richardson drove in Kentrail Davis on a sacrifice fly and Shea Vucinich plated Khris Davis with an RBI single. After Skyler Crawford relieved Burgos and threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings, Rolando Pascual took the mound and allowed three runs in the eighth, with two of the runs being unearned due to a Juan Sanchez error at third. Efrain Nieves pitched the ninth and struck out the side, but allowed two solo homers. The 'Tees committed four errors in the loss and went 1-for-7 at the plate with runners in scoring position. With three stolen bases on the night, Kentrail Davis reached 30 total for the season. Brevard County will host St. Lucie again on Friday at 7:05 PM (6:05 Central), before going on the road to face the Mets two more times.

The Manatees' home newspaper coverage was noteworthy in the amount of detail the Brevard game deserved. Succinct! (Actually, that's more coverage than the Huntsville Times gave the Stars for their home game.)