Jim Goulart

Missed this Timber Rattler photo gallery from the Post-Crescent earlier this week, which included this pretty amazing photo of Matt Miller by Ron Page. Talk about perpendicular! http://cmsimg.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=U0&Date=20110714&Category=APC0206&ArtNo=107140801&Ref=PH&Item=10&Maxw=640&Maxh=410&q=60

James Tosses Six One-Hit Innings For First WinMinors' longest losing streak ends as Jupiter bats come alive Jupiter Hammerheads Chad James has made a number of terrific starts this year, but it took his best performance as a pro - and a breakout night by the Jupiter offense - to end the Minor Leagues' longest losing streak. James tossed six innings of one-hit ball before exiting with a 5-0 lead, then watched as the Hammerheads and Manatees traded late runs, with Jupiter holding on for a 9-5 win. Though he matched his season high with four walks, the lefty held Brevard County without a hit until a bunt single in the 6th inning, and made sure the runner had no chance to move by following it with a pop-up and two of his seven strikeouts. With the performance, James lowered his ERA to 3.59, the 14th-lowest in the Florida State League, but only this one was recorded with a win next to his name. The left-hander's 0-13 start goes down as the longest losing streak by a minor league pitcher since statistics were centralized prior to the 2005 season. The hard-luck stretch saw James allow two earned runs or less in 10 of 18 starts prior to Saturday's, but the Hammerheads finished those games with more than three runs just five times. But the offense came through for James on this night, scoring nine runs for the first time since June 6th. It was a team effort, with eight of ten batters recording a hit and six driving in at least one run. The biggest contribution came from Chase Austin, who went 3-for-4 with a double that drove in Jupiter's first run and a base hit to bring home its final two. In addition to the three hits and three RBIs, Austin scored three times himself and stole a base. Center fielder Jose Duarte crossed the plate on both of Austin's RBI hits, scoring the team's first and final runs as part of his own three-hit night. J.L. Ortiz and Jeff Dominguez also knocked out multiple hits, while Danny Pertusati drove in a pair with his triple in the 6th inning. That hit turned a three-run lead into five, and seemed to change the mind of manager Ron Hassey as to whether James would toss the 7th inning. Already at 90 pitches, James came out to the mound to warm up, but Hassey decided the lead was big enough that it wasn't worth the risk to the Marlins' 2009 first-round pick. Reliever Jose Rosario, who had quickly begun warming after Pertusati's triple, came on to relieve James, who got the chance to exit to the applause of the night's 801 fans. With James out, however, the Manatees finally break through. After getting the first out, Rosario gave up three consecutive singles to load the bases. The Manatees finally got on the scoreboard with a sacrifice fly and a double that just hopped over first base, scoring two more despite Hassey's protest that the ball was foul. The Hammerheads got the runs back in the bottom, and nearly did more than that. After Duarte drove in a run but was thrown out trying to stretch his double into a triple, Austin and Dominguez both singles ahead of Kyle Jensen. The Florida State League's home run leader sent a ball deep to center field, but it fell just a few feet short of the wall, more than enough to score Austin from third. Jupiter and Brevard County again traded two-run halves in the 8th inning, sending the game into the final frame with the Hammerheads still up by five. With a man on third and just one out separating James from his first win, a fielding error gave the Manatees one more run and kept alive the possibility of the unthinkable. But Zach Simons, signed less than ten days ago by the Marlins, go a deep fly ball to center field to end the game and finally put a tally in James' win column. *** Not a single Manatee mentioned, but a worthwhile recap from the Hammerheads' site.

Zach Braddock has a few days to report to Nashville, so this may be another brief Arlis active stint.

I definitely know what you're hoping to imply (and I'd love to see the same), but Green did take part in the completion of the suspended game, so it's not as if he's on a plane (yet http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif). He could definitely make it to Phoenix for Monday, though, and he's not going to get injured on the Nashville bench in the regularly scheduled game. Josh must be Green's agent still, we need an Agent39 update...

Christmas in July Wisconsin Media Notes

Nashville Media Notes

Given how often they play each other, that DSL division is pretty distinct in its standings. *** Happy 21st birthday, Brevard starter Nick Bucci.

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 50 43 .538 - - 26-20 24-23 4-6 L2 Memphis 49 44 .527 1.0 51 28-18 21-26 4-6 W1 Nashville 43 49 .467 6.5 46 29-19 14-30 6-4 W4 Iowa 42 51 .452 8.0 44 25-21 17-30 2-8 W1 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Chattanooga 13 9 .591 - - 6-6 7-3 5-5 L1 Carolina 10 11 .476 2.5 47 5-6 5-5 6-4 L2 Huntsville 10 11 .476 2.5 47 4-6 6-5 4-6 W1 * Tennessee 10 12 .455 3.0 46 6-4 4-8 3-7 L1 Jackson 9 13 .409 4.0 45 4-6 5-7 5-5 W2 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Tampa 12 9 .571 - - 7-4 5-5 6-4 W1 Lakeland 10 9 .526 1.0 50 5-4 5-5 6-4 W2 * Daytona 10 11 .476 2.0 48 4-6 6-5 4-6 L1 Dunedin 10 11 .476 2.0 48 3-5 7-6 4-6 L4 Clearwater 9 12 .429 3.0 47 6-6 3-6 5-5 L3 Brevard County 8 11 .421 3.0 48 5-6 3-5 3-7 L2 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Kane County 13 8 .619 - - 6-6 7-2 5-5 L3 Beloit 12 9 .571 1.0 - 6-6 6-3 5-5 L1 Clinton 12 9 .571 1.0 - 6-6 6-3 6-4 L2 Quad Cities 12 9 .571 1.0 - 7-5 5-4 8-2 W1 Cedar Rapids 10 11 .476 3.0 48 7-5 3-6 6-4 W4 Peoria 9 12 .429 4.0 47 4-8 5-4 5-5 W1 Wisconsin 9 12 .429 4.0 47 4-8 5-4 3-7 L1 * Burlington 7 14 .333 6.0 45 5-7 2-7 2-8 L1 PIO North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Missoula 15 10 .600 - - 6-6 9-4 8-2 W3 Billings 13 12 .520 2.0 12 6-7 7-5 5-5 L2 Great Falls 12 13 .480 3.0 11 6-7 6-6 5-5 W1 Helena 12 13 .480 3.0 11 6-6 6-7 4-6 W2 AZL Central Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak AZL Reds 11 9 .550 - - 7-3 4-6 6-4 W3 AZL Indians 10 9 .526 0.5 37 5-5 5-4 5-5 W1 AZL Dodgers 10 10 .500 1.0 36 5-5 5-5 2-8 L6 AZL Brewers 4 16 .200 7.0 30 2-8 2-8 2-8 L3 DSL S.D. North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak DSL Mariners 30 10 .750 - - 16-4 14-6 8-2 W2 DSL Brewers 27 13 .675 3.0 30 13-7 14-6 7-3 W6 DSL Cardinals 13 28 .317 17.5 15 9-12 4-16 3-7 L2 DSL Athletics 12 30 .286 19.0 13 8-12 4-18 1-9 L3

Follow Saturday's action as it happens: Nashville completion of Friday's suspended game (Gameday also available) Nashville regularly scheduled game (Gameday also available) Huntsville (Gameday also available) Brevard County Wisconsin Helena DSL Brewershttp://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&gid=2011_07_16_datrok_dbwrok_2&cid=607&t=g_box

Saturday's Daily Menu: Nashville: First, it's the completion of Friday's suspended game (3-3 after 11 innings), then LHP Sam Narron at home vs. Albuquerque (Dodgers), 5:30 PM pre-game, 5:45 gametime Live Audio Link iPad/iPhone: Listen MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Huntsville: TBD (likely RHP Kyle Heckathorn) at Montgomery (Rays), 7:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- This is the Biscuits' feed Brevard County: RHP Hiram Burgos at Jupiter (Twins), 5:35 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Jupiter feed from the MiLB main audio page Wisconsin: LHP Del Howell at home vs. South Bend (Diamondbacks), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime Live Audio Link MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Helena: RHP Eric Arnett at Casper (Rockies), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Helena feed from the MiLB main audio page Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Idle DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Athletics, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until late afternoon at the earliest

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New agreement shows that affiliation helps Brewers, Timber Rattlersby Tim Froberg, Appleton Post-Crescent GRAND CHUTE — Bob Radliff looked like he had been dressed by team mascots Fang and Bernie Brewer as he tailgated outside Fox Cities Stadium this week, enjoying a cold beverage and a warm summer evening with friends. The Berlin man showed his support for professional baseball by wearing a Wisconsin Timber Rattlers cap and a Ryan Braun No. 8 Milwaukee Brewers jersey before Wednesday's Timber Rattlers home game against West Michigan. His attire reflected the strong connection between the two franchises and a blossoming partnership that seems headed toward a long-term relationship. Attendance at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium has surged since the minor league Timber Rattlers and Major League Brewers embarked on their baseball journey together in 2009. Radliff was the type of customer the Timber Rattlers had in mind when they eagerly accepted an offer from the Brewers in late June to extend their player development contract for four more seasons through 2016. "Actually, the Brewers approached us with a year left — they kind of beat us to the punch," said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. "We both agreed it has worked out extremely well. It was really a no-brainer." "This is a natural fit for both organizations," said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin in a statement after the contract extension was announced. "It's a win-win partnership that has also played an important role in our fan base throughout Wisconsin." The Timber Rattlers have been Milwaukee's low Class A affiliate since 2009. The club had previously been affiliated with nine major league franchises, including the Seattle Mariners from 1993 to 2008. "We had a great relationship with the Mariners," Zerjav said. "Nothing was really wrong on their end. This just made more sense from every angle." Soaring attendance The Timber Rattlers' attendance numbers have soared since becoming a Milwaukee affiliate, giving local Brewers fans an opportunity to watch the organization's prospects in a comfortable, inexpensive setting. The Timber Rattlers broke a club attendance record in their first season with the Brewers, drawing 253,240 fans to Fox Cities Stadium in 2009. It was a huge spike from 2008, when the Rattlers drew 190,263 fans in their final year with the Mariners. Wisconsin's attendance numbers dropped to 244,331 in 2010, but the Rattlers might have exceeded their record total had it not been for six rainouts compared to just two in 2009. In the case of a rainout, a doubleheader is usually played and single-day attendance is lost. The 2010 attendance total also was the second highest in team history. Heading into Friday night's home game against West Michigan, Wisconsin had drawn 136,615 fans to the Grand Chute venue. Zerjav says the Rattlers are projected to draw roughly 237,500 this season. That number would be higher had it not been for a cold, wet spring that already has produced six rainouts. "We've had some weather issues," Zerjav said. "They say it was the third-wettest spring on record. But June was a very nice turnaround and July has been great." Increased interest Having an affiliate so close to Miller Park works well for the Brewers simply because of logistics. Grand Chute is just a 90-minute drive from Milwaukee, allowing injured major leaguers to make tune-up rehabilitation appearances for the Timber Rattlers without having to hop on a plane. Team trainers and doctors also can monitor a player's health issues more closely than if he was playing with an out-of-state affiliate. Rattlers tickets are usually a hot item when a Brewers player makes a rehab appearance in Grand Chute. A 2009 rehab start by former Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan drew 5,325 fans to the stadium, close to its official capacity of 5,546. For local Brewers fans, Milwaukee's player development contract with the Rattlers is a grand slam. "Oh yeah, it makes a big difference," Radliff said. "It makes it a lot more interesting — gets you more involved. You tend to watch more closely. It's neat to watch the young guys grow and maybe make it to the majors." Travis Arneson of Appleton attends three or four Timber Rattlers games per summer. He had previously been to only one game when the Rattlers were affiliated with the Mariners. "I'm a big Brewers fan and I want to know what the future is going to bring," said Arneson, who celebrated his 30th birthday at Fox Cities Stadium on Wednesday. "It (the Brewers affiliation) is super important. It's a win-win for everyone." Lisa Balog of Oshkosh sported a Brewers retro shirt as she walked to the end of a long line of customers waiting to file through the gates prior to Wednesday's game. It was a family outing for Balog, accompanied by her husband, Andy, and children Tyler, Jake and Luke, who at 4 months might have been the youngest fan in attendance. "It's a great opportunity to see players who the Brewers feel have potential," Balog said. "Plus, it brings more star power to the Timber Rattlers when they're able to get a Brewer here to get some work in. We were pretty upset earlier this year because we wanted to come here and see Manny Parra pitch, but we couldn't make it." The Brewers-Rattlers partnership also has produced a noticeable increase in merchandise sales at the Snake Pit, the Rattlers' team store that also carries Brewers merchandise. Some items — such as certain jerseys — are co-branded, with Timber Rattlers printed across the shirt and the Brewers' logo placed on the sleeves. "We've always been real strong with our store sales, but that has gone up as well since we've become affiliated with the Brewers," Zerjav said. "The co-branded stuff has gone over real well."

Nashville Audio Archive -- July 15 - Chat with AAA All-Star LHP Sam Narron Future pharmacist, good interview -- bright, well-spoken, and this year, certainly a very effective pitcher...

Final: Helena 9, @Idaho Falls 2 Chukars Strikeout in 9-2 Loss to Brewers Idaho Falls K a season high 19 times while dropping rubber game By Aaron Cox / Idaho Falls Chukars The Idaho Falls Chukars looked like they had put their free swinging ways behind them of late, as the club had more than doubled their home run output in the past week while raising their team batting average to near the top of the Pioneer League. The Helena Brewers had no trouble missing Chukar bats Friday night however, as Idaho Falls struck out a season high 19 times while dropping the rubber game againgt the Brew Crew 9-2. Eight of the nine Chukars batters struck out at least once, with six of those eight striking out multiple times. The main villain for the birds was Brewers reliever Tyler Cravy, who fanned 12 batters while giving up two runs on three hits in five innings pitched. When the Chukars weren't swinging and missing they managed only five hits and needed the help of three wild pitches to score their two lone runs. Shortstop Adrian Martinez singled to lead off the fourth inning and, after moving up on a wild pitch by Cravy, came in to score one out later on an RBI double from Dean Espy. The Chukars would then strike out twice to end the inning and strand Espy in scoring position. Idaho Falls would score their final run in the seventh frame when Espy singled to start the inning, moved up to second base on a wild pitch, advanced to third on a passed ball and finally scored on another wild pitch. On the mound, Chukars starting pitcher Brennon Martin (1-2) improved from his last disastrous outing in Orem, but still gave up three runs on eight hits over his five innings pitched while earning the loss. Unfortunately, new Chukars pitcher Willian Avinazar followed Martin and was roughed up even worse to the tune of four runs on six hits in just two innings. Cravy (2-2) earned the win for Helena. With the loss, the Chukars (10-14) lose their second straight series while the Brewers (12-13) pull back to within a game of .500. *** The Helena Independent Record's notes from this road contest -- Brewers blast Chukars The Helena Brewers’ bats pounded out 18 hits and Tyler Cravy struck out 12 in an extended relief effort as the visitors cruised past the Idaho Falls Chukars 9-2 on Friday. Helena improved to 12-13 on the year and remains locked with Great Falls for last place in the Pioneer League’s North Division. The Chukars fell to 10-15. The Brewers already led 2-0 before Cravy replaced starter Drew Gagnon in the bottom of the third inning. Over the next five frames he scattered just three hits and two runs as the Helena bats took over. Gagnon, the Brewers’ third-round pick in the 2011 MLB draft, was held to a short pitch count but struck out five and allowed just one hit in his first start. Idaho Falls managed to cut the lead in half on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth, but the tight score didn’t last long. Nick Ramirez tacked on a run in the top of the fifth off a double by Kenny Allison, before the game really broke open with a three-run sixth for the visitors. Kyle Dhanani doubled in Gant Elmore and Yadiel Rivera to start that rally, and then later crossed home himself on a follow-up line drive single by Ramirez. Rivera, Dhanani and Tyler Berberet knocked in a pair of runs apiece with multiple hits for the Brewers. Ramirez led the offensive charge by going 4 for 6 with an RBI and a run scored. Rivera, the leadoff hitter went 3 for 5 with a run scored, while center fielder Robbie Garvey went 3 for 4. Six different Brewers finished the game with multiple hits to just one for the Chukars. First baseman Richard Espy went 2 for 3 for the home team. Seth Lintz pitched the final two innings for Helena, allowing just one hit and no runs. Helena Box Score 18 hits, four walks, and an HBP for Brewer baserunners, plus 5-for-6 on the basepaths and 8-for-21 with RISP; just about everybody padded their numbers in this one -- domination across the board, much needed after so many close contests and tough losses -- enjoy the box score... Helena Play-by-Play Seth Lintz did walk three in his two scoreless innings...

Sounds, Isotopes Suspended Friday Due To PCL Curfew Rule Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Friday night's Pacific Coast League game between the Nashville Sounds and Albuquerque Isotopes was suspended at 12:59 a.m. at the conclusion of the eleventh inning with the score tied at 3-3 due to the enforcement of the PCL's curfew rule. The league by-law states that no new inning can begin after 12:50 a.m. local time. The Sounds held a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning before Albuquerque scored a pair of late runs to force extra frames. The game didn't start until 9:18 p.m. due to a two-hour-plus rain delay. The game will be completed to its entirety beginning on Saturday at 5:45 p.m. Saturday evening's regularly scheduled game between the teams will be a nine-inning contest that will begin approximately 30 minutes after the suspended game completion. Gates will open at 5:05 p.m. on Saturday. The first 2,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a 2011 Sounds baseball card set, courtesy of Kraft Foods and Kroger, and another Saturday fireworks show, presented by News 2, will light up the sky following the on-field action. In Saturday's regularly scheduled game, All-Star left-hander Sam Narron (4-3, 3.83) will man the bump for Nashville to face fellow PCL All-Star and former Sound Dana Eveland (8-5, 3.77) for Albuquerque. Nashville Suspended Box Score RHP Josh Butler's 76 pitches (43 strikes) were effective -- 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 5 K; standard positions in the lineup -- Mat Gamel at 1B, Eric Farris at 2B, Taylor Green at 3B... Nashville Suspended Play-by-Play LHP Daniel Meadows' 8th inning saw him allow four base hits but only one run, thanks to RF Brandon Boggs' throw to the plate. NOTE: CF Brett Carroll was out on a play at the plate in the bottom of the 5th. Looks as though he went back out for defense in the top of the 6th, but was pinch-hit for by Jordan Brown with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th. Normally Carroll wouldn't be lifted in that spot in the 6th, so either something stiffened up or it was purely a Don Money decision. RHP Sean Green was OK in the 10th and 11th, but not when the Sounds needed him to be in the 9th -- Albuquerque Top of the 9th Pitcher Change: Sean Green replaces Daniel Meadows, batting 9th. Trayvon Robinson singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Boggs. Russell Mitchell walks. Trayvon Robinson to 2nd. Justin Sellers out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Sean Green to second baseman Eric Farris. Trayvon Robinson to 3rd. Russell Mitchell to 2nd. Damaso Espino singles on a ground ball to center fielder Caleb Gindl. Trayvon Robinson scores. Russell Mitchell scores. Jamie Hoffmann strikes out swinging. With Dee Gordon batting, wild pitch by Sean Green, Damaso Espino to 2nd. Dee Gordon strikes out swinging.

Final: @AZL Reds, AZL Brewers 6 Arizona Box Score Seven Brewer errors for this stumbling, bumbling, fumbling bunch -- record now 4-16; seven of the ten Redleggette runs were earned, so the pitchers didn't shine either, particularly 22-year-old undrafted free agent RHP Greg Davis, who had a particularly tough night. Rehabbing LHP Mitch Stetter doing his best to make sure the Mets aren't interested, although it looks like he got his ground balls -- AZL Reds Bottom of the 6th Spencer Dickinson strikes out swinging. Pitcher Change: Mitch Stetter replaces Greg Davis. Gabriel Rosa singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose R. Garcia. Carlos Sanchez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Steve Felix. Gabriel Rosa to 3rd. Carlos Sanchez to 2nd on the throw. Brennan May doubles (5) on a ground ball to left fielder Jose R. Garcia. Gabriel Rosa scores. Carlos Sanchez scores. Brennan May out at 3rd, left fielder Jose R. Garcia to shortstop Renaldo Jenkins to third baseman Andres Martinez. Robert Ramirez singles on a ground ball to second baseman Brandon Macias. Wagner Gomez strikes out swinging. 18-year-old 6'4" undrafted LHP Will West (soon to be 19) is intriguing with his back story, struck out five in two innings (one unearned run). FIELDING E: Martinez, An (5, fielding), Arias, H (3, throw), Jenkins 2 (6, throw, missed catch), West (1, pickoff), Dowell (2, fielding), Pharr (4, catcher interference). Arizona Play-by-Play 18-year-old SS Renaldo Jenkins had more singles (three) than errors (two), at least; Steve Felix (in RF for this one) reached base four times; oh, by the way, the not quite "A"-Crew batters combined to strike out 17 times... Would you quantify these two runs as "gifts"? AZL Reds Bottom of the 1st Juan Perez grounds out, shortstop Renaldo Jenkins to first baseman Hitaniel Arias. Spencer Dickinson walks. Gabriel Rosa reaches on fielding error by third baseman Andres Martinez. Spencer Dickinson to 3rd. With Carlos Sanchez batting, Gabriel Rosa steals (1) 2nd base, Spencer Dickinson scores. Throwing error by first baseman Hitaniel Arias. Carlos Sanchez reaches on throwing error by shortstop Renaldo Jenkins. Gabriel Rosa scores. Carlos Sanchez to 2nd. Brennan May grounds out, second baseman Brandon Macias to first baseman Hitaniel Arias. Robert Ramirez grounds out to first baseman Hitaniel Arias.

Details on the Huntsville schedule -- Biscuits and Stars Rained Out Teams will play two on Sunday MONTGOMERY, AL - Tonight's game between the Biscuits and Stars has been postponed due to inclement weather. The teams will play a doubleheader Sunday with the first game beginning at 5:05. Matt Moore will start on Saturday as scheduled, with Jim Paduch getting bumped back to Sunday's second game. *** Uber-prospect Matt Moore -- wow.

Rattler Radio Post-Game Thoughts includes -- This game took a bad turn in the third inning. Romero and Keen singled to start the inning and were at second and third with no outs. The next three Rattlers struck out and both Romero and Keen were still at second and third.

Rattlers fall to Whitecaps but pitcher Nelson, first baseman Hawn on a roll by Jim Oskola, Appleton Post-Crescent GRAND CHUTE — Not a person in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers clubhouse was happy after the 5-4 loss to West Michigan at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Friday. The Rattlers took a 4-1 lead into the top of the eighth inning but the Whitecaps scored three times in the eighth and once in the ninth. But when one is playing Midwest League baseball with hopes of moving up the ladder, each member of the team does his best to contribute to a victory and at the same time tries to improve his own game. Two of the Rattlers making progress are pitcher Jimmy Nelson and first baseman Cody Hawn. "I thought I did all right," Nelson said. "I don't think I got ahead of the guys like I should have, but we had some great defensive plays out there. Some guys really helped me out on some pitches I left up that guys were really squaring up. We just made the plays when we needed to, for the most part. I need to do a better job of getting ahead of guys the next time." Through his first 12 appearances with the Rattlers, Nelson had an ERA of 5.20 through 62 1/3 innings. In his last five, over 32 2/3 innings, Nelson has given up ten runs. That's an ERA of 2.75. "I've had a more competitive attitude," Nelson said. "I've been trying to go at guys and trust that great defense we have. I've been trying to do a better job of keeping the ball down, just trusting myself and mixing all my pitches, and developing my changeup." Nelson also didn't want to break the pitching momentum started by Maverick Lasker, who allowed just one run in seven innings on Thursday. "Maverick had a great start," Nelson said. "The kid threw 70 pitches through seven innings. You don't want to be the guy who stops the momentum. You want to keep the momentum rolling." Hawn has had momentum rolling in his favor since the Rattlers' late June home stand against Peoria. Hawn has built a 15-game hitting streak, going 24-of-59 (.406). "I've just been seeing the ball a little bit better," Hawn said. "I'm trying to get set, get my foot down and set a little earlier. It seems like it has helped. I don't feel as rushed as I did earlier in the season. I hope I can keep it going." After the games against Peoria, Hawn spent considerable time in the batting cage, hitting off a tee. "It was just mechanics," Hawn said. "There were a couple of nights there where I felt like I got some good pitches to hit and wasn't making good contact with it. I was just trying to slow myself down and get in a good hitting position."

Whitecaps crash in on Rattlers By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers took a 4-1 lead into the top of the eighth inning Friday night against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Time Warner Cable Field. But the Whitecaps scored three times in the eighth and once in the ninth to beat Wisconsin 5-4. James Robbins drove in one of the runs in the top of the eighth and knocked in the go ahead run in the top of the ninth. The game started the way the last eleven have for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, with the opponents scoring first. This time, it took just two batters. Jeff Rowland started the game with a single. Hernan Perez followed with a double into the left field corner and the Whitecaps (44-46 overall, 12-9 second half) were up 1-0 in the first inning. Rattlers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson bounced back and did not allow another run over his 6-2/3 innings of work. Nelson struck out six in the game. Wisconsin's offense got even in the bottom of the fifth. They loaded the bases on singles by Reggie Keen and Nick Shaw and a walk to T.J. Mittelstaedt with one out. Reliever Jade Todd came into the game and threw a wild pitch on his second pitch to let Keen score the tying run. The Rattlers (47-44, 9-12) grabbed the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Shaw started the inning with a bunt single and was balked to second base. Mittelstaedt followed with a single to send Shaw home with the go ahead run. Jason Rogers singled to put Mittelstaedt on third. Then, Greg Hopkins pinch ran for Rogers. Mike Walker singled in Mittelstaedt and Hopkins raced around to third base. Hopkins scored when Cody Hawn grounded into a 4-6-3 double play and the Rattlers were up 4-1. But the Whitecaps came right back in the eighth against Greg Holle. The first two batters of the eighth inning walked. Robbins singled in the first run and put runners on the corners. Jason Krizan grounded out to second to knock in a run to make the score 4-3 and move Robbins to second. A passed ball let Robbins take third base. Steven Moya's grounder to second was mishandled to let the tying run score. Wisconsin went down in order in the bottom of the eighth inning. West Michigan did not go down in order in the ninth. Dan Britt struck out the first batter of the inning, but walked the next two. Britt got the second out with another strikeout. But, Robbins singled to right to drive in the go ahead run. The Rattlers went down in order in the bottom of the ninth. Hawn singled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 15 games. That is the longest current hitting streak in the Midwest League. Wisconsin begins a series with the South Bend Silver Hawks on Saturday night at Time Warner Cable Field. Del Howell (1-5, 5.36) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Bradin Hagens (4-3, 4.12) is set to start for the Silver Hawks. Game time is 6:35 PM. Saturday night is Christmas in July at Time Warner Cable Field. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for the game. A Christmas Tree and holiday decorations will be on the concourse with a bake sale and a kettle drive with proceeds going to the Salvation Army. After the game, there will be a FOX 11 fireworks display set to Christmas music. If you can't make it out to the ballpark, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:15 PM.

Final, Game Two: DSL Brewers 1, DSL Cardinals 0, eight innings (scheduled for seven) So, the league decided to make up last week's rainout and leave the completion of the suspended game for another time... DSL Brewers Game Two Box Score You know we're going to talk pitching, so we'll get the formality out of the way -- the winning run in the first extra inning -- DSL Brewers Bottom of the 8th Raphachel Colatosti singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jhohan Acevedo. Francisco Castillo pops out to first baseman Rafael Medina. Yonki Hernandez strikes out swinging. Pitcher Change: Addelin Ceballo replaces John De Aguas. Dionis Hinojosa singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jhohan Acevedo. Raphachel Colatosti to 2nd. Deivi Mejia singles on a line drive to center fielder Jhohan Acevedo. Raphachel Colatosti scores. Dionis Hinojosa to 2nd. 19-year-old RHP Elvis Mora made his first pro start after 23 relief appearances this season and last, and while there were multiple baserunners in three of his four innings, he still tossed scoreless ball; next to the mound was fellow 19-year-old RHP Orlando Torrez, who lowered his ERA after seven appearances (18.1 innings) to 0.98 with three frames of (obviously) scoreless work; still 18 years old for another couple of weeks, RHP Doni Arias pitched the final frame, stranding the Cardinalitos' two-out walk and single. If you go to this link and then click the WHIP column, you'll see that the coaches are doing a nice job with pitching fundamentals for this group. Now before we go too overboard (probably too late), you'll see from the DSL team batting averages here, pitching does dominate on the island. DSL Brewers Game Two Play-by-Play The most prominent position players we've discussed this season had Game Two off. The bad guys almost scored in the 3rd -- DSL Cardinals Top of the 3rd Carlos Torres flies out to right fielder Raul Mondesi. Robelys Reyes strikes out swinging. Daniel Barbuena reaches on fielding error by shortstop Raphachel Colatosti. Domingo Diaz singles on a ground ball to center fielder Francisco Castillo. Daniel Barbuena to 3rd. With Amaury Capellan batting, wild pitch by Elvis Mora, Domingo Diaz to 2nd. Daniel Barbuena out at home, second baseman Alejandro Mendoza to catcher Carlos Pena. And the Cerveceritos' lost chance in the 6th -- DSL Brewers Bottom of the 6th Defensive Substitution: Rafael Medina replaces Jose Martinez, batting 6th, playing first base. Pitcher Change: John De Aguas replaces Anderson Gerdel. Raphachel Colatosti singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jhohan Acevedo. Francisco Castillo out on a sacrifice bunt, first baseman Rafael Medina to second baseman Robelys Reyes. Raphachel Colatosti to 2nd. Alejandro Mendoza walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Yonki Hernandez replaces Alejandro Mendoza. With Dionis Hinojosa batting, wild pitch by John De Aguas, Raphachel Colatosti to 3rd. With Dionis Hinojosa batting, Yonki Hernandez steals (13) 2nd base. Dionis Hinojosa pops out to first baseman Rafael Medina. John De Aguas intentionally walks Deivi Mejia. Jose Pena strikes out swinging.

Ortega's overall season line now has him with only six walks in 44 innings, while allowing only 40 hits. It's almost staggering how polished some of the DSL arms have been this season with their peripherals. Very encouraging...

Jensen's 19th HR the Only Offense in 2-0 Win Jupiter Hammerheads In a game that saw just four combined hits, Kyle Jensen's league-leading 19th home run provided all the offense Jupiter needed to take 2-0 win over Brevard County. Rob Rasmussen faced 15 batters before giving up his first hit, setting the tone for a pitchers duel in which the Hammerheads and Manatees held each other to just two hits. The left-hander wasn't quite perfect, hitting two batters and issuing a walk, but it wasn't until Josh Prince's single through the hole with one out in the 5th inning that a batter hit safely against him. Though it was the only hit Rasmussen allowed, it was also his final inning, as the left-hander's night ended after just five frames. He left with a 2-0 lead, setting him up to take his third straight win, becoming just the second Hammerhead hurler to get the W in three consecutive starts, along with All-Star Jose Alvarez. The runs came back in the 1st inning, thanks to the first of Brevard County's four errors on the night, and Jensen's big blast. Chase Austin reached on a fielding error by shortstop Prince and got to second on a subsequent throwing error. The extra base proved unnecessary, as two batters later, Jensen sent the first pitch he saw over the left field wall. The two-run shot is his fourth in five games and gives the slugger the most homers in the Florida State League. Jensen also owns the league's highest slugging percentage, and at .322, the fourth-best batting average. After Rasmussen's early exit, Jupiter brought on five different relievers to make the lead stick. The only one to allow a hit was the first, Graham Johnson. Johnson issued a pair of walks in the 6th before D'Vontrey Richardson's single up the middle put Brevard County on the board. Not only would it be the last run put up on the scoreboard, it was game's last hit as well. Hammerheads relievers Collin Cargill, Wade Korpi, Zach Simons and A.J. Ramos combined to no-hit the Manatees over the final 3.1 innings, with a walk by Cargill the only base runner allowed. The Hammerheads needed the dominant relief, because the Manatees' duo of starter Tyler Thornburg and reliever Bradley Blanks were nearly as good, holding Jupiter hitless after Austin's single in the 3rd inning. Things weren't exactly spotless, as Thornburg gave up three walks and hit a batter in addition to the two hits in his six innings. Blanks issued a pair of walks as well, and the pitchers had to work around four errors made behind them. Jupiter will try to win their third straight for the first time since June 8th in the series finale on Saturday. If they do it, they may also break one of the toughest streaks in all of baseball, as starter Chad James is still searching for his first win, entering the game with an 0-13 record that belies his 3.81 ERA, one of the twenty-lowest in the league. The left-hander faces off against Brevard County's Hiram Burgos on Diamond Dig Night at Roger Dean Stadium. After the 6:35 PM game (5:35 Central), all ladies in attendance will get their chance to dig up a $5,000 diamond ring buried in the infield.

The box score was updated to give Prince three errors on the evening, including a double error in the first that meant the two-run HR surrendered by Thornburg produced two unearned runs against Tyler's line.