Jim Goulart

Final: @Missoula 5, Helena 4 On the defensive: Osprey shut down Brewers in home opener By Nick Lockridge of the Missoulian Jaw-dropping defense and a touch of controversy were the dominant themes in the Missoula Osprey's home opener on Wednesday. Shortstop Josh Parr made flashy play after flashy play and an opportunistic Fidel Pena was just as keen behind the plate - as well as away from it - as the Birds downed Helena 5-4 for their first Pioneer League victory of the season in front of 3,024 fans at Ogren-Allegiance Park. Offense was the only thing in short supply for Missoula (1-2), which tallied just six hits to the Brewers' 11, but after losing a pair of one-run games in Helena earlier this week, the Osprey were just glad to be on the winning side. "Our fans have been expecting us to do that," said Fidel, who plays both catcher and middle infield. "That was great to give that to them." Fans seemed particularly impressed by Parr, who assisted on the last out of the game and then did a back flip. Parr also made two nifty plays in the hole to his right, including one in the eighth that was immediately followed by an incredible play from Pena. Helena's Doug Elliot hit a slow roller to O's third baseman Ryan Court, who bare-handed it and uncorked a wild throw to first. Pena, hustling all the way down the line from his catcher position, grabbed the loose ball and threw off balance to get Elliot at second base. "As soon as the ball got over him, I went after it," said Pena, who was 1 for 3 with a bases-loaded RBI walk in the fourth. "If I didn't release it fast, he was going to be safe." That ended the eighth and completed a reversal of fortunes for the Osprey. Missoula seemed snake-bitten early on thanks to a couple of questionable calls. Home plate ump Rene Hilbach-Barger called interference twice - once on himself - to slow down the home team, as well as the pace of the game. Osprey fans got especially upset after the unusual ump interference call in the second inning. With runners on first and second base and one out, Missoula starter Jesse Darrah struck out Helena's Yadiel Rivera for the second out. Both base runners were stealing on the play, but got hung up because it was a foul tip caught by Pena. Each runner wound up standing on second base, where they were tagged by Court for an apparent double play. However, the ump ruled that he interfered with the catcher prior to Pena throwing it down to Court, thus everything that happened after the strikeout was ruled dead and the runners returned to their bases. "He did the right thing," Missoula manager Hector De La Cruz said. "It's tough when you have situations like that, but they have all those baseball rules they have to apply." De La Cruz came out of the dugout, but didn't argue the call for long. Pena also agreed with the ump. "He was in my way," he said. "I wasn't in his way." The O's did record a strike-'em-out-throw-'em-out double play later in the game. Missoula's Jeremia Gomez went 1 for 4 with two runs batted in, including the game-winner on a double in the sixth inning. Gomez also had a sacrifice fly as part of a four-run rally in the fourth inning that knotted the game at 4-4. The O's Conrad Flynn pitched four scoreless innings to get the win. He allowed just two hits, struck out four and didn't walk any Brewer batters. Joey Paciorek was 2 for 3 with an RBI and Kyle Dhanani hit a solo home run in the second to help Helena build a 2-0 lead. Joey Paciorek of the Helena Brewers is out at second as Missoula Osprey second baseman Matt Jensen throws to first for a double play in the third inning of the Osprey’s home opener at Ogren-Allegiance Park on Wednesday. Photo by TOM BAUER/Missoulian http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/missoulian.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/53/053c4308-9d4e-11e0-b60f-001cc4c002e0/4e02bb84339c6.image.jpg Here's the Missoula site game story which included the following -- Jeremia Gomez then added a sacrifice fly, as he was robbed of a hit thanks to a diving catch by Helena right fielder Max Walla, to tie the game at 4-all. Missoula managed just five hits on the night, but also took advantage of three Helena errors and seven walks issued by Brewers pitching. The Osprey and Brewers will wrap up their two-game set in Missoula on Thursday. Left-hander Taylor Siemens will get the start for the Osprey, while Helena will counter with right-hander Andy Moye. Helena Box Score SS Yadiel Rivera fanned four times in an 0-for-5 back-to-earth night; catcher Joey Paciorek continued to shine -- single, double, walk, threw out both baserunners attempting to steal; UConn 35th round catcher Doug Elliott (2-for-4 as the DH, double) made his pro debut; 10th round Oklahoma State LHP Mike Strong walked two in three scoreless, hitless innings in his start; LHP Tom Keeling impressed late in the game in his first outing after his Wisconsin stint, but reliever Seth Harvey couldn't bail out Fond du Lac's and UW-Milwaukee's 38th round Chad Pierce from having a disappointing debut of his own, allowing all three inherited Pierce runners to score in the Missoula four-run inning detailed below... Helena Play-by-Play Missoula Bottom of the 4th Pitcher Change: Chad Pierce replaces Michael Strong. Justin Bianco triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Max Walla. Ryan Court singles on a line drive to center fielder Robert Garvey. Justin Bianco scores. Jonathan Griffin walks. Ryan Court to 2nd. Eric Groff strikes out swinging. Tyler Linton walks. Ryan Court to 3rd. Jonathan Griffin to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Seth Harvey replaces Chad Pierce. Matthew Jensen walks. Ryan Court scores. Jonathan Griffin to 3rd. Tyler Linton to 2nd. Fidel Pena walks. Jonathan Griffin scores. Tyler Linton to 3rd. Matthew Jensen to 2nd. Jeremia Gomez out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Max Walla. Tyler Linton scores. Josh Parr strikes out swinging.

Final: Arizona Brewers 6, @Arizona Athletics 2 Arizona Box Score 2010 7th round Canadian RHP Joel Pierce, 18 years old, made his formal professional debut with four solid innings in the 109 degree heat -- 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR. Behind Pierce was RHP Mike Schaub, the young man out of an Anaheim public high school, drafted in the 38th round last year. Schaub fanned 21 batters in 24 mostly effective innings in Maryvale in 2010, but really impressed here -- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 11 K. Schaub is the rare late-round high school pitcher draftee to forego (or at least delay) college -- many in his shoes would have gone the junior college route at minimum. He just turned 19, you wish he was from some suburban area with a hometown newspaper following that would have featured him for us curious fans by now. 2011 34th round catcher Adam Weisenburger (Miami of Ohio) debuted with a 3-for-4 evening (double, RBI, SB, threw out only opposing baserunner); your other debut was by RF Matt Franco, this year's Mr. Not-So-Irrelevant 50th round pick, an 18-year-old Ft. Lauderdale high schooler. Franco was 0-for-4 here, 2 K's. It must be a day for mentioning high school signees, as 2010's 22nd rounder, Kevin Berard, settling in at second base it seems, hit his first professional home run, a two-run shot, as part of a 2-for-5 day. Former DSL OF Ruben Ozuna, in LF tonight and again hitting leadoff, was 2-for-5 with a double, two stolen bases, and one error. Arizona Play-by-Play The Maryvale three-run 4th, and then a 5th inning which showed promise but didn't materialize -- AZL Brewers Top of the 4th Ruben Ozuna reaches on fielding error by third baseman Jonatan Santana. Kevin Berard singles on a line drive to right fielder Kelvin Rojas. Ruben Ozuna to 2nd. Brandon Macias flies out to center fielder Dayton Alexander. Hitaniel Arias singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kelvin Rojas. Ruben Ozuna scores. Kevin Berard scores. Hitaniel Arias to 3rd. Fielding error by right fielder Kelvin Rojas. Pitcher Change: Jose Azor replaces Maxwell Perlman. Adam Weisenburger singles on a fly ball to right fielder Kelvin Rojas. Hitaniel Arias scores. Jose R. Garcia singles on a ground ball to left fielder Rhett Stafford. Adam Weisenburger to 2nd. Matthew Franco grounds out, third baseman Jonatan Santana to first baseman Joshua Leyland. Adam Weisenburger to 3rd. Jose R. Garcia to 2nd. Andres Martinez called out on strikes. AZL Brewers Top of the 5th Malcolm Dowell hit by pitch. With Ruben Ozuna batting, Malcolm Dowell steals (1) 2nd base. Ruben Ozuna singles on a ground ball to second baseman Franklin Contreras. Malcolm Dowell to 3rd. With Kevin Berard batting, Ruben Ozuna steals (1) 2nd base. Kevin Berard pops out to shortstop Jensi Peralta. Brandon Macias hit by pitch. Hitaniel Arias grounds into double play, shortstop Jensi Peralta to second baseman Franklin Contreras to first baseman Joshua Leyland. Brandon Macias out at 2nd.

Eric Farris played shortstop, first time in quite a while (one error on a throw).

Nashville Audio Archive -- June 22 - Chat with Brewers Special Assistant To The GM Dan O'Brien

We've mentioned Dunedin closer and former Brewer farmhand Wes Etheridge (season and career stats) several times this season in the Link Report, so it seems a proper place this evening to post his interesting tale -- Etheridge saving games and souls By Bob Elliott, QMI Agency (Canada) ATLANTA - Wes Etheridge gets calls and calls. It’s Dunedin manager Clayton McCullough on the bullpen phone asking him to get ready for another save situation. Etheridge had a previous calling. After pitching two years in the Milwaukee Brewers system, Etheridge quit to become a pastor. He enrolled at Liberty University on-line from his home in Huntington Beach, Calif., in August of 2008 and when he found he missed the classroom experience (“there wasn’t anyone to ask questions”) switched to Calvary Bible College, near his home, in January of 2009. “I was running my youth group, but it was not going where I wanted, so I began praying real hard,” Etheridge said Wednesday from Dunedin. Then, he received a phone call from out of the blue from his friend, Dan Millwee. “We had a long conversation and then Dan said, ‘I was washing my car and God told me he doesn’t need you any more,’” Etheridge recalled. Etheridge spoke to his mom Wendy, who used to say she wanted to write a book entitled Baseball Ruined My Life. The missed dinners. The travel. The time away from family. “I told mom about Dan’s call, asked her what she thought and she said, ‘I’ve been praying you would go back to baseball,’” Etheridge said. What would make momma change her mind? “You know I was so shocked by her answer I never ever asked.” So, he called the Milwaukee Brewers, who had him on their restricted list, went to spring training in 2010 and was cut on the last day. Steve Springer, now a Jays scout, sent him to pitch for ex-Cleveland Indians teammate Cory Snyder, managing Maui in the independent Golden League. “I told him he’s 84-88 m.p.h., don’t put a gun on him, let him pitch,” Springer said from Anaheim. “Cory phones back and says ‘he’s only 84-88.’ I told him to forget readings, let him pitch. Everyone gets caught up in velocity. “I phoned later to ask about him and Cory says ‘Oh, he could pitch at double-A right now.’” Etheridge went 10-0 with a 1.76 ERA in 15 starts, walking 18 and striking out 86. “I wanted to sign him a year ago as a starter,” said Springer, who talked Jays assistant GM Tony La Cava into signing Etheridge. Now he’s a perfect 24-for-24 closing games for Dunedin. Etheridge, 26, still reads the Bible every day. When you lose both your parents within six months and you’re a teenager ... well I’ve never been much of a Bible guy. However, I always took the whatever-gets-you-through-the-night approach. Etheridge’s favorite verse is from Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” You could say Etheridge has been pitching with all his might: a 1.04 ERA in 34 2/3 innings, walking five and striking out 30. Springer points out Etheridge pitched 12 scoreless innings this spring. “Hate to say it, but I looked more like a pastor when I was in Bible college, I’d catch myself even thinking something,” Etheridge said. Springer had Kirk Saarloos in his former life, a five-year span as a player agent. “He won 20 games in three years with Oakland and didn’t throw any harder. Wes will pitch in the big leagues some day.” It’s a scout’s job to judge with an impartial eye and we’re sure Springer has that even though both played for the Marina High Vikings, decades apart, in Irvine, Calif. “He pitched the championship game at Anaheim Stadium, he won a championship with Cypress College (Chargers) and went 12-4 for the University of California-Irvine (Anteaters),” Springer said. “His record before he was drafted was roughly 40-7. He’s a winner. He knows how to get a ground ball out. “He didn’t like the lifestyle the first time around.” Right now it’s Florida State League hitters who aren’t liking ninth innings with Etheridge on the mound.

How the hell can you send 0-for-his-last-14 I haven't hit a ball hard in weeks Kotsay up in that situation? Lucroy has 7 bombs, if not Kottaras? Kotsay must be released, he just has to be.

Nashville Media Notes

The only thing missing for Brock Kjeldgaard was a spot in the All-Star Game last Saturday in Clearwater. Probably as a result of a so-so start to the season, he wasn't picked for the North team and, therefore, also missed a shot at the Home Run Derby. "It would've been nice," Kjeldgaard said of being an All-Star. "It was a little disappointing." The votes were just cast a little too early. It has been impossible to miss what the 25-year-old slugger has done since mid-May. *** That's from this week's MiLB.com FSL weekly review, just the latest full-blown feature on Brock Kjeldgaard. Here's the link to the full profile.

Cory Provus 6/21 Pre-Game Audio with Gord Ash Second half of interview focuses on the minor leaguers -- props to Huntsville 1B Sean Halton among others...

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 39 33 .542 - - 21-15 18-18 5-5 W1 Memphis 38 33 .535 0.5 73 23-16 15-17 8-2 W2 Nashville 31 40 .437 7.5 66 19-16 12-24 4-6 L2 Iowa 31 41 .431 8.0 65 14-18 17-23 3-7 L2 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak * Daytona 46 23 .667 - - 25-11 21-12 4-6 L4 Clearwater 39 30 .565 7.0 E 20-14 19-16 2-8 L4 Dunedin 38 31 .551 8.0 E 17-18 21-13 6-4 W1 Tampa 37 32 .536 9.0 E 16-17 21-15 7-3 W5 Lakeland 36 33 .522 10.0 E 20-16 16-17 5-5 W2 Brevard County 27 42 .391 19.0 E 14-21 13-21 6-4 L1 PIO North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Helena 2 0 1.000 - - 2-0 0-0 2-0 W2 Billings 1 1 .500 1.0 36 1-1 0-0 1-1 W1 Great Falls 1 1 .500 1.0 36 0-0 1-1 1-1 L1 Missoula 0 2 .000 2.0 35 0-0 0-2 0-2 L2 AZL Central Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak AZL Dodgers 1 0 1.000 - - 0-0 1-0 1-0 W1 AZL Indians 1 1 .500 0.5 55 1-0 0-1 1-1 L1 AZL Reds 1 1 .500 0.5 55 1-0 0-1 1-1 W1 AZL Brewers 0 1 .000 1.0 55 0-1 0-0 0-1 L1 DSL S.D. North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak DSL Mariners 14 5 .737 - - 8-3 6-2 10-0 W10 DSL Brewers 14 6 .700 0.5 53 6-3 8-3 5-5 W1 DSL Athletics 7 13 .350 7.5 46 3-4 4-9 3-7 L2 DSL Cardinals 5 15 .250 9.5 44 4-8 1-7 3-7 L1

Follow Wednesday's action as it happens: Nashville Game One (Gameday also available) Nashville Game Two (Gameday also available) Brevard County Helena Arizona Rookie (Maryvale) DSL Brewers

Wednesday's Daily Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: LHP Daniel Meadows and RHP Frankie De La Cruz in a doubleheader at home vs. Omaha (Royals), 5:20 PM pre-game, 5:35 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Live Audio Link iPad/iPhone: Listen MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Huntsville: Idle Brevard County: RHP Kyle Heckathorn at home vs. Dunedin (Blue Jays), 6:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Dunedin feed from the MiLB main audio page Wisconsin: Idle Helena: LHP Mike Strong at Missoula (Diamondbacks), 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 Athletics complex in Phoenix; games begin at 7:00 local time in the desert; never audio for games in this league DSL Brewers: at the DSL Indians, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until late afternoon at the earliest

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Chris Mehring indicates that RHP's Matt Miller and Dan Britt are coming off the DL, which backfills the two open positions on the Wisconsin roster.

All-Star Game write-up from MiLB.com -- Mike Walker had some fun on the giving end of a shaving cream pie

North wins Southern League All-Star Game -- again By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Huntsville Stars' Steffan Wilson was stuffing a couple of bats into an equipment bag in a dark corner of the dugout. Chattanooga's Scott Van Slyke was at home plate, in the figurative spotlight, being handed a new bat, emblematic of his selection as the Southern League All-Star Most Valuable Player. A strong case could be made, after Tuesday's 6-3 North win over the South, those positions could have been reversed. Van Slyke, son of ex-major leaguer Andy Van Slyke, had a pair of singles and scored two runs. However, Wilson, the Huntsville third baseman, was 3-for-4, with a two-run double in the first off Matt Moore, the league's top pitcher, that gave the North a lead it never relinquished. The win makes the North a perfect 7-0 in the Southern League All-Star Game since the league adopted its North-South geographical alignment in 2005. "He's my All-Star MVP," teammate Erik Komatsu said of Wilson. There were no sour grapes on the part of Wilson, who would've/should've been Huntsville's first All-Star MVP since Terry Steinbach in 1986. "(Van Slyke) had a great game. It's a great honor. Good for him," said Wilson, who was making his first professional All-Star appearance. While Wilson had three of the eight North hits, Komatsu went 1-for-4. Pitcher Wily Peralta gave up two hits, walked one, struck out two and gave up a run in the South third. Michael Bowman pitched to a pair of batters in the eighth, giving up a single to Mobile's A.J. Pollock, then getting Paul Goldschmidt, the league's home run leader, on a 6-4-3 double play. For other players from Alabama teams and their performances, click the link above for the full article text. The South nicked Peralta for a run in the third but otherwise the North pitching was flawless -- as was four innings of South pitching until Montgomery's Chris Archer gave up two doubles and a Wilson infield hit in the sixth for a 6-3 North advantage. All-Star Notes: The Southern League owners tentatively approved the 2012 schedule, though it must now be approved by the parent clubs. The league will continue to use the five-game series format. ... Buster Olney of ESPN, whose sportswriting career was launched in Nashville, was the speaker at the All-Star luncheon. ... The Southern League All-Star Game will be hosted by the Tennessee Smokies next season. ... Stars owner Miles Prentice did not attend the All-Star Game. He was at opening night for the Connecticut Tigers, a Norwich-based team in the short-season New York-Penn League that he also owns. ... The 2012 All-Star Game will be hosted by the Tennessee Smokies.

Nashville Audio Archive -- June 21 - Chat with Brewers Video Coordinator Anfernee Aloisi

Unique to sign a 19-year-old undrafted free agent, but another 6'4" lefty? Sure... Former local standout West signs free agent contract with Brewers By Jim Henry, Tallahassee Democrat writer The opportunity to play professional baseball was too enticing and exciting to refuse. That's why former Chiles High pitcher Will West signed a free-agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, ending a whirlwind year of uncertainty. "It has been a year since I've been able to throw competitively, so it's going to be a really good experience and I am going to make the most of it," said West, who turns 19 next month. "I plan to get there and work as hard as I can." West, who posted a 1.80 ERA in 65 innings with 91 strikeouts in 2010 at Chiles, was not selected in the MLB Draft earlier this month. West attended Georgia Tech, but transferred after one semester to Tallahassee Community College and was redshirted last spring. West, a 6-foot-4 lefty, pitched this summer with the Tallahassee Expos travel team. Brewers area scout Ryan Robinson watched West in high school and was impressed by his poise and potential. "The chances of him getting better are really good," said Robinson, who signed West. "He has a body (that projects well) and a really loose arm. He really knows how to pitch. Every time you saw him, you just thought he had a really good feel for pitching." West departs Friday for the Brewers' spring training complex in Phoenix. He expects to remain in Arizona for the next two months in preparation for the Fall Instructional League. "It was a very difficult decision, definitely the biggest decision I've made in my life," said West, a three-year letterman at NFC who transferred to Chiles for his senior season. "But it's the best decision and what's right for me right now. The fact that I can go play pro baseball right now, that's awesome to me. It has been a dream of mine since I was knee high. All I have to worry about is baseball and working hard." West, who tossed consecutive no-hitters as a junior at NFC, could be joined in the Brewers organization by former Rickards High outfielder Mallex Smith. Smith, selected in the 13th round with the 401st pick, is currently negotiating with the Brewers. Smith has committed to Santa Fe College. (Note: Smith did not sign, and he's hitting .380 this year) Will West Georgia Tech Bio Page (as indicated above, never pitched for them)

Final: Arizona Dodgers 9, @Arizona Brewers 6 Arizona Box Score The Maryvale boys jumped out to a 3-0 1st inning lead, but fell victim to three multiple-run Dodger innings; your mound crew was made up of starter Michael White, a 21-year-old RHP making his pro debut (White was drafted in the 13th round out of a Tennessee community college in 2010), 23-year-old LHP Stephen Peterson, a recently signed non-drafted free agent out of URI; 22-year-old RHP Manuel Ruiz, debuting state-side after fanning 52 in 34.1 DSL innings last year (with 33 walks), and 21-year-old RHP Casey Medlen, the 21-year-old 37th round 2011 draft pick out of the University of North Florida. Peterson statistically was the most impressive, stranding a baserunner for White and tossing 2.1 scoreless, fanning five. The Dodgers led 5-4 entering the top of the 9th but added four unearned runs off Ruiz and Medlen (who allowed three inherited runners to score). White fanned six in five innings and had a ground ball rate of 10-to-1, so he impressed in some ways despite allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks. 25 strikeouts in the game, as Brewer batters fanned 12 times. It was an eclectic if unheralded lineup made up of DSL promotees (CF Ruben Ozuna, 1B Hitaniel Arias, RF Ronny Puello, and 3B Andres Martinez) , non-drafted free agents (SS Brandon Macias, DH Steve Felix, C Jimmie Pharr), and high school draftees (LF Malcolm Dowell, 2011 and 2B Kevin Berard, 2010). Macias doubled twice and was HBP, Ozuna doubled and singled out of the leadoff spot, and Pharr walked twice. 106 degrees at first pitch. Arizona Play-by-Play Three-run Brewer 1st -- AZL Brewers Bottom of the 1st Ruben Ozuna doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Joseph Winker. Brandon Macias doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Joseph Winker. Ruben Ozuna scores. Steve Felix hit by pitch. Hitaniel Arias singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ronny Lugo. Brandon Macias out at home on the throw, right fielder Ronny Lugo to catcher Jose Capellan. Steve Felix to 3rd. Jimmie Pharr walks. Hitaniel Arias to 2nd. Ronny Puello out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Devon Ethier. Steve Felix scores. Hitaniel Arias to 3rd. Jimmie Pharr to 2nd. With Malcolm Dowell batting, wild pitch by Luis Mesa, Hitaniel Arias scores. Jimmie Pharr to 3rd. Malcolm Dowell strikes out swinging.

Williamson, Williamses lead the way in 5-4 Brewers win by Amber Kuehn, Helena Independent Record Apparently to be good in the Pioneer League, it helps if your name is Williams. Or Williamson, for that matter. Helena Brewers starter Brandon Williamson twirled seven sterling innings in his professional debut, Alan Williams struck out the side in the ninth to earn the save and Adrian Williams had a pair of defensive gems at second base Tuesday. The trio helped Helena to a 5-4 victory over the Missoula Osprey at Kindrick Legion Field, sweeping the two-game series. With their second nail-biting win in as many nights, the Brewers are 2-0 and alone in first place in the Pioneer League North standings. “That’s a great way to start,” Helena manager Joe Ayrault said. “We did what you have to do in baseball to win ball games. We got great pitching, solid defense and playing errorless baseball tonight was outstanding.” The Brewers held the Osprey scoreless for three innings Tuesday, each frame with an impressive moment. Helena’s Kyle Dhanani and Parker Berberet turned an inning-ending 5-3-5 double play in the first; Adrian Williams backhanded a hard liner by Eric Groff in the second; and Williams made another fine play in the third, diving to field a bullet by Josh Parr and get the throw to first in time for the final out. Meanwhile, Williamson kept batters on their toes by mixing his offspeed pitches, getting hitters to chase his curveball and keeping command of his fastball, which has reached the low 90s in the past. The right-hander who recently helped lead Dallas Baptist University to the NCAA Super Regionals in their second season as a Division I program earned the win, striking out six and allowing just six hits and four earned runs. “It was exciting,” Williamson said. “This is something I’ve looked forward to since I was a little kid, and to actually get a chance, I’m extremely blessed. Our offense came out early and was able to score some runs so I was able to not worry about anything really, just try to pitch my game.” Yadiel Rivera got the Brewers on the board in the bottom of the third, when the shortstop struck a two-run homer into the net in left field. Joey Paciorek’s bat was hot for the second straight night, and he blistered a double to the left-field wall two at-bats later. Helena would tack on two more runs in the inning, courtesy of an error and a wild pitch. But Missoula made things interesting in the fifth. After making it a 4-1 game in the fourth, the Osprey got back-to-back singles on consecutive pitches. Josh Parr followed with a three-run bomb on the first pitch he saw, and it looked as though another comeback was brewing. Helena would have something to say about that. Williamson retired the next eight batters he faced, and southpaw Alan Williams entered in the eighth and allowed just two baserunners. The independent league signee making his affiliated pro debut fanned five of the eight Osprey he faced, getting the final out on a solid changeup. Williams said he didn’t feel any pressure closing out a one-run game, even though he’s had more experience as a starter and middle reliever. “I just didn’t really even think about it, and I knew the situation but didn’t let that affect me at all,” said Williams, who most recently pitched for the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League. “We played good defense, and that always makes it easier for you on the mound.” Williams was pleased with the way he worked his two-seam fastball and slider. “He did a great job, very impressive,” Ayrault said. “To have a lefty like that, it’s great to have him in the back end of a ballgame.” As for Williamson, he’s just basking in the moment. He’s had quite a month, from pitching against the University of California in the Super Regional — he took the loss in that one — to bagging his first win. Which one will he remember most? “They both hold their own weight,” he said, “...but this one’s definitely going to have a special place in my heart.” Helena leaves the friendly confines of Kindrick for the first time this season, when they head on the road to Missoula today. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). Lefty Mike Strong is expected to start for the Brewers, while Jesse Darrah makes his pro debut for the Osprey. TRANSACTIONS: The Brewers added a pair of familiar faces to their roster Tuesday, with pitchers Tom Keeling and Tyler Cravy returning to the Capital City squad. Both saw action in Helena a year ago, and were just sent down from Class A Wisconsin. Article link includes four photos from the game (click on photos for enlarged view) Helena Box Score Brandon Williamson and Alan Williams combined to fan 11 while walking just one; Williamson also had a 9-to-4 GB/FB ratio to go with his six K's; big LF/1B Jason Rogers singled in four trips in his first formal game since breaking his hand with Wisconsin in late April; great to read about all the defensive highlights... Helena Play-by-Play Your garden variety 5-3-5 double play -- Missoula Top of the 1st Josh Parr hit by pitch. Justin Bianco grounds out to first baseman Parker Berberet. Josh Parr to 2nd. Ryan Court grounds into double play, third baseman Kyle Dhanani to first baseman Parker Berberet to third baseman Kyle Dhanani. Josh Parr out at 3rd.

Final: @Helena 5, Missoula 4 Rivera Leads Series Sweep By Nicholas Allen / Helena Brewers Brewers shortstop Yadiel Rivera was big for the Brewers at the plate and in the field Tuesday night in Helena. Rivera, ranked by Baseball America as the 21st-best prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers organization entering 2011, lived up to that status going 2-for-4, adding his first home run. He collected two RBI and scored two runs as the Brewers defeated the Missoula Osprey 5-4 at Kindrick Legion Field. Hot-hitting Joey Paciorek added two doubles in four at-bats, dropping his average to .556. Brandon Williamson (1-0) started on the mound for the Brewers. He pitched seven strong innings, striking out six while giving up just six hits and one mistake, a three-run home run to Josh Parr in the top of the fifth inning. Following Parr's homer, Williamson set down eight Osprey hitters in a row to complete his outing and pick up his first professional victory. Alan Williams pitched the final two frames, surrendering just one hit and one walk while punching out five Missoula hitters to collect his first save. Enrique Burgos (0-1) took the loss for the Osprey, giving up five runs (four earned) in four innings of work. Rivera showed his great defensive ability in the top of the fifth inning when he ranged deep into the hole with a smooth backhand and strong throw to retire Ryan Court and the Osprey's fifth inning rally. He added another nice play when he chased a chopper deep behind the second base bag and with his momentum carrying him into the outfield, fired a strike to first in time to retire Matthew Jensen in the seventh. The Brewers move to 2-0 on the season, sweeping the Osprey at home. The series shifts to Missoula on Wednesday where lefty Mike Strong (0-0, 0.00) will take the mound for the Brewers against Missoula's Jesse Darrah. The Brewers return to Kindrick Legion Field for a five game homestand Friday June 24. Yadiel Rivera Photo by Lisa Kunkel http://helena.brewers.milb.com/images/2011/06/22/d6Utkct2.png

Rattler Radio Blog All-Star Game Slide Show

Just so we're thorough, we'll note that perpetually conveniently available / unavailable catcher Patrick Arlis was placed on Nashville's DL, retroactive to June 16th, when LHP Daniel Ray Herrera returned to the Sounds' roster. Arlis was there last week to bridge the gap before Wil Nieves reported. Arlis, 30 years old, has one AB on the season (April 12th). I know we have fun with Arlis' roster maneuverings, but we've linked to his "Get to Know Him" page in the past, so review it if you missed it the first time. We've read he's expressed interest in coaching, and he's probably with the Sounds a good portion of the time (bullpen catcher, etc.), and hey, as of the 23rd, he'll be eligible for another assignment...

Nashville Media Notes We learn that LHP Daniel Meadows will start Game One of Wednesday's doubleheader (spot start, bullpen game).

Final: @Dunedin 6, Brevard County 5 Brevard County Box Score Manatees did a nice job bouncing back from the disastrous first inning documented above, but it wasn't enough to extend their three-game winning streak; Brevard outhit the D-Jays 10-7 and drew six walks (Manatees' pitchers walked seven), but the boys from Viera / Melbourne / Space Coast stranded 12 men. Starter Maverick Lasker's overall season line was protected via four unearned runs, but only lasted three innings and now sports a 5.74 ERA in a campaign filled with early departure starts; Hunter Morris (on base four times) and Scott Krieger (3-for-5) each homered; Morris stole two bases (four on the season) as the Manatees were 4-for-4 on the basepaths; Kentrail Davis (2-for-5, his 15th SB) continues to show signs of life as of late; D'Vontrey Richardson did not play -- he exited early in Brevard's previous game last Thursday; can the Blue Jays just promote 26-year-old All-Star closer and former Brewer farmhand Wes Etheridge already? 24 saves, seemingly all of them against his former organization... Brevard County Play-by-Play Newcomer Bradley Blanks threw a scoreless 6th, although it was quite eventful -- Dunedin Bottom of the 6th Pitcher Change: Bradley Blanks replaces Evan Anundsen. Chris Hopkins doubles (5) on a fly ball to left fielder Khristopher Davis. Justin Jackson reaches on a fielder's choice out, pitcher Bradley Blanks to shortstop Josh Prince to third baseman Shea Vucinich. Chris Hopkins out at 3rd. Justin Jackson to 2nd on the throw. Ryan Schimpf walks. Sean Ochinko grounds into double play, shortstop Josh Prince to second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris. Ryan Schimpf out at 2nd.