Jim Goulart

Stars salvage series finale with Biscuits By Aaron Morse, Huntsville Stars Chuckie Caufield doubled in Drew Anderson in the sixth to break a 3-3 tie and the Huntsville Stars (30-29, 63-66) won on get away day Wednesday afternoon by a final score of 5-3 over the Montgomery Biscuits. The Stars jumped out to the early lead in the bottom of the first. With one away, Brett Lawrie drew a walk. He showed off his trademark aggressiveness with a stolen base, his 29th of the year. Zelous Wheeler singled to left to move Lawrie to third and put runners at the corners with one out. That’s when Anderson nearly smacked a three-run homer as the ball went off the top of the right field wall. He settled for a two-RBI triple to give the Stars a 2-0 lead. Andy Machado hit a ball hard to center to score Anderson. Taylor Green struck-out to end the inning, a sign of things to come for the Stars. In fact, between the first and sixth innings, Montgomery starter Alex Cobb (6-5) could not have been more dominating. He struck out two in the second inning and sent the side down in order via the K in the third and fourth innings respectively. Meanwhile, the Biscuits came back to tie the game. With one out in the third, Rashad Eldridge singled to left off Stars’ starter Mark Rogers. The hard throwing right-hander was able to get John Matulia to hit a tailor-made double play ball to second baseman Lawrie. Lawrie’s feed to Wheeler was true, but Wheeler dropped the ball and everyone was safe. With two away, more bad luck hit Rogers as a shattered bat caused him to have to try field a slow roller while avoiding the sharp barrel. He successfully did the latter, but the ball squeaked past him for an infield single. At that point, Rogers walked in two runs and the Biscuits cut the score to 3-2 in favor of the Stars. They got one more run in the fifth. With one out, Jose Ruiz singled to center. After a walk, Rogers struck out Matt Spring for the second out of the inning. But Mike Folli delivered a clutch RBI single to center. Rogers got a ground-out to end the inning and his night. The former first round pick went five innings, giving up three runs (one earned), on six hits. He walked four and struck-out eight. Speaking of strike-outs, Cobb sent down 13 Stars’ hitters via the K. However Huntsville got to him for the eventual winning run in the sixth. With one away, Anderson doubled to left field. Cobb struck-out the next batter and then the Biscuits decided to intentionally walk Green to get to Caufield. Big mistake. The Biscuit-killer laced a double to right center field to drive in Anderson and give the Stars a 4-3 lead. The Stars tacked on an insurance run in the eighth thanks to a RBI double off the bat of Green. Chris Cody (7-7) tossed two scoreless innings out of the bullpen to get the win. Michael Fiers finished things off for his first save of the year with two scoreless frames of his own. Despite the win, the Stars remain 4.5 games back of the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx in the wild card race with 11 games to play. They head to Mobile to open a four game series Thursday. Amaury Rivas (11-6) will be on the mound. First pitch is at 7:05 PM central time and all the action can be heard on the Stars Radio Network.

Stephen has video of the Shawn Zarraga and Erik Komatsu home runs online. Zarraga has that Brad Nelson body style working for him, Komatsu nothing like that -- Erik actually knew his was gone earlier than Shawn did.

Final: Arizona Reds 10, @Arizona Brewers 0 Arizona Box Score Bummer of a game for all the Maryvale season ticket holders; as noted, RHP Alex Periard began his latest rehab by making his first appearance since his June 5th start for Huntsville -- it doesn't seem like he made eleven starts for the Stars early this season, but he did -- they just were not overly memorable (4.71 ERA, only 24 K's in 63 innings), the Brewers need to figure out how to drop him off the 40-man roster this fall (exposing him, of course) so he can be added again later and still retain an option for future use; RHP Dan Britt stranded two of Periard's baserunners and then added three scoreless innings, just-turned 20-year-old LHP Dane Amedee picked up three frames (two runs), but fellow southpaw Marques Kyles had another rough outing as it blew up late... It wouldn't have mattered, as the Maryvale crew managed just two singles, two walks, fanned 14 times, and committed four errors. Other than that, the guys played well. Arizona Game Log Periard's return -- AZL Reds Top of the 1st Ronald Torreyes singles on a line drive to right fielder Thomas Mittelstaedt. Jaren Matthews walks. Ronald Torreyes to 2nd. David Vidal walks. Ronald Torreyes to 3rd. Jaren Matthews to 2nd. Robert Maddox singles on a ground ball to right fielder Thomas Mittelstaedt. Ronald Torreyes scores. Jaren Matthews to 3rd. David Vidal to 2nd. Yasmani Grandal reaches on force attempt, missed catch error by catcher Tyler Roberts, assist to pitcher Alex Periard. Jaren Matthews scores. David Vidal to 3rd. Robert Maddox to 2nd. Kurtis Muller singles on a line drive to right fielder Thomas Mittelstaedt. David Vidal scores. Robert Maddox to 3rd. Yasmani Grandal to 2nd. Samuel Diaz grounds into a force out, second baseman Nick Shaw to shortstop Yadiel Rivera. Robert Maddox scores. Yasmani Grandal to 3rd. Kurtis Muller out at 2nd. Samuel Diaz to 1st. Pitcher Change: Dan Britt replaces Alex Periard. Drew Poulk strikes out swinging. Adam Muenster called out on strikes.

There is so much to be said for being economical with pitches and for being able to get through a lineup a third time as a starter over and over again. Being economical doesn't always mean being successful. Kyle Heckathorn's season has been fantastic, it really has. *** Josh Romanski rudely greeted to high-A by the Manatees -- it wasn't a blowout inning, but a three-run 1st ended Romanski's night. Unfortunately, Cody Scarpetta couldn't take advantage. Not a birthday to remember for Cody -- neither starter made it through two innings.

Rattler Radio: August 25, 2010: Game Notes August 25, 2010: Tonight's Starting Pitcher August 25, 2010: Tonight's Lineup

Stars win, 5-3, but West Tenn wins as well, so the small playoff hopes get smaller. (Yes, we root for wins for the locals regardless of what the purists will say about player development is all that matters, so please don't chime in on that slant.)

Chris has a cool "mega-post" on his blog with all things no-hitter.

Been a while since we highlighted reliever Rob Bryson's link. Part of the Sabathia trade, Bryson has now reached AA at age 22, and has 71 K's in 44.2 IP, although the walks have picked up at the higher level. Still effective, though. And that's 22 at AA despite missing significant time with injury. And there's no regrets here. Kudos to the Indians...

PDF documents: Nashville Media Notes Huntsville Media Notes

Cody Scarpetta celebrates his 22nd birthday on the mound at Space Coast tonight.

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Iowa 74 56 .569 - - 37-31 37-25 5-5 L2 Memphis 72 59 .550 2.5 12 40-25 32-34 6-4 W1 Omaha 72 59 .550 2.5 12 34-29 38-30 6-4 L1 Nashville 68 62 .523 6.0 9 35-30 33-32 6-4 W2 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak * Tennessee 37 21 .638 - - 22-9 15-12 6-4 W1 Huntsville 29 29 .500 8.0 5 17-13 12-16 4-6 L3 Chattanooga 27 31 .466 10.0 3 13-17 14-14 6-4 W1 West Tenn 27 31 .466 10.0 3 14-13 13-18 4-6 L1 Carolina 24 33 .421 12.5 E 11-18 13-15 3-7 L3 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Tampa 36 19 .655 - - 19-9 17-10 7-3 W3 Daytona 35 23 .603 2.5 11 20-9 15-14 4-6 W2 Brevard County 33 25 .569 4.5 10 17-12 16-13 5-5 L1 Lakeland 27 29 .482 9.5 4 14-11 13-18 5-5 L3 Clearwater 25 33 .431 12.5 1 15-14 10-19 4-6 L2 * Dunedin 24 33 .421 13.0 1 12-16 12-17 5-5 W1 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Quad Cities 35 20 .636 - - 11-14 24-6 8-2 L1 Clinton 31 24 .564 4.0 - 17-12 14-12 6-4 W3 * Cedar Rapids 31 25 .554 4.5 15 17-14 14-11 4-6 L2 Kane County 30 26 .536 5.5 13 17-12 13-14 3-7 W1 Beloit 28 26 .519 6.5 11 14-11 14-15 5-5 L1 Wisconsin 27 30 .474 9.0 10 15-13 12-17 5-5 W2 Peoria 25 28 .472 9.0 10 12-13 13-15 5-5 L3 Burlington 19 35 .352 15.5 2 13-15 6-20 3-7 W1 PIO North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Helena 12 9 .571 - - 7-5 5-4 6-4 W2 * Great Falls 12 11 .522 1.0 16 6-3 6-8 5-5 W3 Missoula 10 13 .435 3.0 14 6-8 4-5 4-6 L2 Billings 9 12 .429 3.0 15 4-5 5-7 4-6 L2 AZL Central Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak AZL Brewers 32 19 .627 - - 11-11 12-8 6-4 W1 AZL Dodgers 28 23 .549 4.0 1 11-9 12-8 6-4 L1 AZL Reds 27 24 .529 5.0 E 11-8 11-9 6-4 W2 AZL Indians 20 31 .392 12.0 E 7-13 10-10 1-9 L3 DSL S.D. North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak # DSL Mariners 43 28 .606 - - 23-13 20-15 7-3 L1 DSL Cardinals 39 32 .549 4.0 E 24-11 15-21 5-5 L2 DSL Athletics 32 39 .451 11.0 E 17-19 15-20 6-4 W2 DSL Brewers 28 43 .394 15.0 E 17-18 11-25 3-7 W1

Follow Wednesday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Tab or New Window". Choose "Recap". While you're listening to your minor league game of choice (or watching/listening to the big league Crew when they are playing), simply refresh your game log browsers every so often. Nashville (Gameday also available) Huntsville (Gameday also available) Brevard County Game One Brevard County Game Two Wisconsin Helena Arizona Rookie (Maryvale)

Thanks again to Stephen C. Smith for taking it literally upon himself to provide us with some audio for the Manatees this season! Tonight marks his final scheduled broadcast. I do have a note into Stephen asking him how his plans may change for this evening's doubleheader, considering that it was initially scheduled to be a single broadcast with a start-time two hours later than what is now planned. Also, MiLB.com now shows LHP Josh Romanski as the Yankees' Game One starter.

Wednesday's Daily Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP Tim Dillard at home vs. New Orleans (Marlins), 6:50 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Live Audio Link Huntsville: RHP Mark Rogers at home vs. Montgomery (Rays), 12:45 PM pre-game; 1:00 gametime Live Audio Link Brevard County: RHP's Kyle Heckathorn and Cody Scarpetta in a doubleheader at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 4:05 PM gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Live Audio Link (SpaceCoastBaseball.com) Wisconsin: RHP Hiram Burgos at Burlington (Royals), 6:10 PM pre-game; 6:30 gametime Live Audio Link Helena: RHP Tyler Thornburg at Casper (Rockies), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home vs. the pint-size Reds; 9:00 PM; never audio for games in this league DSL Brewers: Season complete

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

We've seen conflicting numbers -- 107 vs. 118 pitches, since Jeff Isom was quoted as saying just under 120, it's probably the latter...

Casper Star-Tribune: GHOSTS AT THE PLATE: After leading off the 10th with a single and needing a run to tie the game, SS Jeff Squire was picked off at first base. ... Two batters later, Rafael Ortega struck out and finished the night 0-for-5. He entered the game leading the Ghosts with a .354 average. ... Jeff Tanos had Casper's only extra-base hit, a double, and Corey Dickerson and Blake McDade each went 2-for-4. BREWERS AT THE PLATE: None of Helena's hits went for extra bases. ... In the 10th, the Brewers advanced runners on catcher's interference and took the lead on a passed ball -- both with two outs. ... Helena left 14 runners on base. ... Cody Hawn and Carlos George each had two hits. GHOSTS ON THE MOUND: Squire had a grounder to field in the ninth to end the game but sent the ball into center field. It was his 15th error in 37 games. Brandon Sizemore's two-out RBI single tied the game. ... Casper starter Richardo Ferrer last four innings, giving up one run, striking out three and walking five. ... Bruce Kern completed the fifth inning, Kyle Hancock allowed one run over three innings, and Juan Perez followed with two innings. ... Hancock and Perez were each credited with blown saves. BREWERS ON THE MOUND: George made a nice backhand play on a hard hit by Tanos in the first inning. ... Starter Austin Ross threw seven innings and struck out eight batters. He allowed two runs on six hits. ... Alex Jones picked up the win and Brian Garman the save. NOTES: Helena maintained its one-game lead in the North Division with the victory. ... Thirty-four of Casper's 60 games have been decided by two runs or less. ... Ghosts opponents have outscored them 6-1 in extra innings this season. ... Tuesday's attendance was 778, the lowest of the season. ... The game lasted 3 hours, 28 minutes and was the second-longest at Lansing Field this season. ... Idaho Falls' Brian Peacock, Jason Mitchell and Alexander Rivers combined to no-hit Missoula in a 3-0 victory on Tuesday. Peacock threw seven innings but still didn't get the win. It was the Pioneer League's 29th no-hitter and the seventh for the Chukars. Their last was a 6-1 win over Casper on Aug. 2, 2007. NEXT: Game two of the three-game series is at 7:05 Wednesday night (8:05 Central). RHP Alving Mejias (5-4, 6.00 ERA) will start for Casper; Helena counters with RHP Tyler Cravy (5-5, 6.79).

From Jeff Johnson's blog at the Cedar Rapids Gazette: Jake Odorizzi will gladly sacrifice a chance to be alone in the record books, if it results in a long stint in professional baseball. The 20-year-old Wisconsin Timber Rattler right-handed pitcher wasn’t upset long when he was pulled after throwing eight no-hit innings against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. If a possible future in the Major Leagues meant turning over his gem to a teammate then so be it. “I’d take the long career over one no-hitter to my record,” Odorizzi said. “It’s no big deal.” Oh, but it turned out to be a very big deal. Odorizzi’s gem was capped by reliever Adrian Rosario and the pair teamed to no-hit the Kernels in 3-0 Midwest League game last night at Memorial Stadium in front of 2,127 fans. “It was fun for me to pitch. It was fun for everyone to watch,” Odorizzi said. “It was a great time out there. My teammates played great behind me and made plays for me. I had a blast out there it was awesome.” His night ended a little prematurely for many people’s liking. Some of the fans, even Kernels fans, booed when he didn’t take the mound in the ninth. Odorizzi was upset about being pulled, but when he was told he had already thrown almost 120 pitches he realized it was the right move by Wisconsin Manager Jeff Isom. “I was fired up at the moment,” Odorizzi said. “Wasn’t too happy about it then they told me how many pitches I had. You just have to let it go. Your career is more important than just one game.” Odorizzi said he was able to throw all four of his pitches for strikes, which kept the kernels from keying on any one pitch. Eighty of his 118 pitches were strikes, supporting his claim. After all those pitches, Odorizzi wasn’t hurting after the game. He said it will probably catch up to him in a couple days. “Too much adrenaline to feel tired,” Odorizzi said. “I’m sure I’ll feel it tomorrow or the next day. Right now, nothing.” His teammates didn’t avoid him like the plague as the outs started mounting up. Like many traditions and superstitions in baseball, the feat wasn’t mentioned during the game. They didn’t need to tell the youngster what was at stake. “They weren’t staying away from me,” said Odorizzi, who was greeted with a shaving cream pie to the face in the locker room after the game. “I knew what was going on. I wasn’t looking too much into it. You can’t do it or you get out of your groove.” He watched the final inning on the top step as Rosario struck out the final two batters to end the game. Odorizzi was taking just as much joy from the combined no-hitter. “Team no-hitters are a great accomplishment,” Odorizzi said. “It was great that I did good and it was great he came in and finished it out. It was an all-around good game.” Rosario was grateful for a chance to close out the game, which became his first no-hit experience. he wasn’t worried with everything at stake. “I don’t feel nervous,” Rosario said. “I just threw strikes and got outs.” It was the third no-hitter at Memorial Stadium this season. Stephen Locke, who coincidentally pitched well in the loss, had a five-inning no-hitter for the Kernels July 12 in a rain-shortened game against Peoria that was supposed to be a 7-inning contest. Fabio Martinez, Kyle Hurst and Mike Kenney combined for a nine-inning no-hitter April 30 for the Kernels against Quad Cities. It was the first no-hitter against the Kernels since Peoria did it on April 20, 2006. It was a strong performance from the Milwaukee Brewers 2008 first-round draft pick out of Highland (Ill.) High School. He improved to 7-3 and dropped his earned-run average to 3.58. He only allowed four base runners in eight innings, striking out 10 and allowing one walk, which was to Jon Karcich to lead off the eighth inning. Wisconsin (27-30, 53-72) scored a run in the fifth when Michael Marseco scored on Kentrall Davis’ RBI groundout. The Timber rattlers scored twice again in the sixth on Joey Paciorek’s RBI single to score Khris Davis and D'Vontrey Richardson’s infield single that brought home Cameron Garfield. The Kernels managed two base runners in the second when Jose Jimenez reached on an error to lead off the inning and Randal Grichuk took his place after a fielder’s choice. Cedar Rapids (31-25, 74-50) didn’t threaten and looked off-balance most of the night. A Grichuk line-out snatched by Paciorek at third to end the seventh was the team’s hardest hit ball. “We chased a lot of pitches, ton of pitches out of the zone,” Kernels Manager Bill Mosiello said, noting that Odorizzi was able to deceive the batters up and down the lineup. “He obviously had some good stuff tonight.” Locke (7-6) pitched well in six innings, allowing three runs on 10 hits. The three runs were produced by five infield singles. Locke tallied seven strikeouts. Mosiello complimented Locke’s performance. ”Good job by Stephen. He played a heck of a game,” Mosiello said. “He gave us a chance to win, and that’s all we ever ask out of those guys.”

Getting To Know RHP Donovan Hand

Stars blanked by Biscuits By Aaron Morse, Huntsville Stars The Huntsville Stars (29-29, 62-66) managed only four hits in a 7-0 defeat at the hands of the Montgomery Biscuits (27-31, 65-61) Tuesday night. Despite the low hit total, the Stars did get runners on base in every inning except the second. They left nine men stranded, and went 0-7 with runners in scoring position. The Stars also hit into three double plays. Alex Torres (10-6), Justin Dowdy, and Matt Gorgen combined to shutout the Stars. Meanwhile, Huntsville starter Michael Bowman (9-11) got off to a good start, shutting down the Biscuits for the first three innings. But he ran into some trouble in the fourth. With one away, Nevin Ashley drew a walk. John Matulia followed with a ground-rule double, putting runners at second and third with only one away. Henry Wrigley drove in the first run of the game with a single to left. Matulia advanced to third, putting runners at the corners with still only one down. Drew M. Anderson drove in the second run of the frame with a RBI ground-out. The same part of the order did more damage in the sixth. With one away, Matulia singled to right. After Wrigley drew a walk, Anderson doubled in a run to make the score 3-0. Bowman got the second out of the frame, but the Stars brought in Eddie Morlan to try and get the final out. He would, but only after giving up a three-run homer to Mike Folli. Bowman’s final line ended up being: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, and 5 K’s. He would take the loss as the Stars could get no offense going. Montgomery added one more run in the eighth against Robert Hinton as Matt Spring doubled home Anderson. With the loss, the Stars remain 4.5 games out of the Wild Card race behind the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. They drop to eight back in the division with 12 to play of the Tennessee Smokies. Tune in Wednesday afternoon for a matinee as the Stars look to salvage the finale of the three-game set. Mark Rogers (5-8, 3.93 ERA) takes the mound beginning at 1:00 PM central time. You can catch all the action on www.huntsvillestars.com.

Matt Kinney suspended 50 games for amphetamines -- Baseball America.

Yeah, it was seven days of rest for Jake before this start. Odorizzi is blowing away the league at 20. Non-alcoholic beverage to celebrate, young man... http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_543606.jpg

Whoo-hoo!!!! The last time the Timber Rattlers no-hit an opponent was on August 27, 2001. Derrick Van Dusen no-hit the Cedar Rapids Kernels in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Where else, baby!

Little bit of trivia as we wait for the 9th inning -- kudos for all those fortunate enough to be listening at the moment... Kernals' CF Terrell Alliman was the Brewers' 28th round pick out of Toronto in 2005, but didn't sign. The Angels drafted him in the 43rd round in 2007. Jake Odorizzi just fanned him to end the 8th for his 10th K, and it appears that Adrian Rosario will come on in the 9th. Enjoy Chris' call, everyone!

Wikipedia page lists Greg Genske client list Nice commissions from the Vernon Wells and C.C. Sabathia contracts, Adam Dunn will be in demand...