Jim Goulart

Final: Burlington (Royals) 2, Wisconsin 1 Walk-off loss... Wisconsin Site Game Summary Rattlers err; Bees win By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers BURLINGTON, IA - A pitchers duel ended on a throwing error in the bottom of the ninth and the Burlington Bees beat the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 2-1 Wednesday night at Community Field. Trey Watten gave up one run over seven innings as the starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Manauris Baez allowed one run over six innings as the starter for the Bees. At the end of the night, Wisconsin gave a red-hot Burlington team one too many chances. The Bees (59-70 overall, 30-29 second half) scored first. A two-out single by Patrick Norris in the bottom of the third inning drove in Ryan Wood from second base and Burlington led 1-0. Wisconsin (57-72, 23-36) got to Baez in the top of the sixth inning. Kyle Dhanani singled with one out. He was running on the first pitch to Derrick Alfonso and the Rattlers catcher lined the ball into the gap in left-center for an RBI double as Dhanani raced home with the tying run. Neither starter blinked again. Watten allowed three hits and struck out four over seven innings. Baez struck out seven and scattered six hits over six innings. Nick Tyson, who replaced Watten to start the bottom of the eighth, retired the first five batters he faced. It looked like he would work a 1-2-3 ninth, but with two outs, a foul pop off the bat of David Wood dropped just out of the reach of third baseman Jose Duran. Wood took advantage of his second chance and doubled into the right field corner. Jason Taylor was next and he sent a ground ball to third. The throw to first was low and the scoop could not be made. Wood raced home with the winning run as the ball rolled on the infield dirt behind first base. The Bees have won six straight games. Wisconsin wraps up their season series with the Bees on Thursday night at Community Field. Daniel Meadows (13-6, 4.03) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Ivor Hodgson (3-1, 4.50) is set to go for Burlington. Game time is 6:30 PM. Wisconsin Box Score How's Jose Duran's week going defensively, you ask? Not good. Nice job, Trey Watten, also had two pickoffs; Wisconsin Game Log From the post above, I've added draft round -- Man, the Wisconsin offense is just abysmal. Look at the OPS of the starting position players in today's game. Prince - .630 (3rd round) Brownstein - .602 (14th) Kjeldgaard - .789 (34th, as a pitcher) Dhanani - .529 (43rd) Alfonso - .429 (26th) Vass - .677 (35th) Delaney - .656 (25th) Miller - .625 (17th) McPhearson - .417 (undrafted) I know the Midwest League is a pitcher's league, but that's just ridiculous. *** Jose Duran (6th round) contributed to the loss tonight and can't get his OPS over .600. It looks like the next "wave" is surely coming from Brevard, but it's unusual for such a large perceived gap in the system to have already developed at low-A.

Link Report Bonus: Thought we were done with the DSL? Congratulations to C/DH Jhonatan Javier, named a DSL All-Star today.

Final: Brevard County 14, Clearwater (Phillies) 3 Brevard County Site Game Summary Schafer Slams Threshers By Tyler Stover / Brevard County Manatees (Viera, FL) The Brevard County Manatees pounded the Clearwater Threshers Wednesday night, 14-3. The Manatees are now 9-5 against the Threshers this season. The 14-run explosion was the largest scoring output of the season for Brevard County. Logan Schafer led the way for the Manatee offense, blasting a fifth-inning grand slam (6) over the palm trees in right field to put the game out of reach. The grand slam capped off an eight-run inning for Brevard County. It was part of a huge night for Schafer, in which he went 4-5, scoring three runs and driving in five more. Schafer fell a triple shy of the cycle, but raised his FSL-leading batting average to .312. Eric Farris, Martin Maldonado, Caleb Gindl, and Zelous Wheeler each chipped in with two hits, and Chris Errecart launched his eighth home run of the season. Michael Bowman (5-4) earned the win, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits over six innings. Drew Naylor (8-11) was rocked for eight runs on 11 hits, taking the loss. Brandon Rapoza and Rafael Lluberes combined for three scoreless innings of relief to finish off the victory. The teams wrap up the series Thursday night. Evan Anundsen (9-8, 2.87 ERA) takes the hill for Brevard County, taking on Clearwater's Darren Byrd (5-5, 3.91). The game also features the Brevard County Manatees baseball card giveaway to the first 750 fans, along with the No Limits Academy fundraiser. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (6:05 Central). Brevard County Box Score CF Logan Schafer also doubled a baserunner off of first base; Brent Brewer walked twice and scored twice, but also committed his 30th error of the season; with the Brewers keeping the Manatee roster intact since the All-Star break, they are primed to do some damage in the playoffs -- watch out for the Tampa Yankees, 41-14 in the second half... Brevard County Game Log Logan Schafer connected on his 2nd grand slam of the season (6th home run overall), and had a season-high 5 RBI. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography) http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2009/08/26/bzVgpG8w.jpg

Final: Huntsville 9, Montgomery (Rays) 7 Huntsville Site Game Summary Wild Seventh Sends Stars Past Biscuits Huntsville Ends Homestand With Comeback Victory By Brett Pollock / Huntsville Stars Freddy Parejo's two-out, two-run single in the seventh inning drove in the tying and go-ahead runs in the midst of a seven-run rally that sent Huntsville to a 9-7 win over Montgomery Wednesday night in the last of a five-game set at Joe Davis Stadium. The Stars won the last three games to ensure a winning homestand and improve to 24-35 in the second half, while the Biscuits leave town at 27-32 in the second half and 60-69 overall. The Biscuits took the season series six games to four, with all six wins in succession after losing the first game. Biscuits' starter Brian Baker started on the mound in the fateful frame and gave up a single to Brett Lawrie and walked Chuck Caufield and was taken out of the game with a 6-2 lead and replaced by Mike Wlodarczyk. The southpaw hit Drew Anderson to load the bases and gave up a two-run single to Jonathan Lucroy, the Stars' first hit with the bases filled in the series in 13 tries, that cut the lead to 6-4. Huntsville reloaded the bases and pinch-hitter Shane Justis walked to trim the lead to 6-5. Yohannis Perez struck out against Matt Gorgen and was followed by Parejo, who sliced a ground ball one-hopper past first baseman Fernando Cortez into right field to plate Lucroy and Taylor Green to give Huntsville its first lead since the first inning at 7-6. Right fielder Cody Strait overran the ball, allowing Justis and Parejo to advance a base and both then scored when Strait's throw to second base skipped all the way into the bullpen in foul territory in left field. The Stars used only three hits to put together their biggest scoring inning of the season, as they finished off their sixth win in 10 games on the home stand. Bobby Bramhall earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief and Rob Wooten cashed in his tenth save in as many chances despite giving up a run in the ninth. Wlodarczyk took the loss to drop to 0-4 after allowing four runs, three earned, while retiring just one batter. Baker was charged with four runs, three earned, on seven hits over six-plus innings. Cortez doubled in Rashad Eldridge to give the Biscuits a 2-1 lead in the third and scored when Chris Nowak followed with a single to right field. Strait started the fourth inning with a double and came around to score on a one-out single by Jason Bowers that pushed the visitors lead to 4-1. Stars' starter Mark Holliman was lifted after four frames after yielding four runs, three earned, on six hits, while walking one and striking out four. He has not won since July 1, a stretch of nine straight starts. Green's fly ball in the bottom of the fourth scored Anderson to trim the Biscuits' lead to 4-2 but the Stars left the bases loaded later in the frame when Parejo fouled out. Josh Wahpepah threw two scoreless innings behind Holliman before Cortez singled home a run and a passed ball on Lucroy allowed another to score in the seventh to extend the visitors lead to 6-2. The Stars begin a five-game series against Birmingham Friday night with right-hander Nick Green making the start against Barons' right-hander Johnny Lowe. Coverage of the game begins at 6:50 PM central time and can be heard through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com. Huntsville Box Score Well, that was interesting, huh? Closer Rob Wooten has allowed a run or more in six of his last nine appearances, yet still hasn't blown a AA save -- here's to not having to protect one-run leads; folks forget just how top-heavy Jack Z. went with pitchers in 2004 -- (Mark Rogers first, then Yovani Gallardo, Josh Wahpepah, and finally Rice's Josh Baker before Angel Salome was chosen in the 5th round) -- Wahpepah turned 25 last month and is fighting to be more than a AA middle reliever; Brett Lawrie still raking and is error-free after nine games at second base for the Stars; watch out, Lorenzo Cain (0-for-4), you're about to be bypassed for the top spot in the center field pecking order by a young stud at Brevard -- details shortly... Huntsville Game Log

LHP Chase Wright no longer on the 40-man roster, apparently cleared waivers, and is still with Nashville.

Nashville Media Notes: IRIBARREN RETURNS TO SOUNDS: Second baseman Hernan Iribarren rejoins the Nashville roster today, one day after being optioned by Milwaukee when P Jeff Suppan was activated from the disabled list. In 11 games during his second stint of the year with the Brewers, Iribarren went 3-for-11 (.273). The infielder is riding an eight-game PCL hitting streak and has hit safely in 22 of his last 25 PCL contests overall. To make room for Iribarren on the roster, infielder Johnny Raburn was placed on the Sounds' disabled list. CORPORAN ACTIVE, SALOME TO D.L.: Catcher Carlos Corporan has been reinstated from the inactive list after clearing waivers and being outrighted to the Sounds. He was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Friday. To make room for Corporan's return, catcher Angel Salome has been placed on the disabled list, retroactive to Monday. *** Also, newcomer OF Jon Knott has been placed on Nashville's DL, in what seems to be an obvious holding pattern until September's callups free up roster space.

Midwest League Standings Arizona League Standings Dominican Summer League Standings

News from Wisconsin: OF Erik Komatsu has been placed on the DL. IF John Delaney has been reinstated from the DL. Erik's lost season continues....

This link will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds are scheduled to play. Normally it is updated a few hours prior to gametime. Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format): *** We're going to include the link to Kraig McNutt's Nashville blog in the same post as the Nashville media notes link going forward. *** "Voice of the Rattlers" Chris Mehring's informative and entertaining Rattlers Radio Blog includes game notes an hour or two before gametime.

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. MiLB.com now has Gameday available for AA as well as AAA this season. Nashville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2009_08_26_nasaaa_rreaaa_1 Huntsville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_08_26_monaax_hunaax_1&did=t559&sid=t559 Brevard County: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&gid=2009_08_26_clrafa_breafa_1&cid=503&t=g_box Wisconsin: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_08_26_wisafx_burafx_1&did=t572&sid=t572 Helena: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_08_26_bilrok_helrok_1&did=t433&sid=t433 Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2009_08_26_angrok_brrrok_1

Wednesday's Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: LHP Sam Narron at Round Rock (Astros), 6:40 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Live Audio Link Huntsville: RHP Mark Holliman at home vs. Montgomery (Rays), 6:45 PM pre-game; 7:00 gametime Live Audio Link Brevard County: RHP Michael Bowman at home vs. Clearwater (Phillies), 6:05 PM gametime Sorry, no audio for this series... Wisconsin: RHP Trey Watten at Burlington (Royals), 6:15 PM pre-game; 6:30 gametime Live Audio Link Helena: RHP Adrian Rosario at home vs. Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link Arizona Summer League: at home in Maryvale vs. the baby Angels; no more day games -- all games begin at 7:00 local time in the desert; no audio, naturally... Dominican Summer League Brewers / Orioles: Season complete -- the squad finished 27-43, 11th place in the 12-team division, 24.5 games behind the first-place DSL Giants. If it makes you smile, the DSL Cubs #2 squad finished last at 15-52, and lost their final 19 games of the season.

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

Rivas Sets Single-Season Wins Record (Viera, FL) With a dominating performance Tuesday night, Amaury Rivas picked up his 13th win of the season, setting a new single-season Brevard County Manatees record. Clemente Nunez (1995), Joe Sergent (2001), and Tim Dillard (2005) were the previous holders of the record. Each won 12 games for the Manatees in their respective season. Rivas shut down Clearwater on Tuesday, allowing just one run on four hits in six innings to lead Brevard County to a 2-1 win. He improved to 13-6 on the season with a 2.74 ERA. In his last ten starts dating back to July 2, Rivas is 9-1 with a 1.78 ERA. Rivas' outstanding second half has him tied with Charlotte's Jeremy Hall for the FSL lead in wins with 13. He is also third in the league with 120 strikeouts. Rivas has helped lead the Brevard County pitching staff, which has been the best in the league in 2009. The Manatees lead the FSL in ERA (2.75), strikeouts (925), saves (42), shutouts (17), and fewest hits allowed (811). Rivas will likely get his next chance to extend the record Sunday at Tampa. If the Manatee rotation stays on schedule, he is likely to make two more starts in the regular season. Tyler L. Stover Director of Media Relations Brevard County Manatees

Final: Helena 11, Billings (Reds) 8 Link while active, text follows: Halton, Dykstra go yard in Brewers win By CURT SYNNESS, Helena Independent Record The Helena Brewers had a case of the dropsies at Kindrick Legion Field Tuesday, as they committed six errors in their Pioneer League game against the Billings Mustangs. But Helena was able to prevail despite the miscues, 11-8, thanks in part to a couple of home run balls that Sean Halton and Cutter Dykstra dropped over the left field fence. "We won, that's all I can say. It wasn't pretty," said Brewers manager Rene Gonzales of the contest between two clubs who are battling to stay out of the Northern Division cellar. In the first of a five-game home stand, the Brewers jumped out to an early 8-2 lead, scoring five runs in the opening inning, and three more in the third frame. The big blows were a pair of three-run homers by Halton and Dykstra. Helena starter Eric Arnett, whose fastball was clocked at 93 miles per hour, worked three innings, allowed three hits and struck out two. He was relieved by Damon Krestalude in the fourth, who gave up four runs in two-thirds of an inning. Jonathan Pokorny replaced Krestalude, recording the last out of the fourth, and proceeded to go the next 3.1 innings. He gave up a pair of runs in the fifth, and then settled down to shutout Billings in the next two stanzas. Chris Ellington's single to center in the fourth brought home Chad Stang with the home team's ninth tally, which turned out to be the deciding run. Joey Paciorek added a couple of insurance runs with a two-RBI base knock in the eighth. Picking up the save was Kristian Bueno, who relieved the final two scoreless innings. Bueno permitted just one safety, while fanning three. Pokorny earned the win. Mustangs starter Oscar Castro was saddled with the loss. One of the game's crucial defensive plays took place in the top of the sixth inning. With two out and Billings' William Stramp on first, Ellington dropped Joshua Garton's high fly ball in left field. This prompted Stramp, who never stopped running, to try to score all the way from first, but centerfielder Stang rifled a seed to catcher Cameron Garfield for the final out of the inning. Garfield paced the Brewers offensively with three hits, while Mariekson Gregorius had three base knocks for the visitors. Dykstra's three errors were high. "We had six errors and they only had one, and the hits were even at 11, and we still won. You don't see that very often. We just need to tighten up the ship," Gonzales said. The Brewers and Mustangs are tied for last place for the second half of the season, both at 6-14. The two clubs meet again tonight at Legion Field, game time at 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). Helena Box Score Helena Game Log Photos by Lisa Kunkel, Independent Record Brewers' Sean Halton is congratulated by his teammates after hitting a home run during Tuesday's game against Billings at Kindrick Legion Field. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/1/cf/8b3/1cf8b32c-91e9-11de-853e-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1251254127 Brewers' Eric Arnett fires in a pitch http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/e/81/c80/e81c8044-91e7-11de-9a6c-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1251253609

Final: Nashville 4, Albuquerque (Dodgers) 1 Nashville Site Game Summary: Link for J.J. Hardy photo, text follows -- Sounds Take Finale From 'Topes, 4-1 ALBUQUERQUE -- Right-hander Mike Jones worked a quality start to notch his first career Triple-A win and shortstop J.J. Hardy belted a homer to lead the Nashville Sounds to a 4-1 victory over the Albuquerque Isotopes on Tuesday evening at Isotopes Park. With the win, Nashville (68-63) took three of four from the 'Topes in the series and pulled back within 1 1/2 games of first-place Memphis in the PCL American Conference Northern Division. Jones (1-1) allowed one run on four hits while striking out seven batters over his 7 1/3 innings of work to notch his first Sounds win in his second Class AAA start. Hardy gave the visitors a 1-0 lead with a two-out solo homer to left off Giancarlo Alvarado in the top of the first inning. AUDIO: J.J. Hardy Home Run Recent addition Tike Redman increased the Nashville advantage to 3-0 in the fifth when he laced a two-out, two-run single off Alvarado. The Sounds plated their fourth and final run in the seventh when Corey Patterson singled home Patrick Arlis against Albuquerque reliever Josh Lindblom. Albuquerque plated its lone run in the home half of the seventh on a two-out Jason Repko homer. Chris Smith worked around a pair of baserunners in the ninth to secure the win and notch his team-leading 16th save of the year for the Sounds. The Sounds continue their road trip on Wednesday in Round Rock, Texas, where they open a five-game series against the Express (AAA-Astros) at 7:05 PM. Left-hander Sam Narron (1-6, 5.74) will be on the hill for Nashville. Nashville Box Score Can't help but smile at Mike Jones' line -- nice job by RHP Dave Johnson stranding two of his runners in the 8th; Adam Stern on base four times from the leadoff spot; catcher Angel Salome idle -- he has played in only one game since August 11th... Nashville Game Log

David Weiser's starsboxscore.com Sit down! Three Stars pitchers strike out 15 in whitewash Monday, the Stars showed up with a display of long ball, smacking three HRs to get a 6-4 win. Tonight, it was six doubles, two each from Lorenzo Cain and Freddy Parejo, but that was overshadowed by what Brandon Kintzler and two relievers did on the mound. What was in that breakfast?...... Kintzler, who got past the 5th inning in just one of his three previous starts and never left a game without giving up at least four hits, threw 90 pitches, 62 for strikes, in pitching six scoreless innings against Montgomery, Tuesday night, allowing just two hits....... In addition, Kintzler struck out eight, most for a starter since Mike Jones fanned a season-high nine in six innings vs. Carolina on July 21...... Picking up where Kintzler left off, Juan Sandoval, who stretched his scoreless relief string to 4 1/3 innings, and Wes Littleton fanned an additional seven for at total of 15 strikeouts as the Stars blanked the Biscuits, 5-0...... The 15 Ks is the most by the staff since April 14 when six pitchers combined for 19 strikeouts in a 13-inning victory over the Braves, and the most in a nine-inning game this year....... The Stars did it against a team that was 4th in the league in striking out. Overlooked, as I mentioned though, is the fact that the six doubles was a large part of their offensive support, a season-high matched twice previously this year, first on May 16 at Mobile, then a second time at home vs. Birmingham, June 2...... Freddy Parejo's first of two doubles in the 2nd inning, got the Stars off to a 1-0 start off Brandon Mann, pitching on three days rest to make his 2nd start of the season...... After escaping a bases-loaded situation in the 1st inning, Mann, walked Yohannis Perez to lead off the 2nd. Parejo then lifted a fly ball high to left-center that landed near the warning track, bouncing against the wall, enabling Perez to score....... In the Stars big 4th inning in which seven batters came to the plate, Lorenzo Cain hit the second of his two doubles, scoring Shane Justis all the way from first to make it 3-0. Justis had already broken out of a 4-for-52 slump by singling in a run. Jonathan Lucroy then drove in Cain when Mann couldn't get to first base to take Matt Fields' toss to first on Lucroy's hard grounder....... The Stars final run in the 5th came in on a fielder's choice on an unorthodox 5-4 double play with the bases loaded....... Chuckie Caufield was stranded after his one-out double in the 7th. Likewise, Parejo, who led off with a double to left in the 8th. Parejo had hit two doubles in a game back on June 25 vs. Chattanooga...... Cain hit two doubles in a game twice last year...... Taylor Green doubled in his 2nd straight game and is 6-for-16 (.375) in his last five games, and 12-for-32 in his last 10, breaking out of a 4-for-41 slump which saw his average slip to .244. Green, who was hitting over .300 a little over a month ago, is up to .259....... Drew Anderson, hitting .192 in his last seven games, got a rest tonight. Drew is still 6th among SL batting leaders at .309. The win tonight officially eliminated Montgomery from the 2nd half race....... Mann made one previous start vs. Huntsville and that was not too long ago at Riverwalk Stadium on July 31st. He lasted 6 1/3 innings then in a 10-inning win for the Biscuits. Mark Holliman, club leader in innings pitched (120 1/3), gets the start for the Stars Wednesday vs. Brian Baker. Holliman is 2-5 with a 5.06 ERA at home this year....... Baker (5-5, 4.56) lost to Mike Jones on July 27, 8-3, at Riverwalk...... The Stars get Thursday off, then face the two toughest teams in the standings right now -- Birmingham on the road, then Jacksonville for the final series of the year, at home, before the playoffs come to Joe Davis Stadium September 10.

Link while active, text follows: Stars' Henderson set to represent Reliever finally gets his chance to play for home nation Canada By Brad Shepard For The Huntsville Times Though the entire world was watching, Jim Henderson couldn't. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Stars relief pitcher tried to keep the TV in his Phoenix apartment on the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but all he could think of was he should be there pitching for Team Canada. His injured shoulder screaming at him reminded him why he couldn't. "I remember sitting there with my arm in a sling, watching all my buddies," Henderson said. "I just turned off the TV frustrated and just went to a casino to play a little poker. "It wasn't an addiction or anything," he added with a laugh. "I just needed to do something to get away from the TV." A year later, Henderson will get the chance to play for his country in an international competition. On Sept. 1, the 26-year-old reliever, along with Stars second baseman Brett Lawrie, will leave to join their countrymen for the World Cup, which will start in Sweden. For Henderson, it's a dream realized. After playing for Canada's junior national team, he has been asked multiple times to wear the maple leaf on his chest again. This will be the first time he's been able to. "This is the first time I've been overseas, too, so I'm very excited," Henderson said. "I've been asked to play the last four or five times, but I haven't been able to because the Cubs wouldn't let me or I was injured." Milwaukee General Manager Doug Melvin and assistant GM Gord Ash are both Canadian, so they're thrilled to send Henderson, Lawrie and former Stars Adam Stern and John Axford to Europe. "Oh yeah," Henderson said, "they're excited about me going." Henderson could use some fun after the past year. Last June he endured major shoulder surgery, fixing a torn labrum, rotator cuff and taking out bone spurs. Rather than take a year-plus to recover, Henderson made it back in 10 months. He received a rude welcome back from the Cubs. "They released me," he said. "I didn't think they'd do that, but I'd seen it happen to guys before, and it's a business decision. "Fortunately, the Brewers picked me up." Though Henderson said it was "definitely" noticeable that his velocity wasn't back during the first half, it didn't reflect in his numbers. He had a 1.07 earned run average and 17 saves at Single-A Wisconsin before going 3-0 with a 2.76 ERA and four more saves at Brevard County before getting the call to Huntsville. So far with the Stars, he's 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in four games. He'd like to pitch for the Stars in the playoffs, but the opportunity to play for his country is overwhelming. "I was really, really disappointed when I missed out," he said. "To come back and get the chance to do this is going to really be something special."

Final: Huntsville 5, Montgomery 0 Huntsville Site Game Summary Stars Blank Biscuits to Square Series Three Huntsville Hurlers Combine to Strike Out 15 By Brett Pollock / Huntsville Stars Brandon Kintzler spun six scoreless innings and combined with two relievers on a five-hit shutout in Huntsville's 5-0 blanking of Montgomery Tuesday night in the fourth of a five-game set at Joe Davis Stadium. The Stars won a second straight to raise their second half mark to 23-35, while the Biscuits fell to 27-31 in the second half and 60-68 overall. The Stars beat the Biscuits for a third time in nine tries. The Stars loaded the bases with two outs against Brandon Mann in the first inning but could not score. However, they broke through with the game's first run in the second when Yohannis Perez drew a leadoff walk and came around on Freddy Parejo's one-out double. Huntsville added to its lead with three two-out runs in the fourth on consecutive scoring hits by Shane Justis, Lorenzo Cain and Jonathan Lucroy, who has hit safely in 24 of his last 25 games. The home team added its final run in the fifth when Parejo grounded into a double play with the bases loaded to score Chuck Caufield, who started the inning with a single. Kintzler allowed only two hits and struck out eight to earn his first double-A win. Juan Sandoval tossed two scoreless innings during which he gave up a pair of hits and fanned four. Wes Littleton allowed a hit in the ninth and struck out the side to finish off the Stars' seventh shutout win of the season. Montgomery never advanced a runner to third base in getting blanked for a 13th time this season. Mann suffered the loss to fall to 6-8 after yielding four runs on eight hits over four frames. It was the first time in nine starts dating to June 29 that he had allowed more than three runs in a starting assignment. The series finishes Wednesday night with Stars' right-hander Mark Holliman making the start against Biscuits' right-hander Brian Baker. Coverage of the game begins at 6:45 PM central time and can be heard through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com. Huntsville Box Score In addition to the eight K's, RHP Brandon Kintzler, the recent independent league signee, did not walk a batter and induced nine ground balls and only one flyout -- wow; half of the Stars' 12 hits were doubles, with Lorenzo Cain and Yohannis Perez each with a pair; four Stars -- Cain, Jonathan Lucroy, Chuckie Caufield, and Freddy Parejo, reached three times apiece; Taylor Green at first base again with Shane Justis at third and Corey Kemp the DH -- the Brewers could be setting up Green to be a Lyle Overbay-type LH first base bat in the future, apparently he's going to see some Arizona Fall League time there... Huntsville Game Log

Final: Arizona Brewers 8, Arizona Giants 3 Arizona Box Score RHP Blake Billings went the five innings necessary for the win -- so many starters leave Maryvale with losing records, even top-performing prospects, because they don't get the pitch count freedom to go deep often, especially early in the season; RHP's Stosh Wawrzasek and Andrew Sauter finished up nicely; the Giants ran a bit, but 20-year-old Venezuelan catcher Jonathan Requena was able to nab two; 18-year-old outfielder Jose Garcia hit his first 2009 home run -- he hit three in Maryvale last season, many of you, unlike myself, have seen the Maryvale site -- I imagine the Arizona Summer League kids play on the main field the Brewers do in spring training; RF Max Walla had that run of four consecutive two-hit games last week -- unfortunately since then, he's 1-for-12 with (ouch!) ten K's, that's 80 strikeouts in 178 AB's... Arizona Game Log

Final: Burlington (Royals) 2, Wisconsin 1, completion of suspended game Sudden end By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers BURLINGTON, IA -- In a game that took almost two months to complete, the Burlington Bees made quick work of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in the conclusion to a suspended game from July 7. Fernando Garcia's RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning was the difference in a 2-1 win at Community Field on Tuesday night. Back in July, the Rattlers grabbed a 1-0 lead on an RBI grounder by Martin Maldonado in the top of the second. A home run by Juan Rivera in the bottom of the third inning tied the game. The game resumed in the top of the sixth inning with Jose Duran at first base. The Rattlers designated hitter had been hit by a pitch by Burlington starting pitcher Mike Lehmann just before rain suspended play until today. Neither team scored right away, but the Bees got going in the bottom of the eighth inning. Patrick Norris tripled into the let field corner with one out. Wisconsin brought the infield in to try to cut the runner down at the plate. However, Garcia smacked a single through the left side of the infield to drive in Norris and give the Bees the lead. Justin Garcia allowed a one-out single to Erik Komatsu in the top of the ninth inning. The Rattlers sent Derrick McPhearson into the game as a pinch runner. However, Garcia picked McPhearson off first base and struck out Kyle Dhanani to end the game. Justin Garcia tossed four scoreless innings to get the win. Efrain Nieves allowed four hits and one run in three innings to take the loss. Wisconsin Game One Box Score Yikes, that must have not been a fun walk back to the dugout for Derrick McPhearson; as noted above, one wild box score with all the names from July 7th... Wisconsin Game One Game Log Final: Burlington 12, Wisconsin 6, regularly scheduled game Bees keep buzzing By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers BURLINGTON, IA - The Burlington Bees erased an early Wisconsin Timber Rattlers lead by scoring in each of the first five innings on their way to a 12-6 win Tuesday night at Community Field. Ryan Wood homered twice and knocked in five runs for the Bees, who won twice on Tuesday over the Rattlers. Burlington also won 2-1 in the conclusion of a suspended game from July 7 and they have grabbed control of the second half Midwest League Western Division Wild Card race. Wisconsin (57-71 overall, 23-35 second half) collected three consecutive two-out RBI singles in the top of the first inning to take a 3-0 lead. Erik Komatsu, Jose Duran, and Sean McCraw each delivered to give Wisconsin the early advantage. Michael Vass also singled with two outs in the first inning, but McCraw was thrown out at the plate. The Bees (58-70, 29-29) tied the game quickly. A single and a pair of walks loaded the bases in the bottom of the first. Jose Bonilla sent a grounder to third that should have been the final out with either a force out at third or a throw to first. But, the ball was missed (by Duran) and two runs scored. In the bottom of the second, Wood blasted a pitch over the left field wall for his first professional home run. That long ball tied the game 3-3. An error and a home run did in the Rattlers in the bottom of the third inning. A double, a walk, and a sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third with one out for the Bees and set the stage. Jason Morales hit a grounder to third that was missed (Duran) and allowed Nick Francis, the runner at third, to score and the Bees were in front. Wood followed with his second professional homer, a three-run shot for a 7-3 Burlington lead. Francis continued the onslaught with a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth inning. Later in the frame an RBI single by Morales pushed Burlington's lead to 9-3. An RBI double by David Wood in the bottom of the fifth inning made it 10-3 Burlington. The Rattlers got a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning off Burlington reliever Riquy Pena. Michael Vass drove in the first run with a double and an RBI single by Derrick McPhearson sent Vass home. In the seventh, a sacrifice fly by Duran got the Rattlers to within 10-6. The Bees took advantage of a dropped fly ball (by McPhearson in left field) to start the bottom of the eighth inning. The miscue was the fourth of the night by the Wisconsin defense and allowed Shawn Griffin to take second base. Morales knocked him home with a double and Wood followed with an RBI single for his fifth RBI of the night and a 12-6 lead and close out the scoring on the night. By winning twice on Tuesday, the Bees picked up 1-1/2 games on their nearest competitors, the Clinton LumberKings. Clinton lost in Cedar Rapids and now trails Burlington by 3-1/2 games. The Rattlers have fallen eight games off the pace set by Burlington. Wisconsin and the Bees continue their series on Wednesday night at Community Field. Trey Watten (5-13, 4.77) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Manauris Baez (7-5, 3.68) is set to go for Burlington. Game time is 6:30 PM. Wisconsin Game Two Box Score My text on who committed the errors is italicized above (Chris has to ride the bus with these guys, I don't); LHP Brandon Ritchie and RHP Nick Tyson did their jobs late, it's tough when you're down 10-3 after five innings; the Rattlers were actually quite effective with RISP (7-for-14); yes, the team has been picked over, but there are opportunities to be had here -- so who will be up to the challenge to be more than an organizational soldier in the years to come... Wisconsin Game Two Game Log

As for the rest of the "Report" (now a safe place for children to read now that Jeff Suppan's rehab stints are complete), we'll have all the rest later this AM....

Final, Game One: Brevard County 2, Clearwater (Phillies) 1 Final, Game Two: Clearwater 6, Brevard County 4 Brevard County Site Doubleheader Summary Manatees Split Doubleheader with Threshers By Tyler Stover / Brevard County Manatees (Viera, FL) The Brevard County Manatees earned a split in their doubleheader with the Clearwater Threshers on Tuesday night, winning Game 1, 2-1, but dropping the nightcap, 6-4. Amaury Rivas (13-6) continued his dominant second half to win the first game. Rivas scattered four hits and three walks over six innings to allow just one run. He also struck out six Threshers. He has now won nine of his last ten starts. The Manatees struck first when Eric Farris belted a two-out triple in the third inning, and scored the first run of the game when Clearwater's Fidel Hernandez was unable to handle a hard grounder by Caleb Gindl. After the Threshers tied the game in the top of the sixth, the Manatees answered with a run of their own in the bottom half to take the lead back, 2-1. Steffan Wilson scored from second on a two-base throwing error by Hernandez on a relay throw after Chris Errecart's flyout. Omar Aguilar worked around a one-out triple by Luis Arzeno, striking out the final two batters to pick up his eighth save. Edgar Garcia (0-3) took the loss for Clearwater. Brevard County Game One Box Score Zelous Wheeler perfect at the plate, two singles and a walk; Martin Maldonado touted as a strong defensive catcher, but that's his 14th passed ball at Brevard... Brevard County Game One Game Log Clearwater rebounded to win Game 2, 6-4, despite three home runs by the Manatees. Clearwater jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, and never relinquished the lead from that point. Gindl (15), Errecart (7), and Zelous Wheeler (7) each went deep for Brevard County, but it was not enough to complete the comeback. Lucas Luetge (6-7) was roughed up for four runs on five hits in four innings, taking the loss. Chris Kissock (3-5) earned the win in relief for Clearwater, and Michael Schwimer pitched two hitless innings to earn his 20th save. The teams continue the series Wednesday night. Michael Bowman (4-4, 2.92 ERA) will get the start for Brevard County. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (6:05 Central). Brevard County Game Two Box Score LHP Lucas Luetge has been bounced from starter to the pen, and there's been little consistency in his results to match -- he did settle down after the four-run 1st; Caleb Gindl no longer limited to DH duties... Brevard County Game Two Game Log Amaury Rivas continued his amazing second half, winning for the ninth time in his last ten starts. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography) http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2009/08/25/eSsFgCfF.jpg

More on the Jon Knott signing from Camden: CAMDEN - The Camden Riversharks announced today that outfielder Jon Knott has signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He will be joining Milwaukee's AAA team, the Nashville Sounds. "I am excited to be joining the Brewers organization, and I just hope that I'll be able to go over there and help them make a strong playoff push," said Knott. "If I can continue to swing the bat well, then everything should work out well," he added. Knott should not have much trouble adjusting to life with the Sounds, as he has nearly six full years of playing experience at the AAA level. Last year, he appeared in 111 games for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs of the International League, where he compiled a .260 batting average and drove in 65 runs, while playing as both an outfielder and first baseman. This season, Knott played in 73 games with the Riversharks, and proved to be one of the team's most consistent offensive threats. His .328 batting average and eight home runs were tops on the team, and he also drove in 43 runs throughout the course of the season. "Jon really made us a better team this season," said Riversharks Director of Baseball Operations Jeff Scott. "He came up with a lot of big hits for us in clutch situations, and he never gave at bats away. I wish him the best of luck in Tennessee."