Jim Goulart

Final: Billings (Reds) 8, Helena 2 Helena Site Game Summary: Billings Sweeps Helena HELENA - Helena's second-half struggles continued Tuesday night as the Brewers lost 8-2 to the Billings Mustangs in the last matchup of their three-game series. The Brewers have now lost six in a row after starting the second half 2-1. Helena scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning on a Jonathan Lucroy RBI single. Billings got three runs off Helena starter Evan Anundsen in the fourth inning and the Brewers lost the lead for good. Brandon Waring provided the big hit of the inning on a two-run double. Reliever Curtis Pasma replaced Anundsen in the fifth inning. Pasma threw three innings and gave up a single run in the sixth inning; he also struck out five batters. Nick Tyson pitched the eighth inning and allowed three runs. Craig Langille entered for the ninth inning and gave up the final Billings run. The Brewers collected just two hits between the second and eighth innings. Helena's hitters did not give up, however, and attempted a comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning. Brewer hitters rapped out three hits, yet could only come away with one run before the final out was recorded. Matt Cline collected his second hit of the game and knocked in the lone run in the ninth inning. Anundsen took the loss while Mustang reliever Dan Zeffiro got the win after tossing three innings of shutout relief. Helena will enjoy a day off Wednesday before taking to the road to play the Orem Owlz at 7:05 PM Thursday (8:05 Central) in the first of a four-game series. *** Link while active, text follows: Mustangs keep Brewers reeling By CURT SYNNESS, Helena Independent Record Sports Writer The Helena Brewers scored bookend runs last night at Kindrick Field, one in the first inning and one in the ninth, falling to the Billings Mustangs, 8-2. The Brewers started out like gangbusters in their half of the opening frame, as the first four batters got on base. But then the visitors shut them down. Leadoff man Lee Haydel walked, followed by a bunt single by Eric Farris. After No. 3 hitter Caleb Gindl drew a walk, Jonathan Lucroy delivered a single to right, scoring Haydel. With the bases loaded and none out, Mustang hurler Matt Klinker struck out the side to end the inning. Helena led 1-0 through the first three stanzas, until Billings broke loose for three scores in the top of the fourth. They tallied one in the fifth, three more in the eighth and one in the ninth. Brewer starter Evan Anundsen pitched four frames and was hung with the loss, giving up five hits and three runs, while striking out four. Anundsen (5-3) had a personal four-game winning streak snapped. It was his first loss in six starts since July 7. Curtis Pasma came in and worked three innings, allowing two hits and a run. Pasma whiffed five batters. Nick Tyson and Craig Langille pitched the eighth and ninth frames, respectively. The Brewers' threatened again in their half of the seventh, putting men on first and second with none out, but a double play on a soft liner to the second baseman put a halt to the uprising. The home team's ninth- inning score was provided by Zelous Wheeler, Curt Rindal and Matt Cline. Helena scratched out seven hits altogether, paced by Wheeler and Cline, with two singles each. Cline paced the Brewers' defense with two sparkling web-gems at his shortstop position. Billings' Klinker went the first four innings, being replaced by Dan Zeffiro, who also pitched four frames, and was awarded the win. Anthony Romero closed in the ninth. The Mustangs (5-4) banged out 13 hits, led by Brett Bartles, Brandon Waring, Kyle Maunus, Frank Meade and Wayne Kendrick. Helena (2-7) has now lost six games in a row. Helena Box Score: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_07_bilrok_helrok_1 Helena Game Log: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2007_08_07_bilrok_helrok_1

Final: Arizona Brewers 6, Arizona Mariners 5 Arizona Box Score: D.J. Neyens with a pinch-hit walk-off walk; some worthwhile pitching outings, although eight combined walks; RHP Santo Manzanillo has rewarded the Brewers' patience -- he's the youngster who walked 47 in 16.1 IP last season; catcher Brett Whiteside drew three walks; SS Luis Sanchez now 28-for-95 (.295; two singles Tuesday, five extra-base hits this season); Sanchez committed his 20th error, not unheard of for shortstops in this league... http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_07_mrnrok_brrrok_1 Arizona Game Log: Brewers were down 4-0 after two innings... http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_07_mrnrok_brrrok_1

We've had a couple of discussions of Nelson in threads, and certainly his impending free agent status makes him less likely to help out in Milwaukee, but does that enter into the P50 rankings? Bingo.

Rickie Weeks and Gabe Gross both hit doubles, and Brad Nelson homers in a five-run Nashville first inning. This Sounds club is just oh-so-much-fun.

From MLB.com's Adam McCalvy: http://brewers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070807&content_id=2135598&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil New duties: His teammates jokingly call Corey Hart, "Corey Gammons," a nod to the sportswriter turned ESPN analyst. The Brewers outfielder broke some baseball news on Monday night when he was the first to tell J.J. Hardy and others that first baseman-turned-outfielder Brad Nelson had started for Nashville at third base. Note: We hope that Corey is a Link Report regular... "I'm sure it's because the team is not happy with the third baseman here," Hardy said, jokingly referring to Rookie of the Year candidate Ryan Braun. Hardy spoke with Nelson on Tuesday and said the 26-year-old was excited about his new duties, especially considering the fact that Nelson will be a six-year free agent this winter and could use the promise of versatility as a selling point to other clubs. Melvin said that the decision to use Nelson at third did not come from the big-league club. Once considered Milwaukee's top prospect, Nelson has fallen down the depth chart in recent seasons but has enjoyed a solid 2007. Through Monday he was hitting .266 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs in 91 games.

To make room for Matt LaPorta on the West Virginia roster, the Power have announced that LHP Mike Ramlow heads to the DL (injury undisclosed).

Junior Spivey no longer in independent league limbo: http://www.atlanticleague.com/cgi-bin/news/news.cgi?id=1186259032

Nice to see LHP Chris Cody was able to make the Brevard County start tonight, even if he was on a limited pitch count. Manatees up, 6-1, bottom of the 4th at Space Coast.

Helena Press Release: First-Rounder LaPorta Promoted Seventh Overall Pick Headed to Class-A West Virginia Helena - The Milwaukee Brewers announced the promotion of their first-round selection Matt LaPorta from the Helena roster to the West Virginia roster on Tuesday. LaPorta was the seventh overall selection in the 2007 amateur draft out of the University of Florida. As a Gator, he was twice named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year. LaPorta batted .259 in seven games with Helena. He two homers and one double with four RBI in 27 at-bats. The new member of Milwaukee's South Atlantic League affiliate appeared as a designated hitter in three games for Helena and patrolled left field in four other contests. The Port Charlotte, FL native batted .402 for Florida in 2007 with 20 homers and knocked in 52 runs for the Gators. The 6'2", 216 lb. LaPorta is currently the all-time leader at the University of Florida with 74 career home runs. The Brewers finish a three-game series versus the Billings Mustangs on Tuesday at Kindrick Field. The Brewers won the first half with a 26-12 mark and have secured a spot in the playoffs in September but are off to a slow 2-6 mark in the second half. All games can be heard on KCAP 1340 AM or www.helenabrewers.net.

Link while active, text follows: http://www.sun-herald.com/breakingnews.cfm?id=2950 CHS grad homers in first pro at-bat By Glenn Miller, Sun-Herald.com (FL) Matt LaPorta was in a place called Kindrick Legion Field in the town of Helena in west-central Montana and about to do something he had never done before - bat in a professional baseball game. It didn't take long for the Charlotte (FL) High School graduate to show why the Milwaukee Brewers took him with the seventh pick of the first round of the June draft. The right-handed slugger cracked a homer in his first pro at-bat on July 30 in a game against the Missoula Osprey. "Guys are looking around after he hits it and saying, 'Now that's what a first-rounder does,' " Helena Brewers manager Jeff Isom said. LaPorta didn't wait long to hit his second home run, bopping another one Thursday. He knows about homers. LaPorta is the University of Florida's all-time home run leader with 74. He homered in his final Gator at-bat and in his first as a pro. "Every time I hear that it still gives me the chills," said Rick Weston, an uncle of LaPorta. "To end your amateur career with one and start your professional career with one, I don't know if it's ever been done." It had been a while since LaPorta had homered before his first one in the Pioneer League. He had been sidelined since late in the college season with a strained right quadricep. LaPorta had worked out at the Brewers' training facility in Phoenix before traveling to Helena. His first homer came on the second pitch of his first at-bat. "After I saw the first pitch, I felt relaxed and comfortable," LaPorta said. And then crack. ... Did he use a special bat? Was the bat ash or maple? What size bat did he use? "I honestly don't even know," LaPorta said. "I grabbed one and started swinging." It worked. Things often work out for LaPorta. His uncle Rick, who resides in For Lauderdale, knows about LaPorta's athletic gifts and work ethic. "Been following him since he was state champion in BMX bike racing when he was 7 years old," Weston said. "I thought that would be his sport." It's been more than size, strength and coordination that propelled LaPorta to this point. "Even as a small child he was driven," Weston said. "He couldn't stand to lose. He really was the one. He didn't want anyone to beat him." Weston recalled taking a car trip with his nephew and a friend, Nate Spears, now a minor-leaguer in the Chicago Cubs' organization. They were in high school. Whenever they took a break, they'd get out of the car, swing a broken golf shaft and swat bottle caps, which was proof of uncanny eye-hand coordination. "They could smack it like it was a watermelon," Weston said. "I said, 'Let me try it.' " Weston tried but couldn't hit the caps with the shaft. LaPorta, meanwhile, isn't getting carried away with hitting bottle caps with golf shafts, or his first-round selection. "It's a great honor and privilege and blessing to be selected that high," LaPorta said. "I try to realize it's only a steppingstone. It's not a milestone. Making it to the big leagues is my goal." So, what's next? The Pioneer League is rookie level. When will he be ready for Class A or Double-A ball? "I just need to play," LaPorta said. "They'll move me up when it's time." If he keeps hitting homers, that time will come soon.

Standings through Monday's action: Arizona League Standings: web.minorleaguebaseball.c...;period=h2 Pacific Coast League (AAA) - PCL American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nashville 70 46 .603 - 37-17 33-29 W1 Iowa 64 53 .547 6.5 38-24 26-29 L1 Omaha 58 59 .496 12.5 37-20 21-39 L2 Memphis 47 70 .402 23.5 26-34 21-36 L5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - SOU North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Huntsville 27 17 .614 - 13-7 14-10 W5 Chattanooga 25 20 .556 2.5 14-11 11-9 W2 Tennessee 23 22 .511 4.5 16-9 7-13 W1 Carolina 21 23 .477 6.0 13-11 8-12 L2 West Tenn 18 26 .409 9.0 9-16 9-10 W2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - FSL East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brevard County 24 17 .585 - 14-8 10-9 L1 St. Lucie 20 22 .476 4.5 8-12 12-10 W6 Jupiter 18 22 .450 5.5 9-8 9-14 L2 Palm Beach 19 24 .442 6.0 11-15 8-9 L5 Daytona 18 26 .409 7.5 10-14 8-12 L3 Vero Beach 10 30 .250 13.5 5-15 5-15 L5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - SAL Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hickory 28 17 .622 - 15-9 13-8 W2 Lakewood 22 21 .512 5.0 13-10 9-11 L2 Lake County 21 22 .488 6.0 10-14 11-8 L4 Delmarva 21 23 .477 6.5 9-15 12-8 W3 Greensboro 20 25 .444 8.0 12-7 8-18 L4 Lexington 19 26 .422 9.0 12-10 7-16 L4 West Virginia 19 26 .422 9.0 10-9 9-17 L5 Hagerstown 14 30 .318 13.5 9-15 5-15 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - PIO North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Great Falls 6 2 .750 - 2-0 4-2 W5 Billings 4 4 .500 2.0 2-1 2-3 W2 Missoula 4 4 .500 2.0 3-2 1-2 L2 Helena 2 6 .250 4.0 2-4 0-2 L5

These links will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds and/or Huntsville Stars are scheduled to play. Normally they are updated an hour or two prior to gametime, with Nashville's usually earlier: Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format): www.nashvillesounds.com/pdf/notes.pdf Huntsville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format): www.huntsvillestars.com/i...eNotes.pdf

Follow Tuesday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Window". Open the Nashville Gameday. For the others, choose "Log". 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: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_07_nasaaa_tacaaa_1 Huntsville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_07_hunaax_msbaax_1 Brevard County: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2007_08_07_tbyafa_breafa_1&did=t503&sid=t503 Helena: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_07_bilrok_helrok_1 Arizona: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_07_mrnrok_brrrok_1

Tuesday's Daily Menu: All times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP R.A. Dickey at Tacoma (Mariners), 8:50 PM pre-game; 9:05 gametime Audio link: www.nashvillesounds.com/listenlive/ Huntsville: LHP Sam Narron at Mississippi (Braves), 6:50 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Audio link: www.huntsvillestars.com/ Brevard County: TBD at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 5:45 pre-game, 6:00 gametime Audio link (game will also archive at this link): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/audio.jsp?cid=503&sid=t503 West Virginia: Idle (Licking their wounds) Helena: RHP Evan Anundsen at home vs. Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Audio link (game will also archive at this link): www.minorleaguebaseball.c.../audio.jsp Arizona: TBD at home in the Maryvale complex vs. the mini-Mariners, 7:00 PM local time in Arizona, 9:00 Central; never any audio for Arizona Rookie League games

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

There will be a new Power 50 within the next day or two, but click on the Power 50 link along our banner page and you'll get the list.

Only a former Brewer is deemed "hot" this week: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/hotsheet/264617.html

Huntsville Site: Heether Named Hitter of the Week...Again -- http://www.huntsvillestars.com/news/news.asp?newsId=1309

Final: Rome (Braves) 6, West Virginia 4 West Virginia Site Game Summary: POWER SURGE LATE BUT FALL SHORT West Virginia had the tying run at second and the go-ahead run at first when Ryne Reynoso struck out Andy Bouchie with the bases loaded to end Sunday afternoon's game at State Mutual Stadium as the Braves took the third game of the series by the final of 6-4. West Virginia took the early 1-0 lead in the second inning when Chuckie Caufield scored on Taylor Green's groundout. The Braves answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning. John Alonso's fielding error allowed Tyler Flowers to score the first run of the inning. With runners on first and third, the Power had Concepcion Rodriguez in a rundown between first and second base, allowing Chase Fontaine to score and give the Braves the lead. Flowers delivered an RBI single in the third inning and Travis Jones's sacrifice fly plated Victor Hernandez in the fourth. Green led off the fifth inning with a double and scored on an errant throw from Yohan Silva in center field. Silva redeemed himself with a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Power scored twice in the ninth. John Alonso reached on Robert Marcial's error at third base, scoring Jimmy Mojica and Kenny Holmberg ripped an RBI single. Cole Rohrbough (1-0) allowed a run on two hits over five innings to get the win, Ryne Reynoso (5) got the save and Chris Toneguzzi (4-2) was tagged with the loss after giving up four runs on five hits over four innings. The Power fell to 67-44 overall and 19-24 in the second half, while the Braves improved to 53-60 overall and 24-19 in the second half with the win. West Virginia has now lost four in a row. Taylor Green reached three times, scored twice and knocked in a run. The Power will finish the four game series against Rome Monday night. The Power will start right hander Jeremy Jeffress (7-4, 3.34) and the Braves will counter with right hander Kyle Cofield (4-6, 3.53). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM (6:00 Central). West Virginia Box Score: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_05_wvaafx_romafx_1 West Virginia Game Log: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_05_wvaafx_romafx_1

Final: Billings (Reds) 6, Helena 4 Helena Site Game Summary: Billings Takes Series Opener HELENA - Brewer starter Chad Robinson allowed only one run and Helena trailed by one run entering the ninth inning, but did not pull any closer. The Billings Mustangs scored one more run in the top of the ninth inning to win 6-4. In just his second start of the season, Robinson threw four innings and allowed just one run on five hits; he also struck out four Mustangs. Pitcher R.J. Seidel allowed three runs in two innings and Dan Merklinger tossed the final three innings; Merklinger allowed two runs and struck out five. Mustang pitchers held the Brewers off the scoreboard until the seventh inning; however, by that time Billings led 5-0. With two outs and two runners on Zach McAngus hit a three-run home run, his second of the season. Helena pulled within one run by adding another run in the eighth inning. Caleb Gindl hit his fourth home run to cut the deficit to 5-4. The Brewers brought the winning run to the plate in Gindl during the ninth with two outs, but Mustang closer Scott Gaffney got the strike out to end the game. Offensively, McAngus, Eric Farris, and Jonathan Lucroy each finished the day with two hits. Helena will look to end its four-game losing streak Monday at 7:05 PM (8:05 Central) when the Brewers play host to the Billings Mustangs. *** Link while active, text follows: http://www.helenair.com/articles/2007/08/06/sports/b01080607_01.txt Too little, too late for Brewers By JASON SCOTT, Helena Independent Record Sports Writer The Brewer bats got hot late Sunday - a little too late. Helena added some late magic, but the Billings Mustangs were able to coast to a win, sending the Brewers to their fourth straight loss, 6-4. "It was a tough loss," said Brewers manager Jeff Isom. "We had the opportunity to win with one swing, but we came up short." Mustangs starter Harris Honeycutt pitched outstanding baseball for four innings, allowing no runs on two hits while striking out four. "We've had a little bit of a letdown after winning the first half," said Isom. "We expended so much energy trying to get into the playoffs. We just need to start focusing offensively and defensively. We've got the talent." Billings scored in the first inning when DH Michael McKennon doubled to bring in shortstop Todd Frazier. Frazier later hit a solo shot in the fifth to make the score 2-0. In the sixth, Brandon Waring led off with a double, followed by walks to Brett Bartles and Jake Long. With the bases loaded, Wayne Kendrick hit into a fielder's choice that brought in Waring. Jonathan Lucroy then attempted to pick Kendrick off, but threw the ball into right field to allow Bartles to score. The Mustangs again loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh and scored center fielder Brandon Menchaca on a 6-4-3 fielder's choice double play. Then the Brewers got started. Helena didn't put any runs on the board until the bottom of the seventh, when third baseman Zach McAngus drilled a 3-2 fastball over the right center field wall for a three-run homer that brought in Lucroy and Anthony Wycklendt. A leadoff solo homer to dead center by Caleb Gindl made the score 5-4 in the eighth, but that was all the Brewers could manage. In the ninth, Billings scored again on a couple of disputed calls. Leadoff hitter Justin Reed hit a ball down the first base line that was called fair by first base umpire Kyle Byrne. The ball rolled into the corner, ending up as a triple to start the inning. First baseman Curt Rindal argued that the ball was foul, but the call stood. Later in the inning, Byrne called a balk on Brewers reliever Dan Merklinger, bringing in Reed. Helena had a chance to come back in the bottom of the ninth, but came up empty. Billings reliever Scott Gaffney struck out Wycklendt to start the inning, then allowed a single to McAngus. Lee Haydel then struck out looking at a ball Brewer fans thought to be low. Eric Farris followed with a single, bringing the winning run to the plate in the form of Gindl. Unfortunately, he struck out looking at the same pitch Haydel had, ending the game. Declining to comment on the calls, Isom said, "We can't leave it in the umpires' hands. We need to be aggressive in those situations." The loss was Helena's fourth in a row, moving them to 2-5 in the second half. The Brewers face off against the Stallions again Monday at 7:05 PM (8:05 Central) at Kindrick Legion Field. Helena Box Score: Matt LaPorta 0-for-4, played left field; RHP Chad Robinson's outing sure encouraging... http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_05_bilrok_helrok_1 Helena Game Log: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2007_08_05_bilrok_helrok_1

Nashville Pre-Game Audio Coaches Chat with Hitting Coach Harry Spilman: http://www.nashvillesounds.com/audio/2007/Interview%208-5.mp3 Final: Tacoma (Mariners) 9, Nashville 8, ten innings Nashville Site Game Summary: Link for Chris Barnwell photo, text follows -- http://www.nashvillesounds.com/news/news.asp?newsId=2491 Sounds Blow Late Lead, Drop Series Opener TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers plated three runs in the bottom of the tenth inning to erase a two-run deficit and hang a 9-8 defeat on the Nashville Sounds on Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium in the opener of a four-game series. With the loss, Nashville (69-46) had its lead reduced to 5 ½ games over Iowa in the PCL American Conference Northern Division. The Sounds fell to 5-4 in extra-inning contests and suffered their 15th last at-bat loss of the season. Trailing 8-6, Tacoma loaded the bases with one out against Sounds closer Luther Hackman on singles by Ronnie Prettyman and Nick Green sandwiched around a Sebastien Boucher walk. After Jeremy Reed drew a bases-full walk to force home Prettyman to reduce the Nashville advantage to one, Brant Ust followed by ripping the first pitch he saw from Hackman to right for a game-ending two-run single. Prior to the Rainiers' outburst in the bottom of the tenth, Brad Nelson delivered a bases-loaded, two-run double in the top of the frame to give Nashville a short-lived 8-6 lead. Cesar Jimenez (1-1) backed into his first win of the season for Tacoma after allowing two runs in his two innings of work. Hackman (1-2) drew the loss for the Sounds. The Sounds struck first in the back-and-forth contest, taking a 1-0 advantage in the top of the first inning when Callix Crabbe opened the game with a walk and later scored on Andy Abad's two-out RBI single against Tacoma starter Jake Woods. Nashville pulled further ahead with a four-run third against Woods, plating all the runs with two outs in the inning. Rickie Weeks doubled to open the frame, Vinny Rottino singled, and Laynce Nix walked to load the bases with one out. After Nelson struck out, Drew Anderson - who extended the Sounds' longest active hit streak to nine games with a second-inning double - increased the Nashville lead to 2-0 with an infield single to third. Chris Barnwell followed with a bases-clearing, three-run double to left to extend the Nashville advantage to 5-0. AUDIO: Barnwell Bases-Clearing Double -- http://www.nashvillesounds.com/audio/2007/Highlight%208-5.mp3 Tacoma stormed back to tie the game at 5-5 with a five-run fourth inning against Sounds starter Mark DiFelice. Prettyman pulled the home team within a run when he slugged a two-out grand slam to right, his fourth home run of the year. Later in the frame, Boucher knotted the game with a run-scoring double. The Rainiers took a 6-5 lead in the fifth on Jeff Clement's two-out RBI single, which chased DiFelice from the contest. The Sounds rallied to tie the game a half-inning later when Gabe Gross belted his third home run in the last two games, a two-out solo shot to right off reliever Juan Done. It was the outfielder's fourth longball since joining Nashville. The teams continue the series with a 9:05 p.m. CT meeting on Monday. Right-hander Seth McClung (0-0, 0.00) will make his first start of the season for Nashville and face Tacoma left-hander Brad Thomas (5-5, 5.31). Nashville Box Score: Tacoma's Ronnie Prettyman a former Brewer draft pick; Gabe Gross just absolutely raking since Game Two of his demotion, and Drew Anderson's resurgance should not be be understated; Steve Bray's relief outing absolutely stellar, while Mark DiFelice was way overdue for a clunker start... http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_05_nasaaa_tacaaa_1 Nashville Game Log: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2007_08_05_nasaaa_tacaaa_1

By the way, in the Manatee game's 9th inning, reliever Patrick Ryan had to leave the game after a single back to the box hit his leg. Hopefully he'll be OK. Well folks, it's rare when it happens, but I think staff (including myself) were just too miserable after Sunday's Milwaukee fiasco to do the Link Report justice. We've given you all the good news here, as the Sounds, Power, and the Helena kids all lost. Of course, we'll fill in the details later today, it just won't be during these early morning hours. The box score links in the Daily Menu are still valid, so you can peek in on those now. Thanks for your patience.

David Weiser's http://www.starsboxscore.com/ SATURDAY NIGHT VISIT TO TRUSTMARK STARS HAVE FIRST 11-GAME WINNER SINCE DEREK LEE The Stars won their 6th game in their last 7 as back-up catcher Carlos Corporan (.135 since June), after striking out twice against Charlie Morton, lined a single to right field in the 6th, driving in the crucial runs for the series victory over the Mississippi Braves at Trustmark Park on a steamy 95° Sunday afternoon....... I took my first trip to Trustmark Park this weekend, and I'll tell you my impressions later, but let's get today out of the way. Adam Heether, 6-for-11 in this series, lit the fuse to the Stars' two-run 6th with a line drive single to left, then with the hit-and-run on, advanced to third on Mel Stocker's single through the right side....... That finished Morton, making his 3rd start in 35 appearances this season....... A stolen base by Stocker and an intentional walk to Ryan Crew filled the bases as reliever Phil Stockman faced Corporan, who laced his first pitch to right to break the tie, making Lindsay Gulin the Stars' first 11-game winner since Derek Lee in 2003....... It was Corporan's first RBI since June 17 and his first two-RBI game since May 11. How hot is Hernan?....... After a 4-for-5 day, he's hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games, going 30-for-60, raising his average from .257 to .296. In that time, he's had 11 multi-hit games, four doubles, and five triples, and 11 hits in his last 16 at-bats....... Sunday, he became the 7th Huntsville Star in history to hit two triples in a game (the first since Elvis Pena on May 24, 2002)....... He is also the 6th hitter in Stars history to have at least eight triples in a season, the first since Dave Krynzel in 2003........ Brendan Katin got the day off after hitting his 19th HR on Saturday, a smash to left field over Matt Young's glove........ Steve Moss, who got off to another great April start (.311 this year, .273 last year), is hitting .219 since May with six HRs and 33 RBIs. In May, June, and July of last year, he hit .250, but just three HRs and 21 RBIs......... Guilder Rodriguez, who went just 2-for-20 in July, made his first start since July 25. Gulin is not the guy I would most likely to have guessed to be the Stars first 10-game winner since Tim Dillard (last year), let alone, with at least four more starts this season, have a mathematical chance to become the Stars' first 15-game winner in history. He was sent down from Nashville May 7, and didn't pitch a game until May 11, and certainly didn't look like a big winner after a 2-2, 5.59 ERA as the month closed........ But since then, the minor league vet who had not won 11 games in organized ball since 2000, has won seven straight and gone 9-1 with a 2.38 ERA...... Because of his late start in the league, he barely lacks enough innings to qualify among the ten best ERA leaders, but he would place 7th. He does tie Matt Green of Mobile in victories, however. The Braves rank 3rd among team leaders in batting and tops in pitching (a 3.69 ERA), but have been the league's doormats (14-29) since being decimated by promotions after winning the first half....... Gone, along with their chances of a second half title, are Brandon Jones (15, 74, .293), Jarrod Saltalamaccia (.309 in 22 games), Zach Schreiber (3-5, 2.22), Joey Devine (16 saves), and Jo-Jo Reyes (8-1, 3.56 in 13 starts)....... So, they have been easy pickins for a well-balanced Stars team that is now 26-17 (63-48 for the year)...... The Stars are 4th in RBIs in the league, despite their 6th place standing in batting, 1st in walks and triples, 3rd in stolen bases, last in fewest walks allowed, and 3rd in ERA, and from the looks of this, they are rivaling the '94 team that won the Southern League crown with the best pitching corps ever given us by Oakland (3rd in ERA), despite a .251 average. One thing I have to give the Braves credit for is their ballpark....... I've seen every ballpark in this league, except for the one in Jacksonville, and this one is very impressive........ They did this one right and I only wish the city honchos in Huntsville who say they have no money, would come to Pearl, or perhaps Montgomery, to see what a real ballpark should look like...... Huntsville needs a new ballpark. Joe Davis Stadium is sadly outdated. Trustmark Park makes it clearly evident. The park is easy to get to....... Off I-20 going West, get off Exit 47...... If you need a place to stay, you won't have to go far in either direction....... If you just want to get to the park, turn left at the exit onto Pearson Drive, then right on Riverwind Drive (and it really does wind) where you'll find a restaurant on the left and a movie theatre on the right. Keep going until you reach Childre Drive, take a right, then shortly you'll see the parking area in front of the ballpark on the left. You buy your ticket in front of a grand entranceway, and you go through a large gate (they were giving out Andruw Jones bobbleheads, which I wound up absent-mindedly leaving behind when I left the park). Immediately you see everything you would want or need in front of you. From every vantage point along the wide, spacious covered concourse, you see concessions everywhere, with a wide variety of goodies ranging from chicken on a stick to BBQ pork sandwiches to cheesesteaks. There are not one, but two souvenir stores -- enclosed, of course, and nicely air-conditioned. And like Smokies Park, it has its own restaurant, situated behind the right field wall, an easy walk along the concourse with tables and umbrella shading for outdoor dining, if that is your preference. Someone greets you in, a waiter or waitress takes your drink order from a double-paged menu, and the food is great. You order and service is good. You go back to your old wooden-style seats and they are comfortable -- similar to those I've experienced at older major league ballparks. No shifting around to get comfortable after just three innings........ There's less foul territory here and more of the action to see, and that's just what you get, as the foul lines tail off a little more than halfway to the outfield, where you have your bleacher creatures and fans on the berm, waiting for that foul ball to come their way (as one did in front of the scoreboard in the 1st inning, Saturday)...... Speaking of the scoreboard, it is state of the art -- sharp, small, but easy to read, particularly if you are sitting more towards third or left, and if you have better vision than mine........ Player stats are displayed on the video screen, which is about the same size as the one at the Joe, along with the player's photo........ And the crowd, which numbered barely over 4,000 Saturday, is really into the game, enjoying the familiar war-chanting and the en masse tomahawk chop whenever the Braves are set to rally........ It was truly an enjoyable experience, and a good game as well, with the Stars' Luis Pena holding off damage done when Bo Hall left the bases loaded in the 9th with a 6-2 lead to protect. Steve Hammond will get the start for the Stars Monday night against Kelvin Villa (7-8, 5.19). He is 4-4, 4.64 in his last 10 games, but an impressive 6-2, 2.93 at home....... Hammond (6-7, 4.74) is 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA in his last 10 games. Hammond has also given up 13 HRs this year in 108 1/3 innings, one shy of Corey Thurman, who is tied for 3rd in the SL in home runs allowed.

Additional notes on the Stars game from the Clarion Ledger: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070806/SPORTS09/708060329/1254

Final: Huntsville 3, Mississippi (Braves) 1 Huntsville Site Game Summary: Link, text follows -- http://www.huntsvillestars.com/news/news.asp?newsId=1308 Gulin Gives Stars Another Solid Effort Lindsay Gulin worked seven strong innings to pitch Huntsville past Mississippi 3-1 on a hot and steamy Sunday afternoon in the middle game of a five-game set at Trustmark Park. The Stars improved to 26-17 in the second half and maintained their two and a half game lead over Chattanooga in the North Division, while the Braves slumped to 14-29 in the second half and 14 ½ games behind front-running Jacksonville in the South Division. The Stars took a five to three lead in the season series and improved to 30-26 on the road. Adam Heether walked to lead off the second inning, moved to third base on a hit and run single by Ryan Crew and scored on a two-out single to right field by Guilder Rodriguez, who has driven all six of his runs this season on the road. Heether's single started a two-run rally in the sixth that extended the visitors lead to 3-0. He advanced to third base on a hit and run single by Mel Stocker that chased starter Charlie Morton from the game. Stocker stole second and the Braves elected to intentionally walk Ryan Crew to load the bases but the strategy backfired when Carlos Corporan, mired in a four-for-41 slump, ripped a line drive single to right field to plate Heether and Stocker to make it 3-0 Stars. Corporan knocked in his first runs since June 17 at home against Birmingham. Mississippi answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning after loading the bases with one out. Matt Young bounced into a force out at second base to plate Carl Loadenthal, who had led off the inning with a double. Gulin worked out of further trouble by retiring Van Pope on a ground ball to end the inning. Hernan Iribarren collected his second three-base hit of the game leading off in the seventh but could not score, as Phil Stockman struck out Michael Brantley, retired Steve Sollmann on a pop up and fanned Heether to end the inning. Gulin allowed seven hits, walked two and fanned five to improve to 11-3 and win his seventh straight decision. E.J. Shanks worked a perfect eighth inning and gave way to David Johnson, who gave up a leadoff single to Matt Young and walked Van Pope to open the ninth. However, the right-hander squelched a potential rally by fielding a sacrifice bunt attempt by Ray Serrano and throwing to third for the force out on Young before Adam Heether alertly threw across the diamond to Iribarren covering at first to double up Serrano. Johnson then fanned Mike Rozema to end the game and wrap up his third save with the Stars and seventh in as many opportunities on the season. The series continues Monday night with left-hander Steve Hammond taking the hill for the Stars against Braves' left-hander Kelvin Villa. Coverage begins at 6:50 pm central time and can be heard on SportsRadio 730 WUMP and via the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com. Huntsville Box Score: Hurricane warning -- Hernan's at .550 over his last ten games (22-for-40, eight extra-base hits); Don Money went with a Sunday lineup, allowing the bench to get some needed AB's... http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_05_hunaax_msbaax_1 Huntsville Game Log: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_log&gid=2007_08_05_hunaax_msbaax_1