Jim Goulart

FRESNO TAKES GAME AND SERIES ON THROWBACK THURSDAY FRESNO, CA. – The Sky Sox dropped the final game of their three-game set against the Fresno Grizzlies Thursday night 6-2. After taking the field dressed as the Fresno Tacos on Tuesday to kick off this short three-game series, tonight the Grizzlies took the field dressed as the Fresno Raisin Eaters in honor of Throwback Thursday. The Raisin Eaters were Fresno's first PCL team back in 1906, 112 years ago, and named thus because of the raisin industry in Fresno. Cy Sneed began the night off on the right note for the Raisin Eaters/Grizzlies, retiring three of four Sky Sox batters in the first inning. For the second game in a row, Eric Thames—who is currently on a rehab assignment with Colorado Springs—was the only Sky Sox batter to collect a hit in the top of the first, being stranded on first after hitting a single. The Grizzlies didn't collect their first hit of the night until the second inning, when A.J. Reed led off the inning with a single. J.D. Davis followed suit with a single of his own, and two outs later Jon Kemmer hit a third single to score Reed and advance Davis to third. Kemmer then stole second, and with Antonio Nunez batting, a wild pitch allowed Davis to score and Kemmer to move up to third base. Nunez then struck out for the third out of the inning, but not before Fresno had taken a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the next inning, the home team tacked on another pair of runs to extend their lead. Drew Ferguson drew his second walk of the evening after taking a free pass in the first inning as well, advancing to third on a Kyle Tucker ground-rule double. Tyler White then hit a sacrifice fly to score Ferguson for both the first out and first run of the inning. Reed followed up with a sacrifice fly of his own to score Tucker and give the Grizzlies a 4-0 lead. Three scoreless innings later, the Sky Sox broke up the shutout with their first run of the game in the top of the seventh. Dylan Moore led off with a double for the Sky Sox, his 15th of the season, and 8th at the AAA level. Keon Broxton then singled to push Moore over to third, before Shane Opitz grounded into a double play that allowed Moore to score to make it a 4-1 affair. The Grizzlies responded right away in the bottom of the frame. Ferguson singled to put one on, and with one away White hit a two-run homer over the left field wall to give Fresno a 6-1 lead. After a scoreless penultimate inning and with the Sky Sox down to their final out in the ninth, Moore hit his second double of the night (16th on the season, 9th at AAA) to give Colorado Springs a little life. Broxton then drew a walk to put two on, and with two on and two out, Opitz hit a single to score Moore and make it 6-2. Jett Bandy then drew a walk to load the bases, bringing the tying run to the plate in the form of Kyle Wren, who hit a grand slam less than a week ago on June 2 at home against the Iowa Cubs. There would be no grand slam tonight, however, as the rally fell short after Wren struck out for the fifth time this evening, with Fresno taking both the game and the series, two games to one. The Sky Sox are in the midst of a nine-day, seven-game road trip with two California stops in Fresno and Sacramento, for a three-game series and a four-game series, respectively. Friday's Preview: In the first game of the four-game series against the River Cats in Raley Field in Sacramento, the Sky Sox are sending righty Aaron Wilkerson to the mound to face fellow right-hander Casey Kelly. The Platinum Sombrero: The five strikeout game by Kyle Wren Thursday night marks the seventh time in Sky Sox history where a Sky Sox player struck out five times in a game. The other six instances: Luis Medina, September 4th, 1991, home vs. Tucson (Postseason), Billy White, April 22nd, 1996, at Albuquerque, Ben Petrick, June 21st, 2002, home vs. Tucson (F/14), Jason Dewey, July 30th, 2002, home vs. Salt Lake, Brian Buchanan, July 16th, 2005, at Sacramento (F/13), Andrew Susac, June 15th, 2017 at Memphis. The five strikeout game by Wren gives him 202 regular season strikeouts in his career, passing Jim Tatum and Eric Young, Jr. and moving into a tie for 17th place at 201 strikeouts with Derrick Gibson.

Final: Wisconsin 1, Quad Cities 0 *** Rattlers Earn Sweep of Bandits with 1-0 Win Wisconsin scores early; Escapes bases-loaded jam in ninth By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers *** *** AUDIO via the Rattler Radio Soundcloud: "The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers completed their three-game sweep of the Quad Cities River Bandits with a 1–0 win on Thursday night. Tonight's Postgame Podcast is pretty involved for a contest with just one run. Chris Mehring & Kyle Lobner look at the turning points, the key moments from the game, and preparation paying off for the Rattlers. Plus, hear from Carlos Herrera, Demi Orimoloye, and Pitching Coach Steve Cline." *** Box Score / Game Log .346 OBP for Demi Orimoloye, on base three times here; scoreless effort sweet for Carlos Herrera, but season-long peripherals (26 BB, 4 HBP, 29 K, in 43.1 IP still lacking).

***

Thursday 6/7 -- AUDIO via WTMJ's Morning News: David Stearns (go to the 31:00 minute mark) *** AUDIO via Brewers.com: "Lane Grindle hosts Episode 120 featuring hitting coach Darnell Coles and Double-A prospect Keston Hiura." *** AUDIO via the Score's “One and Done”: The show broadcasts from Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Listen to Timber Rattlers All Star Pitcher Dylan File at the 13:15 minute mark; also joining the show is Kyle Lobner (@BrewFrostyMug) at 22:15 *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show: "Keston Hiura, 2B for the Biloxi Shuckers and Milwaukee Brewers top prospect, joins us on the show. How often does the club keep in touch with him? Is there ever talk of a positional change? Is there a “Brewer Way” throughout the farm system?" *** AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Tom Haudricourt (go to the 101:30 minute mark) *** AUDIO via WTMJ's "Sports Central": "Scouting Director Tod Johnson joins the show to talk about the Brewers 2018 Draft, how the process works, and what he's seeing from some of their recent picks."

AUDIO via the Score's “One and Done”: The show broadcasts from Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Listen to Timber Rattlers All Star Pitcher Dylan File at the 13:15 minute mark; also joining the show is Kyle Lobner (@BrewFrostyMug) at 22:15

AUDIO via WTMJ's "Sports Central": "Scouting Director Tod Johnson joins the show to talk about the Brewers 2018 Draft, how the process works, and what he's seeing from some of their recent picks."

AUDIO via Brewers.com: "Lane Grindle hosts Episode 120 featuring hitting coach Darnell Coles and Double-A prospect Keston Hiura." Enjoy the full podcast, but for the focus of this specific Minor League Forum, the Hiura interview begins at the 13:15 minute mark. *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show: "Keston Hiura, 2B for the Biloxi Shuckers and Milwaukee Brewers top prospect, joins us on the show. How often does the club keep in touch with him? Is there ever talk of a positional change? Is there a “Brewer Way” throughout the farm system?"

At Biloxi, LH reliever Quintin Torres-Costa comes off the 7-day DL after just over the minimum stint. To make room, INF Darren Seferina is placed on the DL retro to June 5th.

VIDEO via Fox Sports Wisconsin (Wed.): Craig Counsell's pregame press conference *** VIDEO via Fox Sports Wisconsin (Wed. Pre-Game): Chase Anderson on the evolution of his off-speed pitches

VIDEO via Brewers.com (Tue.): Craig Counsell postgame media session *** VIDEO via Brewers.com (Tue.): Travis Shaw on the loss *** VIDEO via Brewers.com (Wed.): Craig Counsell postgame media session *** VIDEO via Brewers.com (Wed.): Chase Anderson on the loss

This headline tells you that the Brewers taking a flyer on the highly-ranked Williamson was for naught: Williamson drafted by Brewers; opts for TCU “It (the draft) didn’t quite work out the way my agent and I wanted it to, but I appreciate the Brewers’ consideration,” said Williamson. More quotes at the link.

More quotes from a genuinely very excited and appreciative Brewers 33rd round pick, 6'6" New Jersey HS 1B Brandon Hylton, who is a Stetson commit. Signing decision still pending at this time, but fun comments! "I have been watching the draft every single day. I have been on top of every one of the picks. Every morning, I've been waiting for the clock to strike 1:00 for the draft to begin. Every pick, my heart was racing. When I finally saw my name, I I had chills for the next 30 minutes. It was the best feeling for both me and my family." Full article link

This. This is why we hunt down the follow-up hometown stories, no matter the Brewers draft round. Read this, see the photos & you'll understand that even the 39th round matters to these kids and their families, especially Missouri HS catcher Caleb Marquez. A dream realized: Wildcats’ Marquez finally has name called in MLB Draft

AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM - Tue.: Their full "Post-Game" Show *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM - Wed.: the "Post-Game" Show Meets the "Big Show" NOTE: Adam McCalvy is interviewed at the 49:10 minute mark of Wednesday's postgame.

AUDIO via the Drew Olson Show Tue. (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Bill Schroeder *** AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show Tue. (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Tom Haudricourt (go to the 100:10 minute mark) *** AUDIO via the Drew Olson Show Wed. (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Tom Haudricourt (go to the 68:00 minute mark)

Pierre, South Dakota's ’s Zabel drafted by MLB’s Brewers in 19th Round The RHP is mulling the big decision. By the way, former Brewers big league OF and longtime farmhand Drew Anderson is the area scout who suggested Zabel. A few quotes from the Zabel's within...

Timber Rattlers DVR Alerts, Including Tonight! Thursday, June 7 vs. Quad Cities 7:05pm - Spectrum Sports Saturday, June 9 vs. Cedar Rapids 6:35pm - CW 14 Sunday, June 10 vs. Cedar Rapids 1:05pm - CW 14

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Dominican Summer League Scoreboard (includes DSL Brewers/Indians game) *** Links for affiliate audio Have great seasons Dan and Erik in Colorado Springs, Garrett as he jumps up from Helena to Biloxi, Greg in Carolina, and Chris in Appleton! *** Media notes, standings, and sortable stat pages *** The entire local TV Timber Rattlers broadcast schedule *** Must-follows for you on Twitter -- In addition to the affiliate Twitter accounts, please follow: @BrewersFarm @BrewCrewBlue Believe me, the way they supplement any coverage and links we might be able to provide is invaluable.

Brad Ford of BrewCrewBall kicks off his always excellent Q&A series with new Brewer draft picks with this one 4th round LHP Aaron Ashby

AUDIO via MLB.com's "Morning Lineup" (Wed.): "Travis Shaw talks with MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince and Richard Justice about the Brewers' success in 2018 and his loyalty to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers." (go to the 18:25 minute mark) *** AUDIO via the Score's “One and Done” (Wed.): Stephen Cohn of Brewers.com talks draft - go to the 14:20 minute mark

AUDIO via WTMJ's Morning News (Tue.): Craig Counsell (go to the 29:40 minute mark) *** AUDIO via WTMJ's Morning News (Wed.): Jeff Levering (go to the 27:55 minute mark) *** AUDIO via WTMJ's "Sports Central" (Wed. evening): Jerry Augustine

AUDIO via ESPN Milwaukee's "Bryan and Dan" (Tue.): Sophia Minnaert *** AUDIO via ESPN 540 Milwaukee's "Homer and Gabe" Show (Wed.): "Milwaukee native and former Major Leaguer Joe Randa joins Homer and Gabe to discuss Waukesha West product Jarred Kelenic, who was drafted sixth overall by the Mets."

Due to the commitment to the Minor League and Draft Forums the past couple of days, we'll catch up on the media archives throughout today. The postings will be in a slightly different format, and will come out sporadically this morning. AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's Morning Show (Wed.): Matt Snyder of CBS Sports *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show (Tue.): Adam McCalvy *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show (Tue.): Bruce Froemming, long-time Major League Baseball Umpire *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show (Wed.): Seth Everett *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's "Big Show" (Tue.): MLB draft expert Dan Zielinski talks about Brewers first round pick Brice Turang

VIDEO: Jake Gatewood HR for the Shuckers

Final: Colorado Springs 6, Fresno 1 SKY SOX RALLY IN EIGHTH TO EVEN SERIES WITH GRIZZLIES FRESNO, CA. – The Sky Sox engaged in another tight pitching contest with the Fresno Grizzlies for the second night in a row Wednesday evening, this time coming away as the victors after rallying for four runs in the eighth inning to take game two 6-1. After last night's pitching duel in game one, game two began in similar fashion. Eric Thames proved to be the only Sky Sox batter to collect a hit in the first two frames, with a two-out single in the first. The Grizzlies also had a quiet start to the game, going three up and three down in the bottom of the first. In the first at-bat of the bottom of the second inning however, A.J. Reed hit a solo homer to straight center field to give the home team a 1-0 lead. The Grizzlies collected two more singles in the inning, but Colorado Springs starter Adrian Houser was able to get out of the inning without further damage. VIDEO: Adrian Houser with an assist from Jacob Nottingham The Sky Sox struck back in the top of the next inning, with Dylan Moore leading off the third frame with a triple for Colorado Springs. With one out on the board, Kyle Wren hit a sacrifice fly to score Moore from third and tie the game at 1-1. Both pitching staffs settled in for the next four innings, not allowing another run to cross the plate until the eighth. Nate Orf led off the inning with a walk, advancing to second with a stolen base, marking his twelfth steal of the 2018 campaign. With one out, Jett Bandy was hit in the upper back by a pitch, being replaced at first base by pinch-runner Keon Broxton. Wren, who up to that point was 0-for-2 on the night with the sacrifice fly in the third, hit a three-run homer to give the Sky Sox a 4-1 lead, with Wren being responsible for all four of Colorado Springs' RBI. VIDEO: Wren's HR (With the subdued road team call) Andres Blanco followed Wren's bases-clearing homer with a single, followed in turn by a single off the bat of Thames, advancing Blanco to third. Shane Opitz then came into the game to pinch-run for Thames for the Sky Sox second pinch-runner of the inning. With Jacob Nottingham at the plate, Opitz stole second, with the throw down to second dribbling into center field to allow Blanco to trot home from third to give Colorado Springs a 5-1 lead. After a scoreless bottom of the eighth inning, the Sky Sox extended their lead in the top of the ninth, doing so with no hits in the frame. Tyrone Taylor reached on an error, and Orf reached on a hit-by-pitch. Moore grounded out to advance both runners, before Broxton was hit-by-pitch to load the bases for Colorado Springs' fourth hit batsmen of the game. Wren then hit yet another sacrifice fly for his fifth RBI of the evening to give the Sky Sox a 6-1 lead. That lead would hold, with the Sky Sox taking game two to even the series. Tomorrow's Preview: In the final game of the three-game set against the Fresno Grizzlies at Chukchansi Park, the Sky Sox are sending right-hander Corbin Burnes to the mound to face righty Cy Sneed. Wren Rakes: Kyle Wren, who recently came off the disabled list, had five RBI Wednesday night against the Fresno Grizzlies, going 1-for-3 with a three-run homer and two sacrifice flies. Just four days earlier, on June 2 at home against the Iowa Cubs, Wren also had five RBI after going 2-for-4. The two sacrifice flies by Kyle Wren ties the club record for sacrifice flies in a game. Wren's two sacrifice flies marks the 18th time a Sky Sox player had two sacrifice flies in a game (done twice in 2017 by Andrew Susan on April 18th, 2017 vs. Memphis, and by Garrett Cooper on June 20th, 2017 vs. Oklahoma City, both at home in Colorado Springs). The 5 RBI by Wren gives him 143 RBI in his Sky Sox career, closing in on joining the Top 25 in career RBI. Choo Freeman and Webster Garrison are tied for 25th place with 145 RBI. Orf Snags Another: Nate Orf's stolen base Wednesday night gives him 25 career stolen bases with the Sky Sox (regular season), moving into the Top 25, in a four-way tie for 24th place, joining Neifi Perez, Jeff Salazar, and Juan Sosa. Next at tied for 22nd place with 26 SB: Craig Counsell and Derrick Gibson. Strong Rehab: Eric Thames, who joined the Sky Sox on a rehab assignment Wednesday night, went 2-for-4 with two singles against the Grizzlies. *** Box Score / Game Log Houser and Bubba Derby loving Fresno, could be the Brewers' AAA home starting 2018. Now about those late night game times (notice all the "reasonable" scores in Fresno home games this year); Thames played first base, we may see some OF time there as per reports.