Jim Goulart

In case you're visiting the Link Report directly via Twitter, here's the separate thread in our Minor League Forum -- Helena's David Denson Comes Out As Gay, First in Affiliated Pro Baseball

However, this one play wasn't included there, so here you go -- Wisconsin's Alan Sharkey leads off the bottom of the first with a triple in the Timber Rattlers' 4-3 win over South Bend

Remember, for home games, video highlights are always posted at the Rattler Radio Blog's postgame entry we link to.

Helena falls to 19-32 overall -- Final, Game One: Idaho Falls 8, Helena 7, nine innings (scheduled for seven) Final, Game Two: Idaho Falls 6, Helena 1 Brewers drop doubleheader to Chukars Helena Independent Record An early lead turned into a deficit, which led to a late rally on Saturday, before the Helena Brewers ultimately dropped an 8-7 decision to Idaho Falls in extra innings. The game, scheduled as a seven-inning opener to a doubleheader, was decided with a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth. Things didn't get much better in the nightcap, where the Brewers fell 6-1. It was the team's fifth consecutive loss and eighth in their last nine games. In the first game of the night, the Brewers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after the first and led 3-1 after the second. The Chukars scratched back with runs in the third and fourth, and took the lead with a four-run fifth. The Brewers responded, however, with a four-run frame of their own, in the top of the seventh. Jose Cuas got it started with a line-drive double. And, with two outs, Jake Gatewood -- who finished the game 4 for 5 with a pair of RBIs -- singled to center to score Cuas. A wild pitch gave Helena another run, and a deep single by Milan Post scored two more to knot it up at 7-7. Post, though, was picked off at first to end the inning. Neither team scored in the eighth, but in the bottom of the ninth a Joshua Banuelos double to right -- with two outs -- scored Amalani Fukofuka to end it. Helena Game One Box Score Wow, 21st round NC State RHP Jon Olczak fanned ten over just four innings, and only walked one. What is with this year's catcher draft class? Like Max McDowell in Maryvale, Charles Galiano is magnetic (four HBP's in just 15 games). SS Jake Gatewood 4-for-5 with his 19th double (2nd most in the Pioneer League). 7th round infielder George Iskenderian made his return after a two-week absence (leg injury) in the twinbill. Helena Game One Game Log In the second game, Idaho Falls put up at least one run in every inning but the third, running away with the victory. George Iskenderian, who finished 2 for 3 with a walk, scored the lone Helena run in the top of the sixth. VIDEO (audio unavailable): Helena's David Denson slaps a single to center as the Brewers fall, 6-1, to Idaho Falls The teams will conclude their series with a 4:00 PM game Sunday (5:00 Central), before Helena travels to Ogden to start a four-game set on Monday. Helena Game Two Box Score Helena had nine baserunners in the nightcap, but didn't produce with RISP (striking out 14 times in a seven-inning contest will lead to that problem). Helena Game Two Game Log

Colorado Springs' Matt Clark doubles in a run during the Sky Sox's 7-1 win over Reno

Final: Colorado Springs 7, Reno 1 Once again, the only game summary available this AM is from the opponent's perspective -- Sky Sox spring past Aces in series opener By Cheyne Reiter / Reno Aces COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. - The Reno Aces recorded just seven hits offensively as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox scored a series-opening 7-1 win Saturday night at Security Service Field. Already-wet field conditions worsened when heavy rains delayed the game in the top of the fourth inning. The 1-hour, 31-minute delay ended both starters' nights early, and the Sky Sox bullpen outdueled Reno's over the final six frames to secure the win. Aces starter A.J. Schugel (1-6) suffered the tough-luck loss after yielding one run over three innings. Michael Reed tripled with one out in the second inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by Juan Centeno. Schugel fanned four and walked none. Right-hander Blayne Weller was called upon after the lengthy delay, and he struggled in his first of three innings. In the home half of the fourth, the recently-promoted Weller yielded four runs - two earned - on four hits, one walk and an error. Luis Sardinas started the Sky Sox rally with a single to left and one out later, moved to second on a single by Matt Clark. Weller then uncorked a wild pitch, advancing both runners 90 feet before a walk loaded the bases for Centeno who delivered a two-run double to left. With runners at second and third, Matt Dominguez hit a grounder to Danny Worth at short, but Worth's throw to the plate skipped past, allowing Reed to score. Yadiel Rivera then laced a run-scoring single to left to make it 5-0. Colorado Springs (51-69) tacked on two runs in the seventh on an RBI double from Clark and later, a wild pitch thrown by reliever Kevin Vance. Reno (57-63) squandered golden scoring opportunities in the third and fourth innings. In the third, a walk, single and wild pitch put runners at second and third for Danny Dorn, but Sky Sox starter Ariel Pena struck out Dorn to escape. In the fourth, the Aces loaded the bases but pinch-hitter Gerald Laird grounded into a fielder's choice. Mike Strong evened his record at 1-1 after throwing 2 2/3 shutout innings. Worth notched the only multi-hit game for the Aces, going 2-for-3 with a walk. The Aces and Sky Sox play game two of their four-game set Sunday evening. The Aces will send right-hander Aaron Blair (5-1, 3.38) to the mound while the Sky Sox will start right-hander Zach Davies (1-0, 5.40). First pitch is set for 4:05 PST (6:05 Central). Colorado Springs Box Score Perfect night for Michael Reed (3-for-3, triple, walk). Matt Clark, Juan Centeno and Yadiel Rivera each had fine games, as the box will show you. LF Domingo Santana, like Trent Clark in the Maryvale game, an out-of-the-ordinary 0-for-5 (one K). Colorado Springs Game Log

Via the Biloxi Sun-Herald's game summary -- "Winker's done a good job,'' Biloxi manager Carlos Subero said. "I think this is his fifth game with a home run. But we had our opportunities and didn't come through. We didn't execute and that's what it comes down to. It was a great game by both teams. Their pitcher (Cody Reed) was outstanding, throwing seven innings and making the pitches when he needed to. "Late in the game we had runners on second and third with nobody out and we could have done something. Tomorrow is the rubber game. We need to start hitting. We haven't been able to hit the last couple of days." You may have noticed in the Biloxi post above that RHP Barrett Astin (Jonathan Broxton acquisition trade) faces the Shuckers on Sunday.

Both positive and not-so-positive from the Shuckers game -- Biloxi's Brett Phillips saves a run with a nice catch in the fifth inning against Pensacola Pensacola's Jesse Winker homers in his fifth straight game off of Yhonathan Barrios in the Blue Wahoos' game against Biloxi MiLB.com naturally is covering Winker's power streak very carefully (article), he'll most certainly be swinging his stick at Miller Park for the Reds in the not-too-distant future.

The Sky Sox have caught up on posting their pre-game audio links from the past couple of weeks -- OF Michael Reed 8/4 OF Kyle Wren 8/5 (Part Two -- first portion not posted) RHP Zach Davies 8/6 Manager Rick Sweet 8/7 LHP Brent Suter 8/8

The Manatees had announced prior to game time that the contest at Space Coast Stadium was a complete sellout (fireworks among other happenings). What a brutal summer it's been for the Florida State League (even more so than usual), the Manatees, and yes, the impact on player development within the league.

Link Report Bonus: Blue Wahoos hope to build rivalry, partnership in Biloxi Two coastal cities. Two hours apart. Two new baseball stadiums. The two newest franchises in the Double-A Southern League. Two towns with pride and hope that baseball and their ballparks will continue a downtown revival.

Technically not transactions, but from Saturday's Link Report -- Because the rookie leagues have expanded rosters, they usually don't make use of disabled lists, so sometimes we can miss when a player has been absent. 19-year-old switch-hitting Maryvale infielder Daniel Leonardo is one such player, as he's been idle since July 26th. We were loving the work of undrafted RHP Aaron Myers in Maryvale, but he last pitched (and pitched well) back on July 27th. Another non-drafted RHP, Evan Parker, last worked on July 25th. If you folks become aware of any players in a similar situation that we have not commented on, please bring it to everyone's attention, thanks.

Because the rookie leagues have expanded rosters, they usually don't make use of disabled lists, so sometimes we can miss when a player has been absent. 19-year-old switch-hitting Maryvale infielder Daniel Leonardo is one such player, as he's been idle since July 26th. We were loving the work of undrafted RHP Aaron Myers in Maryvale, but he last pitched (and pitched well) back on July 27th. Another non-drafted RHP, Evan Parker, last worked on July 25th. If you folks become aware of any players in a similar situation that we have not commented on, please bring it to everyone's attention, thanks.

Final: AZL Indians 5, AZL Brewers 3 A-Crew led 3-2 after four innings, but a two-run Indians 5th gave the mini-Tribe a lead they would not relinquish... Maryvale Box Score Miguel Diaz's 2015 season will be marked as one in which the promising RHP spent most of his time rehabbing from an elbow fracture. He went five innings here and did not walk a batter, but surrendered four runs on nine hits. The Brewer defense was clean all night. Unusual game in that every Brewer contributed at the plate in some manner except for the usually-stellar Trent Clark (0-for-5). 2015 13th round catcher Max McDowell (UConn) homered (his 2nd), singled, and was HBP (his third plunking in just 12 pro games). Juan Ortiz (playing LF in this game) had two hits, including a double, and RF Yerald Martinez poked his 2nd HR of the season, but fanned his other three AB's (the Crew struck out ten times against one Beau Wallace walk). Maryvale was 1-for-9 with RISP. Maryvale Game Log

Here's the link to Tom Haudricourt's Journal-Sentinel story. As Tom indicates: With the help of former major-leaguer Billy Bean, who last year was named Major League Baseball's first Ambassador for Inclusion, Denson reached out to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to tell his story in a telephone interview. Our best to Denson, certainly newsworthy. (NOTE: We split the two posts above into its own thread, thanks for kicking things off on the discussion.)

RHP Cody Ponce is the Timber Rattler tandem partner tonight. *** If you've followed Twitter today, you may know the Sky Sox had a hellish time getting home from Texas this morning and afternoon, delay after delay. Maybe it won't hit them until tomorrow, that's what travelers always say, right?

RHP David Goforth's recall to Milwaukee opened up a AAA roster spot. Via the Manatees, we learn -- C Robinzon Diaz has been transferred from Brevard County to Colorado Springs. C Paul Eshleman has been reinstated from the Brevard County DL.

Colorado Springs' Michael Reed doubles home two runs as the Sky Sox beat Round Rock, 8-5, in 12 innings on Friday

To see tweets as to when the Link Report has been technically "completed" with available links, as well as to know when the new day's Report has been posted, please follow @Mass_Haas on Twitter.

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - Home games only, it's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Sky Sox' site. Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog Brevard County Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Manatees' site. Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog *** STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League South Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division Pioneer League North Division Arizona League Central Division Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers *** Weather.com: Colorado Springs, CO Biloxi, MS Viera, FL Grand Chute, WI Idaho Falls, ID Maryvale, AZ San Pedro de Macoris, DR

Follow Saturday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Game One Helena Game Two Maryvale DSL Brewers MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Saturday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Ariel Pena at home vs. Reno (Diamondbacks), 6:35 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link We welcome Dan Karcher, who is the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox; follow him on Twitter @SkySoxKarch MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Colorado Springs games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $49.99 season-long package ($12.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. The video of each game is archived online, which is a nice feature. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. NOTE: Notice that on MiLB.TV's page, you can click on "Filter", then "Milwaukee Brewers", and you'll see just the Crew's organizational TV lineup. ********** Biloxi: RHP Tyler Wagner at home vs. Pensacola (Reds), 6:55 PM pre-game, 7:10 gametime Free Live Audio Link We also welcome Chris Harris as the very first play-by-play voice of the Shuckers! Follow Chris on Twitter @CHarris731. We'll be linking to his fantastic "Shuck Dynasty" blog. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be radio broadcast. MiLB.TV - Eight of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi is among them! All the Biloxi games for the rest of the season are available via MiLB.TV. ********** Brevard County: RHP Javier Salas at home vs. Dunedin (Blue Jays), 5:05 PM pre-game, 5:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link Dave Walkovic returns as the play-by-play voice of the 'Tees; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio, as all home games and the "commuter" road games are scheduled to be broadcast in 2015. ********** Wisconsin: RHP David Burkhalter at home vs. South Bend (Cubs), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link - WNAM Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio. NOTE: Forty-two (!) of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (9) and WACY-TV My NEW32 (34) will split duties. We'll let you know when and who, and remember to refer to the Rattlers' full TV schedule (scroll to bottom of link) so you can coordinate your DVR activity. *** Helena: LHP Drake Owenby and TBD in a doubleheader at Idaho Falls (Royals), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Free Live Audio Link We welcome back and again look forward to hearing second-year Voice of the H-Crew Dustin Daniel (@dustin__daniel on Twitter). NOTE: This series in Idaho Falls is available for subscribers (live and archived) via MiLB.TV (Chukars' audio feed accompanies the video). *** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home vs. the Indians' tykes, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league *** DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Cubs, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day We'll link to this Dominican Summer League Brewers' thread as part of the Daily Menu all season to assist you with your familiarity with these young men.

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Final: Colorado Springs 8, Round Rock 5, 12 innings Sox Secure Series Split With 8-5 Extra-Inning Win The Sky Sox and Express would need 12 innings to determine a winner as Colorado Springs plated four runs in the decisive twelfth to earn 8-5 victory and six-game series-split with Round Rock before a crowd of 10,160 at Dell Diamond on Friday night. Each starter turned in strong performances for their respective teams with veteran left-hander Derek Holland departing with a 3-2 lead for the Express after five. Holland allowed just two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out eight over five innings of work. The Sox did their only damage against Holland in the fourth when Michael Reed tied the ballgame at two with a two-run double. Hiram Burgos was effective for Colorado Springs, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks while also striking out eight. Michael Choice and Thomas Field drove in runs in the home second to open the night’s scoring in a rough frame for the Sox right-hander. The Express would retake a 3-2 lead in the fourth on a Hanser Alberto RBI single before Burgos’ night was through. Celebrating his 31st birthday, Nevin Ashley knotted the ballgame with at three in the sixth with a sacrifice flyout against reliever Ross Wolf. Luis Sardinas’ run-scoring double in the seventh gave Colorado Springs a late 4-3 lead that would last a mere five batters. Michael Choice drove in the game-tying run in the very next frame against left-hander Jeremy Horst with a sacrifice flyout. This would be the last scoring by either side until the decisive 12th as both bullpen’s traded zeros in strong performances. Horst gave way to Preston Guilmet in the Round Rock eighth after two frames of solid relief. Guilmet’s two scoreless frames gave way to a 2.2 inning performance by right-hander Austin Ross (2-0, 6.35) to keep the Express off the board in the game’s pivotal final frames. Held scoreless for four innings, the Sky sox offense would breakout for four runs in the top of the 12th against flame-throwing reliever Luke Jackson (2-3, 4.50) to all but secure the lengthy contest. The Sox would collect three hits and two walks in the frame with Domingo Santana’s RBI double representing the go-ahead fifth run. Matt Clark added an RBI single to extend the lead to 6-4 before Reed added another two-run double to give the outfielder four RBIs on the night. The two-run two-bagger gave Colorado Springs an 8-4 advantage heading into the Express 12th. This is the first time the Sky Sox have ever scored four runs in the 12th inning, scoring three runs in the 12th inning six times before. The only other time where the Sky Sox scored four or more in an inning in the 12th or later was on May 10th, 1989 at Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver when the Sox scored four runs in the top of the 14th inning to beat the Canadians that day, 6-2. The Express would scratch their final run across in the final frame when Thomas Field’s two-out RBI double knocked Ross out of the game in favor of veteran reliever Jim Henderson. Henderson would induce a fly out off the bat of Beamer Weems to earn his second save of the season and end the ballgame. The win improves Colorado Springs to 50-69 while dropping Round Rock to 68-52 on the season. The Sox will look to make it three straight as they head home to take on the Reno Aces in the first of a four-game set on Saturday evening. Ariel Pena (1-2, 4.94) is slated to make the spot-start against Reno righty A.J. Schugel (1-5, 13.50) with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 PM MDT (7:05 Central) at Security Service Field. DUDE! Dad catches Kyle Wren's foul ball while holding his baby as Colorado Springs take on Round Rock on Friday Colorado Springs Box Score Luis Sardinas (4-for-6, double), Domingo Santana (3-for-6, double), and Michael Reed (2-for-5, two doubles, four RBI) with great nights... Colorado Springs Game Log

Final: AZL Brewers 7, AZL Indians 3 Maryvale Box Score We never did learn what landed veteran LH reliever Brent Leach on the DL way back on April 30th, but nice to see him with a scoreless rehab inning here. Fine five-inning effort by 36th round Florida Gulf Coast University RHP Jordan Desguin, and RHP Orlando Torrez finished with one run allowed over the final three frames. Even when CF Trent Clark is hitless (0-for-3), he works two walks. With RF Demi Orimoloye away (a reminder why), RF Yerald Martinez took over in a big way with two doubles and a walk. Third baseman Jorge Quiterio and DH Zach Taylor also had two hits (Taylor with a double) as the lower half of the order performed well in this one. SS Gilbert Lara, returned to the three-spot in the lineup, was 1-for-5 with an RBI (one K). Maryvale Game Log Never trailed after this three-run frame -- AZL Brewers Top of the 2nd Juan Ortiz reaches on a throwing error by second baseman Miguel Eladio. With Max McDowell batting, Juan Ortiz steals (5) 2nd base. Max McDowell singles on a ground ball to right fielder Junior Soto. Juan Ortiz to 3rd. Yerald Martinez hits a ground-rule double (6) on a fly ball to center field. Juan Ortiz scores. Max McDowell to 3rd. Jorge Quiterio lines out to pitcher Micah Miniard. Max McDowell scores. Yerald Martinez to 3rd. Throwing error by pitcher Micah Miniard. Zach Taylor singles on a ground ball to center fielder Gabriel Mejia. Yerald Martinez scores. Nicolas Pierre lines out to left fielder Todd Isaacs. With Trent Clark batting, Zach Taylor caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Simeon Lucas to shortstop Luke Wakamatsu.