Jim Goulart

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 Montgomery, AL Viera, FL Grand Chute, WI Glendale, AZ San Pedro de Macoris, DR

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.

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

Monday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Josh Roenicke at home vs. Memphis (Cardinals), 7:35 PM pre-game, 8:05 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 Montgomery (Rays), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 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! NOTE: This series in Montgomery is available via MiLB.TV. ********** Brevard County: RHP Eric Marzec at home vs. Clearwater (Phillies), 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. No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV. ********** Wisconsin: LHP Zach Hirsch at home vs. Kane County (Diamondbacks), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 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. So, for the $49.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sky Sox games, most Shuckers games, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games. *** Helena: Idle *** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the White Sox' complex in Glendale, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league *** DSL Brewers: at the DSL Pirates, 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.

Posted June 20th in our Helena / Maryvale thread -- As per this twitter reply from Brewers Player Development, looks like a lengthy absence. Hat tip R.C. Giese.

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

Final: AZL Reds 9, AZL Brewers 4 Maryvale Box Score Rehabbing John Ely (see prior post in this thread) surrendered three runs in the first inning, and three hurlers followed to only allow two additional earned runs (four unearned) over the next seven innings. E: Quiterio 2 (2, throw, fielding), Perry (1, missed catch), Lara, G (3, fielding). First two errors of the season in eight games at third base for 20-year-old Jorge Quiterio. LF Joantgel Segovia reached three times (single, two walks). CF Trent Clark and SS Gilbert Lara were each 1-for-4. RF Demi Orimoloye showed off his athleticism, stealing two bases. Maryvale Game Log

Originally posted June 11th -- Now this follow-up: Former Grand Street duo parting ways for pro baseball careers By Joseph Staszewski, BrooklynDaily.com Jose Cuas and Kevin Martir will have to continue their baseball careers without each other for the first time. *** Posted in full as well in our season-long Helena / Maryvale feature article archive thread...

Originally posted June 11th -- Now this follow-up: Former Grand Street duo parting ways for pro baseball careers By Joseph Staszewski, BrooklynDaily.com Jose Cuas and Kevin Martir will have to continue their baseball careers without each other for the first time. The former Grand Street and University of Maryland stars had been holding on to the slim hope they would be drafted by the same organization and get to play in the pros together. But they’re now coming to terms with the fact that they will finally be going their separate ways. The duo have played on the same team together since they were 10-year-olds — from local leagues, to their New York Grays travel team, and on through high school and college. There were daily talks of opposing pitchers, hitting situations, and their team’s goals that will now have to be done over the phone. “It would have been awesome if we had been picked by the same team, but there was less of chance,” Martir said. “We are going to stay in touch, talk every day, the same thing as if we were teammates.” Cuas, a third baseman, was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round (331st overall), and Martir, a catcher, was taken by the Houston Astros in the 18th (529th overall). Now Cuas is in Helena, Mont., with the Brewers getting ready to start his first professional season, and Martir more than 2,000 miles away at the Astros’ training camp in Greeneville, Tenn., doing the same. “It’s a little different, but its all good now,” Cuas said. “Just environment-wise, I’m in the middle of nowhere in the mountains. There isn’t a grocery store on the corner like I’m use to in New York City. It’s something I am willing to make the adjustment to.” Cuas felt he could have been drafted higher had his average not dipped during his junior season at Maryland. But he did see an increase in his power numbers. The 6-foot-2 infielder hit .242, but belted a team-high 11 home runs and tied for the team-lead in runs batted in with 53. New York Grays coach David Owens said Cuas can still add 15-pounds of muscle, and a shortening of his swing could immediately produce results. “The power numbers are good and now you will probably see the average go up right away,” Owens said. Martir batted a team-best .342 and with seven homers and 45 runs batted in. He is known for being a smart, savvy, and skilled defensive catcher. He is adept at handling a pitching staff, and to Owens, that is his biggest advantage at the next level. “These pitchers are going to love to throw to him,” he said. “He controls a game like no body else. He blocks everything, giving pitchers confidence.” Both bring a history of winning to their respective clubs. The pair led Grand Street to the 2011 Public School Athletic League title. Martir was the first New York City player to win the Catholic and Public School Athletic League baseball titles in consecutive years after winning with Xaverian the year prior. They were both part of the revival of the baseball program at Maryland. The Terrapins reached consecutive NCAA Super Regionals after not reaching the tournament in the 43 years prior. Maryland won a program-record 42 games this year. They set a standard they expect those who come after them to continue. “I can say I was part of the team when Maryland took that step to become a powerhouse baseball program,” Cuas said. The two will now begin the task of having success on separate clubs. Being drafted is still a dream come true, even if it wasn’t the perfect scenario. “It’s not what we wanted, but it’s for the best for both of us,” Cuas said. “It has always been a dream of ours to get drafted and pursue long professional careers in baseball.”

(VIDEO via WFRV-TV) - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Manager Matt Erickson joins Ryan Rodig in studio Sunday for Sports Xtra to talk about a number of topics about his ball club including Brewers OF Khris Davis' recent rehab assignment and 2014 first round pick Kodi Medeiros.

Quotes included here -- Four-run fourth seals Manatees victory Donald Rieber Jr., Brevard County Manatees Examiner After losing a 7-6 decision to the Clearwater Threshers on Saturday, the Brevard County Manatees bounced back with a much needed win Sunday at Space Coast Stadium. Angel Ortega’s two-run single in the bottom of the fourth inning, highlighted a four-run frame and propelled the Manatees to a 5-4 win. Brevard County (4-6, 32-46) struck first in the bottom of the first inning. After Threshers starter David Whitehead retired the first two batters, Clint Coulter singled to left. He moved to third on a double down the left field line by Garrett Cooper. Taylor Brennan drew a walk to load the bases and Cameron Garfield followed with a walk of his own, scoring Coulter and giving the Manatees a 1-0 lead. Manatees’ starter Wei-Chung Wang, like Whitehead in the first inning, recorded the first two outs in the third, before running into trouble. Rhys Hoskins singled and went to third on a Chace Numata double. Willians Astudillo then chopped one to third, which Brennan couldn’t come up with. The error allowed Hoskins to score the tying run, while Numata moved to third. The Threshers would take the lead when Angelo Mora hit a rocket to Brennan that he made a dive for and knocked down with his glove. By the time Brennan got to his feet, Numata scored and Mora was safe at first. The Manatees would turn things around in the bottom of the fourth, an inning in which they would send nine men to the plate. Brennan got things started with a single and with Garfield batting, he stole second. For Brennan, it was his 11th steal of the season. Garfield would hit a ball to right that dropped in front of the fielder, chasing Brennan to third. Whitehead, who hadn’t retired anyone to this point in the inning, would then walk Rafael Neda to load the bases. Ortega came up and hit a chopper that got by the infield and through to leftfield, scoring two runs and giving the Manatees a 3-2 lead. Omar Garcia followed with a great bunt toward third, loading the bases again. Michael Ratterree’s infield single made it 4-2 and Coulter capped the inning off with a sacrifice fly, giving the Manatees a three-run cushion. “That was huge,” said Manatees manager Joe Ayrault of the big inning. “Something we talked about yesterday, just stringing the runs together and that big inning was huge for us.” Clearwater (8-3, 45-36) got a run back in the fifth inning with Hoskins hitting a leadoff double and Astudillo chasing him home one out later, with an RBI single. That made it a 5-3 ballgame. Wang (6-2), who had runners on in every inning he pitched, got through the fifth and got himself a hard earned victory. He threw 97 pitches (63 strikes), gave up three runs (one earned) on eight hits, walked two and struck out five. “He threw the ball well, just got the pitch count up there,” said Ayrault. “He only allowed the one run, the error by Brennan would’ve ended that inning. That gave them two runs.” Tyler Spurlin came took over for Wang in the sixth and did a stellar job. “Spurlin coming in, putting up some zeros and shutting down their offense, was big,” said Ayrault. When Ayrault talks about Spurlin putting up some zeros, he’s not kidding. Spurlin did not allow a hit, didn’t walk a batter and didn’t strike anyone out in his three innings of work. Spurlin set things up nicely for Mark Williams, who was called on to pitch the ninth. Andrew Pullin singled and Hoskins was hit by a pitch. Numata came up and laced a single to Coulter in right. The hit did score Pullin, making it 5-4, but Coulter, who has shown off his arm more than a few times this season, did it again when he fielded the ball and came up throwing. He made a perfect throw to Brennan at third, nailing Hoskins. ”The play of the game for me,” said Ayrault of Coulter’s throw. “That’s a huge out. It was the tying run and he made a perfect strike throw to Brennan. That was a big league throw right there.” It was a good day for Coulter all around. He made the game-saving play in the ninth and his single earlier in the game, extended his hitting streak to seven games. Brennan was the only multi-hit guy for the Manatees, going 2-for-3 with a run scored. These two teams will battle for the series win Monday in the final game of the Manatees homestand. Eric Marzec (1-6, 4.87 ERA) will pitch for Brevard County. He will face Victor Arano (2-7. 4.91 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM (5:35 Central).

VIDEO via WLOX: Tastefully done news story follows up this previously posted article *** Video also linked in the Biloxi feature thread...

VIDEO via WLOX: Tastefully done news story follows up this previously posted article

VIDEO via WLOX: Biloxi game highlights - Nick Ramirez HR, and what a catch, Tyrone Taylor

Sky Sox pitchers, manager discover true effects of altitude By Aaron Reiss, Colorado Springs Gazette Rick Sweet didn't anticipate this. Sure, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox manager knew his pitchers would have more difficulty here than in Nashville, home of the Milwaukee Brewers' last Triple-A affiliate. But having elevation lessen the break of pitches as much as it does, requiring pitchers to tweak their release points and pitch locations as much as it has? He didn't realize altitude's effects would be this severe. "Frustrating is probably a good word," Sweet said before Colorado Springs' 7-3 home loss to the Memphis Redbirds on Sunday. Saturday, the Sky Sox surrendered 15 runs. And on the season, Colorado Springs' team ERA (5.25) is the third worst in the Pacific Coast League. The altitude presents an obstacle in pitchers' development, Sweet said. The elevation is unlike that of anywhere else the prospects pitch in Triple-A, and, if they get to the majors, it's unlike Milwaukee, the town they'd call home. "With young guys, we're trying to develop that consistency," Sweet said, "then we throw them into an environment that's totally inconsistent." "When Colorado was here, it makes sense," Sweet added. "It's the perfect environment for them because they're getting ready for the big leagues. For us, it sets us back a little bit." Sky Sox reliever Rob Wooten made his major-league debut at Coors Field and didn't give up a run. In his first game of the year at Security Service Field, he allowed one. He wondered why everyone hyped up the difference elevation makes. Then, in his next outing in Colorado Springs, he gave up three home runs in 1 1/3 innings. The Sky Sox allowed 16 runs in that game. "I was trying to throw stuff nasty," Wooten said, "and it ended up backfiring on me." Wooten, who spent part of last season with Nashville, said that's an easy trap to fall into for pitchers when their stuff isn't working like they want it to at elevation: they try to throw harder, make pitches break off bigger and strike hitters out. They end up getting behind in counts. After that early season game, the Sky Sox pitchers had a meeting. Sweet told them not to worry about their numbers being inflated; the Milwaukee front office knew where they were pitching. Technology the team has tells coaches when a home run is a "true" homer, Wooten said, and when it's a ball off the end of the bat that carries in the altitude. When it's the latter, the Sky Sox know they need to brush it off. Wooten heard more of the same when he was in the majors earlier this season: decision makers in Milwaukee were "taking our statistics with a grain of salt." So he's learned to go out and trust his pitches. And to accept that his balls might break less than they do elsewhere. The Sky Sox pitchers, Wooten said, will talk about the elevation's effects. They'll make the occasional joke. In their conversations, they can maybe take solace in the unique preparation Colorado Springs offers. Sweet said if a player pitches here, his eventual transition to the majors can be easier. Once he leaves this elevation, he wouldn't have to make as many adjustments between home and away games. Taylor Jungmann was 2-3 with a 6.37 ERA for Colorado Springs this season. Since moving up to Milwaukee, he's 3-1, and his ERA is less than three. During Sunday's game, some Sky Sox staffers mentioned Jungmann's recent performance and joked the Brewers' organization would stop sending its best pitching prospects to Colorado Springs. Or maybe it will continue to do so. After all, Wooten said, "if you can pitch here, you can pitch anywhere."

Cotto steals five bases for H-Brewers After 'bumpy year,' outfield prospect hits stride in the Pioneer League By Kelsie Heneghan / MiLB.com http://www.milb.com/assets/images/1/5/0/134959150/cuts/cotto960a_g3t78qwd_lf9opiph.jpg Omar Cotto played three seasons at USC before signing as an undrafted free agent. (University of Southern California photo) Just a month ago, Omar Cotto was thinking about 9-to-5 jobs, not 95-mph pitches. After off-the-field issues kept him off the field at USC, the 23-year-old went undrafted and began sending his resume out. But after a couple phone calls from the Brewers, he is back on the diamond. The outfielder stole five bases in Rookie-level Helena's 5-1 win against Billings on Sunday at Dehler Park. "I was applying to anything, whatever that would take me," he said with a laugh. "Then I got the call saying, 'Omar are you still into playing baseball?' and I said, 'Yes, sir.' And then a couple hours later … the scout for the LA area told me, 'Yep, congratulations, you're going to be a Milwaukee Brewer.'" Cotto signed with the Brewers on June 17 and started playing with Helena two days later. After swiping just seven bags in three full seasons at USC, the Puerto Rico native has 11 stolen bases in nine games this season. "It was different at USC; we didn't have the green-light system there. Here, I would say pitchers seemed to be a little bit slower to the plate. They're slower to the plate, but they throw harder," he said. "I just wanted to be aggressive base running like always. [Helena manager] Tony [Diggs] is really big on that, with a green light. "Basically everyone has a green light on the team, so he's big on being aggressive. I was just trying to do my part and just take advantage of the speed I have." Cotto went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a walk, while also reaching on a forceout, so he had ample opportunity to race around the basepaths. The switch-hitter didn't realize he registered five swipes until hitting coach Jason Dubois mentioned it in a postgame recap. "I thought two of them were only given as wild pitches, so in my head, I thought I only had three. And I was happy with that," he said. "And then [Dubois] mentioned I had five stolen bases today and I was like, 'Wow.'" With his three singles against Billings, Cotto boosted his average to .308. The outfielder has struck out just four times this season and has yet to be caught stealing. "I just take it one day at a time, playing or not playing. I try to just get better and just work on the small things, because there's always room to improve every day," he said. "I'm excited. There's no words to explain how I feel because it was a tough year. I just feel really blessed to have this opportunity." Cotto's big night helped make a winner out of Milton Gomez (1-0). The right-hander allowed a run on three hits and two walks while striking out four in five frames. Billings reliever Franderlyn Romero (1-1) yielded four runs -- two earned -- on four hits and three walks while fanning one in 3 2/3 innings.

Give some Brewerfan love by voting for the Shuckers in MiLB's Clash of the Caps.

Final: Memphis 7, Colorado Springs 3 Sky Sox Can't Overcome Early Deficit In 7-3 Loss Memphis Pounds Thornburg with Two Homers, Six Runs By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/3/4/8/134928348/cuts/07_05_060sm_pk_hmyon4vn_557nnisd.jpg Matt Dominguez applies the tag on Jeremy Hazelbaker to end the Redbirds ninth in the Sox eventual 7-3 loss on Sunday. (Photo by Paat Kelly) COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Two big frames were all that Memphis would need on Sunday afternoon, downing the Sky Sox in a 7-3 contest before a crowd of 4,050 at Security Service Field. Colorado Springs struck first against Redbirds lefty Dean Kiekhefer as consecutive one-out singles by Luis Sardinas, Elian Herrera and Matt Dominguez culminated the game's first run in the home first. Dominguez's RBI single would be one of two on the day for the Sox third baseman. Kiekhefer kept the Sox for the rest of his relatively brief start, tossing 3.2 total innings of one-run ball on just three hits while striking out one. Though he looked sharp in the first, Sox starter Tyler Thornburg (1-5, 5.29) did not fare quite as well. The right-hander allowed six runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out just one over four innings of work. His erratic day on the mound was only made worse by two big flies off the bats of Jeremy Hazelbaker and Dan Johnson in the second and third respectively. Already leading 5-1 after three, Memphis tacked on one more run on Thornburg thanks to a Stephen Picotty two-out RBI single. Ariel Pena would take over for the struggling starter in the fifth in hopes of quieting the Memphis lineup. Redbirds manager Mike Shildt called upon Redbirds righty Heath Wyatt to take over for Kiekhefer with two out and a clear set of bases in the fourth as the regular reliever had reached 43 pitches on the afternoon. Wyatt (1-0, 0.96) twirled three strong scoreless innings in relief, allowing just three hits while striking out two to keep Colorado Springs at a five-run deficit with just seven home outs to go. Pena allowed one run over his solid three frames, surrendering two base knocks and two free passes while striking out one. Rob Wooten and Jaye Chapman would combine for two shutout innings to keep Memphis within the offensive arm's reach heading into the eighth and ninth innings. Beginning his first fresh inning of the night after getting the final out of the seventh, Justin Wright failed to record an out in the eighth. The lefty opened the inning by allowing consecutive singles to Kyle Wren, pinch-hitter Logan Schafer, Herrera and Dominguez with the latter two cashing in for RBI knocks. The quick two-run rally cut the Sky Sox deficit to four runs, now trailing 7-3 with two on and no out. Shildt had no interest in taking any risks regardless of the still comfortable four-run lead, turning to Keith Butler out of the bullpen with Robinzon Diaz coming to the plate. The righty-righty match-up worked in Memphis' favor as Diaz grounded into a 5-3 double play started by the perfectly placed Greg Garcia down the third base line. Nevin Ashley followed with a fly out to deep right field to end the scoring threat and take the 7-3 ballgame into the ninth. Chapman's scoreless Redbirds ninth led to a more important scoreless Sky Sox ninth for Butler. The reliever gave up a leadoff single to Matt Long before retiring Yadiel Rivera, Bryan Petersen and Wren in order to secure the Memphis win. Butler earned his first save of the season as the Redbirds improve to 43-41. Despite matching Memphis with 11 hits, the Sox fall to a season-low 16 games below .500 at 32-48. The Sox will look to turn it around on Monday night in game three of their four-game set with Memphis. Josh Roenicke (4-5, 4.75) takes the ball in a match-up with Redbirds left-hander Nick Greenwood (6-3, 5.72) with first pitch set for 7:05 PM MDT (8:05 Central) at Security Service Field. Colorado Springs Box Score Tyler Thornburg's a long ways from being the best dancer in the Wei-Chung Wang videos from a year ago, he can't be a happy puppy these days; Sky Sox need to free up a roster spot prior to Monday's game with Jason Rogers' and Corey Knebel's arrivals... Colorado Springs Game Log

Sky Sox broadcaster Dan Karcher sits down with manager Rick Sweet prior to Friday's game at Nashville on Sky Sox Warmup on AM1300 The Animal. Unfortunately, it would then be a lost, sad weekend back at home vs. Memphis.

Veteran RHP John Ely, who went on the AAA disabled list way back on April 17th, comes back tonight in a rehab start with Maryvale. The 29-year-old had missed all but one game in 2013 with Tommy John, so the fact he isn't going to be absent for all of the rest of 2015 is good news.

Dustin DeMuth blazing own path with Brewers Al Hamnik, NWI.com (Indiana) Times Correspondent http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/47/b47f70a2-5ee2-55df-9ad4-47278d050079/5599ba0116d86.preview-620.png *** Full article also appears in our season long Timber Rattlers archive feature article thread for archiving purposes...

Dustin DeMuth blazing own path with Brewers Al Hamnik, NWI.com (Indiana) Times Correspondent http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/47/b47f70a2-5ee2-55df-9ad4-47278d050079/5599ba0116d86.preview-620.png Imagine being in a family where everyone is so talented, even the pet cat has its own blog. That's a joke, folks. But Dustin DeMuth knows the feeling. Father Dave was a three-sport standout at Highland and a former boys basketball coach at Connersville, mother Judy was once the Highland superintendent, and sisters Julie and Jenny played Division I basketball. That's a tough act to follow and the 6-foot-3, 200-pound LaPorte graduate is holding his own with the Milwaukee Brewers' Class A affiliate, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. "I wouldn't say I was pressured," DeMuth said, looking back at his childhood. "I was definitely pushed towards sports but if I didn't play sports, I wasn't going to be looked down upon by the family. They always say the youngest is the best one so I try to prove that to them. "I've been happy playing sports my whole life and I continue to be happy. Hopefully, I can play baseball the rest of my life and not get a real job." DeMuth began the Fourth of July weekend as the Timber Rattlers' team leader in hits (71), total bases (95), RBIs (27) and games played (71). The .282 hitter was second in walks while being used at first base, third and as a designated hitter. "I'm just trying to get good swings, use all fields and be as consistent as possible," DeMuth said. "I'm not trying to do too much. I'm not trying to hit a four-run homer every time up at bat. "They kinda let you play and figure it out on your own until there's a major struggle -- then they'll step in." Minor league ball often has its dog days as well. "No one's 100 percent (healthy). Everyone knows that," DeMuth said. "Yeah, there's days you're more tired than others but at the end of the day, you have to come out and perform just like you did the day before. "You have to try to not let (fatigue) get in your head. You have to trick yourself into believing you're not tired." Baseball will drive you crazy if you can't make contact with the ball and you become a human corkscrew like Adam Dunn was late in his career with the White Sox. "It's one of the most frustrating things in the game when you swing at a pitch you don't want to swing at or swing at a pitch in the dirt and don't get a hit," DeMuth said. "Being in a game of failure, you got to realize you're going to fail seven out of 10 times (at bat) and if you do that, you're probably going to be in the big leagues." DeMuth was an eighth-round pick of the Twins in the 2013 MLB June Amateur draft and a fifth-round selection of the Brewers in 2014. He saw his baseball future brighten considerably while starring at Indiana University, adding the dream isn't over and the goal not yet accomplished. "I have to keep working, do the best I can, year in and year out, pitch after pitch," DeMuth said. "Hopefully, with all the work I put in, I'll be able to make it."

NOTE: Helena friends, family and diehards, are you ready to pony up $12.99 for the month of July for MiLB.TV? The next seven games, starting Tuesday, are available on MiLB.TV, here's the team schedule (Mountain Time). Remember, the games archive so you can also watch them after the fact...

Final: Helena 5, Billings 1 Brewers split series with 5-1 win Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (7-10) earned a series split on Sunday with a 5-1 win over the Billings Mustangs (7-10) at Dehler Park. It was the first time this season that the Brewers' pitching staff allowed just one run as three pitchers combined for the seventh win of the season for Helena. Milton Gomez (1-0) got the start, tossing five innings of one-run baseball. Gomez gave up just three hits and struck out four. Helena took an early lead with a run in the top of the first inning. Troy Stokes scored on a throwing error by catcher Tyler Stephenson after stealing third. The Brewers would steal six bases in the game. Billings tied it up in the fourth when Hector Vargas blooped an RBI-single into right field to score Ed Charlton. Helena padded their lead with three runs in the seventh on just two hits. Jose Cuas and Carlos Belonis came up with singles off Franderlyn Romero (1-1) and scored later in the inning. Omar Cotto Lozada led the way offensively for Helena, going 3-for-4 and stealing five bases. He is now in first place in the Pioneer League in thefts. Lefty Jake Drossner was equally solid in relief for the Brewers, facing the minimum through three innings and giving up just one hit. Helena has won four of their last six games and now heads to the Southern Division for the first time this season. The fifth game of their road trip will begin a four-game series with the Grand Junction Rockies on Tuesday at Suplizio Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). NOTES from the Billings Gazette: Billings managed only four hits and only one, a line drive by Ed Charlton, was hit hard. The Mustangs had two infield singles and a bloop RBI single by Hector Vargas. . . . The temperature at first pitch was 66 degrees, 34 degrees cooler than the 100 degrees at first pitch on Saturday. Helena Box Score Later this week we're going to fully document how the Brewers undrafted signees are doing, they're really off to remarkable starts, including Helena OF Omar Cotto out of USC (.839 OPS, 11 SB's, zero CS). H-Crew won despite being 1-for-12 in RISP. David Denson, DH'ing here, had the only XBH, a double. Is Maryvale's Tyrone Perry poised to shine longer-term where Denson has plateaued? Players of their profile certainly get our attention right away, don't they? Helena Game Log

RHP David Burkhalter is Cody Ponce's tandem today, so it's likely LHP Kodi Medeiros has graduated from being in a tandem himself. We'll learn on Monday.