Jim Goulart

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

Monday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: Idle ********** Biloxi: Idle for the All-Star Break; Game is in Montgomery, AL Tuesday night, audio details in tomorrow's Link Report ********** Brevard County: RHP's Johnny Hellweg and Eric Marzec in a doubleheader at Lakeland (Tigers), 4:00 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings NOTE: No online audio at all for this series. ********** Wisconsin: Idle for the All-Star Break; Game is in Peoria, IL Tuesday night, audio details in tomorrow's Link Report *** Helena: RHP J.B. Kole at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime 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). MiLB.TV -- When the H-Crew makes their way to Grand Junction and Orem in July, and Idaho Falls in August, those games will be available to watch online. *** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Angels' complex in Tempe, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league *** DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Red Sox #2 squad, 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.

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

Final: Arizona Angels 10, Arizona Brewers 0 Maryvale Box Score First thing first, covered earlier in this thread, our best to Trent -- AZL Angels Top of the 1st Jahmai Jones called out on strikes. Franklin Torres doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Nicolas Pierre. With Gabriel Santana batting, wild pitch by Caleb Smith, Franklin Torres to 3rd. Gabriel Santana triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Nicolas Pierre. Franklin Torres scores. AZL Brewers center fielder Trent Clark left the game due to an injured head. Defensive switch from left field to center field for Joantgel Segovia. Defensive Substitution: Juan Ortiz replaces center fielder Trent Clark, batting 2nd, playing left field. Nick Flair out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Nicolas Pierre. Gabriel Santana scores. Trever Allen lines out to center fielder Joantgel Segovia. As for the game, the individual pitching lines don't look nearly as bad as the cumulative final tally; 2nd-year RHP Caleb Smith (2014 15th round, Rice), who walked 26 in 25 innings last summer, got the start and while he only walked one, Smith did allow three runs on five hits in two innings; over the next seven innings, three pitchers making their pro debuts (9th round Oregon HS RHP Karsen Lindell, 12th round University of Tennessee LHP Drake Owenby, and undrafted RHP Jose Flores (NAIA school University of Science & Arts, Oklahoma) combined to only allow two earned runs on nine hits and four walks while striking out four. Lindell's three-inning line was unique in that he contributed neither a walk nor a strikeout. Five unearned runs were allowed: FIELDING E: Ortiz, Ju (1, fielding), Lara, G (1, throw), Wallace (1, missed catch), Leonardo (1, throw). PB: Wallace (2). Outfield assists: Ortiz, Ju 2 (Rodriguez at 3rd base, Walsh at home). DP: (Oquendo-Leonardo-Perry). Maryvale Game Log Brewer batters were 0-for-9 with RISP, as they managed baserunners with nine hits, including a Gilbert Lara triple (his only hit in four trips), but A-Crew batters fanned nine times, including three by Joantgel Segovia, who only struck out 19 times in 224 AB's while winning the DSL batting crown last season. Segovia slid to center field after Trent Clark's unfortunate departure. LF Juan Ortiz, in his 4th year but just 20 years old, entered the game, and as you saw above, you don't run on Juan Ortiz. 18-year-old Nicolas Pierre made his stateside debut, playing RF and singling twice in four trips. There was one pro debut among position players, as 28th round catcher Mitch Ghelfi (UW-Milwaukee via Lacrosse) was called out on strikes as a 9th inning pinch-hitter, ending the game.

Final: Helena 9, Great Falls 2 Late Homers Lift Brewers to 9-2 Win Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (2-2) used eight late runs on Sunday to topple the Great Falls Voyagers (1-2) 9-2 at Kindrick Field in Helena. Southpaw David Carver would pitch the first six innings for Helena, giving up nine hits, but only allowing one run and striking out six. He would not receive a decision. The Brewers took an early 1-0 lead when Blake Allemand hit an RBI single off Matt Ball to score Carlos Belonis in the third. Allemand is now on a four-game hitting streak to start his professional career. Matt Ball baffled Brewer batters for the first six innings, allowing just two hits and striking out six. The Voyagers briefly took a 2-1 lead in the fifth when Dante Flores led off with a double. He scored on the sacrifice fly of Nick Parent two batters later. Frank Califano was 4-for-5 on the day for the Voyagers, continuing his solid hitting for the White Sox affiliate. He would not score in the game. The majority of Helena's runs came in the seventh courtesy of three home runs off relievers Braulio Ortiz (0-1) and Chris Freudenberg. David Denson, Belonis and Monte Harrison all hit two-run homers to left to bust open a big Brewers' lead. Denson would finish the day 2-for-4 with the home run and a double. Junior Rincon (1-0) finished the game on the mound for the Brewers, pitching the final two and two-thirds innings. He would not allow a run on four hits and strike out four batters. The Voyagers and the Brewers will face off again on Monday at Kindrick Field in the third game of their four-game series. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). *** Brewers bats stay hot in 9-2 win over Voyagers Ryan Collingwood, Helena Independent Record Matt Ball had little trouble keeping a potent Helena Brewers lineup in check Sunday afternoon. But as soon as Ball -- the Great Falls Voyagers hurler who gave up just one run on two hits with no walks in six innings of work -- was relieved in the seventh, the Brewers swiftly reverted to their big-hitting ways. The Brewers used a seven-run seventh inning to down the Voyagers 9-2 at Kindrick Legion Field, an effort spearheaded by three home runs in the game-changing frame. When Voyagers (1-2) reliever Braulio Ortiz started the inning, Brewers shortstop Jake Gatewood turned his first pitch into a stand-up double. That started an onslaught that saw David Denson, Carlos Belonis and Monte Harrison each follow up with two-run homers. Luis Aviles added an RBI single. The Brewers (2-2) finished with 10 hits Sunday and have now tallied 44 hits in their first four games of the season. "They brought in (Ortiz) and he was a little up in the zone today, as he would probably attest to," Brewers skipper Tony Diggs said. "And when he did the guys got a hold of some good pitches and made him pay for it." Denson, a first baseman recently sent down from Milwaukee's Single A club in Appleton, Wisconsin, went 2 for 4 and hit a double to go with his opposite field homer. Belonis finished the game 2 for 3 with two runs. Denson tipped his hat to Ball, who retired 10 straight batters before being replaced in the seventh, but believed the Brewers' slow start was more their own doing. "We're still bonding and it's the start of the season, so you're going to start off a little slow, which is expected, but once we start going everything comes together," Denson said. "(Ball), not to take anything away from him, he's a good pitcher, we were on him, but it was the start of the game and it's the start of the season." The Brewers took a 1-0 lead in the third after second baseman Blake Allemand knocked in Belonis with an RBI single, but the Voyagers responded with a couple of runs in the fifth. Nick Parent's sacrifice fly brought in Dante Flores to tie the game before a two-out RBI single by Johan Cruz gave his team a 2-1 edge. Left-handed starter David Carver went six innings for the Brewers. He gave up one run on nine hits and received a no-decision. Junior Rincon relieved Carver with one out and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh. Rincon, who earned the win, got out of that inning unscathed and finished the game giving up two hits, striking out four and walking two in 2 2/3 innings. "I can't say enough about Rincon coming into the situation he did," Diggs said. "One out and and the bases loaded he closes out the inning." The Brewers were their usual, assertive selves on the base paths. The Brewers stole five bases, bringing their season total to 10. Frank Califano paced the Voyagers at the plate, going 4 for 5. The Voyagers, an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox who downed the Brewers 12-7 in Great Falls on Saturday, continue their series at 7:05 PM Monday night (8:05 Central) at Kindrick Legion Field. Right-hander J.B. Kole gets the start for Helena while lefty Tanner Banks gets the nod for Great Falls. Notes: Brewers 2014 high draft picks Jake Gatewood (first round, 41st overall) and Monte Harrison (second round, 50th overall) are off to slow starts offensively in Helena after being demoted from Single A Wisconsin. Harrison and Gatewood -- the No. 2 and No. 3 hitters in the Brewers' lineup -- are a combined 4 for 37 at the plate, striking out 13 times. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Yy59-V9Ay6A Helena Box Score Corner outfielders Troy Stokes (double, walk, SB) and Carlos Belonis (HR, single, walk, SB) continue to post gaudy numbers; LHP David Carver hit one batter, but walked none, and got seven ground ball outs vs. one in the air (six K's). Carver, now 23, only walked 11 in 41.1 innings last year split between Maryvale and Helena; RHP Junior Rincon was a train wreck in 2014 after his pickup by the Brewers (released by Marlins after 2013), but Milwaukee's sticking with him, fine effort included this rescue mission -- Great Falls Top of the 7th Ryan Jones doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Carlos Belonis. Nick Parent reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Jake Gatewood. Grant Massey bunt pops out to catcher Milan Post. Frank Califano singles on a ground ball to third baseman Luis Aviles. Ryan Jones to 3rd. Nick Parent to 2nd. Pitching Change: Junior Rincon replaces David Carver. Johan Cruz strikes out swinging. Antonio Rodriguez grounds out to first baseman David Denson. Helena Game Log 7 in the 7th -- Helena Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Braulio Ortiz replaces Matt Ball. Jake Gatewood doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Frank Califano. Steven Karkenny pops out to third baseman Johan Cruz in foul territory. With David Denson batting, Jake Gatewood steals (1) 3rd base. David Denson homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Jake Gatewood scores. Milan Post strikes out swinging. Troy Stokes walks. With Luis Aviles batting, Troy Stokes steals (2) 2nd base. Luis Aviles singles on a line drive to right fielder Louis Silverio. Troy Stokes scores. Luis Aviles advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by right fielder Louis Silverio. With Carlos Belonis batting, Luis Aviles steals (2) 3rd base. Carlos Belonis homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Luis Aviles scores. Pitching Change: Chris Freudenberg replaces Braulio Ortiz. Blake Allemand walks. Monte Harrison homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Blake Allemand scores. Jake Gatewood pops out to second baseman Dante Flores.

Got some answers to our questions -- Houle's formal status is that he's on Helena's disabled list (no distinction as to 7-day vs. 60-day). *** Williams' formal status is on the Brevard County 7-day DL. *** Narron has been placed on the organization's Restricted List, we do not know any of the circumstances, although that list often (but not always) indicates a player failed to report, or retired without filing final paperwork. *** Surprisingly, Martin was released on June 12th. We wish the young man well going forward.

To make room for RHP Hiram Burgos' activation at Colorado Springs, RHP Jim Henderson was placed on the Sky Sox 7-day DL, retroactive to 6/19. No official word on the nature or severity of Henderson's injury, or whether this was a phantom move due to a roster crunch at this time.

PHOTO GALLERY: At the article link below, you'll find 71(!) images from Colorado Springs Gazette photographer Mark Reis, including that of RHP Hiram Burgos shown here. Now, only about 20 of the images are of Sky Sox players and field staff, and those shots are interspersed among all the fan shots, but worthwhile if you're a photog buff... http://cdn.csgazette.biz/cache/w300-157f9ba582235115c8cf2d3fececa3db.jpg Pitcher Hiram Burgos makes Sky Sox debut on his way back up baseball's ladder By Brent Briggeman, Colorado Springs Gazette Hiram Burgos had climbed to the top of baseball's ladder. An arm injury didn't set him back one rung, it dropped him all the way to the bottom. The righty from Puerto Rico, who made his Sky Sox debut Sunday in a 6-2 victory, is back on the doorstep after hitting the reset button on his career. "I knew I had to get my arm healthy after surgery," said Burgos, who underwent an operation in 2014 for a right shoulder strain. "To me, even though I had to start over, it's a blessing right now to have the ball every five days and be pitching." Burgos went four innings, giving up two runs and striking out three Sunday as the Sky Sox earned a split in a four-game series with New Orleans. He escaped a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam in the fourth by giving up just one run before exiting. They Sky Sox had strung together six straight singles in the first inning, building a 5-0 cushion. Yadiel Rivera led the way for Colorado Springs with three hits and two RBIs. The start for Burgos wasn't eye-popping - particularly compared to five lock-down frames from the bullpen - but it was a starting point as he tries to climb one more level in a year that has already seen him move up twice. The Brewers took Burgos in the sixth round of the 2009 draft and he immediately started advancing through the organization. In 2012 he was the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year after going 10-4 with a 1.95 ERA over 27 starts at High-A, Double-A and Triple-A. The next year he was a part of Milwaukee's big-league rotation for six starts until an injury in mid-May shortened his season. Then came the shoulder problems in 2014 that limited him to four starts and put him in surgery. When he hit free agency after that year, the Brewers offered him a minor-league deal but with the understanding that he was going to have to do it all over again. He has accepted the challenge, earning promotions to Double-A and Triple-A already this season. "He's been around, so he gets it," Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet said. "What's difficult is the young guys who really don't know how this game works, so when things happen it surprises them. Burgos, he's been to the big leagues and he wants to get back; that makes it easier for him. He's had that taste, he knows what it's like." Joining the Sky Sox clubhouse was an easy transition for Burgos, who has moved so frequently he hasn't pitched in more than 13 games for any team in a season since 2011. "The good thing is I know a lot of these guys from spring training and in the past, and it's a really good group of guys," he said. "Wherever you go, you have to do your job. It's the same game everywhere you go." Note The Sky Sox team historian believes this is the first time Colorado Springs has played a homestand of at least seven games without a home run from either team. The Sky Sox haven't homered in their past 13 home games. Since the team is away for the rest of the month, they will go the month of June without a home run at home.

From Saturday's Link Report -- Colorado Springs' Nevin Ashley slaps a two-run triple as the Sky Sox top New Orleans, 9-6

Adam McCalvy Tweet -- I'm told Trent Clark's family was informed he has complete movement in neck, arms & legs. #Brewers 1st round pick hurt in AZL tonight.

Thank you everyone, for the Trent Clark alerts and updates tonight. We almost feel guilty chiming in with other updates, because this was potentially such a serious situation. Goes to show what a fine network of information we have available to us. Imagine how empty we'd be on this pre-social media. Our thoughts are with the young man and on with the Link Report...

Final: Colorado Springs 6, New Orleans 2 Five-Run First Sends Sox Past Zephyrs In 6-2 Win Early Offense and Strong Pitching Provide Sox with Winning Formula By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/9/6/2/132139962/cuts/06_21_008sm_pk_np872gkw_4vj7kbui.jpg Making his first Sky Sox start, Hiram Burgos tossed four strong innings of two-run ball in the Sox 6-2 win on Sunday. (Photo by Paat Kelly) COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The Sky Sox showcased one of their best all around performances of the 2015 season to secure a series-split with the New Orleans Zephyrs in a 6-2 win before a Father's Day crowd of 5,201 at Security Service Field on Sunday afternoon. The Sox offense wasted no time, jumping out to a five-run lead in the home first against Zephyrs starter Chris Narveson (0-1, 67.50). After Kyle Wren flew out to right to start the Colorado Springs day at the plate, the Sox would knock six consecutive singles to give the team four runs with just one out. Matt Dominguez, Nevin Ashley and Yadiel Rivera each collected RBI singles in the frame. Wren got a second chance to join the first inning action when the team batted around, bringing the centerfielder up to the plate with the bases loaded and two out. Wren drew a bases loaded walk to extend the extremely early Sox lead to 5-0. The walk gave the recently promoted speedster his first Sky Sox RBI since joining the team. Colorado Springs wound up chasing the New Orleans left-hander after just 0.2 innings of work as fellow lefty Greg Nappo would be called upon to mop up the rough start. Narveson was charged with five runs on six hits and two walks in the abbreviated season debut. Starting his first game for Colorado Springs since his recent call-up, Hiram Burgos tossed four solid inning of two-run ball, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three along the way. Sunday marked the right-hander's first Triple-A action since going down with injury after just four starts with Nashville in 2014. After a strong first inning that saw him strike out two batters with ease, Burgos would stumble slightly in the top of the second. Vinny Rottino led off the frame with a double before coming around to score on a one-out RBI triple by New Orleans centerfielder Isaac Galloway. Burgos kept his composure after the rattling extra base hits, getting his next two batters to go down quickly and strand the runner at third. The Zephyrs tagged Burgos for their second and final run in the fourth thanks to some wildness (two walks to the inning's first three batters) and a sacrifice fly by former Nationals backstop Jesus Flores. The ever-reliable Tim Dillard (2-1, 3.95) came on in the top of the fifth to keep New Orleans right where they were. The righty did just that, tossing two perfect innings in relief of Burgos to pick up the win. Colorado Springs added one more run in the bottom of the fifth to cap the day's offensive production. Last night's game-winning hitter and newest Sox infielder Matt Dominguez led off the inning with a double off of Zephyrs reliever Pat Misch before Yadiel Rivera came through with yet another RBI single two batters later. The RBI base knock was the shortstop's second of the ballgame and extended the Sky Sox lead to 6-2 after five innings of play. Rick Sweet's club would not look back from there as the long-time manager deployed righties Ariel Pena and David Goforth out of the bullpen to shut down the New Orleans offense the rest of the way. Pena and Goforth combined for three shutout innings to give the bullpen a collective five innings of scoreless work. Upon getting Galloway to fly out to shallow right to end the ballgame, Goforth secured the exciting 6-2 Father's Day win and series-split with the visiting Zephyrs. Not a single home run was hit by the home or visiting teams during this seven-game homestand that saw the Oklahoma City Dodgers and New Orleans Zephyrs come to town. This is the first time in Security Service Field history where in a homestand of at least seven games went homerless by both the Sky Sox and opposition. After a well-deserved off day on Monday, Colorado Springs will look to find its power stroke as the Sox visit the aforementioned OKC Dodgers starting on Tuesday for the first of a three-game set. Drew Gagnon (1-8, 7.15) takes the mound against former big leaguer Scott Baker (5-3, 3.88) with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 PM MDT (7:05 Central) at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Colorado Springs Box Score Matt Long and Elian Herrera were on the bench, but Rick Sweet went with Tyler Thornburg as the pinch-hit choice with two out and none on in the 8th, likely saving for possible extras, although up 6-2 at the time; it's an interesting time for you all to click on Yadiel Rivera's player page, because he has almost the same number of AAA at-bats (122) as AA at-bats (115) in 2015. Sure, there could be more walks, but he's hanging in there at the higher level... Colorado Springs Game Log

Victor Roache blasts Biloxi's first walk-off homer as the Shuckers edge Montgomery, 1-0, Saturday night

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 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 *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin *** Weather.com: Colorado Springs, CO Biloxi, MS Beloit, WI Helena, MT Maryvale, AZ

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

Sunday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Hiram Burgos at home vs. New Orleans (Marlins), 2:05 PM pre-game, 2:35 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 Martin Viramontes at home vs. Montgomery (Rays), 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! ********** Brevard County: Idle ********** Wisconsin: RHP's Angel Ventura and Devin Williams in a doubleheader at Beloit (Athletics), 11:40 AM pre-game, 12:00 PM 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: LHP David Carver at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 1:45 PM pre-game, 2:05 gametime 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). MiLB.TV -- When the H-Crew makes their way to Grand Junction and Orem in July, and Idaho Falls in August, those games will be available to watch online. *** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home vs. the mini-Angels, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league *** DSL Brewers: Idle 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.

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

Voice of the Shuckers Chris Harris also has a fun Twitter timeline from last night.

Cool Manatees All-Star Tweet / Photo

Final: AZL Brewers 4, AZL Cubs 0 Yee-hah! Maryvale Box Score Guess we'll start with the pitching, yes? There are some happy Brewer scouts this AM, as four pitchers, all making their professional debuts, combined on the six-hit shutout, walking only one with six K's total. 22-year-old 6'5", 220 lb. Oklahoma State RHP Jon Perrin (27th round), retired all nine men he faced, fanning two. Next up was 38th round Texas State RHP Scott Grist, listed at 6'4", 185. The 23-year-old Grist got himself out of a jam in his first frame and after a 1-2-3 followup inning, watched his catcher do spectacular work -- AZL Cubs Bottom of the 4th Pitching Change: Scott Grist replaces Jon Perrin. Roberto Caro singles on a ground ball to right fielder Yerald Martinez. With Andruw Monasterio batting, wild pitch by Scott Grist, Roberto Caro to 2nd. Andruw Monasterio flies out to center fielder Trent Clark. Carlos Sepulveda grounds out, second baseman Daniel Leonardo to first baseman Tyrone Perry. Roberto Caro to 3rd. Joe Martarano strikes out swinging, catcher Beau Wallace to first baseman Tyrone Perry. AZL Cubs Bottom of the 6th Robert Garcia singles on a ground ball to center fielder Trent Clark. With Danny Gutierrez batting, Robert Garcia caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Beau Wallace to second baseman Daniel Leonardo. Danny Gutierrez singles on a line drive to left fielder Joantgel Segovia. With Roberto Caro batting, Danny Gutierrez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Beau Wallace to shortstop Gilbert Lara. Roberto Caro lines out to shortstop Gilbert Lara. Not bad for a converted third baseman, we learned about Beau Wallace in this February 7th post. Next up was 22-year-old 6'0", 200 lb. 31st round RHP Colton Cross, out of Shorter University in Georgia. He would toss 2.2 innings, and remember this from earlier in this Link Report: AZL Cubs Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Colton Cross replaces Scott Grist. Andruw Monasterio grounds out, shortstop Gilbert Lara to first baseman Tyrone Perry. Carlos Sepulveda singles on a line drive to left fielder Joantgel Segovia. Joe Martarano singles on a line drive to center fielder Trent Clark. Carlos Sepulveda to 3rd. Joe Martarano out at 2nd, center fielder Trent Clark to shortstop Gilbert Lara. Wladimir Galindo called out on strikes. Sweet! On for the one-out save, 22-year-old 6'2", 202 lb. 20th round East Carolina RHP David Lucroy -- AZL Cubs Bottom of the 9th Roberto Caro walks. Andruw Monasterio flies out to right fielder Yerald Martinez. Carlos Sepulveda grounds into a force out, second baseman Daniel Leonardo to shortstop Gilbert Lara. Roberto Caro out at 2nd. Carlos Sepulveda to 1st. Joe Martarano singles on a fly ball to right fielder Yerald Martinez. Carlos Sepulveda to 3rd. Pitching Change: David Lucroy replaces Colton Cross. Wladimir Galindo lines out to second baseman Daniel Leonardo. Maryvale Game Log Clean defense by the A-Crew, too, save for one passed ball by Beau Wallace. Wonderful pro debut for 19-year-old 14th round Florida high school 1B Tyrone Perry, who doubled, singled, walked, drove in a run, and scored a run (one K). The imposing Perry is listed at 6'1", 265. The other two pro debuts were much anticipated: That of first-round CF Trent Clark -- called out on strikes, walked, called out on strikes, line drive opposite field RBI single to left. That of SS Gilbert Lara -- 6-3 groundout, flyout to CF, 4-3 groundout, single on ground ball to LF Congrats on your first pro hits, young men! In fact, we should memorialize this inning: AZL Brewers Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Trey Masek replaces Erling Moreno. Jonathan Oquendo walks. Daniel Leonardo out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Trey Masek to first baseman Roney Alcala. Jonathan Oquendo to 2nd. Joantgel Segovia called out on strikes. Trent Clark singles on a line drive to left fielder Danny Gutierrez. Jonathan Oquendo scores. Gilbert Lara singles on a ground ball to left fielder Danny Gutierrez. Trent Clark to 2nd. Pitching Change: Michael Knighton replaces Trey Masek. Tyrone Perry singles on a ground ball to center fielder Roberto Caro. Trent Clark scores. Gilbert Lara scores. Tyrone Perry to 2nd. Throwing error by center fielder Roberto Caro. Yerald Martinez strikes out swinging. When those three kids make their Miller Park debuts, we'll remember that inning image, won't we? 18-year-old LF Joantgel Segovia, who won the DSL batting title in his age 17 season, was 1-for-4 in his stateside debut. Also debuting stateside was 19-year-old RF Yerald Martinez, who also singled in four trips. So this was truly a pretty spectacular day for all the newbies with may "firsts" out of the way.

Final: Great Falls 12, Helena 7 Brief game summary of this road contest via the Helena Independent Record: Brewers bested in road opener In a three-run hole early, the Helena Brewers battled back to tie it up in their first road contest of the season in Great Falls on Saturday. A sixth-inning surge was too much for the Capital City squad to handle, however, and Great Falls pulled away for a 12-7 win at Centene Stadium. The loss drops Helena to 1-2 on the season, while Great Falls -- which had a game washed out in Billings earlier this week -- improves to 1-1. Helena reliever Bubba Blau took the loss after entering in the sixth inning. The game tied at 5, he gave up six runs on five hits over two frames, ballooning his ERA to 33.75 after also struggling in the Brewers' season opener. Great Falls picked up three runs in the bottom of the first, getting to starter Milton Gomez early. The Voyagers got another run in the second, but Gomez then settled down and saw his team rally for a 5-4 lead with a four-run fourth inning. The advantage didn't last long, however, as Great Falls tied it up in the fifth and then put up four in the sixth to take control. Left fielder Troy Stokes finished 3 for 4 with two runs scores and three RBIs -- aided by a pair of home runs -- to lead the Brewers. Helena also got a pair of hits from leadoff man Blake Allemand, Steven Karkenny and Omar Cotto. *** Via the Great Falls Tribune: Troy Stokes’ two home runs kept Helena within striking distance. His second, a solo shot in the eighth inning, easily cleared the Centene Stadium scoreboard behind the left-field fence. Helena Box Score 19-year-old 2014 4th round LF Troy Stokes is certainly capable of playing CF, but Monte Harrison is patrolling there now. These were the first two professional home runs of the 5'8", 182 lb. Stokes' career, congrats! Stokes also stole a base after his single. Speaking of Harrison, he was 0-for-4 here (one sacrifice bunt), and is now 1-for-14 (one BB, four K's) in three Helena contests. SS Jake Gatewood is no better, 0-for-5 with three K's on Saturday night, now 1-for-15 (one BB, six K's) in three Pioneer League games. Needless to say, these two young men are in need of some positive performances. Congratulations to RF Omar Cotto on his first two professional hits, including a triple. David Denson singled in four trips as the designated hitter. Helena Game Log Four runs, all with two outs here -- Helena Top of the 4th Jake Gatewood strikes out swinging. Steven Karkenny singles on a fly ball to left fielder Landon Lassiter. David Denson grounds out, shortstop Grant Massey to first baseman Sikes Orvis. Steven Karkenny to 2nd. Jose Cuas singles on a ground ball to right fielder Antonio Rodriguez. Steven Karkenny scores. Jose Cuas advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by right fielder Antonio Rodriguez. Troy Stokes homers (1) on a fly ball to left center field. Jose Cuas scores. Kevin Martinez walks. Omar Cotto triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Antonio Rodriguez. Kevin Martinez scores. Pitching Change: Lucas Shearrow replaces Evin Einhardt. Blake Allemand lines out to shortstop Grant Massey. *** Rough start is an understatement for 2014 24th round RHP Bubba Blau of Dixie State (Utah) - walks were not a big issue for him in Maryvale last summer, but he's now walked ten in 2.2 innings in 2015. RHP Brock Hudgens made his Helena debut - also wild as detailed below. Hudgens had struggled in two Timber Rattler appearances in April before being sent to extended spring training. Great Falls Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Brock Hudgens replaces Bubba Blau. Antonio Rodriguez walks. Sikes Orvis walks. Antonio Rodriguez to 2nd. Zach Fish walks. Antonio Rodriguez to 3rd. Sikes Orvis to 2nd. Casey Schroeder out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Monte Harrison. Antonio Rodriguez scores. With Victor Velasquez batting, wild pitch by Brock Hudgens, Sikes Orvis to 3rd. Zach Fish to 2nd. Victor Velasquez called out on strikes. Landon Lassiter pops out to second baseman Blake Allemand.

Matt Clark follows his father's footsteps to Colorado Springs Sky Sox, life in pro baseball By Brent Briggeman, Colorado Springs Gazette Also posted in full in our season-long Sky Sox archived feature thread...

Matt Clark follows his father's footsteps to Colorado Springs Sky Sox, life in pro baseball By Brent Briggeman, Colorado Springs Gazette Matt Clark grew up facing an obstacle any aspiring ballplayer would gladly take. He struggled not to catch up with fastballs, but to slow himself down enough to match the level of his peers. This was the result of Clark regularly taking batting practice against his father, Terry Clark, who pitched for seven teams in a six-year big-league career that ended in 1997, when Matt was 11. "I would challenge him all the time to give me his best stuff," Matt Clark said. "Being able to see that when you're that young it becomes a problem. I'd have him pitch to me so much that when I'd then face guys who weren't nearly as good I'd have to make myself almost worse to be able to hit their stuff because it was so slow." That problem, of course, paled in comparison to the advantages of having a big-league father for Clark. He lived a nomadic lifestyle, often following his father through stops along with his mother and sister, but he met the biggest baseball stars of his childhood. "I was around it for so long that it just seemed like another thing to hang out with Cal Ripken or Rafael Palmeiro - future Hall of Famers," Clark said. "Looking back on it, it's like, 'Oh my gosh, the things I could have asked those guys.' It's pretty unbelievable." Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet said sons of former ballplayers benefit greatly from absorbing the game for so long. "Usually the sons that come in have a better understanding of the game because they've been there, they've seen it," Sweet said. "It's a huge advantage. "You're no long star-struck, you want to be one of the stars." Clark hasn't yet developed into one of those stars. At 28, his big-league career at this point consists of a 16-game cameo with the Milwaukee Brewers last year in which he hit three home runs in 27 at-bats. But don't expect Matt Clark to stop grinding any time soon. Terry Clark also didn't make his MLB debut until 27, and from that point on he pitched in 272 games in the minor leagues - even pitching in nine games for Colorado Springs in 1992 when the Sky Sox were the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. But Terry Clark also logged 232 innings in big-league stadiums, provided a livelihood for his family and parlayed that into a job as the minor-league pitching coordinator for the Seattle Mariners. Matt Clark decided long ago, after taking on his dad's best stuff and following him through all those clubhouses, that he would follow his father's example. So the grind continues. "This is what I know," Matt Clark said. "This is what I do, this is what I want to be a part of."

Andujar unlikely Home Run Derby winner Yankees No. 11 prospect outdistances Cardinals' Voit in final round By Erin Brown / Special to MiLB.com Not a great overall day for Clint -- Brevard County's Clint Coulter, Daytona's Phillip Ervin, Bradenton's JaCoby Jones and Charlotte's Jake Bauers, all of whom rank among the league's top 10 home run hitters at the break, struggled Saturday. Coulter and Bauer failed to hit any balls out of the home of the St. Lucie Mets; Ervin managed one. Jones registered three homers but failed to tack on more in the second round.