Jim Goulart

Big first half earns Manatees starter special birthday Michael Parsons, Florida Today http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/832954763f058cf42c9e219f715636d13f1900fb/c=0-44-2543-3435&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/2015/06/19/Brevard/B9317784240Z.1_20150619170326_000_GT2B4HG0B.1-0.jpg Brevard County starting pitcher Jorge Ortega leads all of pro baseball in complete games with four. (Photo: Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY) Jorge Ortega has more complete games than any pitcher in professional baseball this season. More than every major league team, in fact, except the Toronto Blue Jays, who have five this season led by Mark Buerhle's three. Ortega hits the break with four, three in the past month. So, it is no surprise that one of the Brevard County Manatees' starting pitchers will take the mound as an All-Star Saturday night as the North Division's starting pitcher. "It is truly an honor and I am thrilled to have been selected. I am really looking forward to pitching in the game," Ortega said through teammate and interpreter Javier Salas who also was named an All-Star. Part of the reason it will be so special is that Ortega will be turning 22 on Saturday. "It will be exciting," Ortega said. "There will be some nerves, it is the All-Star Game but I am really excited and looking forward to it." The right-hander from Caracas, Venezuela is getting used to finishing what he starts, something he won't be asked to do Saturday night in Port St. Lucie. "It feels great," Ortega said of finishing games. "The main thing I try to focus on is limiting my pitches and being aggressive. My motto is first-pitch strikes." The focus has led him to quick innings and low pitch counts. Ortega has not thrown more than 100 pitches in any of the complete games this season. The key, he says, is using his fastball that sits in the low 90s more aggressively early in the count. "The big thing is that I have been pitching inside more, something I have been working on in instructs and spring training," Ortega said. His pinpoint control does not hurt either. The starter has allowed just three walks in his past 70 innings and none of those have come in the past 37 innings. "I feel great, my body feels great," Ortega said. "I just focus on having quick innings." It has led him to a 6-4 record with a 1.78 ERA in 11 starts with the Manatees. The 1.78 ERA is third best in the Florida State League and his six wins is in the top 10. And a birthday to remember, standing on the mound as the starting pitcher for an All-Star Game. *** Manatee All-Stars Five players will represent Brevard County in the All-Star Game this weekend. Starting pitchers Jorge Ortega (6-4, 1.78 ERA), Javier Salas (6-4, 2.41 ERA), reliever Preston Gainey (2-2, 2.03 ERA) Second baseman Chris McFarland (.289, 13 doubles and 13 stolen bases) and outfielder Clint Coulter (.252, 10 home runs and 36 RBI) Outfielder Victor Roache was also named, but was promoted to Double A Biloxi last week.

Orf and running: Shuckers utility man becomes fast fan favorite Baylor product played all 9 positions in 1 game last year By Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald PHOTO GALLERY at link (It's an Orf-bonanza from prior galleries) *** Huge Nathan Orf fan -- this was also posted (in full) in our season-long Biloxi feature archive thread...

Orf and running: Shuckers utility man becomes fast fan favorite Baylor product played all 9 positions in 1 game last year By Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald PHOTO GALLERY at link (It's an Orf-bonanza from prior galleries) A dissonant cheer rang out in the stands the first time Nathan Orf stepped into the batter's box during a game at Biloxi's new MGM Park. "Orf ... Orf ... Orf ... Orf ... Orf." It may have been the first time Orf heard the odd chant in Biloxi, but it's far from the first time he's been welcomed to the plate with the cheer. "Normally, I hear it on the road and they're making fun of me for being little and my last name and all that stuff," Orf said. "It's nice to have them on my side here." The man with an odd last name has become an early fan favorite among the Biloxi Shuckers' supporters. Orf has also played some of his best baseball since the team had its June 6 home opener at MGM Park to end a 54-game road trip to start the season. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound Orf has improved his batting average by 13 points to .278 and he hit his first homer of the season in an 11-5 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits on Thursday night at MGM Park. In the field, he's been outstanding. Orf often switches between second and third base, but seems at ease in both spots. He has made plenty of athletic, diving stops and difficult throws. For Shuckers manager Carlos Subero, Orf is a player who can fill multiple roles in a variety of areas. "That type of player is going to have a chance to play in the big leagues," Subero said. "He can play second base and third base. He can even play some shortstop. He can play in the outfield. He's a utility in the lineup. He's a one hole, two hole, three hole. He's in the five hole, six hole, seven hole. That's pretty much what he is on both ends, from an offensive standpoint and a defensive standpoint." Orf has played in 63 games this season and that's a testament to his ability to adapt to whatever is asked of him that day. "I want to be in there every day," Orf said. "I don't care what spot in the lineup or where I'm at on defense. I'm glad to get the at-bats and have a chance to make plays." Orf's versatility was on full display in his final game last season at Advanced-A Brevard County, Fla., when he played all nine positions in the same game. Each inning, he changed spots on the field. In the ninth, he took the mound to face one batter and retired the one man he faced. In the bottom of the ninth, he served as the Manatees' first base coach. After the game, he was informed that he would be promoted to Huntsville, the Milwaukee Brewers' Double-A team that moved to Biloxi in the offseason. While Orf has played every position on the field, he has one spot where he thinks he fits best. "Athletically, probably second," Orf said. "I feel pretty comfortable at third. It doesn't really matter. I've got to prepare the best I can to play whatever position I'm at that day." At the plate, Orf has done a good job of getting on base all season. He is tied with outfielder Michael Reed for the team lead in walks with 30. Orf's on-base percentage stands at a solid .378 and he could soon see time in the leadoff role following the promotion of Kyle Wren to Triple-A Colorado Springs. "I try to have a quality at-bat every time I'm up there," Orf said. "I always try to respect the pitcher and at the same time, never give into him no matter what the count it is. I like to compete out of tough counts." Orf, a native of Wentzville, Mo., started his college career at Illinois-Chicago before transferring to play his final two seasons at Baylor, where he was named 2012 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12 in 2013. In keeping with his reputation for doing all things possible to get on base, he set the Baylor record for most times hit by a pitch in a career, 48, even though he only played two seasons at the Waco, Texas, school. Despite his standout career at Baylor, he was wasn't selected in the 2013 MLB Draft -- further proof of his underdog status as an undersized player. Orf was picked up as a free agent by the Brewers and he's proven himself worthy of the opportunity with a .289 batting average as a pro. Even though he wasn't drafted out of college, Orf looks back on his transfer to Baylor as a big step forward in his career. "A single prayer, and about three weeks later I was in Waco, Texas," Orf said. "(God) kind of led me down that way and he continues to lead me today. Hopefully, I'll be able to tell a pretty cool story some day."

Biloxi's Orlando Arcia singles home a run as the Shuckers fall to Montgomery, 11-5, on Thursday

Colorado Springs' Matt Long connects on his second double in a 9-2 Thursday loss to New Orleans

Via Dave Walkovic, Voice of the Manatees: RHP Jorge Ortega will be the starting pitcher for the North in the FSL All-Star Game.

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 Milwaukee, WI Helena, MT Boca Chica, 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 Friday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Colorado Springs Biloxi Wisconsin Helena DSL Brewers MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Friday's Daily Menu: TGIF! All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Tyler Thornburg at home vs. New Orleans (Marlins), 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 Brooks Hall 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 looking off to his very promising "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 for the All-Star Break; Game is in St. Lucie Saturday night, audio details in tomorrow's Link Report ********** Wisconsin: LHP Kodi Medeiros at Beloit (Athletics) in a game played at Miller Park (Timber Rattlers are the "road" team), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 gametime; expect RHP David Burkhalter to pitch in a tandem role 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: RHP Marcos Diplan at home vs. Missoula (Diamondbacks), 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. *** Maryvale Rookie: Season begins Saturday June 20th at the Cubs' complex *** DSL Brewers: at the DSL Mets #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

Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline: 10th-rder Jake Drossner signs w/@Brewers for $120k (slot 301 = $149,700). Maryland LHRP w/FB to 95 & flashes of solid breaker.

10th round LHP Jake Drossner (University of Maryland) tweets he's on his way to Helena from Maryvale.

Adam McCalvy: Paperwork is all done on #Brewers 4th round Draft pick Demi Orimoloye. He's signed and will start with rookie-level Arizona.

Nice story about former Brewers farmhand catcher Jack Cleary doing well in his indy ball stint.

VIDEO: We'll let Blake Allemand know that his first professional hit was captured on film in this Montana news station report (Helena game action begins at the 1:13 second mark).

Whew! Final: DSL Brewers 3, DSL Mets #2 Squad 2 DSL Brewers Box Score Fine pitching throughout -- all 14 career appearances for 18-year-old Venezuelan Nelson Hernandez have been starts, indicating the Brewers are bullish on him; 22-year-old former Tampa Bay RHP Yomelbin Almonte was strong, and then bailed out of a bases-loaded situation by 20-year-old former Diamondback Starling Duval, who has managed to go 4-0 in five relief appearances for the 7-10 Cerveceritos -- talk about a good luck charm! 18-year-old 2B Franly Mallen is slugging .493, wow - nine doubles and a home run among his 21 hits, excellent, the nine doubles tie him for the league lead; three errors for 18-year-old SS Ignacio Otano, giving him 12 in 16 games... DSL Brewers Game Log This triple saved the day for the organization -- DSL Brewers Bottom of the 8th Ranfy Adon remains in the game as the right fielder. Defensive switch from right field to left field for Grabiel Jimenez. Sandy Martinez strikes out swinging. Adolfo Morillo singles on a ground ball to left fielder Grabiel Jimenez. Pitching Change: Misael Familia replaces Renlly Tejada. Ignacio Otano triples (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Ranfy Adon. Adolfo Morillo scores. Julio Mendez walks. With Franly Mallen batting, Julio Mendez steals (2) 2nd base. Franly Mallen called out on strikes. Nicol Valderrey strikes out swinging.

For those of you keeping score at home, the organization is 0-for-6 heading into our Dominican Summer League post...

Final: Missoula 8, Helena 6 Brewers fall in Opener Helena Brewers http://www.milb.com/assets/images/3/0/6/131599306/cuts/aviles_throwing_1_npqzyf20_fmbtjqdc.jpg Luis Aviles' three-hit night wasn't enough as the Brewers fall in their season opener The Helena Brewers (0-1) fell 8-6 to the Missoula Osprey (1-0) in their Pioneer League season opener Thursday at Kindrick Field. Jordan Yamamoto got the start on the hill for the Brewers, tossing five innings and striking out six while giving up three runs. He would not record a decision. Missoula would strike first with three runs in the top of the second. Austin Byler led off the inning with a double and came in to score later on the RBI single of Joey Armstrong. Armstrong went 2-for-5 in the game with three RBI and two runs. The Brewers retaliated with two runs of their own. Jose Cuas singled and scored in the frame on his way to a 2-for-5 night. The former Maryland Terrapin accounted for two of the six Brewers' runs. Luis Aviles would pick up an RBI single in the inning, scoring Cuas on the hit. Aviles led the way offensively with three hits on the day and two RBI. Missoula pulled away for good when they put four runs on the board in the sixth. Bubba Blau (0-1) struggled in relief for Helena, giving up four runs and walking five in his two-thirds of an inning of work. Donnie Hissa would pitch the remainder of the game for Helena, giving up one run in three plus frames. Helena's pitching staff as a whole walked 10 Osprey batters. The Osprey and Brewers will face off in the second game of their two-game series Friday at Kindrick Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). *** Sixth-inning struggles spoil season opener for Brewers Ryan Collingwood, Helena Independent Record PHOTO GALLERY at article link - James Ridle, Blackfoot Media Group Digging itself out of an early hole wasn't a chore for the Helena Brewers. That second crevasse, however, was a little too much work. After erasing a three-run deficit, the Brewers couldn't overcome a disastrous sixth inning in an 8-6 Opening Day loss to the Missoula Osprey on Thursday night at Kindrick Legion Field. Helena, which knotted the contest at 3 when Carlos Belonis scored on a passed ball in the fourth frame, saw the Diamondbacks affiliate feast on reliever Bubba Blau. Blau, one of four arms the Brewers used, gave up two hits -- one a two-run homer by Matt Jones -- and recorded five walks in 2/3 innings, two of which brought in runs, to make it a 7-3 game. "You can't defend a walk," Brewers manager Tony Diggs said. "But if you asked Bubba if that's how he wanted to pitch tonight, he'd say absolutely not. He's just going to have to go back out there next time and get it done." Missoula's defense followed up with a near-collapse of its own, though, in the bottom of the sixth when it opened the door for Helena with three errors. A Jose Cuas base hit off reliever Austin Mason was followed by a Troy Stokes hit-by-pitch before Luis Aviles -- who finished the night 3 for 4 for two RBI -- roped an RBI single to center field to score Cuas. Belonis, who reached on a fielder's choice, would later score from third on a wild pitch. Aviles rounded out the inning by scoring after Osprey third baseman Kal Simmons' ill-fated throw to first. In a game that saw a combined 19 hits, the Brewers, playing in front of a home crowd of 1,479, wouldn't get any closer. Aviles, who also played in Helena last summer, was quick to point to the silver lining in his team's loss. "We had a great day defensively," he said. "We didn't make any errors. We executed on every single play, but unfortunately they came up with some big hits and ended up winning." Brewers starting pitcher Jordan Yamamoto finished with a no-decision after going four innings, giving up three runs off six hits to go with six strikeouts. He walked just one batter, but a five-hit, three-run second inning soured an otherwise solid Helena debut. David Carver came in for relief in the fifth and retired two of the three batters he faced in an inning that ended with a double play. Diggs wanted Carver and Blau to both get action tonight, so making the change was a scripted move. "It was by design," Diggs said. "Carver is going to be throwing here shortly and we wanted to get him into a game situation and give him one inning and see how he felt. He did a good job of it and we were going to pull him regardless." Cuas also had a notable night at the plate for the Brewers (0-1), going 2-for-3 with two runs. Missoula pitcher Bo Takahashi earned the win after giving up five runs on six runs in five innings. The Brewers and Osprey meet again today at 7:00 PM (8:00 Central). The Brewers will be starting right-hander Marcos Diplan and Missoula is going with southpaw Anfernee Benitez. *** https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HRl0DcWJ5kE *** Helena Box Score 6'7" 23-year-old RHP Donnie Hissa out of Notre Dame (21st round, '14) stranded three of RHP Bubba Blau's baserunners with a strikeout, or Blau's 54.00 ERA after one game would be higher -- get them next time, Bubba; Hissa finished up with 3.1 innings of one-run ball... This article indicates 19th round Steve Karkenny is making a new transition to playing first base; CF Monte Harrison singled and stole a base in five trips (two K's); SS Jake Gatewood, batting cleanup, was 0-for-5 wih a K; LF Troy Stokes (4th round, '14) reached base all four times up (single, walk, two HBP's)... Helena Game Log Looking forward to the Brewers debut of 18-year-old RHP Marcos Diplan (Gallardo trade) this evening!

PHOTO GALLERY: Manatees photos via Florida Today

Sky Sox position players happy to pitch in a pinch By Brent Briggeman, Colorado Springs Gazette Chris Barnwell was a career minor leaguer who logged 13 games in the majors, finishing with an .067 average. He's been out of the game since 2009. Still, Pete Orr will never forget him. Barnwell was the lone strikeout victim when Orr stepped from his infield position onto the mound in a Triple-A game. As Orr can attest, few things in baseball are more memorable than when a position player comes in to pitch - a situation that has happened six times in the major leagues this week. "You can have fun with it," said Orr, a Sky Sox infielder. "It can make a crappy situation fun for the team." Orr would be the second option, behind Donnie Murphy, if Colorado Springs manager Rick Sweet felt the need to go to an emergency arm. Sweet said he identifies a pitching option immediately after breaking spring training camp, much like he would an emergency catcher. He always finds a guy who isn't a prospect, can throw accurately and someone who has preferably done it in the past. "You don't really volunteer, but you speak a little louder than normal when those things come up," Murphy said before Thursday's 9-2 loss to New Orleans. "I think every position player kind of wants to do it, just to have fun with it and see how you would do." Murphy is like the Moonlight Graham of position-player pitchers. He was told last year while with the Texas Rangers that he was going in if the batter extended the inning. But the next ball, a shot down the right-field line, deflected off the bag and right to the first baseman, who recorded the out. Murphy came that close to a dream - or at least a curiosity - and didn't touch it. He still hasn't pitched since he was a high school closer blowing away hitters with a 90 mph fastball. It would not be surprising if he gets his shot at some point this year. Sweet said he has used many emergency pitchers in his three decades of managing. He once had to save his bullpen deep in an extra-inning game with Louisville and ended up getting a win and save from position players in the same game. "You only go that route when your bullpen's taxed, you're getting your butt whipped or you're way behind and you don't want to burn your pitchers," Sweet said. "When that happens, you just want somebody to throw it over the plate. That's all you care about. You just want to get out of it." And when you do get through it, there's usually a memory that comes with it.

Final: New Orleans 9, Colorado Springs 2 Sky Sox Sixth Inning Struggles Secure 9-2 Loss New Orleans Piles On Seven in Sixth to Take Series Opener By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/6/1/4/123760614/cuts/04_27_034_pk_l5qozhh8_ubpi66ka.jpg Matt Long led the Sox with three hits (two doubles) and a run scored in Thursday night's 9-2 loss to the Zephyrs. (Photo by Paat Kelly) COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The Sox struck first for the fourth consecutive contest before a seven-run New Orleans sixth helped the Zephyrs to a convincing 9-2 win before a Colorado Springs crowd of 5,826 at Security Service Field on Thursday night. The Sky Sox scored the first run of the ballgame in the bottom of the second for the fourth straight night, taking the early 1-0 lead against New Orleans southpaw Adam Conley (6-2, 2.83). It was fellow starter Tyler Cravy that would draw first blood in the potential pitchers' duel as the Sox righty scored Yadiel Rivera from third base on an RBI groundout. Colorado Springs added another run in the next inning thanks to the hot-hitting combination of Matt Long and Robinzon Diaz. Long drilled a one-out double off of Conley before being driven home on a Diaz RBI single. The base-hit, Diaz's second of the game at the time, gave the catcher eight hits over his last eleven at-bats and the home team a 2-0 lead after three. Cravy (7-5, 3.65) cruised through the first four innings, keeping the Zephyrs scoreless while allowing just one hit and one walk in that time. He stumbled slightly in the top of the fifth, giving up a run on two straight hits and an RBI groundout by catcher Jesus Flores. With two out and a runner on third, New Orleans looked to tie the ballgame at two before Cravy's lightning-quick reflexes were put on display. The Sox starter snagged a screaming liner just above his head to retire Zephyrs shortstop Miguel Rojas for the final out of the inning. Unfortunately Cravy could not elude trouble in the sixth after the Sox went down quietly in the home half of the fifth. The reliable righty gave up three consecutive hits; the final being a two-run double off the bat of New Orleans' newest addition: Kila Ka'aihue. The first baseman's clutch knock chased Cravy from the ballgame and gave the Zephyrs a 3-2 lead. The visiting side would not look back as Ariel Pena struggled mightily in relief of Cravy. The right-hander allowed his lone inherited runner to score before three of his own crossed the plate in the eventual seven-run sixth. Rojas' two-out, two-run triple served as the biggest blow to Pena's line as he finished his night having given up four runs on three hits and a walk in just 0.2 of an inning pitched. Cravy's final line saw the Sox ace go five innings, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six Zephyrs. With the unfortunate outcome, Cravy becomes the only Sox pitcher to have earned a decision in each of his 12 starts this season. Sox manager Rick Sweet called upon former Brewers closer Jim Henderson to stop the bleeding in the sixth. Henderson would not get out of the inning before allowing another run to score on a Cole Gillespie RBI single. Ka'aihue flew out to end the big inning, bringing it full circle as the Zephyrs took their brand new 8-2 lead into the home seventh. Conley finished his evening after five solid frames, allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out two and walking none before handing the ball over to the New Orleans bullpen. Three Zephyrs combined to keep the Sox scoreless over the game's final four innings with lefties Pat Misch and Greg Nappo matched righty Lay Batista with a strikeout and walk each in their appearances. Tim Dillard rounded out the Sox bullpen work, tossing two innings of one-run ball on two hits and a walk. The side-winding Dillard twirled a scoreless ninth to lead the Sox into the bottom of the ninth trailing 9-2. Colorado Springs was able to load the bases against Batista, giving the home crowd hope of an interesting finish. The early-game hero in Diaz came up in the two-out, bases loaded situation only to pop out meekly to Rojas at shortstop to end the long night. Thanks to the big seven-run sixth, New Orleans took game one of this four-game set by a 9-2 final to improve to 30-35 on the season while dropping the Sox to 26-39. The seven-run frame marks only the second time that the Zephyrs have scored seven runs in an inning against the Sky Sox. The only other instance came on June 15th, 2002 at Security Service Field in game one of a doubleheader. In that game, New Orleans tallied eight runs in the top of the fourth inning as the Zephyrs won the 10-7 slugfest. For good measure, The Sky Sox ended up winning game two by a slim 7-6 margin. Colorado Springs will look to break a two-game skid on Friday night in game two of this four-game set with the Zephyrs. New Orleans sends left-hander Justin Nicolino (4-3, 2.87) to the mound against Sox righty Tyler Thornburg (1-3, 5.40) with first pitch set for 7:05 PM MDT (8:05 Central) at Security Service Field. Colorado Springs Box Score Ninety-six pitches for Tyler Cravy to get through 5+ innings; glimmers of hope from Ariel Pena offset by efforts like this, does not look like that chip from the Greinke deal will be cashed in... Colorado Springs Game Log Nice AAA debut, CF Kyle Wren -- single, walk, HBP, SB; 28-year-old OF Matt Long, also capable of filling in at second base, with three hits here including two doubles - he's a minor league free agent at season's end, would be a nice re-sign, deserves his chance...

VIDEO via WLOX: Game lowlights and highlights including Nick Ramirez' error, Taylor Green's near (by a foot) grand slam, and Nathan Orf's home run

Biscuits hit three homers in 11-5 win over Shuckers Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald PHOTO GALLERY (18 images via the Sun-Herald's Tim Isbell) BILOXI – The Montgomery Biscuits ended the Shuckers' five-game winning streak, 11-5, Thursday night with three different Biscuits hitting homers at MGM Park. The game was tied 5-5 through two innings after the Biscuits took a 4-0 lead in the top of the first. After some early production at the plate, the Shuckers ran out of answers and were held scoreless in the final seven innings. Shuckers manager Carlos Subero pointed to Biscuits starting pitcher Jared Mortensen's ability to rebound after early struggles as a key in the game. “He did a good job,” Subero said. “He struggled with his command early on and was able to make adjustments and finish strong. He's been pitching well.” Mortensen settled down after giving up five runs through the first two innings. He gave up five runs on five hits in six innings. The right-hander struck out four and walked three to improve to 5-3. A crowd of 3,080 was in attendance for Wednesday's game at MGM Park. A total of 23,798 fans have shown up for the first seven Shuckers game at the new ballpark for an average of 3,400 per game. After a run of five consecutive quality starts from Biloxi starting pitchers, left-hander Hobbs Johnson struggled on the mound Thursday night. Johnson lasted 3 1/3 innings, giving up seven runs, five earned, on four hits. He struggled with his control much of the game, walking five and striking out three. “Johnson didn't have it tonight,” Subero said. “His command was erratic and they hit him. The tough thing about pitching is he had his best start all year at Mississippi and that's something you can feed off and keep on going. He hit a wall tonight. He didn't have command, a good feel. Pitching is about having feeling and this was one night he didn't have much.” Just two pitches into the game, Montgomery had a 1-0 lead thanks to a leadoff single by Boog Powell and an RBI double by Dayron Varona. The ugly start continued for Biloxi as Cameron Seitzer reached on an error by Shuckers first baseman Nick Ramirez, allowing another run to come home, and Johnny Field was hit by a pitch. Justin O'Conner doubled to bring home a run and Patrick Leonard pushed another across on a ground out to first and Montgomery (33-33) led 4-0 before the Shuckers had a chance to bat. The Shuckers (41-25) answered in the bottom of the first with Orlando Arcia starting the scoring with an RBI single to right to bring home Josh Fellhauer, who started the inning with a double to center. With the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the first, Taylor Green tied the game by lifting a double off the left field wall to bring all three runners home and set the score at 4-4. “We were able to get to (Mortensen),” Subero said. “The double off the wall by Green was a big hit for us, getting us back in the game.” The teams traded runs in the second inning. Seitzer gave Montgomery the 5-4 lead by bringing home Juniel Quereceto on a groundout in the top of the second. In the bottom of the second, Shuckers second baseman Nathan Orf pulled his first homer of the season well over the left field wall to tie the game again at 5-5. “It always feels good (to get your first homer),” Orf said. “I wish they came a little more often, but it is what it is.” While the hits dried up for Biloxi, Montgomery kept rolling at the plate. Johnny Field went yard with a line-drive three-run homer to left with one out in the fourth for his 11th homer of the season, giving the Biscuits an 8-5 lead. Montgomery scored three more on a two-run homer by O'Conner and a solo shot by Hector Geuvara to expand the lead to 11-5 in the seventh. Southern League South All-Star Brooks Hall (7-3, 3.05) is set to start for the Shuckers at 7:10 PM Friday with fellow right-hander the Jamie Schultz (5-3, 3.11) on schedule to go for the Biscuits.

VIDEO via WXXV: Interview with Shuckers Centerfielder Tyrone Taylor