Jim Goulart

VIDEO: Colorado Springs' Scooter Gennett rips a bases loaded triple in the Sky Sox's 6-3 win over the Omaha Storm Chasers Whoa, that was a really bad route to that baseball, but Scooter says thanks!

Omaha's Dusty Coleman takes a hit away from Scooter Gennett as the Storm Chasers take on Colorado Springs on Tuesday

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- 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: Biloxi, MS Palm Beach, FL Dayton, OH 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 Wednesday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin DSL Brewers MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Wednesday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: Idle ********** Biloxi: LHP Brent Suter at home vs. Mobile (Diamondbacks), 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 - Seven of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi staff indicates it is hopeful it will be eight (not right away after the new stadium opens, but shortly thereafter). ********** Brevard County: RHP Eric Marzec at Palm Beach (Cardinals), 5:35 gametime NOTE: No audio, home nor road, available for this series. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Angel Ventura at Dayton (Reds), 5:40 PM pre-game, 6:00 gametime; expect LHP Luis Ortega 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. NOTE: Dayton is one of the few Midwest League sites (along with Wisconsin, of course), that does provide MiLB.TV coverage. Dragons audio feed accompanies it, naturally. *** DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Marlins, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day We'll link to this Dominican Summer League Brewers' thread as part of the Daily Menu all season to assist you with your familiarity with these young men.

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Shuckers pace Southern League with eight All-Star Selections Four pitchers and four positon player selected to the circuit's mid-summer classic on June 23 in Montgomery Biloxi Shuckers Congratulations, gentlemen!

We hope everyone will be visiting our Draft Forum thread this week, and as players sign, we will refer to their feature articles we link there, within our Minor League Transaction Thread. During the overnight we captured these post-draft detailed stories with plenty of quotes. Virginia's Nathan Kirby puts draft behind him, ready to pitch in the College World Series By Norm Wood, dailypress.com *** Orléans baseball star drafted by Milwaukee Brewers By Chris Hofley, Ottawa Sun *** Former Don Bosco star George Iskenderian has a decision By MARK J. CZERWINSKI, NorthJersey.com Staff Writer

Former Don Bosco star George Iskenderian has a decision By MARK J. CZERWINSKI, NorthJersey.com Staff Writer http://www.northjersey.com/polopoly_fs/1.1352448.1433913738!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_650/061015-s-iskenderian-50p.jpg Miami’s George Iskenderian of Englewood Cliffs has a College World Series on tap, too. (Associated Press Photo) Life just got a little complicated for George Iskenderian. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The former Don Bosco star from Englewood Cliffs is the starting second baseman for a University of Miami team getting ready for Saturday’s opening round of the College World Series against Florida in Omaha, Neb. Iskenderian also found out Tuesday that he was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh round (211th pick overall) in the 2015 MLB Draft. "I had an idea, but you can’t predict what’s going to happen," said Iskenderian, a 2012 All-Bergen County and All-North Jersey selection as a Bosco senior. "It’s a lot to think about, and that’s a good problem to have. "I’m really grateful for the opportunity, but that’s on the back burner right now. My one goal is to win a national championship." The 6-foot, 190-pound Iskenderian signed out of high school with South Carolina and later transferred to Indian River State in Florida. He transferred to Miami last summer and made an immediate impact. Iskenderian said the Brewers see him as a third baseman, but infield versatility has been his trademark. He played shortstop early this season while regular starter Brandon Lopez was temporarily out of the lineup, then moved to second base. Iskenderian’s bat has been a huge plus for the Hurricanes. He hit an ACC-best .391 during the regular season (.367 currently) with three home runs, 55 RBI and a team-high 23 stolen bases in 25 attempts. "I have one more year [of eligibility] left, and that’s a factor," said Iskenderian, who is studying economics. "School has always been a priority." According to Baseball America magazine, the slot value or suggested signing bonus for the 211th pick is $195,700. Iskenderian was not drafted out of Bosco, but was taken by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 34th round last June. Iskenderian is close friends with Rob Kaminsky, the former St. Joseph and current St. Louis prospect, and he’s already heard from his old Englewood Cliffs buddy. "He’s been in my corner all along," Iskenderian said. "We pull for each other non-stop. New Jersey kids. You know how it is."

Back-to-back homers lift Shuckers to 7-5 win over Mobile Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald BILOXI – The long ball has been lacking for much of the Biloxi Shuckers' first series at MGM Park. In the fourth inning Tuesday, the Shuckers turned the Southern League's newest, and probably its smallest, stadium into a launching pad. Back-to-back homers for the Shuckers sparked a 7-5 victory over the Mobile BayBears Tuesday before a crowd of 2,470. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Shuckers third baseman Taylor Green lifted a two-run home run through a steady breeze in right field to tie the game at 2-2. The next man up, Tyrone Taylor, ripped a line drive just over the 350 mark in the left field power alley to give the Shuckers a 3-2 advantage and the lead for good. After losing their first two series against Mobile this season, the Shuckers claimed their first series against their closest rival by taking three of the first four contests in a five-game home stand. In their first series in Biloxi, the Shuckers are taking advantage of the home field. “We're playing good baseball right now,” Biloxi manager Carlos Subero said. “Things are definitely clicking. We've got fan support. It's an electric crowd. They make some noise. It's a good vibe and that's something you like to have. In the ninth inning, they stand up. It's not just a traditional crowd that's going to applaud. They get into the game and we can feel it so it definitely plays a good role.” The Shuckers (36-22) now have a four-game lead on Mississippi (31-25), which had its game rained out Tuesday, in the Southern League South standings. Green's homer was his fourth of the season and his first hit at MGM Park after entering the game on an 0-for-7 run in the series. “I've been trying to search and figure something out to where I can start driving the ball,” Green said. “I was lucky I got a good pitch to hit and I put a good swing on it. “The wind was coming in from right. That's definitely the hardest hit 350-foot homer I've ever had.” It was the first home run of the season for Taylor, the man ranked by Baseball America as the best prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers' minor league system. “That was the first one of the year so it caught me by shock,” Taylor said. “It felt good off the bat.” A sacrifice fly RBI from Mobile's Gerson Montilla tied the game at 3-3 in the sixth before the Shuckers responded with a decisive four-run rally in the bottom of the sixth. Taylor doubled to knock in Nick Ramirez, who had his own double to start the inning, to begin the scoring with one out in the sixth. Catcher Adam Weisenburger followed with a two-run single. Two batters later, Kyle Wren's bunt allowed Weisenburger to score from third and Wren reached on a throwing error by Mobile relief pitcher Dominic Leone. After six innings, Biloxi led 7-3. Wren and Michael Reed both went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the Shuckers' 14-hit effort. Hiram Burgos (3-0) picked up the win with two earned runs allowed on on three hits in six innings. He struck out seven and walked three. “It was slow in the beginning and he didn't have much of a groove early on,” Subero said of Burgos's outing. “That tells you what experience can do. His best inning was when we scored. That tells you about guys with experience. They can smell it and push the accelerator.” Left-hander Trevor Seidenberger threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief for the hold and Mike Strong picked up his second save of the season with a perfect ninth. Brandon Sinnery (4-5) took the loss for Mobile (29-29), allowing five earned runs on nine hits in five innings. Game five is set for 7:10 PM Wednesday with Shuckers left-hander Brent Suter (3-1, 2.29) set to face right-hander A.J. Schugel (2-1, 2.96).

Scooter Catalyzes Sky Sox 6-3 Comeback Win Incredible use of that word, by the way, a Link Report first, we believe (did a search...)

Final: Colorado Springs 6, Omaha 3 Scooter Catalyzes Sky Sox 6-3 Comeback Win Gennett's Three Hits and Four RBI Lead Sox Past Omaha In Series-Clinching Victory By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/5/3/4/129710534/cuts/06_05_041sm_pk_6h7ratex_fsingac5.jpg Scooter Gennett's three-run triple in the seventh gave him 4 RBI on the game and the Sox a 5-3 lead. (File photo from prior game) The Sky Sox came back in riveting fashion on Tuesday night, stunning the Omaha Storm Chasers with deficit-erasing, five-run seventh on their way to a 6-3 series-clinching win before a crowd of 4,227 at Werner Park. Scooter Gennett started his productive night early, plating Pete Orr with the game's first run on a two-out double off of Omaha starter Danny Duffy in the top of the third inning. The left-hander of recent Royals fame allowed one run on the two hits given up in the third while striking out four over the four inning start. Josh Roenicke (4-2, 4.38) gave the Sox a quality start, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five Storm Chasers over six innings of work. With two on and two out, the right-hander before a up a Moises Sierra RBI single followed by a wild pitch that allowed Pablo Orlando to cross the plate and Omaha the 2-1 lead. Roenicke left the ballgame with his team trailing 3-1 after six and 2014 Royals late-season hero Brandon Finnegan (0-2, 9.00) on the mound for Omaha. The Sox starter's night would get a heck of a lot better just a few short minutes later. With two runners on and after shutting the Sox out for 2.2 innings since taking the mound in the fifth, Finnegan would fail to get through the top of the seventh as he walked Orr with the bases loaded to cut Omaha's lead to one. Gennett would come through in a very big way in the next at bat, drilling a bases-clearing, three-run triple to give the Sox a 5-3 lead. The lead-changing knock gave Scooter four RBI on the ballgame as he led the way offensively. Finnegan and Storm Chasers manager Brian Poldberg would be ejected by home plate umpire Jordan Ferrell immediately following the play. Scott Alexander finished the inning for Omaha but not before Yadiel Rivera plated Gennett from third with an RBI double off of the left-handed reliever, extending the Sky Sox lead to 6-3. Ariel Pena and Michael Kirkman combined for two scoreless innings to bridge the gap to newest Sox addition Jaye Chapman, who took over in the ninth. The right-hander struck out two on his way to nailing down his second Sox save and Colorado Springs' 6-3 comeback victory. With the win, the Sox secured their second four-game series victory of the season and improve their record to 24-33. The Storm Chasers fall to .500 once again at 30-30. After a much-deserved off day on Wednesday, Colorado Springs will continue their road trip, beginning a series with the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park on Thursday night. Drew Gagnon (1-7, 7.91) will get the call for the Sky Sox and will prepare for I-Cubs righty Felipe Paulino (0-3, 6.75) with first pitch set for 6:08 PM MDT (7:08 Central). Colorado Springs Box Score Read this Tom Haudricourt article about the Brewers' woeful big league 2015 production at second base, and you'll see the Brewers want Luis Sardinas to play every day at AAA. With Yadiel Rivera needing his time as well, it would seem a lock that Scooter Gennett will be back up soon. Nights like this help - a lot. Colorado Springs Game Log It's been a tough go for Thursday's named starter, RHP Drew Gagnon, but he shines in this ten seconds of wonder with the always spot-on @DimTillard. Enjoy! Oh, and here's the big five-run frame -- Col. Springs Top of the 7th Nevin Ashley singles on a line drive to left fielder Moises Sierra. Chris Nelson flies out to center fielder Brett Eibner. Matt Long singles on a ground ball to right fielder Paulo Orlando. Nevin Ashley to 2nd. Donnie Murphy walks. Nevin Ashley to 3rd. Matt Long to 2nd. Logan Schafer strikes out swinging. Pete Orr walks. Nevin Ashley scores. Matt Long to 3rd. Donnie Murphy to 2nd. Scooter Gennett triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Paulo Orlando. Matt Long scores. Donnie Murphy scores. Pete Orr scores. Omaha Storm Chasers pitcher Brandon Finnegan ejected by HP umpire Jordan Ferrell. Omaha Storm Chasers Manager Brian Poldberg ejected by HP umpire Jordan Ferrell. Pitching Change: Scott Alexander replaces Brandon Finnegan. Yadiel Rivera doubles (4) on a line drive to right fielder Paulo Orlando. Scooter Gennett scores. Elian Herrera lines out to second baseman Whit Merrifield.

Final: DSL Marlins 7, DSL Brewers 6 DSL Brewers Box Score The Cerveceritos fall to 2-7 in the most crushing of ways. That collapse wasted a fine five-inning start from LHP Boanerges Nova, one of just two southpaws on the roster (former Cardinals' farmhand Isaac Silva is the other). 18-year-old first baseman Nicol Valderrey, who we thought might have been nicked up Monday, is fine and played here. Just-turned 18-year-old Franly Mallen, DH'ing in this one, doubled twice, walked, and scored three runs, now hitting .343 through nine games (.880 OPS). DSL Brewers Game Log

VIDEO via WLOX: Here you go, Biloxi Back-to-Back Jacks, Jack!

PHOTO GALLERY: More nice shots from the Biloxi Sun-Herald's Tim Isbell

VIDEO via WXXV: Shuckers Honor Pitcher Brooks Hall Before Tonight's Game You'll remember the unique story behind Hall's award.

Final: Biloxi 7, Mobile 5 Shuckers break loose in sixth and clinch inaugural series at MGM Park The 7-5 win drops the magic number to eight to claim division Biloxi Shuckers http://www.milb.com/assets/images/4/3/8/129710438/cuts/Green_qnm9goon_iyb568yz.jpg Taylor Green launched his third homer of the season in the fourth inning on Tuesday night (Benton Reed Photography) BILOXI, MS - The Shuckers received back-to-back home runs for the first time in franchise history by Taylor Green and Tyrone Taylor in the fourth behind starter Hiram Burgos, who improved to 3-0 in the Shuckers' 7-5, inaugural series clincher over the Mobile BayBears at MGM Park on Tuesday. The win clinched Biloxi's fifth-straight series and the club will look to take four of five in the series finale on Wednesday night. The magic number for a first half title in the South Division drops to eight after the win. Mobile (29-29) jumped ahead with runs in the second and third, all coming with two outs. Zach Borenstein led off the second with a walk and scored on a Matt Jones single. The second run came after a one-out free pass to Jack Reinheimer as he came around to score on an RBI single by Borenstein. Biloxi (36-22) responded with a power surge with two outs off of Mobile starter Brandon Sinnery (L, 4-5) in the fourth, using back-to-back jacks from Green (1x4, HR, 2 RBI, R) and Taylor (2x4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2B) to pull ahead with a 3-2 advantage. The consecutive homers were the first this season for the Shuckers, and the first time Biloxi has had multiple roundtrippers in an inning. The BayBears tied things up in the sixth with a sacrifice fly by Gerson Montilla to bring home Rudy Flores. Burgos (3-0, 3.68) recorded the Shuckers seventh quality start in nine games after allowing three runs - two earned - in six innings on three hits, three walks and seven strikeouts. The 27-year-old right-hander has struck out at least seven in seven of his 12 starts between the Brevard County Manatees (High-A) and the Shuckers this season. Nine men came to the plate in a four-run sixth to break the game open for Biloxi. Nick Ramirez (2x4, R, 2B) led off the frame with a double and moved to third on a single by Michael Reed (3x4, 2 R, SB). Green popped out for the first out of the inning against new pitcher Dominic Leone, but Taylor doubled home Ramirez to put the Shuckers back on top and put runners at second and third. Adam Weisenburger (1x2, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB) drove both runners home with a single to open up the lead to three, then pinch hitter Josh Fellhauer's (1x1, SB) single placed runners on the corners. Kyle Wren (3x4, RBI, SB) laid down a sacrifice bunt and reached on a throwing error by Leone, bringing in Weisenburger for the final run of the inning. Wren has multi-hit performances in six of his last 10 games. The BayBears scored twice in the seventh against reliever Austin Ross (0.1 IP, 2 R, 4 H), but Trevor Seidenberger (1.2 IP, 2 SO) struck out Borenstein and Montilla to keep Mobile in check. Seidenburger, in just his third Biloxi game, earned his first hold on his 23rd birthday. Manager Carlos Subero called upon Mike Strong (SV, 2, IP, SO) to pick up the save in the ninth and the lefty responded by setting down the side in order to secure his second save of the season. The Opening Series at MGM Park wraps up on Wednesday with another 7:10 PM start. The Shuckers return to MGM Park on Wednesday, June 17, opening a five-game series against the Montgomery Biscuits. Biloxi will look for its third-straight win to close out the five-game series against Mobile. LHP Brent Suter (3-1, 2.29) will take the mound for the Shuckers, while the BayBears will send out RHP A.J. Schugel (2-1, 2.96). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM, with coverage beginning at 6:55 on 1240-AM WGCM, 1580-AM WPMO and the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network. Fans can also listen to the game using the TuneIn Radio app or by going to www.biloxishuckers.com. Biloxi Box Score Orlando Arcia 0-for-4, no problem, the rest of the lineup banged out 14 hits. Michael Reed 15-for-19 in stolen base attempts, Kyle Wren 20-for-29. Biloxi Game Log LH reliever Trevor Seidenberger has taken his "A" game from Brevard to Biloxi -- Mobile Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Austin Ross replaces Hiram Burgos, batting 9th, replacing Josh Fellhauer. Matt Jones pops out to first baseman Nick Ramirez in foul territory. Gabriel Guerrero singles on a line drive to left fielder Kyle Wren. Tom Belza singles on a ground ball to left fielder Kyle Wren. Gabriel Guerrero to 2nd. Jack Reinheimer doubles (14) on a ground ball to left fielder Kyle Wren. Gabriel Guerrero scores. Tom Belza to 3rd. Rudy Flores singles on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Reed. Tom Belza scores. Jack Reinheimer to 3rd. Pitching Change: Trevor Seidenberger replaces Austin Ross, batting 9th. Zach Borenstein strikes out swinging. Gerson Montilla strikes out swinging. Mobile Top of the 8th Socrates Brito bunt pops out to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Sean Jamieson replaces Jake Barrett. Sean Jamieson grounds out, second baseman Nathan Orf to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Matt Jones lines out to shortstop Orlando Arcia.

Shuckers look back fondly at draft memories By PATRICK OCHS, Biloxi Sun-Herald PHOTO GALLERY at the link Bring up the MLB draft to any number of Biloxi Shuckers and expect to see plenty of broad smiles. For most young ball players, getting selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft is an important step toward their ultimate goal and a memory they can flash back to at a moment's notice. That was certainly the case for Shuckers outfielders Tyrone Taylor and Michael Reed. "I teared up a little bit, honestly," said Reed, a fifth-round selection of the Brewers in 2011. "It was one of the best days of my life and a dream come true. I told my dad when I was a little kid that I was going to play professional baseball one day, so to have that come true was a blessing from God." Taylor, ranked by Baseball America as the Brewers' top prospect, heard his name called in the second round of the 2012 draft. "It was a surreal feeling. It was awesome because I got to share the moment with my family and a couple of close family friends," he said. "It was unbelievable and nothing but happiness." Both Reed and Taylor were signed to play college ball at Ole Miss and Cal State Fullerton, respectively, but because of their draft positions they opted instead to turn pro. "I had a few teams calling me, asking what it was going to take. I had a few call and ask if I was going to take a certain number in the second round or the third round," Reed said. "It had to be the number I wanted because to skip college is a big deal. You have to have enough money to be able to do that and also skip school on top of that. That was a big decision for me." Both players have done well during their young professional careers, climbing the ranks to Double-A. Heading into Tuesday's game, Reed, the reigning Milwaukee Brewers Minor League Player of the Week, is hitting .312 with five homers, 31 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Taylor is hitting .253 with 19 RBIs and four stolen bases. Working his way up While being drafted certainly helps, it's not the end-all and be-all. Just ask Shuckers infielder Nathan Orf. Undrafted out of Baylor in 2013, the 5-foot-9 Missourian only wanted a chance to prove he belonged. The Brewers ended up facilitating that desire and all he's done since is hit. In three seasons -- starting with Helena at the rookie level and going through High-A Brevard County before reaching Double-A -- Orf has compiled a .288 batting average and a .397 on-base percentage in 924 plate appearances. This year, he's hitting .269 with a .380 on-base percentage and just had a 12-game hitting streak snapped Monday. "When the draft was happening, I knew all I needed was a chance to give my best in pro ball and see what happens," he said. "You never know what's going to happen in pro ball -- there's really nothing like it. I just wanted a chance and (scout Brian) Sankey and the Brewers gave me the chance." Orf understands his role within the organization. Last year alone, he played all nine positions -- including recording one out on the mound.

Virginia's Nathan Kirby puts draft behind him, ready to pitch in the College World Series By Norm Wood, dailypress.com CHARLOTTESVILLE – As monumental as Monday night ended up being for Virginia pitcher Nathan Kirby, the results of the earlier portion of the day make it a strong contender for most important 24 hours in his baseball career.. It's tough to top the euphoria of being chosen 40th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in the Major League Baseball draft, which also featured U.Va. right-handed pitcher Josh Sborz getting taken Monday night with the 74th overall pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yet, Kirby may have had more pressing matters to address right in Charlottesville. With a two-inning, 40-pitch simulated game on tap, Kirby needed to show coach Brian O'Connor he was healthy and ready to offer U.Va. (39-22) something on the mound in Omaha, Neb. at the College World Series, which begins Saturday for the Cavaliers with a game against Arkansas. More than seven weeks after having to temporarily shut down his pitching due to a strained latissimus dorsi muscle, Kirby appears to be ready to return. "He looked really good," said O'Connor, adding the left-handed Kirby threw his fastball 88-92 miles per hour, threw breaking balls and change-ups and will likely initially come out of the bullpen if he returns in the College World Series. "I thought he looked good from the standpoint of his strength level. His consistency wasn't real great, which is what you'd expect since he hadn't faced a batter in seven weeks. A little bit rusty, but he looked fully healthy. "So, based on what I saw there and what we'll evaluate over the next three or four days, I anticipate that he'll be able to help us to some degree in Omaha. I don't know that that would be in the first game, maybe the second game or beyond that. Obviously, the deeper we play, I think the more contributions that he can have." Before the injury, Kirby was 5-2 with a 2.28 earned run average and a .233 batting average against in 59.1 innings pitched. Though he boasts 75 strikeouts this season, his 30 walks are a concern, especially considering he surrendered only 33 walks last season in 113.1 innings on his way to first team All-America honors. With honing his control in mind, Kirby was happy with what he got out of the two simulated innings. "I threw strikes," said Kirby, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior from Midlothian. "That's been kind of the one thing all year that I've struggled with. I didn't have a walk (Monday). That's all I wanted to do is throw the ball down the middle and get hit." Though he was expected by most analysts to be taken in the draft somewhere between the 17th and 29th picks, Kirby was just relieved to put the draft process behind him. "It was a long wait," Kirby said. "I think my mom was more nervous than me. I kind of understood the process and knew I didn't pitch as well I could've this year, and with the lat injury some things changed, but it was very exciting. "It's good to have it over. Now, we can focus on Omaha. It's been a real special year for this team. It's good to bring the focus back to these guys and what they've accomplished." Sborz, a 6-3, 225-pound native of McLean, was similarly happy to move on from the welcome distraction of the draft. He said he got a call from the Dodgers around the 70th pick in the draft, when a team representative asked him if he wanted to sign with the Dodgers. Sborz (4-2, 1.95 ERA, tied for Atlantic Coast Conference lead with 14 saves) didn't hesitate to answer in the affirmative. "Just knowing beforehand, you kind of get those butterflies in the stomach," Sborz said. While Kirby's muscle strain represented his most serious injury issue, he also had to endure a case of mononucleosis while he was out. He lost 15 pounds, but managed to regain the weight. "I guess if you're going to get it, get it while you're hurt," Kirby said. Kirby's absence gave sophomore Connor Jones (7-2, 2.96), a Virginia Beach native, the opportunity to slide into Kirby's coveted Friday night starter role. Jones excelled at the top of the rotation, going 3-0 and pitching at least seven innings in each of his seven starts as the No. 1 starter, while giving up more than three earned runs in only one of the starts. Jones' development was no surprise to Kirby, who could see it coming even when Jones struggled in a couple of midseason starts prior to Kirby's injury. "When you look at the numbers, you don't see how well he'd pitched," Kirby said. "A lot of the hits that he'd given up didn't make it past Kenny Towns at third base." Despite Kirby showing significant signs of improvement, O'Connor isn't going to push his ace. O'Connor's designs to have Kirby first come out of the bullpen at the College World Series are accompanied by the thought Kirby could continue to stretch his arm out more if U.Va. hangs around in Omaha a while. Kirby hasn't played a relief role since his freshman year in 2013. "He's just not built up enough we feel to go deep in a game," O'Connor said. "Maybe we'd look at him in a clean inning, a fresh start in a fresh inning to maybe help us out of the bullpen." At least outwardly, Kirby isn't concerned about his role in Omaha. He said he doesn't have any expectations for his own performance. He's not losing any sleep over what critical observers may think of his chances of pitching well on such a big stage after such a long layoff. "I'm not pitching for them," Kirby said. "I'm pitching for the team."

Just a brief Link Report sideline here -- Adam McCalvy wrote about #Brewers 4th round pick Demi Orimoloye tonight. His article, found here, included this text -- If it works, it could be a historic journey. Never before has a player born in Africa played in the Major Leagues, and MLB knew of only one player born outside of South Africa to play in the Minor Leagues. Ntema Ndungidi was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spent most of his time in the Baltimore organization from 1997-2002, topping out in Double-A. Adam, please remind those MLB sources of a former Brewer farmhand from Nigeria, catcher Gbenga Olayemi, who played for the Maryvale Brewers in 2003. It would be amazing to track down Olayemi, now 32, and learn how his pro time at age 20 impacted his life. Sadly, Olayemi was supposed to be joined by a fellow countryman that summer in Brewers camp. In fact, this young man had officially signed with the Brewers, and I believe is the most recent Brewer player to pass away while a member of the organization. He would have reported to Maryvale less than a month away from his death. Pitcher dies in crash in native Nigeria Associated Press, Tuesday, March 4, 2003 PHOENIX -- Milwaukee Brewers minor league pitcher Augustine Ozorede died over the weekend in a car accident outside of his home in his native Nigeria. Ozorede, an 18-year old right-hander, signed with the Brewers in May of 2002 as a non-drafted free agent. Ozorede and catcher Gbenga Olayemi were signed the same day and became the first-ever Brewers players signed from Nigeria. "We are saddened by the loss of Augustine Ozorede," Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said Tuesday. "Our condolences go out to the Ozorede family." Ozorede was expected to attend extended spring training in Arizona in April.

Orléans baseball star drafted by Milwaukee Brewers By Chris Hofley, Ottawa Sun The lead up to the Major League Baseball draft seemed like an eternity to Ottawa’s Demi Orimoloye. The 18-year-old from Orléans, who moved to Canada from his native Nigeria before his second birthday, knew he was going to be chosen in the 2015 draft, but that didn’t make the wait easier. As draft day neared, Orimoloye even knew he was going to be a pick of the Milwaukee Brewers; they had told him as much. The organization stayed true to its word when they used their fourth-round pick, 121st overall, to make Orimoloye a Brewer on Tuesday. “It was a sigh of relief,” Orimoloye told the Sun on Tuesday, a few hours after he was drafted. “I’m just happy to get started and be with a great organization like the Brewers.” He said he was “happy” the draft process was over so he could just focus on the next stage of his baseball career, which began as a five-year-old in Toronto before his family relocated to Ottawa. “I just want to get out there and give the Brewers all I’ve got,” he said. But where the next few years will take the teen outfielder remains to be seen. Now that he’s been drafted, Orimoloye has to decide if he wants to head off to college next year or turn pro. He had previously committed to a scholarship at the University of Oregon but has the option of signing with the Brewers immediately. Though he’s going to have to choose a trajectory sooner than later, Orimoloye hasn’t made a decision yet — at least not one he’s ready to announce publically. “I’m just excited for everything that’s come my way,” said Orimoloye, who played with both the Canadian national junior team and the Ottawa-Nepean Canadians. “(College or pro) are both good options, so when the time comes to make the decision, I’ll let you (media) know.” The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder was the fifth Canadian to be selected in this year’s draft. “I bring speed, power, great defence and I have a great work ethic,” the St. Matthew High School graduate said of the qualities he feels got him noticed. Though born in Nigeria where soccer reigns as the most popular sport, Orimoloye was all about baseball from a young age. “I moved from (Nigeria) to Toronto when I was one, so I never really grew up there, it didn’t influence me that much,” he said. “My friends here wanted to play baseball so that’s how I started.” Orimoloye was selected by Milwaukee just one spot before the Toronto Blue Jays were set to make their fourth-round selection. Though he was selected later than his 41st spot on Baseball America’s draft rankings would have predicted, Orimoloye still became the highest position player from the Ottawa region to go in the MLB draft, after San Diego took Chris Bisson 124th overall in 2010.

Full report later, but my goodness! Yikes, DSL #Brewers led their game today vs. DSL #Marlins 6-1 in bottom of 9th, two out, man on 1st. Six runs later, a 7-6 loss. #Baseball DSL Marlins Bottom of the 9th Marcos Rivera singles on a fly ball to center fielder Ariel Estades. Yefry Reyes grounds into a force out, second baseman Julio Mendez to shortstop Javier Castillo. Marcos Rivera out at 2nd. Yefry Reyes to 1st. Edgar Solano grounds into a force out, third baseman Josue Herrera to second baseman Julio Mendez. Yefry Reyes out at 2nd. Edgar Solano to 1st. Sleyter Soto singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ariel Estades. Edgar Solano to 2nd. Benito Olivo singles on a fly ball to left fielder Adolfo Morillo. Edgar Solano scores. Sleyter Soto to 2nd. Jose Lizarraga walks. Sleyter Soto to 3rd. Benito Olivo to 2nd. Pitching Change: Yan De La Cruz replaces Joaquin De La Cruz. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Josue Guzman replaces Jesus Guerrero. Josue Guzman walks. Sleyter Soto scores. Benito Olivo to 3rd. Jose Lizarraga to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Welbin Bautista replaces Luis Alcala. Welbin Bautista singles on a ground ball to right fielder Yerison Pena. Benito Olivo scores. Jose Lizarraga scores. Josue Guzman to 3rd. Pitching Change: Jesus Brea replaces Yan De La Cruz. With Anderson Castro batting, Josue Guzman steals (1) home. Welbin Bautista steals (1) 2nd base. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Andres Villalobos replaces Anderson Castro. Andres Villalobos walks. With Marcos Rivera batting, wild pitch by Jesus Brea, Welbin Bautista to 3rd. Andres Villalobos to 2nd. With Marcos Rivera batting, wild pitch by Jesus Brea, Welbin Bautista scores. Andres Villalobos to 3rd.

Welcome back, Johnny Hellweg (his first inning back) -- Palm Beach Bottom of the 1st C. J. McElroy lines out to left fielder Victor Roache. Brett Wiley grounds out, second baseman Christopher McFarland to first baseman Garrett Cooper. Luke Voit walks. David Washington strikes out swinging. He's going to have a long wait for the 2nd inning -- Manatees have scored seven runs and counting in the top of the 2nd!

Wren returns to steady form in leadoff role for Shuckers by Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald Kyle Wren photos at the link as well BILOXI - Shuckers outfielder Kyle Wren has been the prototypical leadoff batter during his minor league career, and he's seen a recent return to form after some early struggles this season. As the Shuckers continue their pursuit of a Southern League South first-half title, Wren's turnaround serves as a boost to the team's chances. Entering Tuesday, the Shuckers were 35-22 with a 3.5-game lead on the second-place Mississippi Braves in the South Division. After the 2-1 win over Mobile Monday, the Shuckers stood nine wins away from clinching a first-half championship and a spot in the postseason. In three years as a pro, Wren has a career batting average of .299 and a total of 100 stolen bases. A month ago, Wren was batting .223 and having a hard time getting on base during the early stages of the team's 54-game road trip. When the Shuckers made their debut on Saturday at MGM Park, Wren was back to his old self and now has a .283 batting average. "During my pro career, I've always started a little slow," Wren said. "This year, I started slower than usual. It's a long season. Most guys, you don't get enough at-bats in spring training to get your swing grooved. Sometimes, in spring training you feel good and you go into the season and you feel completely different. "I'm just starting to get back to the player I am. It just took about a month to get my swing going. I'm happy with where I am and how I'm seeing the ball. Hopefully, that can continue." Wren entered Tuesday with eight hits in his last 20 at-bats. He stole two bases in the MGM Park opener on Saturday to put his total at 19 on the season. "He's done a great job since the month of May," Shuckers manager Carlos Subero said. "He's hit .300, had a great on base percentage. He's stealing bases, setting up the table and driving in some runs. He's playing a good quality game and doing what he's supposed to do from the leadoff spot. He's doing a real good job." Power surge? Wren and his teammates have a shot to put up big offensive numbers in MGM Park thanks to the kind dimensions. It's 325 feet down the right field and left field lines and 350 to both of the power alleys. It's 400 to straight away center. Wren is not known for his power with only two homers as a pro, but even he can see where the small dimensions at MGM Park could be a boost to the team's offensive numbers. Entering Tuesday, Shuckers shortstop Orlando Arcia had the lone homer at the new park. "In the first (batting practice), we were looking at each other and saying, 'Wow, this place, it's flying here,'" Wren said. "It seems like as the sun went down the air got heavier. The wind was kind of blowing in more. In batting practice, the wind was flying out. "I hit one (Sunday) where I thought for a second it might have a chance. We'll see. It's a little surprising a lot of balls aren't going out."