Jim Goulart

Final: Mississippi 4, Biloxi 2 Braves hand Shuckers second straight loss Parker Berberet drives in two in the 4-2 loss on Friday Biloxi Shuckers http://www.milb.com/assets/images/1/5/6/123273156/cuts/shuckersfull_62_ovhg517r_pdjdzqf0.jpg Parker Berberet singled in two runs in the eighth inning on Friday night (Photo by Jason Clark) PEARL, MISS. - For the second straight night, the Shuckers' offense struggled to string hits together in a 4-2 loss to the Mississippi Braves on Friday night at Trustmark Park. The second straight loss gives the M-Braves a 2-1 series edge and the Shuckers will look to avoid dropping the series to their inter-state rival in game four on Saturday night. Biloxi (17-11) starter Jacob Barnes (L, 0-4, 4 R - 3 ER - 7 H, 3 BB, 3 SO) labored through four innings Friday night, suffering his fourth loss in his fourth start. The 25-year-old from Fort Myers, FL gave up four runs over the outing, walking three and striking out three. The Braves got on the scoreboard in the top of the first with two outs as catcher Chris O'Dowd singled through the right side of the infield scoring Mallex Smith, giving Mississippi a 1-0 lead. Mississippi's big inning was the fourth, sending seven batters to the dish and pushing across three runs. O'Dowd walked to start the inning and scored on a ground out by KD Kang. Smith struck for a two-run single that scored David Rohm and Corbin Joseph, opening up a 4-0 Braves advantage. Brent Suter came on in relief to start the fifth for the Shuckers and allowed a one-out double to Kevin Ahrens, but ultimately cruised through three innings of relief, allowing just the one hit and issuing a walk while picking up two strike outs. Parker Berberet (1x3, 2 RBI) cut the deficit in half with a two-run single in the seventh that brought in Michael Reed (0x3, R, BB) and Nick Shaw (1x3, R). It was the first time since the sixth inning of game one (18 innings) the Shuckers had scored a run. A combination of Suter (3 IP, H, BB, 2 SO) and Eric Marzec (2 IP, BB) locked down the Braves' offense for the final five frames. The bullpen had surrendered four runs over the first two games of the series. The loss marked the first time in the inaugural season that the club has dropped back-to-back nine inning games. Orlando Arcia (0x3, HBP) reached safely for the ninth straight game. Mississippi starter Jake Brigham (W, 3-2) held the Shuckers' offense at bay, allowing just one run on two hits, two walks and seven strike outs, picking up the win. Reliever Ryan Kelly (S, 7) tossed a perfect ninth to secure the win. The Shuckers will try to avoid a second straight series defeat on Saturday night when they send out LHP Hobbs Johnson (2-0, 2.53) against Mississippi's RHP Greg Ross (2-1, 5.66). First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM, with coverage beginning at 5:45 on 1240-AM WGCM 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 Tyrone Taylor the night off as Nathan Orf played LF with Kyle Wren in CF; that moved Yadiel Rivera to 3B, Orlando Arcia to 2B; Jacob Barnes has made 25 AA starts, but only has two victories to show for it, despite numbers that are middling, but not awful... Biloxi Game Log

Miller Park Prospects -- Farm Progress Report: 5/8/2015

Haven't commented on them because hey, it's low A-ball, and let's get used to everyone batting everywhere in the lineup, but Matt Erickson has just been all over the place on a nightly basis -- Denson's cleanup, Denson's 9th, Francisco Castillo must have been raking in extended spring, because he's a 3-hitter now, apparently. Carlos Leal is leading off tonight.

OF Monte Harrison to the Timber Rattlers Temp Inactive List (we'll link because he posted it himself, sincere condolences on the loss of his grandmother). Soon-to-be 22-year-old infielder Francisco Castillo, who split 2014 between Wisconsin and Helena (rough .528 OPS with the Timber Rattlers), joins the club to fill the spot.

Today's early "extra's" -- VIDEO: Wisconsin's Brandon Diaz slugs a solo homer as the Timber Rattlers fall to Quad Cities, 4-1, on Thursday (no audio, at least for me...) *** JERSEY AUCTION: Sea Cows as Space Explorers! Manatees on the Moon! Check it out! *** THOUGHTFUL ARTICLE: How to Beat Extended Spring Training *** BLOG ENTRY: Jeff Levering's latest in "Minor Details" *** WE SEE YOU, SPACE COAST STADIUM: Baseball America's "Ballparks That Helped—And Hurt—Hitters Most" *** MLB PIPELINE: Yes, there's a Brewer -- "Who's hot, who's not among top hitting prospects"

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Sky Sox' site. Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog Brevard County Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Manatees' site. Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog *** STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League South Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin *** Weather.com: Des Moines, IA Pearl, MS Viera, FL Davenport, IA

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

Friday's Daily Menu: TGIF! All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Drew Gagnon at Iowa (Cubs), 6:38 PM pre-game, 7:08 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 Jacob Barnes at "home" in Pearl, Mississippi vs. the M-Braves, 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:00 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 when the new stadium opens. NOTE: This series is available online for MiLB.TV subscribers. ********** Brevard County: LHP Wei-Chung Wang at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 5:05 PM pre-game, 5:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link Dave Walkovic returns as the play-by-play voice of the 'Tees; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio, as all home games and the "commuter" road games are scheduled to be broadcast in 2015. No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV. ********** Wisconsin: RHP David Burkhalter at Quad Cities (Astros), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 gametime; expect to see LHP Kodi Medeiros in a tandem role Free Live Audio Link - WNAM NOTE: This road series is available online for MiLB.TV subscribers. 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 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.

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Prospect Hot Sheet (May 8): -- Bringing up the tail end of the list, but that's better than none at all -- guess, then click.

If only Clint Coulter didn't exist. Pretty sure someone who doesn't make our top 20-30 prospects isn't going to magically get a ticket to the futures game. Nothing against him but you need some kind of track record to get into the futures game. Also I couldn't find his BAbip, but judging by the fact he strikes out in 22% of his at-bats it is probably incredibly high. So a large regression is probably coming. Even then he might still be able to have a .300 batting average...not too shabby for a guy picked in the 34th round to be a pitcher. Can't remember the last guy I saw who switched positions and hit the ground running so well. You would think he has been hitting all this time. I can understand why you might be a little biased in favor of Leal though Hard to tell if Josh was indicating for this season, but since Leal is a Puerto Rico native, Coulter wouldn't be blocking him from a World Team spot regardless (and clubs have had multiple Futures Team representatives, even on the same squad, in the past). Of course, just based on pure numbers, most organizations have two reps each year, but the Brewers haven't exactly been swarming in candidates in recent seasons. For 2015, one would think Coulter and Orlando Arcia might make this a very fun game for us come this July.

Space Explorers blast off against Tampa Yankees, win 8-4 Donald Rieber Jr., Examiner.com The Brevard County Space Explorers used a seven-run third inning to win the first game of a three-game series against the Tampa Yankees. Home runs by Jose Pena and Rafael Neda highlighted the decisive frame. The Manatees have changed their name temporarily to the Space Explorers, as part of a promotional three-game series in conjunction with Kennedy Space Center. If this first game is any indication, the team may want to think about keeping the name a bit longer. “Great way to start the homestand,” said Space Explorers manager Joe Ayrault. “Coming back here, wearing the Space Explorers uniforms and the moon hats and that seven run third inning with a couple home runs in there, definitely a good night.” Brevard County sent a season-high 11 men to the plate in that seven run third, against Tampa starter Chaz Hebert. Pena’s home run to left field, his first of the season. “We saw him a little bit in spring training,” said Ayrault of Pena. “I know he’s got a good bat and he started the inning and then we built it up, loaded the bases and drove a bunch of guys in.” Angel Ortega singled and went to second when Omar Garcia laid down a bunt single. Chris McFarland followed with a walk, loading the bases. Taylor Brennan laced a two-run single to center, making it 3-0. Mark Payton had trouble with the ball in center and that moved the runners to second and third. Clint Coulter kept the hit parade going, with an RBI single, making it 4-0. Hebert finally got Victor Roache on strikes and did the same with Garrett Cooper. Those were the first two outs of the inning. That brought Neda to the plate and he got into a pitch from Hebert, sending it over the wall in left, giving Brevard County a 7-0 cushion. Ericson Leonora did make an attempt to bring the ball back, but it went over his glove. That spelled the end of the night for Hebert (2-2), who allowed seven runs on six hits in 2.2 innings. He walked three and struck out two. Matt Wotherspoon took over and he settled things down, pitching the next 2.1 innings, allowing one hit. Space Explorers starter Hiram Burgos (2-3) allowed an RBI single to Tyler Wade in the top of the third and worked in and out of trouble in the fourth inning. He ended up giving Ayrault six solid innings of work. “He really showed me something in the fourth,” Ayrault said. “Leadoff walk and a couple hits. He gave up a run and then he really locked in. He finished the fourth and then came out in the fifth and sixth and put up zeros. That’s a veteran pitcher to deal with a little adversity and overcome it. He did a great job there.” Brevard County (13-14) loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh and Neda came through again, with an RBI sacrifice fly to make it 8-2. Tampa answered back in the top of the eighth, when Miguel Andujar homered against Space Explorers reliever Stephen Peterson, cutting the lead in half at 8-4. Peterson pitched the final three innings, with his only blemish being the Andujar home run. He gave up three hits and struck out three, to earn his first save of the season. The series continues Friday night at Space Coast Stadium. Wei-Chung Wang (1-1, 6.04 ERA) will pitch for Brevard County. Tampa (15-13) will counter with Jonathan Holder.

We have learned that RHP Chad Thompson, the 6'8" 27th round pick in 2011, was released this week. Earlier this spring, he had been listed in the rehab portion of the extended spring training list by the Brewers. Thompson, 24, has a long history past. He had Tommy John surgery back in 2009, and missed all of 2013 after major shoulder surgery. In 2012, Thompson was the winning pitcher when the Timber Rattlers clinched their Midwest League championship. And you should remember this very memorable combined no-hitter debut, ironically almost three years to the day prior to his release. We wish Chad well for his future pursuits, on the field and off.

At Brevard, RHP Scott Lieser comes off the 7-day DL, while RHP Tyler Spurlin goes on the DL. Spurlin's last outing was the roughest of his seven relief stints thus far.

AUDIO Interviews (scroll down at link): (Wednesday) Reliever Jaye Chapman on his surgery in 2013, time with M-Braves and the Battle for Misssissippi Yadiel Rivera

Final: Mississippi 4, Biloxi 0 Shuckers squander Wagner's seven shutout innings Biloxi was shutout 4-0 by Braves on Thursday night, evening series Biloxi Shuckers http://www.milb.com/assets/images/9/3/6/123065936/cuts/shuckersfull_30_e0fksayd_879jrt30.jpg PEARL, MS - In a complete opposite to Wednesday night's game, the Biloxi Shuckers fell to the Mississippi Braves and were shutout for just the third time, 4-0, Thursday night at Trustmark Park, ending the club's three-game winning streak. Biloxi suffered the first loss to their inter-state rival, stranding 11 runners on base and finishing 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. The Shuckers fall into a first place tie, atop the Southern League South Division with Mobile. Tyler Wagner picked up where he left off during his last start on May 2, tossing seven scoreless innings and tying a season high with seven strikeouts. Thursday was the Las Vegas native's fourth quality start, and second consecutive no decision after allowing one run through seven innings against the Mobile BayBears. Wagner lowered his ERA to 1.50 and has surrendered just one run over his last two starts and 14 innings of work. The 24-year-old remains a perfect 4-0 on the year. Biloxi (17-10) had plenty of chances off of Braves' starter Tyrell Jenkins, with the pivotal moment of the game in the home-half of the fifth when the Shuckers had the bases loaded and nobody out. Kyle Wren (1x4) led off the frame with a single and advanced to second when Yadiel Rivera (1x4) was hit by a pitch. Orlando Arcia (0x3, BB) walked to load the bases for Nick Ramirez (3x4). The Shuckers' first baseman flew out to left, but the ball could not carry far enough for Wren to tag. Michael Reed (1x4) grounded into a 1-2-3 double play to end the threat. Jenkins, whom the Braves acquired along with Shelby Miller in the Jason Heyward trade last November, settled for a no decision also, despite six shutout innings. Mississippi (12-13) got on the board in the eighth against reliever Jaye Chapman (IP, unearned run, 2 H). The inning started with a leadoff double by Emerson Landoni, placing a runner in scoring position with no outs. Mallex Smith put down a bunt with Chapman attempting a barehanded throw to first that sailed wide of the mark and allowed Landoni to score. The Braves tacked on three more runs in the ninth off of Martin Viramontes (IP, 3 R - 2 ER - 3 H) and provided a 4-0 cushion. Reliever Jorge Reyes (3-1, 0.95) tossed two scoreless behind Jenkins and got the win. Arcia was 0-for-3 with a walk, ending his seven-game hitting streak. Ramirez collected his second three-hit performance going 3-for-4 (all singles) on Thursday night. Biloxi will try to jump back ahead in the five-game set when it will send out RHP Jacob Barnes (0-3, 3.68) in the middle game of the series, against Mississippi's RHP Jake Brigham (2-2, 5.48). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Friday night, with coverage beginning at 6:45 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 Biloxi Game Log

***

VIDEO: Colorado Springs' Tyler Thornburg triples to drive home a run in the fifth inning of a 2-1 loss at Memphis Most LF'ers take a better route and hold to a single, but it was ripped...

Final: Memphis 2, Colorado Springs 1 Thornburg's Bat Can't Carry Sox In 2-1 Loss Right-hander Adds RBI Triple to One-run, Five Inning Performance By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/0/0/0/123072000/cuts/04_27_006_pk_fl2dy1ka_5s015aec.jpg Tyler Thornburg drove in the Sox lone run with an RBI triple to go along with his five innings of one-run ball. (File Photo from prior game by Paat Kelly) The Sky Sox fell in another one-run contest with the Redbirds in a 2-1 loss in front of 2,136 fans at AutoZone Park in Memphis on Thursday evening. Right-hander Tyler Thornburg would toss five innings of one-run ball in his third outing for the Sox since being sent to Triple-A to stretch out his innings. He would allow two hits and three walks while striking out two over that time. The run would come in the very first inning as Xavier Scruggs scored Dean Anna on a sacrifice fly after Anna lead off the home half with a single. The Sky Sox would score their lone run in the fifth, thanks to Thornburg's own two-out RBI triple that plated Nevin Ashley to knot the game at one. Redbirds starter Zach Petrick twirled an impressive six inning outing, allowing just the one run on four hits and two walks while striking out three in a no decision. The game would become a battle of the bullpens after the starters went five and six innings respectively, giving either side a chance to take home the W. Redbirds righties Tyler Waldron and Marcus Hatley (1-1, 2.35) would toss three combined scoreless inning in relief of Petrick with Hatley recording four strikeouts in his two frames. Taking over for Thornburg in the sixth, left-hander Michael Kirkman made his Sky Sox debut, tossing a scoreless frame with three consecutive groundouts. Chris Leroux (1-3, 3.94) took over in the seventh, also pitching a scoreless frame before going out for a second inning in the bottom of the eighth. With runners on second and third after a walk and errant throw on Dean Anna's sacrifice bunt opened, Leroux faced an uphill battle with Ed Easley at the dish in the next at-bat. Easley would please the home crowd with an RBI single to centerfield, scoring Ty Kelly from third easily before Anna was cut down at the plate on a Logan Schafer throw to Ashley. Leroux would work out of further trouble, however, Kelly's run would be the final scored in the ballgame as the Redbirds would close out Colorado Springs 1-2-3 in the top of the ninth to secure a 2-1 series-ending win. The Sky Sox will look to get back on track on Friday night as they travel to Iowa to take on the Cubs in the first of a four-game set. Drew Gagnon (1-2, 5.40) will take the hill against fellow right-hander Donn Roach (3-0, 2.59) with first pitch set for 6:08 PM MDT (7:08 Central) at Principal Park. Colorado Springs Box Score Tyler Thornburg will soon realize this move to the rotation in AAA was for the best as he almost certainly will be in the big league rotation by mid-season given future trades and/or futility in Milwaukee. The Sky Sox are a league-worst 9-18 and trail the league's best team (Oklahoma City - Dodgers) by 11 games on May 8th, sound familiar, Brewer fans? Only no wild card in AAA. Colorado Springs Game Log Nice last-ditch effort here -- Col. Springs Top of the 9th Defensive Substitution: Matt Williams replaces left fielder Xavier Scruggs, batting 5th, playing left field. Shane Peterson strikes out swinging. Ben Guez strikes out swinging. Matt Long strikes out swinging.

The Manatees are the "Space Explorers" this weekend -- you'll see the references as the reports come in the next few days...

VIDEO: Luis Sardinas doubles in a run in Colorado Springs' 6-5 loss to Memphis - Golfed it! *** Sorry, Corey Knebel... VIDEO: Dan Johnson hits a three-run homer to stun the Sky Sox and give Memphis a 6-5 win over Colorado Springs

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Sky Sox' site. Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog Brevard County Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Manatees' site. Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog *** STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League South Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin *** Weather.com: Memphis, TN Pearl, MS Viera, FL Davenport, IA

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

Thursday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Tyler Thornburg at Memphis (Cardinals), 6:35 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link We welcome Dan Karcher, who is the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox; follow him on Twitter @SkySoxKarch MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Colorado Springs games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $49.99 season-long package ($12.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. The video of each game is archived online, which is a nice feature. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. NOTE: Notice that on MiLB.TV's page, you can click on "Filter", then "Milwaukee Brewers", and you'll see just the Crew's organizational TV lineup. ********** Biloxi: RHP Tyler Wagner at "home" in Pearl, Mississippi vs. the M-Braves, 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:00 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 when the new stadium opens. NOTE: This series is available online for MiLB.TV subscribers. ********** Brevard County: RHP Hiram Burgos at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 5:05 PM pre-game, 5:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link Dave Walkovic returns as the play-by-play voice of the 'Tees; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio, as all home games and the "commuter" road games are scheduled to be broadcast in 2015. No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Cy Sneed at Quad Cities (Astros), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link - WNAM NOTE: This road series is available online for MiLB.TV subscribers. 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 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.

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