battlekow

Final: Beloit 5, Wisconsin 3 (7 innings)Snappers stop Rattlers in game one Chris Mehring/Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Beloit Snappers defeated the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 5-3 in game one of a doubleheader on Friday night at Time Warner Cable Field. Beloit broke a 2-2 tie with three runs in the top of the sixth inning. Danny Rams homered and drove in two runs for Beloit. The Rattlers banged out 10 hits, but could not cash in on their opportunities. Rams homered to start the Beloit second inning and the Snappers (20-14) went up 1-0. Beloit tacked on a run in the third inning. Brian Dozier doubled with one out. Steven Liddle knocked him in with a single. Wisconsin (11-23) rallied to tie the game with single runs in the third and the fourth. Franklin Romero, Jr. reached on a bunt single to leadoff the third and moved to second on passed ball. One out later Scooter Gennett singled to left and Romero scored. The Rattlers got their second run on a two-out RBI double by Michael Marseco in the fourth. The Snappers broke the tie in the top of the sixth. They loaded the bases against Rattlers starting pitcher Damon Krestalude with no outs on an error, a walk, and a bunt single. Rams struck again with a single to drive in the tiebreaking run and keep the bases loaded. Anderson Hidalgo and Josmil Pinto followed with back-to-back sacrifice flies and the Snappers led 5-2. The Rattlers got a run back in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Marseco. Wisconsin had runners at first and third with two outs and Gennett at the plate against Beloit closer Kane Holbrooks. Gennett hit a line drive that appeared headed for left. But, Hidalgo – the Snappers’ third baseman – snagged the liner with a diving stab to record the final out of the inning. Wisconsin would get a one out single against Holbrooks in the bottom of the seventh, but the righty struck out the final two batters to pick up his third save of the season. Wisconsin box scoreKrestalude's final line: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3K. Two hits apiece for Gennett, Chris Dennis, and Cutter Dykstra, who also had two steals. D'Vontrey Richardson was 0-3 with two strikeouts and, scarily, was hit in the head by a pitch, though he stayed in the game and seemed all right; Richardson also notched an outfield assist. Khris Davis was 0-4 and Cameron Garfield was 1-4. Wisconsin play-by-play

Manatees press release: Milwaukee extends player development contract with Brevard County through 2012 VIERA, Fla. --- The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that they have extended their player development contract (PDC) with the Brevard County Manatees of the Class-A Advanced Florida State League, through the 2012 season. The Manatees are owned and operated by Central Florida Baseball Group, LLC. "We are excited for the opportunity to continue our relationship with the Brewers, who are a class act top to bottom," Central Florida Baseball Group Chairman Dr. Tom Winters said. The Manatees, located in Viera, Fla., have had a PDC with the Brewers since 2005. The club has previously been affiliated with the Florida Marlins (1994-2001) and the Montreal Expos (2002-2004). "We are very excited to extend our player development contract with the Milwaukee Brewers," Brevard County Manatees General Manager Kyle Smith said. "We are glad to be able to continue grooming the young talent in the Brewers organization and also providing professional baseball to Brevard County." Five players on Milwaukee's 2010 Opening Day roster played for the Manatees. OF Ryan Braun (2006), SS Alcides Escobar (2006-07), RHP Yovani Gallardo (2006), LHP Manny Parra (2006) and RHP Carlos Villanueva (2005) have all made a stop at Brevard County on their way to the majors. "We are pleased to extend our working relationship with the Brevard County Manatees and their management team," said Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin. "Brevard County has provided the important resources and environment needed to develop and prepare our young players for future success in the organization and the relationship continues to work well for our needs.? " For more information on the Brevard County Manatees, visit manateesbaseball.com.

At Huntsville, Sean McCraw activated off the DL and Patrick Arlis put on it.

Rattler Radio: Game notes Today's pitchers Starting lineup (game one) Good to see Cutter Dykstra back in there.

One more factoid on Rogers and Reid: "Rogers, who has a bit of lobstering in his background, goes fishing with Reid on the Alabama River when they can."

Via View From Bernie's Chalet, here's Keith Law on Brewers pitching prospects: Jason (Germantown, WI) Klaw, which pitcher in the Brewers system has the highest ceiling? Eric Arnett, Jake Odorizzi or Wily Peralta? Klaw (1:42 PM) Peralta.

Final: St. Lucie 6, Brevard County 5 (10 innings)Brevard County box score Cody Scarpetta allowed four runs, all in the 1st inning, and though BC rallied to tie the game, they'd eventually fall in extra innings. Scarpetta pitched well thereafter, striking out five while walking one and surrendering seven hits. Dan Meadows pitched well while soaking up innings, and Nick Green worked a scoreless 9th before giving up the winning run in the 10th. Josh Prince, in a welcome surprise, led off the game with his first home run of the year and just the Manatees' second (wow). Prince finished with two hits, as did Erik Komatsu, Sean Halton (plus a walk), and Anderson de la Rosa, while Sergio Miranda had three. Kentrail Davis was hitless but reached base three times on two walks and a HBP, the fifth time he's been hit in only 69 plate appearances. Brevard County play-by-play St. Lucie outfield Emmanuel Garcia picked up two outfield assists, killing Halton at home in the 1st and Miranda at second in the 5th, both ending innings. Scarpetta's painful 1st: St. Lucie Bottom 1st Emmanuel Garcia grounds out, second baseman Sergio Miranda to first baseman Sean Halton. Reese Havens singles on a fly ball to center fielder Kentrail Davis. Eric Campbell doubles (9) on a fly ball to center fielder Kentrail Davis. Reese Havens to 3rd. Sean Ratliff singles on a ground ball to right fielder Erik Komatsu. Reese Havens scores. Eric Campbell scores. Joshua Satin singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brock Kjeldgaard. Sean Ratliff to 2nd. Stefan Welch singles on a ground ball to center fielder Kentrail Davis. Sean Ratliff scores. Joshua Satin to 2nd. Richard Lucas singles on a line drive to left fielder Brock Kjeldgaard. Joshua Satin to 3rd. Stefan Welch to 2nd. Juan Centeno out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Kentrail Davis. Joshua Satin scores. Wilfredo Tovar lines out to third baseman Matt Cline.

Final: Wisconsin 3, Beloit 0Rattlers shutout Snappers Chris Mehring/Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI – Three Wisconsin pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout of the Beloit Snappers Thursday night at Time Warner Cable Field. Nick Bucci, Del Howell, and Andre Lamontagne pitched the Rattlers to a 3-0 victory over their in-state rivals. D’Vontrey Richardson had a hand in all three Wisconsin runs as the Rattlers won their second straight game. Wisconsin (11-22) got out front with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third courtesy of the top two hitters in the order. Michael Marseco, the #8 hitter in the lineup, reached on an error to start the inning. One out later, Richardson doubled off the wall in left-center to drive Marseco home from first. Scooter Gennett followed with a single to left and Richardson scored for a 2-0 lead. Richardson and Gennett teamed up to set up the third Wisconsin run of the night. Both singled with two outs in the fifth inning. Khris Davis completed the trifecta of three straight two-out hits to send Richardson home with a run to make the score 3-0. Bucci had a little hiccup in the first inning when he loaded the bases with two outs, but he got out of that early jam. Then, he cruised until the sixth inning. Bucci walked the first batter and appeared to get the first out of the inning on a routine fly ball. However, the ball dropped in untouched for a double to put runners on second and third with no outs. Bucci buckled down and went strikeout, popout, strikeout to end the threat and his evening. Bucci allowed three hits over his six shutout innings and turned the ball over to Howell for the seventh. Howell pitched two innings and worked around a pair of walks in the eighth to keep the Snappers (19-14) off the scoreboard. Lamontagne pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save. The Rattlers and the Snappers will play a doubleheader on Friday night to make up for a rainout back on April 25. Wisconsin will have Damon Krestalude (1-1, 3.68) as the starting pitcher in game one and Jake Odorizzi (1-1, 4.37) as the starter in game two. Beloit sends Brad Stillings (1-2, 5.33) to the hill in game one and BJ Hermsen makes his Midwest League debut for the Snappers in game two. Friday night is a North Shore Bank Family Night in conjunction with momslikeme.com. That means children 12 and under eat free as part of North Shore Bank Family Night in conjunction with momslikeme.com. After the second game of the doubleheader, ThedaCare Orthopedics presents Kids Run the Bases for children 14 and under. The first game of the doubleheader begins at 5:05pm. The second game will follow the conclusion of game one by 30 minutes. Both games are scheduled for seven innings and may be heard on AM 1280 WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 4:45pm. Wisconsin box score Except for Brevard County, each home team won tonight in a shutout; glad the Rattlers were at home. Great game from Bucci, who struck out seven, and it's nice to see Howell, who struck out two and allowed one hit, get his ERA under 9. Baby steps from him and Richardson. Davis added another hit to finish 2-4, and Chris Dennis and Cameron Garfield were each 1-4. Wisconsin play-by-play Bucci's Houdini acts: Beloit Top 1st Aaron Hicks grounds out, second baseman Ryan Gennett to first baseman Chris Dennis. Brian Dozier strikes out swinging. Steven Liddle doubles (5) on a fly ball to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Angel Morales hit by pitch. Anderson Hidalgo walks. Steven Liddle to 3rd. Angel Morales to 2nd. Michael Gonzales grounds out to first baseman Chris Dennis. Beloit Top 6th Steven Liddle walks. Angel Morales doubles (7) on a fly ball to right fielder Franklin Romero. Steven Liddle to 3rd. Anderson Hidalgo strikes out swinging, catcher Cameron Garfield to first baseman Chris Dennis. Michael Gonzales pops out to third baseman Peter Fatse in foul territory. Tobias Streich strikes out swinging.

Final: Montgomery 2, Huntsville 0Huntsville box score Amaury Rivas must be doing something different, because for the third time in four outings, he was a ground-ball machine, this time getting 11 ground outs against only one air out. He also picked up the strikeouts, tallying five in his six innings while walking none, allowing two runs on seven hits. Unfortunately, those two runs were too much for the depleted Huntsville offense to overcome; hopefully the return of Lorenzo Cain next game will spark some life. Brett Lawrie got back to his 1-4 ways, and Caleb Gindl matched him, with Gindl's hit being a double. That's the third straight game with a two-bagger for Gindl--it's nice to see him getting the power stroke working again. Andy Machado also had a nice night, 1-2 with two walks. Huntsville play-by-play The Stars got two leadoff doubles but couldn't score: Huntsville Top 5th Chuck Caufield doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Cody Strait. Scott Krieger grounds out, shortstop Omar Luna to first baseman Matt Fields. Martin Maldonado called out on strikes. Brett Lawrie singles on a line drive to left fielder John Matulia. Chuck Caufield out at home on the throw, left fielder John Matulia to catcher Nevin Ashley. Huntsville Top 6th Caleb Gindl doubles (10) on a line drive to center fielder Emeel Salem. Zelous Wheeler grounds out, third baseman Greg Sexton to first baseman Matt Fields. Caleb Gindl to 3rd. Chris Errecart grounds out, pitcher Alexander Torres to first baseman Matt Fields. Anderson Machado grounds out, second baseman Drew M. Anderson to first baseman Matt Fields.

Final: Nashville 8, Tacoma 0Capuano Dominates Rainiers In 8-0 Win Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Left-hander Chris Capuano twirled eight frames of scoreless, three-hit ball to lead the Nashville Sounds to an 8-0 victory over the Tacoma Rainiers on Thursday evening at historic Greer Stadium. Capuano (1-0) was outstanding in his first start at the Triple-A level this season after three outings in the Advanced-A Florida State League. The former Major League All-Star allowed only three hits while walking two batters and striking out four in his 74-pitch effort. In four combined starts this season, Capuano has recorded three victories and posted a minuscule 0.79 ERA (2er/22.2ip). Thursday's eight-inning outing was Capuano's longest since the 2007 campaign with Milwaukee. He underwent his second career "Tommy John" ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow in 2008. Left-hander Zach Braddock closed out the win with a scoreless ninth for the Sounds, striking out the side around a two-out Brad Nelson single. The win was the third shutout victory of the season for Nashville (21-12), which has won three of its last four contests after dropping five of the previous seven. Sounds catcher Jonathan Lucroy staked the home team to a 3-0 lead in the second when he belted a three-run homer to left-center off Tacoma starter Chris Seddon. The blast, which plated Joe Koshansky and Trent Oeltjen, was the backstop's second of the year. Nashville upped its advantage to 4-0 in the third against Seddon. Ray Olmedo (2-for-5) reached on a one-out bunt single and moved to second on a Johnny Raburn single. The runners executed a double steal and Olmedo trotted to the plate in unearned fashion when Rainiers catcher Josh Bard's throw sailed into left field. Oeltjen pushed the Nashville lead to 6-0 in the sixth when he swatted an opposite-field, two-run homer to left. The roundtripper, which chased Seddon, was the outfielder's third of the year and first at home. Erick Almonte opened the frame with a walk and also scored on the blast. The Sounds wrapped up the evening's scoring in the seventh with a pair of runs off Tacoma reliever Yusmeiro Petit. Koshansky and Almonte each contributed an RBI single in the frame. Seddon (3-1) took his first loss of the year for Tacoma after surrendering six runs (four earned) on six hits over five-plus frames of work. The teams wrap up their four-game series with a 7:05 p.m. finale on Friday night at Greer. Right-hander Marco Estrada (1-2, 3.55) will make the start for the Sounds to face Tacoma right-hander David Pauley (0-3, 3.41). http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2010/05/13/f42bNkZe.jpg Nashville box score Really encouraging outing from Capuano (and I dig the hat), but I wonder, with Chris Narveson solidifying his rotation spot, I wonder how Capuano would fit in. How bad would Doug Davis have to pitch, and for how long, before Melvin would admit his mistake there? Think of how long it took him to do so with Jeff Suppan, though granted Suppan was a more significant investment/statement. Also great to see Braddock bounce back with a dominant outing. The homer was Lucroy's only hit. Adam Heether was 1-3 and was hit by a pitch. Nashville play-by-play I have a feeling Braddock was a little angry tonight: Tacoma Top 9th Pitcher Change: Zach Braddock replaces Chris Capuano. Mike Carp strikes out swinging. Tommy Everidge strikes out swinging. Brad Nelson singles on a line drive to left fielder Trent Oeltjen. Mike Wilson strikes out swinging.

Yeah, sorry, I edited my post, but you replied before I could. His average fastball was around 86 from 2005-2007.

From what I heard, Capuano was at 82-86 with his fastball in Brevard. That's not as far off his old velocity as you'd think (he was never low-90s). His average fastball velocities his last three years with the Brewers were: 86.4, 86.8, 86.9.

Missed opportunities continue to haunt Stars Aaron Morse The Huntsville Stars (17-16) left 11 runners stranded and the Montgomery Biscuits (18-14) slugged a couple of homers to prevail by a final score of 5-3 Wednesday night. The Stars jumped out to the early lead in the top of the second thanks to some shaky defense on the part of the Biscuits. With two away and Chuckie Caufield on second base, pitcher Alex Cobb couldn't handle the feed to first on a grounder, allowing Brent Brewer to reach and Caufield to score. Martin Maldonado continued his recent hot streak with a ringing double to right which scored Brewer to extend the lead to 2-0. But the lead didn't last long. With one away in the bottom half of the frame Drew Anderson tripled off Stars starter Chris Cody (2-4). A Cody Strait base hit to left drove home Anderson to cut the lead in half. Then Cody was victimized by the long ball as John Matulia slugged his third bomb of the year to give the Biscuits the 3-2 lead. But Huntsville evened things up in the top of the sixth as Caufield recorded his third RBI in as many games with a single to right to plate Andy Machado. All night long though the Biscuits refused to allow the Stars to relax as they took back the lead in authoritative fashion thanks to a two-run homer from Greg Sexton in the bottom half of the sixth. The Stars loaded the bases with one out in the top of the 9th, but failed to score as Matt Gorgen struck-out back to back hitters to nail down his seventh save of the year. The Smokies also lost Wednesday night so the Stars remain four games back in the North Division. They'll look to bounce back Thursday night as Amaury Rivas (4-1) heads to the mound looking to even the series up at two games apiece. Tune to WTKI and the Stars Radio Network at 6:50pm for the Window World Pre-Game Show, and we'll bring you the first pitch at 7:05.

Baseball America's Matt Eddy notes that the Rattlers are tied for the third-worst record in the minors.

Baseball America's Matt Eddy notes that Trent Oeltjen and Joe Koshansky are among the AAA leaders in isolated power over the last couple weeks.

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Final: Montgomery 5, Huntsville 3Huntsville box score Chris Cody got hit hard, allowing five runs on nine hits in 5.2 innings, though he didn't walk anyone and struck out four. Brett Lawrie continued his post-Hot Sheet funk on offense, 0-4, though he walked and stole his eighth base. Caleb Gindl was 2-5 with a double. Martin Maldonado stayed hot, 3-4 with a double, and Andy Machado had two doubles. Taylor Green still absent and presumably injured. Huntsville play-by-play Down two in the 9th, the Stars loaded the bases with one out but couldn't score: Huntsville Top 9th Martin Maldonado singles on a line drive to center fielder Emeel Salem. Brett Lawrie strikes out swinging. Caleb Gindl doubles (9) on a line drive to left fielder John Matulia. Martin Maldonado to 3rd. Zelous Wheeler walks. Coaching visit to mound. Chris Errecart strikes out swinging. Anderson Machado strikes out swinging.

Rumor is Lambo and Jeffress share a similar proclivity for the herb.

The situations are different. Arnett was a consensus first-round talent and, though he certainly came with warts, as do all non-Strasburg players, he was viewed as a steal with the 26th pick. Frederickson came out of nowhere and a lot of people were immediately critical of the pick. These differences aside, I cannot stress enough that it's way too early to be talking about Arnett like that. If he's pitching poorly in middle relief two years from now having only progressed one level, then you can start.

Final: Tacoma 4, Nashville 0Sounds Shutout By Tacoma, 4-0 Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE - The Nashville Sounds lost to the Tacoma Rainiers, 4-0, behind Tacoma Rainiers starter Steven Shell and his complete-game shutout in front of a season-high 10,791 fans as part of Reading Club day at historic Greer Stadium, the largest crowd of the 2010 season. Allowing four hits while fanning six batters on the afternoon, Shell (2-1) retired the Sounds in order in six of his nine innings pitched. The last time the Sounds were shutout over nine innings was August 25, 2005 at Round Rock when the Express' Jimmy Anderson completed the gem. It was the third time Nashville (20-12) has been shutout this season. After Jack Hannahan reached on a infielder error, Tacoma catcher Josh Bard homered to deep left field that put the Rainiers ahead 2-0, his second home run of the season. Tacoma added the other two runs for a 4-0 lead in the top of the eighth inning on reliever Tim Dillard with another home run to left field, a two-run shot by Mike Carp. Sounds starter Chris Waters (3-1) took a tough loss while recording his second consecutive quality start, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks while fanning two batters over six innings. Dillard surrendered two runs on two hits with a walk and two strikeouts in two innings pitched. A.J. Murray followed by striking out two in one scoreless inning. The Sounds and Rainiers will play the third game of a four-game set on 7:05 pm CT on Taco Bell Throwback Thursday at historic Greer Stadium. Left-hander Chris Capuano (NR) makes his Sounds debut against Tacoma southpaw Chris Seddon (3-0, 3.30). Nashville box score Four hits. Hey, at least two of them were doubles. Adam Heether had none of them, 0-3, and neither did Jonthan Lucroy, who didn't play. Nashville play-by-play Erick Almonte's double in the 5th broke up the perfect game. He was later thrown out at home trying to score on Luis Cruz's two-out single. The Sounds actually had a decent chance to at least end the shutout in the 9th, but couldn't get anything across: Nashville Bottom 9th Norris Hopper lines out to right fielder Mike Wilson. Ray Olmedo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Trent Oeltjen doubles (10) on a line drive to right fielder Mike Wilson. Ray Olmedo to 3rd. Joe Koshansky called out on strikes. Erick Almonte lines out to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera.

Chris Mehring: "Thursday’s Midwest League game between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Quad Cities River Bandits at Modern Woodmen Park has been rained out. The game will not be made up since the two teams do not meet again in the first half of the season."

Final: St. Lucie 10, Brevard County 5Brevard County box score Starter Dan Merklinger didn't pitch well, allowing four runs in four innings, and then Evan Frederickson got lit up for five runs in two innings to blow the game open. The first six Manatees in the batting order had two hits--except Kentrail Davis, who was 0-4, though he was hit by a pitch (and apparently survived without significant injury). Josh Prince added a walk to his two knocks and stole his seventh base, and Matt Cline walked twice. Shawn Zarraga struck out as a pinch hitter. Brevard County play-by-play Before Frederickson torched the game, the Manatees had a chance to get back into it down 4-1 with the bases loaded in the 5th: Brevard County Top 5th Sergio Miranda triples (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Eric Campbell. Brock Kjeldgaard grounds out, third baseman Richard Lucas to first baseman Stefan Welch. Sergio Miranda scores. Anderson De La Rosa pops out to shortstop Wilfredo Tovar. Michael Roberts singles on a ground ball to second baseman Reese Havens. Josh Prince singles on a line drive to right fielder Emmanuel Garcia. Michael Roberts to 2nd. With Matt Cline batting, wild pitch by Robert Carson, Michael Roberts to 3rd. Josh Prince to 2nd. Matt Cline walks. Erik Komatsu flies out to right fielder Emmanuel Garcia.

From the Rockford Register Star, another article on the many talented members of Cody Scarpetta's family, this one featuring some quotes from Cody.

Baron trying to recapture last season James Peters/Gazette.net (Maryland) Coming off his best season as a professional, Casey Baron, a left-handed relief pitcher, has struggled in the early going for the Huntsville (Ala.) Stars, a Southern League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Baron earned a spot in the Southern League All-Star Game last summer, going 4-6 with a save and a 2.42 earned-run average in 52 innings at Class A and AA. Things have not gone so smoothly in 2010, with Baron compiling an 8.71 ERA in 10 1/3 innings of relief. "My stuff is a little flat," Baron said. "I've got to work on my arm angles and get leverage back on the ball. ... Everything went right last year. I've just got to focus on what I need to do and whatever happens, happens. I have to worry about getting my stuff the way it was last year."

Stars broadcaster Chad Anderson has his recap of this afternoon's game at his blog.