battlekow

This tweet from Kevin Goldstein pretty well sums up Gindl's scouting reports: "Talked to two scouts about Brewers OF Caleb Gindl today. One really liked him, one really didn't." I asked Goldstein if there was any consensus on Gindl's defense, and he said: "[They] agreed that he was average at best with a decent arm."

Rattler Radio: Game notes Tonight's starting pitcher Starting lineup Good to see Gennett back in the lineup after his timeout.

New faces in new places for Helena Brewers Amber Kuehn/Helena Independent Record Helena Brewers fans will see several new faces at Kindrick Field when the 2010 season opens June 21. Not only is there a new name leading the club in manager Joe Ayrault, but approximately 90 percent of the rookie team’s roster will consist of players selected in the June draft. Several of last year’s stars began this season with Class A Wisconsin, inlcuding Milwaukee’s top draft pick in 2009, Eric Arnett. Arnett pitched his first game for the Timber Rattlers on Monday, throwing 4 1/3 innings and giving up five runs (four earned) on five hits. Arnett hit two batters, struck out three, and was charged with the loss to the Clinton LumberKings. “At the pitching position, we’ll have a young group of guys,” Ayrault said of the Brewers. Along with Arnett, former Helena hurlers Kyle Heckathorn, Jake Odorizzi, Nick Bucci, Hiram Burgos, Jonathan Pokorny and Andrew Lamontagne were moved up. Catcher Cameron Garfield and infielders Sean Halton and Joey Paciorek are also listed on the Wisconsin roster. While Ayrault isn’t entirely sure exactly who will be on his team when he arrives in Montana, he’s optimistic after seeing a ton of talent at spring training. “I’m fired up about it, just to get to work in that part of the country is fantastic,” he said from his home in Sarasota, Fla. “With the guys that I’ve met, I’m very positive about our energy...There’s a lot of talent with the Brewers at the lower levels.” Ayrault plans to be back in Arizona for about 10 days for extended spring training to get even more glimpses of the future, but is enjoying his time with family and friends in Florida. He said he’s helping a friend build a baseball facility called Extra Innings for the next two months before coming to the Treasure State. Extra Innings will feature nine batting cages where they’ll do lessons and camps and some speed and agility training, while working some with a strength and conditioning coach out of the Tampa Bay Rays organization. While Ayrault admits he’s not used to short-season baseball, he thinks he could get used to the life. Before Saturday’s interview, the 38-year-old was fishing. “I’m used to it being opening day now, being out there on third base and managing,” he said. “This time off is a little different, but it’s nice to spend the time with my family.” As for people he expects to see when arriving in the Capital City, Ayrault said Maxwell Walla and Chad Stang are likely to start the season in Helena at the right field and center field positions, respectively. The other outfielder currently listed on the Helena roster is Scott Krieger. Just who else will be playing for Ayrault his first year in Helena remains a mystery. It’s tough to know who Milwaukee will take in the draft without knowing all of the needs of the major league team, he said. “I do know this about the Brewers: they do a great job in scouting,” he said. “Looking at the ’05, ’06, ’07 teams, I was very impressed with the talent that came through the Brewers organization.” Ayrault wouldn’t say for sure if Cutter Dykstra, a second baseman who’s become a fan favorite in Helena, would return. The son of former major leaguer Lenny Dykstra is listed on the current Helena Brewers roster, though. “For my own selfish reasons, I’d love to have Cutter Dykstra back,” Ayrault said. “He’s swinging the bat real well, and from what I’ve heard, his defense has really improved. I was impressed with what I saw of him this spring.” In all seriousness, Ayrault said he’ll be happy with whoever he gets to work with and knows that rookie league is first and foremost about player development. “That’s what this level is all about...you’re developing these players to be winners,” he said. “You want the guys out there to win every ball game, yet it’s the time to make mistakes. Make them now while you’re in rookie ball and learn from them so it doesn’t happen again at the higher levels. “I have more satisfaction from sending guys up, but I am very competitive,” he admits. “I hate losing in cards to my wife. So I want to win with the guys we have. Still, there’s nothing like telling a guy he’s going up to the bigs and seeing the look on his face.” Ayrault said he loves getting guys fresh out of the draft and showing them the ropes of baseball. “I’m excited to teach them the Brewer way,” he said. “Just give me my rosters and I’m ready to go to work.”

Ah, thanks. I was gonna guess Hosey because he didn't have a number listed, but he looked too young. Mrs. Hosey should be proud.

The alligator video was pretty amusing. Who was that imitating the alligator sounds? It looked like he was wearing #35, but the Manatees don't list a #35 on their roster.

Stars opt to extend lease with Huntsville for five years Mark McCarter/Huntsville Times HUNTSVILLE, Al. -- Despite dwindling attendance and playing in the oldest stadium in the Southern League, the ownership of the Huntsville Stars has exercised the option to extend its lease with the city of Huntsville for five years, through the 2015 season. Miles Prentice, the team's majority owner, made the announcement prior to the Stars' home season opener Wednesday night. Prentice said that in reassuring the city he would not move the club he hoped for "a recognition that baseball is important (to Huntsville) and they want to keep it." The "recognition" would involve a financial investment in the city-owned Joe Davis Stadium. "Probably fairly significant, but I haven't put a number on it," Prentice said. Mayor Tommy Battle expressed interest earlier this week in renegotiating the lease, but noted it was one of the most generous agreements among Southern League clubs, partially due to the stadium's age. Battle said he "wants to hear while Miles has to say" regarding the lease extension. However, because of travel conflicts they were not able to meet during Prentice's vist Wednesday. "It's time to sit down and talk constructively about what can get done and what will be done," Prentice said. Battle and Prentice met last July 24, after which Prentice said, "I guess the basic issue (now) is the recognition that we in Huntsville need a new ballpark" and Battle said both parties were "wide open to any idea that will improve baseball here." Prentice has enlisted architectural firms to study Joe Davis Stadium to "re-do what is here, because you do have some things you could build around," an alternative to a new park that "is significantly less." The average cost of a new stadium for teams at the Double-A level is estimated at $25 million. Prentice said he and his group would be willing to discuss a private-public partnership, much as his $2 million investment in the stadium at Midland, Tex., where he owns another team. He also spoke of the stadium's "great location" in Huntsville and the potential for developing land surrounding it for commercial purposes. Part of the reason for the announcement and long extension is because "there is no pressure. You don't have to make a decision today or tomorrow," Prentice said. "This takes time. You need to plan. ... The real goal in my mind is to ensure baseball is here 50 more years, not just five more." He acknowledged that he has had discussion "with five or six other cities" about potentially moving the team, and acknowledged the Stars had approached city officials in Madison about a stadium there. The Stars' player-development contract with the Milwaukee Brewers expires at season's end and Prentice said they have "been patient" with Huntsville. It is expected that Milwaukee will investigate opportunities with another affiliate in September when baseball rules permit a brief "shopping period" for teams looking to make a switch, especially if no significant changes are made to the stadium. Wednesday's announcement assures that Prentice's ownership group would still have a team here next season, working with another major league club should the Brewers decide to look elsewhere. http://media.al.com/breaking/photo/prentice-3jpg-fec6c7b471bcf00d_large.jpg Stars owner Miles Prentice

Manatees fall victim to another Lakeland rally Frank Longobardo/ManateesBaseball.com The Brevard County Manatees weren't able to win one for the kids during Wednesday morning's Education Day game, as they fell 8-3 to the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The Flying Tigers (4-3) got to Manatees (2-5) starter Wily Peralta early as Bryan Pounds and Billy Nowlin hit back-to-back doubles to spot Lakeland three runs in the top of the first. Peralta though would settle down as he allowed just two more hits in his five innings of work. He also struck out four Lakeland hitters. Brevard County finally rallied in the bottom of the sixth with one out, as Brent Brewer reached on an error by Lakeland shortstop Carmelo Jaime. Juan Miranda then singled to center and then with a full count, Erik Komatsu singled on a hit and run that scored Brewer, to make it a 3-1 game. That would chase the Flying Tigers starter Mark Sorenson after 5 1/3 innings. Erik Crichton then came in with runners on the corners and was greeted harshly by Brock Kjeldgaard as he ripped a double into the left field corner to drive in Miranda and Komatsu and just like that the Manatees tied the game 3-3. After two scoreless innings from Nick Tyson, Brandon Ritchie took the hill for the Manatees in the top of the eighth and allowed four runs in the frame on three hits, two walks and an error. Up 7-3, Lakeland scratch out one more run in the top of the ninth on a RBI single from Alden Carrithers as the Flying Tigers took the win and swept the three-game series against the Manatees. Miranda had the only multi-hit game for Brevard County as he went 2-for-4 with a double. The Manatees continue their homestand tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. as they open up a three-game series with the Dunedin Blue Jays (3-3). http://brevardcounty.manatees.milb.com/images/2010/04/14/GJWRnsxd.jpg Sergio Miranda (L) and Erik Komatsu ® high-five after scoring on Brock Kjeldgaard's two-RBI double in the sixth inning. The Manatees eventually fell 8-3 to the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Wednesday. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

What Chris's gut is telling him after tonight's game.

Final: Huntsville 7, Jacksonville 1 Huntsville box score The Stars keep partying like it's 2008: Lorenzo Cain and Jonathan Lucroy each had three hits, Caleb Gindl and Taylor Green had two apiece, and Brett Lawrie walked thrice to power the victory. Gindl hit his second homer, Lucroy had two doubles, Green also doubled, and Cain stole his second base. Keep stuffing the box score, guys. Pitching-wise, Amaury Rivas had a fine second start, allowing just one run in his five innings while striking out four, walking two in five innings, and allowing three hits. Rivas and Jim Henderson did well to hold the Suns' beastly Mike Stanton in check, allowing him to reach base only once. Huntsville play-by-play Rivas got some help from Lee Haydel to keep the damage to just one run the 4th: Jacksonville Top 4th Osvaldo Martinez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Lee Haydel. Mike Stanton called out on strikes. Mark Saccomanno triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Lorenzo Cain. Osvaldo Martinez scores. Brandon Tripp flies into double play, left fielder Lee Haydel to catcher Jonathan Lucroy. Mark Saccomanno out at home on the throw.

Final: Burlington 8, Wisconsin 6 Rattlers rally falls short Chris Mehring/TimberRattlers.com BURLINGTON, IA – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers showed some gumption coming back from an early 7-2 deficit on Tuesday against the Burlington Bees. Khris Davis went 4-for-5 and Chris Dennis drove in four runs for Wisconsin. But, the rally fell short as the Bees held on for an 8-6 win at Community Field. Dennis gave the Rattlers (3-4) a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. The Wisconsin first baseman lined a homer to rightcenter with a runner at first. The long ball was the second of the season for Dennis. Rattlers starting pitcher Del Howell looked like he was in for an easy bottom of the first. There was a runner at second with two outs. Then, the next six Burlington batters reached base. An infield single and a walk loaded the bases. Gerard Hall lined a double down the left field line to drive in three runs for a 3-2 Burlington lead. Ryan Stoval followed with an RBI double. Allen Caldwell singled – after a walk to Adam Frost – to drive in a run and the Bees had scored five times in the first. In the bottom of the second, Howell gave up a one out homer to Wil Meyers. Later in the inning, Hall doubled again and drove in another run for a 7-2 lead. An error and a walk loaded the bases to chase Howell. Jon Pokorny got the final out of the inning with a strikeout. Pokorny held the Bees off the scoreboard through the fourth inning and Nick Bucci did the same through the seventh. That allowed Dennis to cash in two more runs to get the Rattlers a little closer in the top of the seventh. D’Vontrey Richardson drew a one out walk and Khris Davis doubled to put runners at second and third. Dennis followed with a two-run single to center and the Rattlers got to within 7-4. Catcher Austin Stockfisch cut into the deficit even more in the top of the eighth. His RBI double made the score 7-5. Stockfisch would later score on a passed ball and the Rattlers trailed by one. But, Burlington scored an unearned run in the bottom of the eighth off of Bucci and led 8-6 heading to the ninth. Mike Lehmann retired the Timber Rattlers in order in the top of the ninth for his first save and to help the Bees snap a four game losing streak. Game two of the series is Thursday night. Efrain Nieves (0-1, 4.91) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Burlington will send Tyler Sample (0-0, 6.75) to the mound. Wisconsin box score Dennis ended up 3-5 and Richarson 1-4 plus his walk, though he struck out three times. Sean Halton was 0-5, and Scooter Gennett had the day off, perhaps related to his line-drawing incident yesterday. Howell's final line was very, very ugly: 1.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR; at least he's virtually assured of his next appearance being an improvement. On the plus side, Pokorny and Bucci were phenomenal in relief, Pokorny striking out five in 2.1 innings while walking none and allowing only two hits and Bucci striking out five in four innings, also walking none and allowing just one hit and that unearned run. Bucci still hasn't allowed an earned run this year, but has allowed three of the unearned variety. In the other dugout, that was Wisconsin native and former St. Norbert Green Knight Adam Frost playing third for Burlington. Wisconsin play-by-play

Final: Nashville 3, Omaha 2 Back To Back Homers Power Sounds in 3-2 Wins NashvilleSounds.com OMAHA, Neb. - Brendan Katin and Joe Koshansky belted back-to-back home runs in the top of the first inning to power the Nashville Sounds to a 3-2 victory over the Omaha Royals on Wednesday evening at Rosenblatt Stadium. Nashville (6-1) scored the only three runs it would get in the contest on the two big blasts as the Sounds took a two-games-to-one lead in the series with their division rivals. Norris Hopper led off the Nashville first by reaching on a fielding error by Omaha second baseman Irving Falu. After Eric Farris was hit by a pitch, Hopper was caught stealing third before Katin crushed his league-leading fourth roundtripper of the year, a two-run shot to left-center off Royals starter Philip Humber. Koshansky followed by smashing Humber's 0-1 offering over the fence in right for his second longball of the season and a 3-0 Sounds lead. The Royals pulled within a run in the home half of the third on Marc Maddox's one-out, two-run single to center off Sounds starter Chuck Lofgren, reducing the Nashville advantage to 3-2. Neither team scored the rest of the way. Lofgren (2-0) turned in a quality start as he allowed two runs on five hits while fanning four batters in a Sounds season-high seven innings of work. The Nashville bullpen continued its stellar opening to the 2010 season as David Johnson (0.2 IP), Zach Braddock (1.0 IP), and Chris Smith (0.1 IP) did not allow a hit over the final two frames. Smith struck out the only batter he faced in securing his PCL-leading fourth save of the young season. Humber (0-1) was saddled with a loss in his first decision of the year despite tossing a quality start for Omaha. He allowed three runs on seven hits with six strikeouts in seven frames of action. The teams wrap up the four-game set with a 6:35 p.m. finale on Thursday. Right-hander Marco Estrada (0-0, 0.00) toes the rubber for Nashville to face Omaha southpaw Bruce Chen (0-1, 4.76). Nashville box scoreFarris also went 2-3 in addition to his HBP. Lofgren again walked only one batter, continuing to display the improved control he exhibited last year, though he did hit two batters. Nashville play-by-playDid Smith relieve Braddock simply to get the save? Braddock retired the first two batters of the 9th without incident. Was it a pitch count thing? Braddock threw 21 pitches today; he previously threw 24 in two innings' work on the 8th. Omaha Bottom 9th Wilson Betemit pops out to shortstop Ray Olmedo. David Lough flies out to left fielder Trent Oeltjen. Pitcher Change: Chris Smith replaces Zach Braddock. Jordan Parraz strikes out swinging, catcher Ben Johnson to first baseman Joe Koshansky.

Del Howell had a bit of trouble in the first.

Nice start to the evening games: Katin, Koshansky, and Dennis all went deep in the first inning of their game.

Rattler Radio: Tonight's pitchers Game notes

What Chris's gut is telling him, including what Chris's gut is telling Scooter Gennett about showing up umpires.

Final: Clinton 4, Wisconsin 2 Wisconsin lets one get away Chris Mehring/TimberRattlers.com GRAND CHUTE, WI – Defensive lapses by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in the sixth inning erased a lead and gave the Clinton LumberKings a 4-2 win Tuesday night at Time Warner Cable Field. Franklin Romero, Jr. hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning to give the Rattlers a 2-1 lead, but the Rattlers committed four errors in the top of the sixth to give the LumberKings the lead. Clinton got four innings of shutout relief with eight strikeouts to close out the game. Clinton (4-2) grabbed the early lead. Vinnie Catricala reached on an infield single with two outs in the top of the first inning. Dennis Raben followed with a triple for a 1-0 LumberKing lead. Wisconsin starting pitcher Maverick Lasker held the line after the top of the first. He would give up one hit and strike out five over the next four innings to keep the Rattlers within striking distance. Wisconsin (3-3) had trouble finding the range on Clinton starter Jimmy Gillheeney. But, they finally did in the bottom of the fifth inning. Joe Paciorek walked to start the frame. One out later, Franklin Romero, Jr. lined a home run over the left field wall and the Rattlers led 2-1. But, the lead did not last long. And the Wisconsin defense made a big contribution to that. Kyle Heckathorn came on to replace Lasker for the top of the sixth and got the first out. But, Kalian Sams reached on an infield single and took second on a throwing error by Heckathorn. James Jones followed with an RBI single to tie the game. Mario Martinez was next and he reached on an error that put runners at the corners. Steve Barron was next and his grounder to first drove in a run as the Rattlers committed a pair of errors while trying to turn a double play. In the top of the eighth, Sams put Clinton up 4-2 with a two-out RBI double. Brian Moran provided three scoreless innings of relief out of the Clinton bullpen to keep the LumberKings in front. Brandon Josselyn struck out the Rattlers in order in the bottom of the ninth inning for his first save of the season. The Timber Rattlers begin a six-game road trip on Wednesday night with a game against the Burlington Bees. Del Howell is scheduled to get the start for the Timber Rattlers. Kelvin Herrera will get the starting assignment for the Bees. Wisconsin box score Pretty promising debut from Lasker. Did anyone catch how hard he was throwing? Unfortunately, Heckathorn's debut wasn't so memorable; he struck out two in two innings while walking none but allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits. Scooter Gennett kept his career-opening hit streak alive with a 1-4 effort and stole his first base, and D'Vontrey Richardson posted his second two-hit game in the last three. Romero's homer was the second of his pro career. Cameron Garfield and Chris Dennis were each 0-3 with a walk, and good thing--my mind was going to be blown if Dennis managed to go three games without walking. Khris Davis and Sean Halton were each 0-4. Wisconsin play-by-play The sordid 6th, with errors bolded: Pitcher Change: Kyle Heckathorn replaces Maverick Lasker. Dennis Raben grounds out, second baseman Ryan Gennett to first baseman Chris Dennis. Kalian Sams singles on a ground ball to pitcher Kyle Heckathorn. Kalian Sams advances to 2nd, on throwing error by pitcher Kyle Heckathorn. James Jones singles on a ground ball to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Kalian Sams scores. With Mario Martinez batting, James Jones steals (1) 2nd base. Mario Martinez reaches on fielding error by second baseman Ryan Gennett. James Jones to 3rd. Steven Baron reaches on force attempt, throwing error by first baseman Chris Dennis. James Jones scores. Steven Baron to 2nd. Mario Martinez advances to 3rd, on missed catch error by pitcher Kyle Heckathorn. Shaver Hansen reaches on a fielder's choice out, pitcher Kyle Heckathorn to catcher Cameron Garfield to shortstop Michael Marseco to pitcher Kyle Heckathorn. Mario Martinez out at home. Steven Baron to 3rd. Shaver Hansen to 2nd on the throw. Daniel Carroll strikes out swinging. That must have been a fun one to watch.

Final: Lakeland 3, Brevard County 2 Brevard County box score Tough loss for the 'Tees, as Lakeland scored two in the 8th off Corey Frerichs to snatch away the victory and spoil another fine start from Mike Fiers. Fiers struck out four in six innings, allowing just one run on five hits and a walk and two hit batsmen. Nick Green had his best relief outing, striking out two in a perfect inning. The Manatees managed not a single extra-base hit on the night, but Kentrail Davis continues to be super awesome, going 1-3 with a HBP. Matt Cline was also kind of awesome, 2-3 with a walk. Four members of BC's starting lineup are off to very rough starts, riding the interstate with averages below .200--and that's not counting Brent Brewer. Brevard County play-by-play

Final: Omaha 4, Nashville 0 Sounds Blanked By Royals For First Loss NashvilleSounds.com OMAHA, Neb. - Four Omaha pitchers combined on a three-hit shutout as the Nashville Sounds' season-opening five-game win streak came to a close following a 4-0 Royals victory on Tuesday evening at Rosenblatt Stadium. Royals starter Gaby Hernandez (1-0) struck out four batters over six hitless frames to pick up the win. Josh Rupe followed with a hitless seventh, Matt Herges allowed a pair of hits in the eighth, and Blake Wood closed out the shutout by blanking the Sounds in the ninth. Nashville (5-1) did not record a hit until Luis Cruz's leadoff single in the eighth frame off Herges. Catcher Patrick Arlis singled later in the eighth and Joe Koshansky singled in the ninth to account for the Sounds' other knocks on the night. Omaha grabbed a 1-0 lead against Kameron Loe in the bottom of the second inning. David Lough led off with a triple to left and scored one batter later on a Jordan Parraz sacrifice fly. The Royals tacked on three more scores in the third to increase the advantage to 4-0. Third baseman Wilson Betemit got things started when he slugged a one-out solo homer to left off Loe. The blast was the veteran's second of the year. After a Mike Aviles single, Kila Ka'aihue (2-for-3) slammed a two-run homer to center, the infielder's third tater of the year which ties him with the Sounds' Brendan Katin for the PCL lead. Loe (1-1) took the loss for Nashville after giving up four runs on nine hits over six frames of action. Sounds center fielder Norris Hopper went 0-for-2 on the night to snap his season-opening hit streak at five games. The teams meet again in another 6:35 p.m. matchup on Wednesday evening. Left-hander Chuck Lofgren (1-0, 3.18) mans the bump for the Sounds to face Omaha right-hander Philip Humber (0-0, 9.00). Nashville box scoreSo...yeah. Not much else to say about this one except to point out that Hopper did walk twice and Tim Dillard pitched a perfect inning of relief. Nashville play-by-play Nashville twice had men on first & second with no outs but couldn't score. Nashville Top 6th Patrick Arlis walks. Norris Hopper walks. Patrick Arlis to 2nd. Coaching visit to mound. Ray Olmedo flies out to center fielder David Lough. Trent Oeltjen pops out to second baseman Irving Falu on the infield fly rule. Injury Delay. Defensive Substitution: Cody Clark replaces catcher Edwin Bellorin, batting 9th, playing catcher. Brendan Katin grounds into a force out, shortstop Mike Aviles to second baseman Irving Falu. Norris Hopper out at 2nd. Nashville Top 8th Pitcher Change: Matt Herges replaces Josh Rupe. Luis Cruz singles on a ground ball to center fielder David Lough. Patrick Arlis singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jordan Parraz. Luis Cruz to 2nd. Norris Hopper grounds into a force out, pitcher Matt Herges to shortstop Mike Aviles. Luis Cruz to 3rd. Patrick Arlis out at 2nd. Norris Hopper to 1st. Ray Olmedo grounds into double play, third baseman Wilson Betemit to second baseman Irving Falu to first baseman Kila Ka'aihue. Norris Hopper out at 2nd.

Wow! Four errors in an inning--I almost wish I was watching on TV. I'm not even mad; that's amazing.

No, I can see them now. After other people could see them, I figured my browser just had the first, protected version cached, so I cleared my cache, which fixed the problem. Thanks for sharing the pictures and sorry for the red herring.

Wait, so Hall is going right to Wisconsin when it took them almost two years to promote Odorizzi there? Makes sense.

I'm gonna guess Taylor Green.

Final: Lakeland 2, Brevard County 0 Manatees blanked by Lakeland in series opener Frank Longobardo/ManateesBaseball.com The Brevard County Manatees were shut-out 2-0 by the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Monday night at Space Coast Stadium in the first game of a three-game series. In his first outing of 2010, Manatees starter Trey Watten went four innings and allowed just two hits, but walked three, and gave up one run. Kentrail Davis had the only multi-hit game of the night for Brevard County (2-3) as he went 2-for-4, with a triple. Davis raised his average to a team leading .368 on the young season. Ruben Flores threw three innings of scoreless relief for the Manatees as he struck out three. For the Flying Tigers (3-2), starter Charles Furbush struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings, while Kody Kaiser had two hits. The Manatees and Flying Tigers are back in action on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Space Coast Stadium. http://brevardcounty.manatees.milb.com/images/2010/04/12/opMG7yR7.jpg Brock Kjeldgaard went 1-for-4 on Monday night and has the second highest average on the season for the Manatees at .333. (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography) Brevard County box scoreThe Manatees actually outhit the Flying Tigers 6-4, but handed out five free passes and hit two batters while receiving only one walk in return. If Watten can tighten up the control, he's got some potential as a ground ball specialist, evidenced by his eight ground outs against only one fly out. In addition to being the only Manatee with more than one hit, Davis was also the only 'Tee to get an extra-base knock, a triple. Brevard County play-by-play Davis's triple was the only time BC got a runner to third. Lakeland's defense helped him out after his single in the 4th, putting him on second with nobody out. It was probably the Manatees' best chance to score all night, but they couldn't cash in: Brevard County Bottom 4th Kentrail Davis singles on a line drive to center fielder Ben Guez. With Brock Kjeldgaard batting, Kentrail Davis picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, Kentrail Davis to 2nd. missed catch error by Gustavo Nunez, assist to Charles Furbush. Brock Kjeldgaard grounds out, shortstop Gustavo Nunez to first baseman Billy Nowlin. Erik Miller grounds out, shortstop Gustavo Nunez to first baseman Billy Nowlin. Kentrail Davis to 3rd. Sergio Miranda grounds out, shortstop Gustavo Nunez to first baseman Billy Nowlin.

Final: Huntsville 7, Chattanooga 4 Huntsville box score Chris Cody continues to show he can get it done at AA, allowing a run in five innings with five strikeouts against only one walk and four hits. Robert Hinton struggled, allowing three baserunners without retiring anyone in the 8th to almost let the Lookouts steal the victory, but Brandon Kintzler swooped in and got the last four outs for the save, earning himself an at-bat in the process, in which he went down swinging (that's what we like to see, Brandon). Taylor Green also swung but to much greater effect, going 2-3 with a double and a triple and two walks--that's four "troubles" in five games. Jonathan Lucroy also had two hits and pitched in with a sac bunt, while Lorenzo Cain, Brett Lawrie, and Caleb Gindl each got on base once, Cain via a single and the other two with bases on balls. Lee Haydel also had two hits. Huntsville play-by-play Chattanooga's almost-rally: Chattanooga Bottom 8th Pitcher Change: Casey Baron replaces Donovan Hand, batting 9th. Andrew Lambo doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Lorenzo Cain. Lucas May called out on strikes. Eduardo Perez lines out to center fielder Lorenzo Cain. Pitcher Change: Robert Hinton replaces Casey Baron, batting 9th. Scott Van Slyke singles on a soft line drive to right fielder Caleb Gindl. Andrew Lambo scores. Corey Smith walks. Scott Van Slyke to 2nd. Coaching visit to mound. Dee Gordon doubles (4) on a soft line drive to right fielder Caleb Gindl. Scott Van Slyke scores. Corey Smith to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Robert Hinton, batting 9th. Elian Herrera bunt pops out to pitcher Brandon Kintzler.

It's funny sometimes reading basically the same recap but from the other point of view--especially after your team won. Ninth Inning Rally By Nashville Gives Royals 4th Straight Loss Kevin McNabb/ORoyals.com OMAHA, NE - Omaha pitchers did not walk a single Nashville batter over the first eight innings Monday night at Rosenblatt Stadium. However, back-to-back walks to the first two Sounds batters in the top of the ninth set the stage for a three-run rally as Nashville extended its season-opening winning streak to five games with a 5-3 win. Anthony Lerew (0-1), who had pitched a perfect eighth inning, issued the free passes to Trent Oeltjen and Brendan Katin to begin the ninth. Lerew, predominantly used as a starter throughout his professional career, then surrendered a single to Joe Koshansky to load the bases with nobody out. Carlos Rosa, who led Omaha in 2009 with seven saves and also picked up his first big league save with Kansas City last September, relieved Lerew. Rosa got Erick Almonte to chase a 2-2 slider for the first out. But, he went to a full count on Adam Heether before yielding the third walk of the inning to tie the game at 3-3. Ben Johnson followed with a sacrifice fly to left and Luis Cruz singled to center to drive in Nashville's final run. Sounds right-hander John Axford walked Scott Thorman with one out in the bottom of the ninth and then allowed a single to Buck Coats to put the tying run on base. But, Axford induced pinch-hitter Irving Falu to hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the game and notch his second save. Mike McClendon (1-0) got the win, after pitching two scoreless innings despite issuing a walk to begin the bottom of the seventh and giving up an infield hit to Mike Aviles in the eighth. Aviles, playing in his first game with Omaha since 2008 after being optioned yesterday by Kansas City, was caught rounding third base too far on David Lough's infield tapper and was retired on the back end of an unusual 1-3-2 double play to end the inning. Omaha starter Bryan Bullington was terrific in his 2010 debut. The first overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Pirates went seven innings, allowing two runs - only one earned - on five hits. He did not walk a batter and fanned seven, racking up five consecutive strikeouts in the first and second innings and retiring 16 straight Nashville batters until former Royals farmhand Norris Hopper singled with one out in the sixth. The Royals took a 3-1 lead in the fifth on solo homers by Cody Clark and Wilson Betemit, the first round-tripper of this season for both. Omaha (1-4) will try to snap a four-game losing skid against division-leading Nashville (5-0) on Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. Sounds righty Kameron Loe (1-0, 1.50) goes against Royals right-hander Gaby Hernandez (0-0, 5.40).