battlekow

Nice call.

From the nexus of the Brewerfan universe, wherein current farmhands, ex-farmhands, and ex-ex-farmhands collide: Trenton Thunder starter Steve Garrison hoping to avoid 'Wright' path back to major leaguesJohn Nalbone/Trenton Times TRENTON - Now that Steve Garrison has reached the big leagues and one of the feel good local stories of 2011 has come full circle, the question exists: Will the Ewing native and former Hun School standout, who sat idle for nearly a week after being summoned to the Yankees from Double-A Trenton July 19, then was used for only the final two outs in the ninth inning of a blowout win against a Seattle Mariners team that had lost 16 straight games, make it back to Yankee Stadium? Hopefully, Garrison’s career path will not mirror that of another former Thunder southpaw that went directly from Trenton to the Yankees, Chase Wright. Like Garrison, Wright also was 24 with eerily similar mechanics, a non-nonsense repertoire and an affable demeanor when he made his big league debut against the Cleveland Indians on April 17, 2007. Wright pitched five innings for his first major league win that night, but the appearance he would be remembered for most came five days later against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Promoted to fill the void left by injured Yankees starters Mike Mussina and Carl Pavano, Wright became just the second pitcher in major league history to give up four consecutive home runs when Manny Ramirez, J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek all took Wright deep in the third inning. The Red Sox went onto to win, 7-6, and Wright was immediately returned to the minors. After just one more start when rosters were expanded in September of 2007, Wright never pitched in the big leagues again and has toiled around the minor leagues looking for another shot. Wright currently is 5-6 with a 5.91 ERA and one save for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds (Milwaukee Brewers). While grateful for the opportunity, Garrison admitted after absorbing his seventh loss in 10 decisions for the Thunder Sunday that he would like to have seen more work with the Yankees. “You always want to pitch,’’ Garrison said. “No question I am disappointed that I didn’t pitch in more crucial situations, or situations that really counted, but I definitely understand that they are in the (playoff) hunt and their bullpen is awesome up there. Any pitcher that goes up there wants to pitch more and I hope I get another opportunity.’’ Although the Yankees have no plans to use him as a starter in the major leagues, Garrison was immediately inserted back into the Trenton rotation upon his return over the weekend. With little work over what essentially amounted to two weeks, Garrison needed to stretch out his arm again, but he lasted only three innings against Richmond and allowed five hits and single run in each frame. The road back to the Bronx was made even more difficult for Garrison after Sunday’s game, when top left-handed prospect Manny Banuelos was promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Yankees reportedly will slowly begin working Banuelos into a relief role. “I kind of knew what was going on when I went up, so I wasn’t expecting too much,’’ Garrison said. “I wasn’t expecting to make a big impact right away. I was just looking to keep my head up for whenever they gave me the ball. I’m not reading too much into (the lack of work). I am just honored they gave me the opportunity to go up there and do that.’’ http://media.nj.com/trenton_thunder/photo/9850042-large.jpg (Beverly Schaefer/Trenton Times)

Final: @AZL Athletics 5, AZL Brewers 3 AZL Brewers box scoreSame teams as yesterday, same score as yesterday, just with the home field reversed. Edward Nigma Michael Schaub actually pitched well despite giving up four runs in five innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while fanning six. His cursed tandem-mate, Joel Pierce, worked the next two frames, and allowing just one run as he did is a major victory at this point. Steve Felix continues to show what experienced hitters do to inexperienced pitchers in hot weather: 2-4 with two doubles. Young Renaldo Jenkins, usually a shortstop, was at second base today and collected a hit and a free pass. AZL Brewers play-by-playLooks like Schaub was flagging by the 5th (understandable, given that it was 98 degrees at game-start). An error also did him no favors, but the luck evened out somewhat with how he got out of the inning: AZL Athletics Bottom of the 5thReynaldo Mateo flies out to center fielder Kevin Berard.Jensi Peralta walks.Luis Baez reaches on force attempt, fielding error by shortstop Brandon Macias. Jensi Peralta to 2nd.Dayton Alexander walks. Jensi Peralta to 3rd. Luis Baez to 2nd.Austin Booker singles on a fly ball to center fielder Kevin Berard. Jensi Peralta scores. Luis Baez scores. Dayton Alexander to 2nd.Shane Boras lines into double play, pitcher Michael Schaub to shortstop Brandon Macias. Dayton Alexander out at 2nd.

Final: Round Rock 9, @Nashville 4 Nashville box scoreAmaury Rivas's line was much the same as Heckathorn's, with even worse peripherals: 4 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 86 pitches, 51 strikes. At least Dan Meadows worked 2.1 scoreless. Mat Gamel cracked his 21st homer as part of his two hits, and Caleb Gindl and Brandon Boggs also had two knocks, plus a walk. Logan Schafer and Taylor Green cooled off, 0-5 and 0-4 respectively. Nashville play-by-playI'm sure the recap will cover you in this regard, but I have to go to bed.

Final: Carolina 13, @Huntsville 1 Huntsville box scoreKyle Heckathorn: 4.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 4 K, 2 HR, 96 pitches, 57 strikes. Ugh. Heckathorn had allowed exactly three runs in each of his first four AA starts, never excelling, and this is a step in the wrong direction. When you consider that he's performing the best of the three 2009 first-rounders... Obviously not much going on with the bats. Lee Haydel was on twice with a hit and a walk, but all that served to do was net him his 14th caught-stealing this year. Khris Davis entered the game in the 7th as a pinch hitter and doubled once in two trips. Hunstville play-by-play

Final: DSL Brewers 8, @DSL Mariners 3 (8.5 innings) DSL Brewers box scoreThough they've been struggling against everyone else, the Cerveceritos have started dominating their sworn enemies, the Marineritos, taking the last four games in the series. The game was called after the top of the 9th, which isn't exactly sporting, but it also happened to the Cerveceritos earlier this year, though not against the same team. Orlando Arcia swatted his sixth homer as part of his 2-5 day, and Juan de Leon and Raul Mondesi also homered. Esthervin Matos was 1-3 with two walks and two steals. Outfielder Dionis Hinojosa, who will be 21 in two weeks--too old to be a prospect in the DSL--had three hits and stole four bases. Elvis Rubio did not play, but Milton Gomez did, finally healthy enough to make a full start for the first time since mid-June. He went five innings today, allowing two runs (both unearned) on three hits and a walk while fanning five. Nicely done, young sir. DSL Brewers play-by-play

BC postponed.

Final: AZL Athletics 5, AZL Brewers 3 AZL Brewers box score6th-rounder Danny Keller wasn't the best (4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 3 K), though of course as a raw high school arm, stats only tell a small fraction of the story at this point. Relievers Stephen Peterson, Michael White, and Mitch Conner combined to strike out eight and walk none over the rest of the game. Kevin Berard had an excellent game, 1-2 with three walks and four steals. Jose Garcia (2-3, BB) and Steve Felix (2-3, 2 BB) also had nice days, but Jalen Harris had an awful one, striking out all five times up. AZL Brewers play-by-playWonder what happened here: AZL Brewers Bottom of the 7thKevin Berard walks.With Jalen Harris batting, Kevin Berard steals (9) 2nd base.Jalen Harris called out on strikes.Steve Felix walks.With Hitaniel Arias batting, Kevin Berard steals (10) 3rd base. Steve Felix steals (8) 2nd base.Kevin Berard out at home, shortstop Wilfredo Solano to catcher Reynaldo Mateo. Steve Felix to 3rd.Hitaniel Arias flies out to center fielder Dayton Alexander. They're listed as separate plays, but I wonder if the throw went down to second to try to get Felix, was errant/dropped, and then Berard was caught trying to score.

PERALTA NAMED SOUTHERN LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE WEEK: JULY 25-31??Huntsville Stars HUNTSVILLE, AL – As if pitching a seven-inning, one hitter Sunday night wasn’t impressive enough, the Huntsville Stars’ starter Wily Peralta has been named the Southern League’s Pitcher of the Week for July 25-31. In that span, the ace won both his starts, tossing a combined 14 shutout innings. In those starts, he allowed just five hits and seven walks while fanning 13 batters. On July 31, the Brewers’ third-best prospect (according to Baseball America) threw a seven-inning shutout against the visiting Carolina Mudcats, allowing just one hit. He walked four and struck out nine. Of his 94 total pitches, 56 were strikes. Peralta carries a 9-6 record with a 3.24 ERA on the season. He hasn’t taken a loss since June 4 against Mobile. In his last nine starts, he’s thrown 56.1 innings, giving up just 12 runs (9 earned) on 37 hits. He’s also allowed just 21 walks and struck out 53 during that same time period. The right-hander signed with Milwaukee as a non-drafted free agent on November 26, 2005. He is a member of the Brewers’ 40-man roster. The Stars continue a ten-game home stand tonight against the Carolina Mudcats at 6:43 p.m. It’s a Case of the Mondays Monday, presented by Buffalo Rock! Fans can write down the dumbest thing their boss ever said for a chance to win a case of soda, courtesy of Buffalo Rock! Visit huntsvillestars.com for more information! Don’t forget to keep up with the Stars on Facebook, Twitter and their official newsletter! Peralta will be honored on Monday, August 9 before the Stars game against the Tennessee Smokies at 6:43 p.m. Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner will be on hand to present Peralta with his award.

Final: Round Rock 8, @Nashville 4 Express Double Up Sounds, 8-4Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Veteran infielder Esteban German went 5-for-5 to lead a 14-hit Round Rock offensive attack in the Express' 8-4 victory over the Nashville Sounds on Sunday evening at Greer Stadium. Express catcher Kevin Cash added a 3-for-4, two-RBI effort that included a homer and a double for the visitors, who improved to 10-4 against Nashville (53-56) this season. The Sounds took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning against Round Rock starter Martin Perez. With one out, Caleb Gindl (3-for-5) singled and Taylor Green drew a walk before Erick Almonte hit a ball to shortstop that was mishandled by Nick Green to load the bases. Mat Gamel followed with an RBI fielder's choice grounder to second. Matt Kata fielded the ball and missed a tag on Almonte as he ran to second then threw late to first. Gindl scored the game's first run on the play. Later in the inning, Green scored from third on a bases-loaded, two-out balk by Perez to make it a 2-0 contest. Round Rock halved the Sounds' lead to 2-1 in the second. Val Majewski hit a one-out single off Josh Butler, stole second, and scored on Kata's RBI single to right. Nashville responded with a pair of runs in the home half of the inning as back-to-back RBI singles off the bats of Gindl and Green extended the lead to 4-1. The Express got a run back in the third in unearned fashion when German scored on a two-out Chad Tracy single after reaching second on a missed catch error by second baseman Eric Farris on a caught stealing play. Round Rock rallied to grab its first lead of the night in the fourth, as the Express chased Butler from the contest with a three-run outburst. Kata got things started when he belted a line-drive homer to right-center, his 11th roundtripper of the year. Cash doubled with one out and Nick Green made it runners on the corners as he struck out but reached first on a Butler wild pitch before German plated both runners with a two-run double off the wall in right-center to give the Express a 5-4 lead. Round Rock extended its lead to 8-4 by tacking on single runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings against the Nashville bullpen. Cash drove in two of those runs with a sixth-inning solo homer off Sounds reliever Donovan Hand, his fifth big fly of the year, and a seventh-inning RBI single off Daniel Herrera. Express pitching shut down the Nashville offense after the second inning, posting goose eggs over the final seven frames. The Sounds left runners stranded on third in four of the final six innings. Perez (2-2) picked up the win after allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in five innings of work. Butler (6-6) suffered his first loss in his last seven starts for the Sounds. He gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits Sounds center fielder Logan Schafer went 2-for-4 on the night to extend his hitting streak to 10 games, becoming the seventh different Nashville batter to produce a double-digit hit streak in 2011. He has hit safely in all 10 of his Triple-A contests at a .436 clip (17-for-39). The teams continue the series with a 7:05 p.m. meeting on Monday. Right-hander Amaury Rivas (7-10, 4.85) will toe the rubber for the Sounds to face former Nashville left-hander Zach Jackson (8-4, 4.93). Nashville box scoreEric Marzec worked a perfect 9th with a strikeout. Martin Maldonado was 2-4. Nashville play-by-play

Final: @Huntsville 1, Carolina 0 Huntsville box scoreWily Peralta was overwhelming, striking out nine in seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit and four walks. He posted a 6/3 GO/FO and threw 94 pitches (56 strikes). Seems like Peralta's finally catching his stride, and people other than us are finally taking notice. It's a good thing Peralta was so dominant, too, because the Stars didn't score until the bottom of the 7th, when they finally scratched across the game's lone tally on a Steffan Wilson homer. Lucas Luetge and Rob Wooten ably backed up Peralta, Luetge fanning two in the 8th. Wooten punched out none; his much-reduced strikeout rate post-Tommy John surgery is cause for concern. Weird not seeing Erik Komatsu's name in the box score and knowing I won't again. Huntsville play-by-playPeralta had only two whiffs through four innings but rang up at least two strikeouts in each of his last three innings, and the last five outs he recorded all came via (swinging) strikeout: Carolina Top of the 6thDidi Gregorius pops out to third baseman Zelous Wheeler.Henry Rodriguez strikes out swinging, catcher Anderson De La Rosa to first baseman Sean Halton.Neftali Soto strikes out swinging. Carolina Top of the 7thBill Rhinehart strikes out swinging.Eric Campbell strikes out swinging.Josh Fellhauer walks.With James Skelton batting, wild pitch by Wily Peralta, Josh Fellhauer to 2nd.James Skelton strikes out swinging, catcher Anderson De La Rosa to first baseman Sean Halton.

Thornburg reportedly hit 98 tonight.

Off of Martin Perez, no less.

Final: Helena 6, @Billings 4 Helena box scoreStarter Andy Moye allowed four runs in six innings, Seth Harvey struck out three in two scoreless innings, and Bahamian closer Sean Albury continued to excel, fanning two in the 9th. Ben McMahan cracked his first career homer and Parker Berberet 'stached his way to a double and a triple. There sure a lot of pretty uninteresting older guys on this team, eh? Yadiel Rivera, of course, is not one of them, but the young shortstop's recent struggles continued as he went 1-5 with three strikeouts; he now owns a sorry 0/15 BB/K over the last ten games. Kenny Allison, pegged as one of the more promising players on the H-Crew this year due to his raw athleticism, went 0-3 with a walk and is the owner of a sub-600 OPS on the year. Helena play-by-playBillings scored first with a run in the 2nd but ran themselves out of a bigger inning: Billings Bottom of the 2ndRobert Maddox flies out to center fielder Robert Garvey.Sean Buckley triples (2) on a fly ball to right fielder John Dishon.Kyle Waldrop singles on a ground ball to center fielder Robert Garvey. Sean Buckley scores.With Junior Arias batting, Kyle Waldrop steals (3) 2nd base.Junior Arias singles on a line drive to right fielder John Dishon. Kyle Waldrop out at home on the throw, right fielder John Dishon to catcher Parker Berberet.With Danny Vicioso batting, Junior Arias caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Parker Berberet to second baseman Adrian Williams. Two runs in the 9th gave Helena the victory: Helena Top of the 9thMichael Nemeth grounds out, second baseman Ryan Wright to first baseman Robert Maddox.Kenneth Allison walks.Adrian Williams singles on a ground ball to left fielder Juan Silva. Kenneth Allison to 3rd. Adrian Williams advances to 2nd, on fielding error by left fielder Juan Silva.Robert Garvey out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Kurtis Muller. Kenneth Allison scores. Adrian Williams to 3rd.Yadiel Rivera singles on a line drive to right fielder Kyle Waldrop. Adrian Williams scores.With Parker Berberet batting, Yadiel Rivera steals (2) 2nd base.Parker Berberet reaches on throwing error by third baseman Junior Arias. Yadiel Rivera to 3rd.Kyle Dhanani grounds out, shortstop Cristobal Rodriguez to first baseman Robert Maddox.

Final: Bradenton 6, @Brevard County 1 Brevard County box scoreTyler Thornburg pitched well for four innings before faltering, allowing two runs each in the 5th and 6th innings. His final line: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 3/5 GO/FO, 93 pitches, 56 strikes. Well, the strikeouts are nice. Rolando Pascual actually threw a scoreless inning, just to mock Thornburg. The Sea Cows tallied just five hits; two of them belonged to Scooter Gennett. Hunter Morris drew a walk *trumpets*. No D'Vontrey Richardson today. Brevard County play-by-playThrough four innings, Thornburg had allowed two singles and a walk while fanning five. After that: Bradenton Top of the 5thKelson Brown doubles (6) on a ground ball to left fielder Chuck Caufield.David Rubinstein grounds out, shortstop Josh Prince to first baseman Hunter Morris. Kelson Brown to 3rd.Benji Gonzalez strikes out swinging.Robbie Grossman walks.With Adalberto Santos batting, Robbie Grossman steals (23) 2nd base.Adalberto Santos singles on a line drive to center fielder Kentrail Davis. Kelson Brown scores. Robbie Grossman scores.Ramon Cabrera strikes out swinging, catcher Sean McCraw to first baseman Hunter Morris. Bradenton Top of the 6thElevys Gonzalez grounds out, pitcher Tyler Thornburg to first baseman Hunter Morris.Evan Chambers walks.Carlos Paulino doubles (12) on a ground ball to left fielder Chuck Caufield. Evan Chambers scores.Kelson Brown singles on a ground ball to right fielder Scott Krieger. Carlos Paulino to 3rd.Pitcher Change: Skyler Crawford replaces Tyler Thornburg.David Rubinstein grounds into a force out, shortstop Josh Prince to second baseman Scooter Gennett. Carlos Paulino scores. Kelson Brown out at 2nd. David Rubinstein to 1st.With Benji Gonzalez batting, David Rubinstein caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Sean McCraw to shortstop Josh Prince. Check out Josh Prince conjuring the 'Tees' only run out of thin air: Brevard County Bottom of the 5thShea Vucinich pops out to second baseman Adalberto Santos.Chuck Caufield called out on strikes.Josh Prince singles on a ground ball to first baseman Kelson Brown.With Scott Krieger batting, Josh Prince steals (18) 2nd base.With Scott Krieger batting, Josh Prince steals (19) 3rd base.With Scott Krieger batting, wild pitch by Brett Sinkbeil, Josh Prince scores.Scott Krieger strikes out swinging.

Final: Burlington 5, @Wisconsin 3 Bees build big league to beat WisconsinBy Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Burlington Bees used a pair of home runs to get out in front of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 5-0 on Sunday afternoon at Time Warner Cable Field. Wisconsin got to within two runs late, but Burlington held on for a 5-3 victory. Timber Rattlers starting pitcher Charly Bashara got out of a jam in the top of the second inning to keep the game scoreless. The Bees (57-48 overall, 12-23 second half) put the first two runners on base with a walk and a single, but Bashara got a pop up, a strikeout, and a fly out to end the inning. Bashara retired the first two batters he faced in the top of the third. Then, Royce Consigli doubled and Josh Whitaker singled to put runners on the corners. AJ Kirby-Jones, who drove in five runs on Saturday night, hit a three-run homer and Burlington was up 3-0. In the fourth, Douglas Landaeta doubled and moved up on a throwing error after a fly out to right. The Rattlers had Landaeta picked off third, but the throw from the plate was missed. Landaeta trotted home for a 4-0 lead. Consigli made it 5-0 Burlington with a one out solo homer in the top of the fifth. Wisconsin reliever Greg Holle came into the game after that home run. He and two other Rattlers relievers allowed just one hit the rest of the way. Wisconsin (51-54, 13-22) missed an opportunity in the bottom of the sixth inning. Bees starting pitcher Blake Hassebrock allowed three hits over five innings with five strikeouts. Blake Tenholder came on to start the sixth and walked the first three batters he faced. Then, Tenholder got a strikeout and a 4-6-3 double play to end the Rattlers threat. Wisconsin got on the board in the eighth inning thanks to a pair of Burlington errors. Nick Shaw reached on an error and took off for second without a play for defensive indifference. Mike Brownstein singled into the hole at short and a high throw went into the stands to let Shaw score. In the ninth, Nick Ramirez - the 4th round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011 - started the inning with a home run. The Rattlers first baseman blasted the first pitch of the inning to the bullpen in right-center for his first Midwest League home run. Chad Stang followed with a double. A pair of grounders - the second by Franklin Romero - got Stang home to make the score 5-3. Shaw followed with another double to bring the tying run to the plate, but the Bees held on and sent Wisconsin to its fifth straight loss. The final game of the series is Monday night. Maverick Lasker (1-4, 6.16) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Burlington has Jonathan Joseph (2-4, 6.85) is the scheduled starter for Burlington. Game time is 7:05pm. The Timber Rattlers have a Social Media Special on Monday. If you are a fan of the team on facebook or a follower of the team on twitter, mention that when you purchase tickets and receive half price tickets for patio tables, box seats, reserved bleachers, or the grass berm. If you can't make it to the ballpark, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM, timberrattlers.com or milb.tv starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. Wisconsin box scoreNice to see Ramirez get on the board. Stang showing more power lately, with four doubles and two triples in his last nine games (selective endpoints are fun!). Holle, just-activated Dan Britt, and Alan Williams combined to strike out seven and walk none over the last 4.2 innings; Williams struck out the side in the 9th. TJ Mittelstaedt was 0-2 but walked twice. Wisconsin play-by-playThe squandered 6th Chris mentioned: Wisconsin Bottom of the 6thNick Shaw walks.Mike Brownstein walks. Nick Shaw to 2nd.T. J. Mittelstaedt walks. Nick Shaw to 3rd. Mike Brownstein to 2nd.Jason Rogers strikes out swinging.Michael Walker grounds into double play, second baseman Nino Leyja to shortstop Ryan Pineda to first baseman Josh Whitaker. T. Mittelstaedt out at 2nd.

A stop with the T-Bones can be part of long baseball journeyJayson Jenks/Kansas City Star The group of hecklers lumped their voices together, spitting out the usual pregame insults. They had a target picked out and, like a pack of predators, set out for the kill. On this particular night in 2009, their man was Justin James, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound pitcher for the T-Bones. Six years before, the Toronto Blue Jays had selected James in the fifth round of the draft. Now, he was in Fargo, N.D., far from the big leagues, being heckled before a game in the independent Northern League. As James stood on the field that night, one of the hecklers stepped apart from the rest. “How many wrong turns did it take for you to get here?” the man yelled. James started thinking. • • • Ray Sadler is with the T-Bones right now, but he is a player looking for another chance. During the 2005 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization, Sadler clawed his way to Class AAA. Then, after 18 games, the Pirates sent him down to Class AA Altoona. They wanted to make room for a veteran outfielder. Eleven days after the demotion to the Pennsylvania mountains, Sadler went to hang out with his family. Sometime late that night, his phone rang. He answered. • • • Independent league baseball is either a casket or a womb. It is either a procession to the end, or the jumping off point at the beginning. For most players, it marks the last days of their professional lives. James, a former Missouri pitcher, arrived at the T-Bones with a bum elbow and a tattered career. Once a promising minor-league pitcher, he had reached Class AAA with the Blue Jays in 2007. By 2009, he was out of professional baseball. His elbow had weakened, a result of the wear and tear of pitching for so many years, and his fastball had dropped 10 mph. Opposing batters used him as a pitching machine with a pulse. “You almost think that your life is over,” James said. So on the brink of peeling off his jersey for good, he decided to give it another go. He turned to one of the few places he could play, the independent leagues, and signed with the T-Bones, a team close to his Oklahoma roots. That season, he watched other teammates and independent leaguers question how they had wound up at this point in their careers. “You really can’t think like that,” James said. “When you’re in independent ball, really everybody is the same. It’s the last straw, and that’s why independent ball is so great.” James showed up at the ballpark every day, thankful for the chance. He spent that year working with a trainer on untightening his body, which would allow his elbow to regain its liveliness. It didn’t help at first. Independent league hitters treated him no differently from those from the minor leagues. His ERA climbed near 6.00. “I pretty much hit rock bottom with everything,” James said. That off-season, he moved in with his brother Chad, a first-round pick of the Florida Marlins in the 2009 MLB draft. James traded in the nightlife for the Bible. He decided he wouldn’t let his brother to see him quit. He decided to return to the T-Bones for the 2010 season. Then, finally, the elbow that had abandoned him returned. With it came his velocity and effectiveness. The T-Bones made him their closer, and he shut opponents down. One day early in the season, T-Bones manager Tim Doherty called James into his office. He had something to tell him. • • • Heaven, Sadler called it. The fields. The food. The fans. All of it. Heaven. Or, to most everyone else, major league baseball. Sadler received the phone call late at night alerting him the Pirates needed his service immediately for the next day’s game in Arizona. Craig Wilson, a starting outfielder for the Pirates that year, had injured his hand. Sadler rushed to the airport in Philadelphia. He didn’t have time to change into the usual business casual or business formal attire worn by major-leaguers before games. He showed up three hours before first pitch. “I thought he was a construction worker,” Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon said at the time. Sadler started three straight games. He didn’t get a hit in either of his first two. But in his third game, against the Giants, Sadler homered to left field. He also collected a single. “I was floating the whole time I was there,” Sadler said. Then, almost as quickly as he reached his goal, Sadler fell back to Earth. Baseball heaven isn’t eternal. After returning from San Francisco, the Pirates alerted Sadler they were sending him down. That was six years ago. He bounced between Class AA and AAA for the next four seasons. He has been with the T-Bones for the last two. Still, he made it. “It was fun, you know. I enjoyed my experience,” Sadler said. “Hopefully I can get back.” • • • In his office, Doherty told James the Oakland A’s wanted to sign him and place him with their Class AA team. From there, it all happened so quickly. He moved up to Class AAA that same year, then got the call in September that he had waited his whole life for: He was being promoted to the major leagues. “I don’t know honestly what I’d do without the Kansas City T-Bones because they pretty much gave me a new life,” James said. He pitched in five games for the A’s that year, allowing two runs in four innings. He hasn’t been back. He is currently in the Milwaukee Brewers minor-league system, pitching for the club’s Class AAA team in Nashville. James still talks about getting back to the big leagues, which now seems far more feasible from Class AAA than it did from the independent leagues not long ago. “I guess it’s just how the wheel spins,” James said. “I look back at it a lot. That last year, I really kind of think about, What the hell happened? It’s just kind of weird and great at the same time how everything worked out.”

OF Ruben Ozuna sent back to the AZL after hitting just .227/.277/.295 in 12 games for Helena.

Final: AZL Reds 7, @AZL Brewers 5 AZL Brewers box scoreI'll say this for Manuel Ruiz: when he doesn't have it, he really doesn't have it. Today he didn't have it, allowing five runs (four earned) in 2.1 innings; he walked four. Del Howell pitched decently as the starter, going five innings and allowing just two unearned runs. Kevin Berard and Steve Felix each had three hits for the offense, and Jalen Harris was 2-3 with a walk and a sac bunt. Jose Garcia was 1-4 but struck out thrice. Ronny Puello...well, you know what Ronny Puello did. AZL Brewers play-by-playWow, what an ending. Wasn't the tying run, but still: AZL Brewers Bottom of the 9thAndres Martinez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Juan Perez.With Kevin Berard batting, Andres Martinez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Wagner Gomez to shortstop Juan Perez.Kevin Berard grounds out, shortstop Juan Perez to first baseman Carlos Sanchez.Jalen Harris walks.Adam Weisenburger walks. Jalen Harris to 2nd.Steve Felix singles on a line drive to right fielder Brennan May. Jalen Harris scores. Adam Weisenburger out at home, right fielder Brennan May to shortstop Juan Perez to third baseman Gabriel Rosa.

DSL postponed.

Anderson Machado off the DL at Huntsville to take Komatsu's spot.

Final: Helena 10, @Billings 7 Helena box scoreThe H-Crew weathered a seven-run 6th inning by the Mustangs for the victory. Tommy Toledo pitched very well in his first start, three shutout innings with a 5/0 K/BB. Jacob Barnes was also quite impressive, striking out six of the seven men he faced. The 21-year-old righty, the Brewers' 14th-round pick, has a 22/5 K/BB in 17.2 innings now. Tom Keeling with a weird line (0.1 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB) until you look at the bottom and notice he hit two batters. Johnny Dishon had three hits, including a triple, and also walked. Robbie Garvey, Yadiel Rivera, and Ben McMahan all collected two hits. Max Walla has been hot but was 0-3 tonight, though he reached twice, on a walk and a HBP. Helena play-by-playA six-run 4th gave the Brewers the cushion to absorb the Mustangs' blow: Helena Top of the 4thAdrian Williams walks.John Dishon walks. Adrian Williams to 2nd.Robert Garvey singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Sean Buckley. Adrian Williams to 3rd. John Dishon to 2nd.Yadiel Rivera grounds out, pitcher Wes Mugarian to shortstop Cristobal Rodriguez to first baseman Robert Maddox. Adrian Williams scores. John Dishon to 3rd. Robert Garvey to 2nd.Parker Berberet singles on a line drive to left fielder Juan Silva. John Dishon scores. Robert Garvey scores.Max Walla grounds out, pitcher Daniel Jensen to first baseman Robert Maddox. Parker Berberet to 2nd.Kyle Dhanani singles on a ground ball to left fielder Juan Silva. Parker Berberet scores.Benjamin McMahan doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Kyle Waldrop. Kyle Dhanani scores.Michael Nemeth singles on a line drive to center fielder Kurtis Muller. Benjamin McMahan scores.Adrian Williams grounds out, pitcher Daniel Jensen to first baseman Robert Maddox.

Chris's postgame thoughts indicate that Williams' outing could have gone a little differently had a call gone his way.

Final: @Clinton 5, Wisconsin 3 LumberKings rally again to beat WisconsinChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers CLINTON, IA – For the second night in a row, the Clinton LumberKings owned the seventh inning. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers rode a 10-strikeout performance from Brooks Hall to a 3-2 lead. But, Clinton scored three times off the bullpen in the bottom of the seventh inning to grab a 5-3 lead. Clinton would hold off the Rattlers over the last two innings to record the three-game series sweep. Mike Walker, the Timber Rattlers leader in RBI, cashed in an early scoring opportunity for Wisconsin (51-52 overall, 13-20 second half). TJ Mittelstaedt singled and Jason Rogers walked with one out to put runners at first and second. Walker bounced a single to right and Mittelstaedt scored for a 1-0 lead. Clinton (42-62, 18-15) rallied with two outs and none on in the third inning. Mike McGee was hit by a pitch. Kevin Rivers followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Before the 0-1 pitch from Hall went homeward to Matt Browning, a balk was called on the Rattlers starter. That allowed McGee to score. Then, a grounder off the bat of Browning was booted for an error to let Rivers score and the LumberKings were up 2-1. The Rattlers put together a two out rally of their own in the top of the fourth. Greg Hopkins was at third and scored when Tony Pechek reached on an error. Franklin Romero, Jr. followed with a triple to score Pechek and give the Rattlers a 3-2 lead. Hall settled in with that lead and protected it through the sixth inning. Hall struck out ten in the game to set a new single game high as a professional. He walked one and scattered five hits to put the Rattlers in position to close out their long road trip on a high note. In the bottom of the seventh, Alan Williams relieved Hall and struck out the first batter he faced. But, Williams walked the next three batters to load the bases. Casey Medlen relieved Williams and got the second out of the inning with a strikeout, but a wild pitch with Kalian Sams at the plate let the tying run score. Sams smacked the next pitch to left field for a two-run single and a 5-3 Clinton lead. That would be the final score. The Rattlers wrapped up their nine game road trip with a 3-6 record. The Timber Rattlers return home on Saturday night to face the Burlington Bees. Matt Miller (3-4, 4.74) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. Burlington has Jose Macias (2-3, 6.23) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 6:35pm. The first 1,000 fans in attendance at Time Warner Cable Field on Saturday night will receive an umbrella courtesy of Cher-Make. There is also a postgame fireworks display courtesy of FOX 11. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280 or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:15pm. Saturday is also the official debut of Timber Rattlers on milb.tv. Wisconsin box scoreWow, how about Brooks Hall? 97 pitches, 66 strikes for the big righty in the outing we've been waiting to see from him. As for Alan Williams, I guess the lefties of the organization don't like being on the Power 50 (see Efrain Nieves above). Romero drew his second walk of the year! Nick Shaw looks on scornfully. Reggie Keen was 2-4 with a double and did not attempt a stolen base. Nick Ramirez (1-4) collected his first hit as a Rattler. Wisconsin play-by-play

Final: Bradenton 10, @Brevard County 1 BC falls 10-1 to BradentonBy Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- After being swept in a doubleheader in Port Charlotte to end a six-game road trip, the Brevard County Manatees returned home and drop their third straight game as the 'Tees fell 10-1 to the Bradenton Marauders on Friday night at Space Coast Stadium. Nick Bucci went six innings and allowed three earned runs, but allowed them all in the first inning. He gave up six hits and walked three and for the first time in 2011, did not strike out a batter in an outing. Brevard County (43-60 overall, 16-17 second half) had an early chance to respond to the 3-0 deficit as Scooter Gennett reached on a hit by pitch and then Kentrail Davis singled to start the bottom of the first. D'Vontrey Richardson would then line out to third and then a groundout by Hunter Morris moved Gennett and Davis to second and third. Shea Vucinich was then hit by a pitch with two outs, but then Chuck Caufield grounded out to short to leave the bases loaded. The Manatees wouldn't get another runner in scoring position until the seventh inning, when they scored their only run of the game on a RBI single by Caufield that plated Vucinich. The damage though, had already been done in the top of the seventh, as Bradenton (50-56, 20-16) scored five runs on six singles and one Brevard County error off of reliever Efrain Nieves. The Marauders padded their lead to 10-1 in the eighth as they plated two runs off of Rolando Pascual, who walked three and allowed two hits. Overall, Brevard County's pitching staff allowed 14 hits and walked six batters, while striking out just one. The 'Tees offense wasn't much better as they went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and four times left a runner in scoring position with two outs. Brevard County will look the stop its three-game skid as they continue their series with Bradenton on Friday at 7:05 p.m. The Manatees will send Austin Ross (1-1, 7.53) to the hill, while the Marauders will counter with southpaw Jhonathan Ramos (2-3, 2.97). http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2011/07/29/S7XzKEKQ.jpg Bucci (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography) Brevard County box scoreBucci's seven-inning streak was snapped at four games. He has a 2/7 K/BB in his last two starts. I give Nieves a vote on my Power 50 ballot and this is how he rewards me? I did not give Pascual a Power 50 vote, but he "rewarded" me anyway. D'Vo cooled off, 0-4 with two strikeouts, but hey--at least he lined out. He also committed a fielding error; dude, you're only supposed to screw up when you also do something good. Morris collected a double. Brevard County play-by-playNieves wasn't giving up quails and bleeders: Bradenton Top of the 7thPitcher Change: Efrain Nieves replaces Nicholas Bucci.Benji Gonzalez singles on a line drive to left fielder Chuck Caufield.Robbie Grossman singles on a line drive to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Benji Gonzalez to 3rd. Robbie Grossman to 2nd on the throw.Adalberto Santos singles on a line drive to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Benji Gonzalez scores. Robbie Grossman to 3rd.Ramon Cabrera singles on a line drive to left fielder Chuck Caufield. Robbie Grossman scores. Adalberto Santos scores on the throw. Ramon Cabrera to 2nd.Aaron Baker singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Ramon Cabrera to 3rd.Evan Chambers out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Ramon Cabrera scores.Elevys Gonzalez singles on a line drive to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Elevys Gonzalez to 2nd. Aaron Baker advances to 3rd, on fielding error by center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson.Kelson Brown grounds out, shortstop Josh Prince to first baseman Hunter Morris. Aaron Baker scores.Jairo Marquez grounds out, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris.