battlekow

Not so on the out clause, says Doug Melvin by way of Adam McCalvy.

IF Zelous Wheeler activated from the Nashville DL and sent to Huntsville, with IF Matt Cline going on the DL to free up a spot.

Manatees' Scooter Gennett hoping to zip to majorsMark DeCotis/Florida Today VIERA — Playing in the competitive environment of Florida high school baseball might have laid the foundation for Brevard County Manatees second baseman Scooter Gennett. But it certainly didn't completely prepare him for what he is experiencing in his second year of minor league baseball. "I can't say that anybody would ever be fully prepared for the minor leagues," said Gennett, who was drafted out of Sarasota High by the Manatees' parent club, the Milwaukee Brewers. "But I was pretty close." People who follow the Brewers closely share that feeling. The Bernie's Crew blog at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel website ranked Gennett as the organization's No. 1 prospect, and Baseball America ranked him as the fourth-best prospect and projected him to be in the big league starting lineup at second base by 2014. That's all fine and good, but it doesn't exert any pressure on Gennett. "All that stuff, that's someone's opinion," he said. "It's always nice to get recognized. No more pressure than if I was 30 on that list or not on the list. "It's not like if you're on top of that list it gives you the right not to work hard to get better every day." Already an offensive threat, Gennett is putting in the work to both continue his development as a hitter in the High Class A Florida State League and improve his defense. That he is second on the team in errors with 10 is a concern, but something the Manatees believe can be fixed. "I've seen him improve his daily routine," said Manatees manager Jeff Isom, who also had Gennett on his Class A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers team in 2010. "Every day. Him understanding that he has to come out here and want to get better. He's focused every day now. He's had a lot of success on the offensive side. We needed to work on the defensive side and he's really committed himself this year toward that. We're seeing him improve daily." Heading into the weekend, Gennett was hitting .272 with 52 hits in a team-leading 191 at-bats. He also is the sparkplug on the top of the order who has set the table numerous times for the mashers hitting behind him. It comes down to confidence and attitude and Isom believes Gennett is stout on both accounts. "He's a confident kid," Isom said. "He's a guy who is tremendously talented on the offensive side and very confident on the offensive side. There's not a pitcher in his mind that can get him out. "He's going to get out, but he's a guy that's going to hit over .300 any league that he goes to. He's got tremendous hand-eye coordination." Gennett naturally doesn't disagree with Isom's assessment. "I feel like I've always been that way," he said. "If you feel like you're going to get beat by a guy, it's almost a mindset. There's no way this guy gets me out. "I always enjoy it when I know the guy threw a good pitch and I missed it, just tip my hat. I'm not mad. Of course I'm not happy. "It's a lot better getting out against really good pitching than getting yourself out against not so good pitching." Gennett has been getting his hits, much to the enjoyment of parents Joe, a former Houston Astros scout, and Tina along with older sister Kristen, who come to Brevard as much as possible to see him play. And it was his mother who was indirectly involved in him getting his nickname. Gennett's given name is Ryan, but he hasn't answered to it since he was a young boy when his mother took her self-described somewhat defiant son to the police station for a lecture on seat belt use. He had his favorite cartoon character Scooter and took the name when the police officer asked him what his name was. "I said 'Scooter Gennett' and that was the first time she ever heard it," he said of his mother. "After that I wouldn't answer to Ryan because I felt like I would get in trouble. It kind of just stuck from there." If he has his way now, the label "top prospect" or "big leaguer" might be a better fit. http://cmsimg.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A9&Date=20110530&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=105300323&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0 (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

In his postgame thoughts, Chris elaborates:

Final: Wisconsin 2, @Kane County 0 Attack of the TylersChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GENEVA, IL - A pair of Tylers proved to be what the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers needed to snap a four game losing streak. Tyler Thornburg pitched a complete game shutout and Tyler Roberts hit a pair of solo homers to give his batterymate all the runs he needed. The Rattlers topped the Kane County Cougars 2-0 Sunday evening at Elfstrom Stadium. Tyler Roberts put Wisconsin (27-23) in front in the third inning. The Rattlers catcher crushed a 2-1 pitch over the wall in left-center for his second home run of the season. The leadoff blast gave the Rattlers a 1-0 lead. Thornburg kept the Cougars (22-28) off the scoreboard through the middle innings as he worked around a couple of hits and a couple of errors. Roberts struck again with one out in the eighth inning. This time he got a hold of a 2-0 pitch and launched a line drive over the picnic deck in left field. Roberts becomes the first Wisconsin player in 2011 to hit two home runs in a game since Hunter Morris did the deed on August 15, 2010. Thornburg retired 12 in a row at one point until he allowed a two-out RBI single to Ryan Stovall in the bottom of the ninth inning. But, Thornburg got Jake Kuebler to send a fly ball to left for the final out and the complete game shutout. Of the five hits he gave up, only one made it to the outfield. Thornburg struck out eight and walked none to pick up his fourth win of the season. This was the first nine-inning complete game shutout by a Rattlers pitcher since Michael Pineda tossed one at Quad Cities on September 1, 2008. Thornburg also ran his current scoreless streak to 19-1/3 innings. He has not allowed a run in his last three starts. The final game of the series between the Rattlers and Cougars is Monday afternoon at 1:00pm. Charly Bashara (2-3, 5.34) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Kane County has Leondy Perez as their scheduled starter. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 12:40pm. Wisconsin box scoreElfstrom Stadium has been unkind to the Rattlers, but tonight it was temporarily renamed Tylerstrom Stadium and was very accommodating. Chris had Thornburg at an impressive 76 strikes in 108 pitches and Jimmy Nelson reports that his teammate's fastball was sitting between 91 and 96 and that his curve and changeup were also working well. On top of all of that, he also kept the ball on the ground: 12/4 GO/FO. Truly dominant performance. Roberts' homers were apparently pretty impressive too; Nelson reports that they "still haven't landed". Besides Roberts, the only Rattler with a hit was Reggie Keen, who doubled twice. Nick Shaw and Mike Walker each drew a walk to conclude the baserunner report. Yadiel Rivera committed his 7th error. Wisconsin play-by-playThe 1st inning didn't bode well, but fortunately it didn't matter: Wisconsin Top of the 1stReggie Keen doubles (8) on a line drive to left fielder Julio Aparicio.Nick Shaw walks.Cody Hawn called out on strikes.Michael Walker grounds into double play, first baseman Jacob Kuebler to shortstop Gerard Hall to second baseman Yowill Espinal. Nick Shaw out at 2nd.This is kinda weird. In two straight innings a Cougar reached on an error, followed by an infield hit to second baseman Nick Shaw, who threw out the runner from first at third: Kane County Bottom of the 4thAlex Llanos strikes out swinging, catcher Tyler Roberts to first baseman Michael Walker.Ryan Stovall reaches on throwing error by pitcher Tyler Thornburg.Jacob Kuebler singles on a ground ball to second baseman Nick Shaw. Ryan Stovall out at 3rd, second baseman Nick Shaw to third baseman Gregory Hopkins.With Lane Adams batting, Jacob Kuebler advances to 2nd on a balk.Lane Adams grounds out, second baseman Nick Shaw to first baseman Michael Walker. Kane County Bottom of the 5thTravis Jones flies out to left fielder Robert Garvey.Julio Aparicio reaches on fielding error by shortstop Yadiel Rivera.Yowill Espinal singles on a ground ball to second baseman Nick Shaw. Julio Aparicio out at 3rd, second baseman Nick Shaw to third baseman Gregory Hopkins.With Angel Franco batting, Yowill Espinal steals (6) 2nd base.Angel Franco flies out to right fielder Franklin Romero.

Final: @Brevard County 7, Jupiter 3 Power surge lifts 'Tees to fifth straight winFrank Longobardo/Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- The Brevard County Manatees offense saved the best for last as they pounded out 13 hits - including four homers - in the final game of an eight-game homestand, a 7-3 win over the Jupiter Hammerheads on Sunday evening at Space Coast Stadium. The win was the fifth in a row for the 'Tees and gave Brevard County (20-31) a series sweep of Jupiter (24-27). Jupiter did jump out to an early 2-0 lead in the third off of Manatees starter Hiram Burgos, as Hammerheads center fielder Jose Duarte drove in two with a single to right. Burgos avoided any further damage by inducing a 4-6-3 double play one batter later. Brevard County responded in a big way in the fourth as Hunter Morris and Brock Kjeldgaard led off the inning with back-to-back solo shots to tie the game at 2-2. Shea Vucinich then doubled and would score two batters later on a RBI single by Shawn Zarraga. Zarraga would then score on a RBI single by Mike Brownstein two batters later, to make it a 4-2 game, in favor of the Manatees. Jupiter would get one run back in the top of the fifth, but the 'Tees would lead off the bottom of the fifth inning with another homer, this time off the bat of Khris Davis to make it a 5-3 game. Two batters and two outs later, Vucinich took the first pitch he saw and deposited it over the left field fence for a solo homer and the Manatees took a 6-3 lead. Brevard County added one more run in the eighth as Kjeldgaard scored on a wild pitch. Six runs were more than enough run support for Burgos who went six innings and allowed three runs on six hits, while walking three and striking out two. Santo Manzanillo went the rest of the way out of the bullpen for the 'Tees and threw three scoreless innings, en route to his third save of the season. Kjelgaard and Vucinich each had three hits, while Khris Davis and Brownstein added two each as well. During the 'Tees current five-game winning streak, Kjeldgaard is hitting .588 (10-for-17) with four homers and eight RBI. The Manatees will have Memorial Day off before beginning a five-game road trip, starting with four against the Bradenton Marauders. The first game will be on Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. Brevard County box scoreDavis's other hit was a double; he continues to impress with the power he's displaying in a tough power-hitting context. He has eight homers overall and three at Space Coast Stadium. Vucinich also walked, so he had a perfect night. Burgos succeeded by keeping the ball on the ground (10/3 GO/FO). Manzanillo had kind of an anomalous outing, allowing just a hit and a walk but with no strikeouts. Scooter Gennett and Kentrail Davis got the night off to rest their aching bats. Brevard County play-by-playThis type of inning always makes me laugh a little. My mind immediately conjures up three straight swings and misses, along with a sad trombone sound: Brevard County Bottom of the 2ndBrock Kjeldgaard singles on a line drive to left fielder Jeremy Synan.Shea Vucinich walks. Brock Kjeldgaard to 2nd.Scott Krieger strikes out swinging.Shawn Zarraga strikes out swinging.Sean McCraw strikes out swinging.

James Powell (BF.net user UeckerPowell) reports that Scarpetta was touching 95 mph with his fastball tonight.

Rogers hoping cortisone shot helps wristAdam McCalvy & Audrey Snyder/MLB.com MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers' top pitching prospect opted for a cortisone injection Friday to address carpal tunnel syndrome in his right wrist. If that does not work, right-hander Mark Rogers may have to consider a surgical fix, assistant general manager Gord Ash said. Rogers, Milwaukee's first pick in the 2004 Draft and a veteran of shoulder surgery, has been bothered by wrist pain in his outings for Triple-A Nashville and was eventually sent to Class A Brevard County. He surrendered three runs on four hits and three walks in his first outing there May 20 and was placed on the disabled list. After his injection, Rogers reported to the team's training facility in Phoenix to begin a throwing program anew. "The idea was to put him in Brevard, let him get comfortable and then let him climb back up the ladder," Ash said. "As soon as he is able to do that, he will." Rogers' 2011 season has so far been a frustrating follow-up to a highly successful 2010 in which he rose all the way to the Major Leagues and posted a 1.80 ERA in four Brewers appearances.

Final: @Nashville 4, Oklahoma City 2 Sounds Win Fourth Straight, Clip 'Hawks, 4-2Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds beat the Oklahoma City RedHawks, 4-2, on Sunday afternoon at Greer Stadium in the third game of four-game set. Taking the first three games of the series from Oklahoma City, the win gives Nashville (21-28) a four-game winning streak for the second time this season, and is the club's 12th victory in the last 18 games. In his second rehab appearance, Erick Almonte went 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs. Brandon Boggs also added two hits in the contest, while Taylor Green jacked his fifth homer of the season. Sounds starter Chase Wright (2-4) earned the win by tossing a season-high 5 1/3 innings while scattering eight hits and two runs . The start was Wright's 57th in team history, passing James Baldwin (1993-96) for third all-time. Oklahoma City went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 runners, while Nashville turned three double plays on the afternoon, including one to end the game with the tying runner on first base. The Sounds plated their first run in the bottom of the first inning amid some controversy. Former Sound Nelson Figueroa recorded the first two outs, and then allowed a double off the center field wall from Boggs. The rehabbing Almonte followed with a hard hit ball off the wall in left field, which appeared to be a home run. Boggs scored from second base on the play, however, Almonte was tagged out at second base during his home run trot, causing manager Don Money to argue the play. Nashville plated two more runs in the bottom of the third inning to go up 3-0. Coming into the game batting .321 (18-for-56) in his last 17 games, Green led off the inning with his fifth homer of the season, a solo shot down the right field line. Later in the inning with two outs, Almonte doubled in Eric Farris for the club's third run. Oklahoma City got on the board in the top of the fifth inning as Anderson Hernandez led off the frame with a double. Hernandez stayed at second on the next play as Tommy Manzella hammered a ball down the third base line, which was stopped by Green. Wright induced two more infield groundouts in the inning to allow Hernandez to score. The Sounds made it 4-2 as George Kottaras extended his hit streak to nine games with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning. The hit matched him with Farris and Edwin Maysonet for the team's longest this season. Donovan Hand pitched 2/3 of a scoreless inning, but allowed one of his two inherited runners to score. Sean Green picked up his second save of the year by throwing two shutout innings. Green has not allowed an earned run in his last six outings. In his third rehab appearance and first with Nashville, left-hander Zach Braddock struck out the side in top of the seventh inning on 13 pitches, 10 for strikes. Leadoff hitter Brian Bogusevic went down on three pitches, followed by Koby Clemens (swinging) and Brandon Barnes (looking) each striking out. Figueroa (2-1) surrendered three runs on five hits in five innings for Oklahoma City for the loss. The Sounds and RedHawks will play the finale of a four-game set at 7:05 pm CT on Monday evening. Sounds Southpaw Sam Narron looks to continue his pitching dominance from the mound tomorrow against Oklahoma City left-hander Andy Van Hekken (0-1, 2.31). Nashville box scoreGreat to see Braddock back and dominating. Green's OBP/SLG are a solid .362/.445. Mat Gamel was 1-3. Nashville play-by-playWonder what Mark DiFelice did to get ejected. I'd suggest he was offering to cut the home plate umpire's hair and throw in a free pair of glasses from the bench, but he was tossed by the third base umpire, who is neither calling balls and strikes nor the umpire near the home dugout. Okla. City Top of the 2ndNashville Sounds pitcher Mark DiFelice ejected by 3B umpire Jordan Baker.Jose Vallejo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Caleb Gindl.Brian Esposito grounds into double play, shortstop Edwin Maysonet to second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Mat Gamel. Jose Vallejo out at 2nd.Nelson Figueroa singles on a line drive to left fielder Brandon Boggs.Anderson Hernandez flies out to left fielder Brandon Boggs.

Komatsu prosperingTom Haundricourt/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel You can't accuse outfielder Erik Komatsu of sitting on the laurels of being named the Brewers' minor-league player of the year in 2010. Moving up a notch from high Class A Brevard County to Class AA Huntsville, Komatsu has been an on-base machine. Through 40 games, he was batting .340 - third in the Southern League - with a .431 on-base percentage. Komatsu, 23, an eighth-round draft pick in 2008 out of Cal-State Fullerton, has displayed impressive plate discipline. While drawing 22 walks, he had struck out only 15 times. Last season with Brevard, he batted .323 with 68 walks and 61 strikeouts. "He has been doing a good job at swinging at strikes," said Brewers farm director Reid Nichols. "He has been selective at the plate and he puts the ball in play. He's a good hitter." Komatsu has been playing center field for the Stars and is a solid defender. Because he does not have plus-speed, however, Komatsu does not necessarily project to playing center in the majors, according to Nichols. "He's playing there out of necessity," said Nichols. "He could get by for a while (at center in the majors) but you'd probably want somebody a touch faster. "I think he does have a chance of playing in the majors because of his plate discipline. He's a decent outfielder, just not a prototypical center fielder." Komatsu will be moving to a corner outfield spot for the Stars. Logan Schafer, considered the Brewers' top center-field prospect, moved up to Huntsville from Brevard over the weekend after recovering from a broken thumb suffered during an exhibition game with the Brewers during spring training.

Contact part of gameMark DeCotis/Florida Today VIERA — A clean play. That was the verdict on Wednesday night's home plate collision between Florida Marlins runner Scott Cousins and San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey that resulted in a serious injury to Posey. Cousins bowled Posey over in scoring what proved to be the winning run in the 12th inning of the Marlins' 7-6 victory. While the play will be debated far and wide outside the lines and the clubhouses, there was no such feelings among Brevard County Manatees this week. "Sometimes, it's just a freak accident, your leg's in the wrong spot, you get kind of turned around a little bit," said Darnell Coles. Coles played 14 years in the big leagues as an outfielder and infielder and is now a roving instructor for the Manatees' parent club, the Milwaukee Brewers. "The runner . . . slid directly into the plate, didn't go out of his way, wasn't malicious with an elbow or anything like that. Buster wasn't blocking the plate, he kind of comes in, boom, the collision was what it was. I didn't see any ill intent on either side." That the collision occurred with the game in the balance might have played a role in how Cousins came down the third base line and what players are coached to do in that situation. "With the game on the line, it's probably a little different than the first inning if you're scoring the first run of the game type of thing," Coles said. "There's no certain code of ethics when it comes to that. I think everybody understands how to play the game. When you can avoid a collision you try and avoid it, but in that situation I don't think it was avoidable." Manatees catcher Sean McCraw saw the collision from a unique perspective, having been bowled over a few times in his pro career. If he is rounding third and trying to score and the catcher is blocking the plate, he knew exactly what he would do. "I'm not sliding," he said. "I have a better chance (of scoring) by trying to run him over and knock the ball loose than a hook slide. "To me, if a catcher's going to block the plate, the catcher should be willing to get hit, he should be ready for it." The Brewers teach their catchers on how to handle such plays. "We're taught to try to give the runner the plate, let him see it," McCraw said. "If you get them on their mind to think slide, and then take it away, your odds are better. "If you're blocking the plate as he's rounding and he sees that he has nowhere to go, you better be ready for it." Manatees outfielder, Logan Schafer, the Brewers Minor League Player of the Year in 2009, who played against Posey in Hawaiian Winter Baseball, didn't see anything wrong with the collision. "It was a clean play," said Schafer, who was with Brevard on a rehab assignment. "It looked like, from the runner's angle, . . . like Posey might have caught the ball and was applying the tag even though he dropped it. "Posey looked like . . . he thought he had it (ball). His leg just got caught under him and it's something that happens. It's a shame, but everyone's trying to win a ballgame. You never know when one game could take you to the playoffs whether it's in May or September." Brewers runners also are coached on how to approach such a situation. "It depends on what you're given," said Schafer. "If the catcher's not giving you any of the plate and he already has the ball or you feel like he has the ball and he is applying the tag, yes, you have to try to jar it from him somehow. "If he's giving you an open lane to the plate, there's no reason to go after him." It's all part of being a catcher. "You're in the line of fire right there," said Manatees Manager Jeff Isom, a former minor league pitcher. "It's scary. "You're expected to stay in there and do what you can to save that run. It's unfortunate what happened."

Kevin Goldstein saw the Rattlers game tonight and says Ross was 88-91 with his fastball, 80-81 with his slider, and in the mid-80s with a "2 seam cut thing".

Final: @Kane County 6, Wisconsin 1 Wisconsin drops fourth straightChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GENEVA, IL - The Kane County Cougars scored four runs in four innings against Wisconsin Timber Rattlers starting pitcher Austin Ross on the way to a 6-1 victory at Elfstrom Stadium on Saturday night. Orlando Calixte drove in three runs and Lane Adams added two RBI to send the Rattlers to their fourth straight loss. Kane County (22-27) took the lead with a two-out RBI single by Cheslor Cuthbert in the bottom of the first inning. The Cougars tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ryan Jenkins reached on an error to start the inning. Rattlers starter Ross walked the next batter and Adams followed with an RBI double that put runners on second and third. Calixte was next and his single to center plated two runs for a 4-0 Kane County lead. Dan Britt relieved Ross to start the bottom of the fifth and got the first two outs. But, he walked Cheslor Cuthbert and Adams followed with an RBI triple. Calixte was next and his single drove in Adams for a 6-0 lead. The Rattlers (26-23) broke through against Cougars starter Jason Adam in the top of the sixth inning on an RBI single by Mike Walker. But, that was all the Rattlers would get on the night. Adams allowed three hits and struck out three over six innings for his second win. Mitch Hodge and Chas Byrne worked the final three innings for the Cougars. Wisconsin would get four hits off the duo in the last three innings, but could not dent the plate again. The Timber Rattlers and Cougars continue their series on Sunday night at Elfstrom Stadium. Tyler Thornburg (3-0, 1.62) is the scheduled starter for Wisconsin. Sugar Ray Marimon (3-2, 3.32) is set to start for Kane County. Game time is 6:00pm with the Miller Lite Pregame Show on AM1280, WNAM starting at 5:40pm. Wisconsin box scoreAs noted above, Ross hasn't been as dominant lately as he was in the early going, and he certainly didn't throw as many strikes today as we're used to seeing, only 43 in 75 pitches. Nick Shaw was on three times with two hits and a walk. Walker also had two hits, including a double. As MH detailed above, Carlos George left with an injury. His replacement, Yadiel Rivera, committed his sixth error. Chris has been impressed with his defensive tools and from what I've seen on the highlights he looks great, but evidently he's still struggling with consistency. Reggie Keen stole his 21st base. Check out Chris's postgame thoughts, including the note that Shaw has a ten-game hit streak going and the humorous aside that Chris mistakenly referred to Britt as Brooks Hall for three innings. Wisconsin play-by-play

Final: @Brevard County 4, Jupiter 1 BC makes quick work of Jupiter for fourth straight winFrank Longobardo/Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- A strong start by Adrian Rosario and five Jupiter errors helped the Brevard County Manatees to a quick two hours and two minutes, 4-1 win on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium. The win was the fourth in a row for the Manatees, which is now Brevard County's longest winning streak of the season. Rosario went six innings - a season high - and allowed one run on six hits, while striking out three and not walking a batter. Brevard County (19-31) got on the board first in the third with three runs. Juan Sanchez scored all the way from first after a throwing error by Jupiter shortstop Jeff Dominguez. Then with two outs in the inning, a Khris Davis double down the left field line scored Kentrail Davis and Hunter Morris followed with a RBI single to score Kentrail Davis, to make it 3-0 in favor of the Manatees. In the fourth, Brock Kjeldgaard benefited from two Jupiter (24-26) errors as he led off the inning by reaching on a throwing error by Hammerheads third baseman Chase Austin. He would then go to second on a Scott Krieger ground out. Then as Kjeldgaard stole third, a throwing error by Jupiter's catcher Dallas Hord brought Kjeldgaard home to make it a 4-0 game. Jupiter would score its only run of the game in the fifth as Daniel Pertuasi led the frame off with a double and then scored two batters later on a ground out. For the Manatees, Khris Davis reached base in his 17th consecutive game as he went 1-for-3 with a double, RBI, walk and run scored. In his first game back from a brief promotion to Double-A Huntsville, Morris was 1-for-4 with an RBI. The trio of Jon Pokorny, Efrain Nieves and R.J. Seidel combined for three shutout innings out of the bullpen. Seidel, also back from a brief stint with Huntsville, picked up the save. Brevard County will go for the four-game sweep of Jupiter on Sunday evening, beginning at 5:05 p.m. Hiram Burgos (1-3, 3.57) will take the hill for the Manatees, while Rob Rasmussen (4-3, 4.38) is slated to start for the Hammerheads. Brevard County box scoreMuch better start from Rosario; though the Manatees staff struck out just three, walking none helps a lot. In the neither-here-nor-there department, Hammerheads starter Matthew Montgomery posted a 14/1 GO/FO. Scooter Gennett was 0-3 and one for his last 26 but at least drew a walk. Kentrail Davis was 0-4. Brevard County play-by-play

Final: Huntsville 2, @Chattanooga 0 Huntsville box scoreMichael Bowman turned in a fine start, 6.1 scoreless innings on five hits and a walk with three strikeouts. The Stars needed it too, because they didn't put a run on the board until the 7th inning. Lucas Luetge and Roque Mercedes finished off the shutout. Bowman was only 2-32 at the plate last season, but he had two hits tonight to bring him to 5-19 this year (.278). Andy Gonzalez and Steffan Wilson also had two hits; Wilson also swiped his first two bags. Logan Schafer led off and played center field; he picked up a triple in four at-bats. Erik Komatsu was 0-4 hitting second and playing right. Sean Halton was 1-4, and Lee Haydel did not play. Huntsville play-by-playBowman was removed after retiring the first batter in the 7th, with his pitch count at 92. The next batter was a lefty, so Mike Guerrero was probably just playing the match-ups. Bowman walked the tightrope in the 3rd: Chattanooga Bottom of the 3rdMatt Wallach doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Brandon Jones.Jaime Pedroza singles on a line drive to right fielder Erik Komatsu. Matt Wallach to 3rd.Michael Antonini strikes out on foul bunt.Elian Herrera walks. Jaime Pedroza to 2nd.Brian Cavazos-Galvez grounds into a force out, third baseman Steffan Wilson to catcher Martin Maldonado. Matt Wallach out at home. Jaime Pedroza to 3rd. Elian Herrera to 2nd. Brian Cavazos-Galvez to 1st.Scott Van Slyke flies out to center fielder Logan Schafer. Looks like the Lookouts tried to score the tying run in the 8th on a wild pitch: Chattanooga Bottom of the 8thAnthony Jackson grounds out, third baseman Steffan Wilson to first baseman Sean Halton.Elian Herrera singles on a ground ball to center fielder Logan Schafer.Brian Cavazos-Galvez singles on a line drive to center fielder Logan Schafer. Elian Herrera to 2nd.Scott Van Slyke grounds out, first baseman Sean Halton to pitcher Lucas Luetge. Elian Herrera to 3rd. Brian Cavazos-Galvez to 2nd.Elian Herrera out at home, catcher Anderson De La Rosa.

Chris is not a big fan of Kane County's Elfstrom Stadium. He has an update on Tyler Roberts:

From Let's Go Tribe on 5/2:

Brandon Revels reports that Kyle Heckathorn's fastball perked up to around 92 from the high-80s it was during his last start.

Final: @Kane County 2, Wisconsin 1 Rattlers fall on a ninth inning error in Kane CountyChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GENEVA, IL - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers tied the Kane County Cougars with a run in the top of the ninth inning on Friday night at Elfstrom Stadium. But, the Cougars scored a run in the bottom of the ninth on a throwing error to beat Wisconsin 2-1. The Rattlers (26-22) collected two hits and had runners on second and third in the first inning against Kane County starting pitcher Yordano Ventura. But, Ventura got a pair of strikeouts to end the inning. That also started a streak of 11 straight batters retired by Ventura. Ventura struck out ten, walked two, and didn't allow a run through five innings. Wisconsin starting pitcher Jameson Dunn matched Ventura zero for zero. Dunn tossed 5-2/3 innings of shutout ball and allowed three hits. Kane County (21-27) almost broke through on a single to right by Orlando Calixte in the bottom of the seventh against Rattlers reliever Eric Marzec. Cheslor Cuthbert tried to score from second base but, right fielder Franklin Romero made a perfect throw to the plate and cut down the run for the second out. But, the Rattlers had very little time to savor the play. Travis Jones singled to center on the very next pitch and Calixte, who had taken second on the throw to the plate on the previous play, scored easily to put the Cougars in front 1-0. Greg Billo, who relieved Ventura in the sixth inning, cruised through the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. He even looked like he would cruise through the ninth. Nick Shaw drew a one out walk and was still at first base with two outs. Then, Mike Walker cracked a double to right-center and sent Shaw home with the tying run. But, Marzec, who had not allowed a run in 13-1/3 innings over eight appearances in the month of May, got into trouble in the bottom of the ninth. Ryan Stovall doubled. Cuthbert singled and Stovall was held at third. Marzec walked Geulin Beltre intentionally to set up a force play at the plate. Greg Holle came on to relieve Marzec and face Calixte to get the grounder that would allow for the force at the plate. Calixte sent a slow chopper past the mound to shortstop Yadiel Rivera. Rivera charged and picked the ball clean on a good hop. But, he double-clutched and wound up rushing the throw to the plate. The throw was wild and to the backstop allowing Stovall to score the winning run. Billo picked up the win. He struck out eight over four innings and is 3-1 on the season. Billo and Ventura combined on 18 strikeouts in the game. The series continues on Saturday night. Austin Ross (5-1, 1.96) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Kane County will send Jason Adam (1-0, 2.19) to the hill. Game time is 6:00pm. Tune in for the broadcast starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com at 5:40pm. Wisconsin box scoreImpressive spot start from Dunn, who struck out four and walked just one. Chris Dennis had a tough night, picking up a golden sombrero in just four at-bats. Despite being activated before the game, Cody Hawn did not play. Wisconsin play-by-play Tyler Roberts was removed for Tony Pechek in the bottom of the 7th; in his last plate appearance, he walked and stole second base in the 5th.

Final: @Brevard County 3, Jupiter 1 'Tees top Hammerheads for third straight winFrank Longobardo/Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- The Brevard County Manatees made it three wins in a row with a 3-1 win over the Jupiter Hammerheads on Friday night at Space Coast Stadium. Brevard County (18-31) received another quality start from Nick Bucci as he threw seven strong innings and allowed just one run on four hits, while walking three and striking out six. Bucci is now 5-2 with a 2.29 earned run average in 10 appearances this season. Bucci's run support on Saturday came off of the bat of Brock Kjeldgaard as he drove in all three runs for the 'Tees. He socked a two-run homer in the first inning, which was his ninth of the season. Kjeldgaard also singled home Khris Davis in the third to make it 3-0 in favor of the Manatees. In his last three games, Kjeldgaard is 7-for-10 with three homers, one double, seven RBI, four runs and two stolen bases, with a slugging percentage of 1.900. Along with Kjeldgaard, Shawn Zarraga had two hits and Juan Sanchez had the only other extra-base hit with a double in the second inning. Mark Willinsky relieved Bucci in the eighth and threw two scoreless innings to earn his third save of the season. The Manatees will look to make it three in a row against the Hammerheads (24-25) and four overall when the two teams face-off on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Brevard County will send Adrian Rosario (2-3, 6.16) to the mound, while Jupiter will counter with Matt Montgomery (1-1, 3.35). Brevard County box scoreI have Bucci as a top-ten prospect now. He's one of the few prospects actually taking a step forward this year. He threw 97 pitches and 64 strikes. Great to see Zarraga back in the lineup. Khris Davis singled and walked--another of the few. Scooter Gennett and Kentrail Davis--neither among the few--both went 0-4. Kentrail took over center field duties from Logan Schafer. Each Davis stole a base. Hunter Morris must not have made it into town in time to be in the starting lineup; maybe they gave him an extra day in his hometown. Brevard County play-by-playBucci didn't allow a run until the 7th: Jupiter Top of the 7thDaniel Pertusati walks.Jaime Ortiz singles on a line drive to right fielder Scott Krieger. Daniel Pertusati to 3rd.Miguel Fermin pops out to third baseman Shea Vucinich.Chase Austin grounds into a force out, pitcher Nicholas Bucci to shortstop Juan Sanchez. Daniel Pertusati scores. Jaime Ortiz out at 2nd. Chase Austin to 1st.Jose Duarte grounds out, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Brock Kjeldgaard.

Final (game two): Huntsville 2, @Chattanooga 1 (7 innings) Huntsville box score (game two)Michael Fiers obviously isn't stretched out, but he made it three innings on his 55 pitches (35 strikes), allowing a run on three hits and a walk while striking out two. Dan Meadows took over from Fiers; all he did was toss four innings of shutout ball, limiting the Lookouts to just one hit. He struck out two and threw a ton of strikes, 36 in 49 pitches. Logan Schafer, who did not play in the first game, took over in center for Erik Komatsu, who got the second game off, and went 0-3. The question of which will be the everyday center fielder remains unanswered, though I'd have to think it will be Schafer. Lee Haydel singled and walked, Sean Halton singled, and Hainley Statia had two hits. Haydel was caught stealing for the seventh time; he has only seven successful steals. Huntsville play-by-play (game two)All the scoring came in the 1st inning: Huntsville Top of the 1stLee Haydel called out on strikes.Logan Schafer grounds out, second baseman Jaime Pedroza to first baseman Brian Cavazos-Galvez.Sean Halton singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ivan Ochoa.Brandon Jones doubles (11) on a sharp fly ball to right fielder Kyle Russell. Sean Halton scores.Angel Gonzalez walks.Hainley Statia singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kyle Russell. Brandon Jones scores. Angel Gonzalez to 2nd. Fielding error by right fielder Kyle Russell.Martin Maldonado grounds out sharply, second baseman Jaime Pedroza to first baseman Brian Cavazos-Galvez. Chattanooga Bottom of the 1stBrad Coon lines out softly to third baseman Angel Gonzalez.Elian Herrera doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Lee Haydel.Scott Van Slyke singles on a line drive to center fielder Logan Schafer. Elian Herrera scores.Kyle Russell grounds into a force out, second baseman Matt Cline to shortstop Hainley Statia. Scott Van Slyke out at 2nd. Kyle Russell to 1st.Brian Cavazos-Galvez singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Lee Haydel. Kyle Russell to 3rd.Matt Wallach strikes out swinging. The Stars' 2nd inning was pretty similar to the game-one futility MH highlighted earlier: Huntsville Top of the 2ndMatt Cline hits a ground-rule double (6) on a line drive to right field.Michael Fiers bunt pops out to catcher Matt Wallach in foul territory.Lee Haydel walks.Logan Schafer called out on strikes.Sean Halton flies out to right fielder Kyle Russell.

Final: @Nashville 3, Oklahoma City 1 Sounds Score Late To Take Homestand Opener, 3-1Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to post a 3-1 victory over the Oklahoma City RedHawks on Friday evening at Greer Stadium in the opener of a four-game series. With the win, the Sounds (19-28) continued their recent strong play at home, notching the sixth victory in the club's last eight contests at Greer. Oklahoma City took a 1-0, first-inning lead against Sounds starter Frankie De La Cruz. Anderson Hernandez singled with one out and later scored on Drew Locke's two-out RBI double to right-center. Nashville first baseman Mat Gamel evened the score at 1-1 in the fourth with a massive solo homer to right off RedHawks starter Ryan Rowland-Smith to open the inning. The roundtripper was his sixth of the year. The Sounds broke the deadlock in the eighth, plating a pair of runs to take their first lead of the night at 3-1. With the bases loaded, one out, and Brendan Katin at the plate, Oklahoma City reliever David Carpenter uncorked an 0-2 offering to the backstop for a wild pitch that allowed Caleb Gindl to scamper home from third with the go-ahead run [audio]. Katin then dumped an opposite-field RBI single to right to plate Eric Farris with the frame's second run. Nashville reliever Jim Henderson (2-1) picked up the win with a two hitless relief innings that included a pair of strikeouts. Mark DiFelice blanked the RedHawks in the top of the ninth to nail down his team-leading sixth save of the year. Rowland-Smith (2-4) took a tough-luck loss for the visitors after tossing a quality start. The Aussie southpaw allowed three runs on seven hits over 7 1/3 frames. De La Cruz authored his fifth quality start of the year for the Sounds, tying Amaury Rivas for the highest total on the club, but took a no-decision in the contest. He allowed one run on four hits over six innings while walking three batters and striking out five. The teams continue the series with a 6:35 p.m. meeting on Saturday evening, when the Sounds will wear special pink-colored jerseys in support of breast cancer awareness. Nashville right-hander Josh Butler (2-3, 5.35) will make the start and face Oklahoma City southpaw Gustavo Chacin (1-1, 4.64). Nashville box scoreDe la Cruz has a vote on my Power 50 ballot. Gamel also doubled. Gamel is a pretty good offensive player, but it's really a shame he's now a first baseman; his AAA SLG is .489, while Prince Fielder's MLB SLG is .536. Gindl was on twice with a hit and a walk. Gindl's only hitting .250, but he's got a solid .354 OBP thanks to 18 walks. Nashville play-by-play

Chris Mehring reports that 1B Cody Hawn has been activated off the DL for tonight's game, with OF/IF TJ Mittelstaedt headed to the DL in return.

Spoke too soon about 1B Hunter Morris staying with Huntsville; he was sent back to the Brevard County, with CF Logan Schafer getting the bump up.

I'm surprised the Brewers haven't been connected to Michael at all given his status as the best college shortstop and the Brewers' utter lack of players at that position. BA's scouting report on his glove: Maybe the Brewers disagree. They've been connected to George Springer and Matt Barnes enough that they must be scouting UConn fairly heavily, so I wonder if they'd target Huskies shortstop Nick Ahmed somewhere in the top five rounds; BA has him #79 and says of his defense: