battlekow

Chris Mehring has post-game thoughts from yesterday and today.

Sez Haudricourt. So. Brandon Boggs.

Final: @Dunedin 3, Brevard County 1 Brevard County box scoreMore extremely unclutch relief pitching. After Nick Bucci twirled a fine game--7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K--R.J. Seidel allowed two runs in the 8th and that was that. Scooter Gennett, Mike Brownstein, and Josh Prince each had two hits; the rest of the team had one (Hunter Morris's single). D'Vontrey Richardson drew a walk (and, because he can't do anything good without doing something bad to even it out, committed a fielding error), Khris Davis was 0-4, and Kentrail Davis did not play. Prince stole his 10th base, which is even more impressive when you consider his .271 OBP. Former Brewers farmhand Wes Etheridge picked up his third save of the year against the Manatees and eighth overall.Brevard County play-by-play Missed opportunity: Brevard County Top of the 4thScooter Gennett singles on a ground ball to center fielder Kenny Wilson.Mike Brownstein singles on a fly ball to right fielder Justin Jackson. Scooter Gennett to 2nd.Hunter Morris flies out to right fielder Justin Jackson. Scooter Gennett to 3rd.With Khristopher Davis batting, Mike Brownstein steals (4) 2nd base.Khristopher Davis strikes out swinging.D' Vontrey Richardson grounds out, second baseman Aaron Hill to first baseman Jon Talley Interesting scoring decision, or lack thereof, here: Dunedin Bottom of the 5thSean Ochinko flies out to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson.Ryan Goins walks.Ryan Goins out at 2nd, catcher Sean McCraw.Justin Jackson walks.Kenny Wilson strikes out swinging.

Final (game one): Jacksonville 8, @Huntsville 6 (8 innings) Huntsville box score (game one)Because the game was scheduled for just seven innings, when the Stars put up a five spot in the bottom of the 6th to go up 6-3, the game seemed to be in hand--not so. Michael Fiers allowed three runs in the 7th to tie the game, and Darren Byrd let in two more to give it away in the 8th. Fiers and Byrd have been two of the few reliable relievers in the early going for any of the farm teams, so this result is quite disappointing. Dan Merklinger started, allowing three runs in 5.2 innings. Though he set a season high with seven strikeouts, they came with four walks and two wild pitches. After walking just two in his first three starts, Merklinger's handed out 12 free passes in his last three. Good day for the catchers: Anderson de la Rosa homered and doubled, and Martin Maldonado had a two-run pinch-hit single. Lee Haydel did not play, which meant Erik Komatsu got to temporarily escape the six-hole and bat leadoff, where he went 0-4. Perhaps answering my question from yesterday, Hainley Statia started at shortstop and went 1-4; Matt Cline started at second. Corey Frerichs made his AA debut, getting an out and stranding two of Merklinger's runners to finish the 6th. Huntsville play-by-play (game one)Huntsville Bottom of the 6thHainley Statia singles on a line drive to center fielder Kevin Mattison.Sean Halton singles on a ground ball to left fielder Alex Romero, deflected by third baseman Jim Negrych. Hainley Statia to 2nd.Brandon Jones lines out to center fielder Kevin Mattison.Steffan Wilson grounds into a force out, second baseman Ryan Curry to shortstop Chris Gutierrez. Hainley Statia to 3rd. Sean Halton out at 2nd. Steffan Wilson to 1st.Chuck Caufield doubles (7) on a line drive to left fielder Alex Romero. Hainley Statia scores. Steffan Wilson scores.With Matt Cline batting, Chuck Caufield steals (2) 3rd base.Matt Cline walks.Pitcher Change: Daniel Jennings replaces Brad Hand, batting 9th.Anderson De La Rosa doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Alex Romero. Chuck Caufield scores. Matt Cline to 3rd.Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Martin Maldonado replaces Corey Frerichs.Martin Maldonado singles on a line drive to center fielder Kevin Mattison. Matt Cline scores. Anderson De La Rosa scores.Erik Komatsu grounds out, second baseman Ryan Curry to first baseman Paul Gran. Jacksonville Top of the 7thPitcher Change: Michael Fiers replaces Corey Frerichs, batting 9th.Kevin Mattison walks.Ryan Curry singles on a line drive to center fielder Erik Komatsu, deflected by pitcher Michael Fiers. Kevin Mattison to 2nd.Jim Negrych singles on a fly ball to center fielder Erik Komatsu. Kevin Mattison to 3rd. Ryan Curry to 2nd.Luke Montz out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Erik Komatsu. Kevin Mattison scores. Ryan Curry to 3rd.Jorge Padilla singles on a ground ball to right fielder Chuck Caufield. Ryan Curry scores. Jim Negrych to 3rd.Pitcher Change: Darren Byrd replaces Michael Fiers, batting 9th.Alex Romero singles on a ground ball to right fielder Chuck Caufield. Jim Negrych scores. Jorge Padilla to 2nd.Erik Lis strikes out swinging.Chris Gutierrez flies out to center fielder Erik Komatsu. Jacksonville Top of the 8thAaron Dudley pops out to first baseman Sean Halton.Kevin Mattison walks.Ryan Curry triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Erik Komatsu. Kevin Mattison scores.Darren Byrd intentionally walks Jim Negrych.Luke Montz out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Brandon Jones. Ryan Curry scores.Jorge Padilla grounds out, second baseman Matt Cline to first baseman Sean Halton.

Forgot to mention that Farris started at shortstop for the Sounds.

Baseball America:

From the Stars: HUNTSVILLE, AL. – The Milwaukee Brewers have made a couple of roster moves that will impact their Double-A affiliate Huntsville Stars prior to the second game of tonight’s doubleheader. Pitcher Lucas Luetge has been placed on the Temporary Inactive List (TIL). In eight appearances with the Stars, Luetge has a 3.52 ERA (15.1ip/6er) and recorded one win and one save. In a related move, pitcher Jameson Dunn has been transferred to Huntsville from extended spring training in Arizona. Dunn was signed as a non-drafted free agent by Milwaukee on January 15, 2011 out of Oral Roberts University. With these moves, the Stars active roster remains at 24, the Southern League limit.

He also owns a career ERA of 2.25, having given up one run in four innings.

Final: @Oklahoma City 4, Nashville 3 (10 innings) Sounds Lose On 10th-Inning Walkoff HomerNashville Sounds OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Pinch-hitter Drew Locke belted a two-out homer in the bottom of the tenth inning to power the Oklahoma City RedHawks to a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Sounds on Wednesday evening at RedHawks Field. Facing Sounds reliever Donovan Hand, who had joined the club from Double-A Huntsville earlier in the day, Locke smacked a 1-0 offering over the left field wall for the game-winning blast, his second roundtripper of the season. The loss was the eighth in the last nine games for Nashville (9-16), which has dropped the first three games of the series to the RedHawks. It was the third extra-inning game of the year for Nashville, which is 0-3 in those contests. RedHawks reliever Sergio Escalona (1-0), who was being pinch-hit for by Locke when the game ended, was the beneficiary of the walkoff blast and earned his first win of the year after working two scoreless innings. Hand (0-1) took the loss in his first Triple-A appearance of the year. The Sounds left runners in scoring position on five occasions, finishing just 1-for-10 with RISP in the contest. An inning-opening walk came back to haunt Sounds starter Amaury Rivas as Oklahoma City grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. J.B. Shuck drew a free pass to start the frame and later scored on Koby Clemens' two-out RBI single to left. Nashville evened the contest at 1-1 in the second when Brett Carroll recorded a one-out single off RedHawks starter Jordan Lyles then raced around to score when shortstop Luis Figueroa followed with an RBI double to right. Oklahoma City pulled back in front in the fourth when Collin DeLome (4-for-5) scored on Anderson Hernandez's bases-loaded sacrifice fly. Rivas rallied to escape further damage, stranding a pair of runners in scoring position by recording two strikeouts to wrap up the inning. Sounds left fielder Caleb Gindl (2-for-4) re-tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the fifth when he slugged his first career Triple-A home run, a one-out solo shot to left on a 1-0 pitch from Lyles. Neither starting pitcher factored in the decision. Lyles authored a quality start for Oklahoma City, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out nine batters in his six frames of action. Rivas turned in his shortest start of the season, allowing two runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings of work for the Sounds. Newcomer Jordan Brown (2-for-5), acquired from the Cleveland Indians organization earlier in the week, gave the Sounds their first lead of the night at 3-2 when his two-out single off Gustavo Chacin in the top of the seventh inning plated Gindl with the go-ahead run. Oklahoma City tied the contest for the third time in the home half of the eighth against Sounds reliever Mark DiFelice, who allowed his first earned run of the season in the frame in suffering a blown save. Koby Clemens and DeLome opened the RedHawks' eighth with consecutive singles to put runners on the corners before Tommy Manzella bounced an RBI fielder's choice to second to plate Clemens with the tying run to knot the score at 3-3. The Sounds will try to avoid a series sweep when the teams wrap up the four-game set with a 7:05 p.m. finale on Thursday night. Left-hander Sam Narron (0-0, 5.09) will man the bump for Nashville to take on Oklahoma City right-hander Sergio Perez (1-2, 4.44). Nashville box scoreRivas struck out four, walked three, and hit a batter. 57 of his 98 pitches were strikes. Great game from Gindl, who also double and walked. Brown, whose defensive reputation isn't exactly sterling, started in left field and in the cleanup spot. Eric Farris had a weird line, just 0-1 officially but with a walk, HBP, and two sac bunts. Maybe they were failed bunt hits, but if he (or any other Brewers prospect) never has two sacrifices again in a game it's fine with me. Mat Gamel was 1-5. Taylor Green did not start but pinch-hit late and grounded out.Nashville play-by-play Nashville Top of the 1stCaleb Gindl doubles (2) on a line drive to center fielder Brandon Barnes.Eric Farris out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Koby Clemens to first baseman Brian Dopirak. Caleb Gindl to 3rd.Mat Gamel strikes out swinging.Jordan Brown called out on strikes. Sigh.

Final: @Beloit 4, Wisconsin 1 Snappers stop Rattlers winning streakChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers BELOIT, WI - Adrian Salcedo struck out eight Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Wednesday night and took advantage of some early runs by his offense to pace the Beloit Snappers to a 4-1 win over their in-state rivals. Daniel Ortiz doubled twice and drove in a run to help Beloit end Wisconsin's three game winning streak. The Snappers (15-9) struck first by plating a pair of runs in the first inning against Rattlers starting pitcher Matt Miller. A single and a hit batsman put two runners on base. Then, Michael Gonzales singled in the first run. An RBI double by Ortiz send the second run home for the Snappers. Beloit extended their lead with a run on an RBI grounder by Andrew Leer in the second inning. The Rattlers (10-13) came back with a run in the top of the fifth. Franklin Romero doubled to start the inning and extend his team high hitting streak to eight games. But, he was still at second with two outs. Nick Shaw sent Romero home with a two-out single to get Wisconsin on the scoreboard. But, that was all the Rattlers would manage on the evening. Miller settled in after the second inning and shut down the Snappers for the rest of his night on the hill. He struck out three and walked one over 6-2/3 innings. But, Salcedo didn't have to settle down. He scattered five hits and struck out eight over seven innings for the Snappers. Salcedo did not walk a batter and earned his second win of the season. Beloit picked up an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth off Thomas Keeling. Ortiz doubled to start inning. Then, pinch runner Jamaal Hawkins stole third. An RBI grounder by Kyle Knudson scored Hawkins and the Snappers were up 4-1. Clinton Dempster struck out five over the final two innings and got his second save of the season. The series continues on Thursday morning at Pohlman Field. Del Howell (0-3, 4.34) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Beloit sends Andrei Lobanov (0-1, 6.75) to the hill. Game time is 11:00am. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 10:40am. Wisconsin box scoreThis is the fifth time since 4/23 that the Rattlers have scored one or fewer runs in a game. Miller threw 101 pitches (68 strikes) and posted a 10/5 GO/FO. Amazingly, Keeling went 1.1 innings without walking anyone, though he did hit a batter. That is, I am almost positive, the longest free pass-free outing of his career. Shaw, with two singles, was the only Rattlers on base more than once. With five hits in the last two games, Shaw is trying to edge his batting average off the interstate; he's in Pennsylvania now, up to .176. Chris Dennis doubled, giving him an extra-base hit in each of his first three games with Wisconsin. Reggie Keen stole his 10th base. Tyler Roberts was 0-4 and allowed two stolen bases, but his caught-stealing percentage is still a healthy 50% on the year. Wisconsin play-by-play

Final: @Dunedin 7, Brevard County 4 Brevard County box scoreIt wasn't that close; BC had to score three in the 9th to make it respectable. Hiram Burgos started and let in six runs (five earned) in five innings. Evan Anundsen made his first appearance since coming off the DL, and his first successful one since 2009, fanning three and grounding out two more over two scoreless innings. Shawn Zarraga brought his rarely glimpsed power bat to the stadium today, finishing a triple short of the cycle. D'Vontrey Richardson also knocked one out of the park (five-game hit streak!) and also singled, though, unsurprisingly, he was picked off first. Kentrail Davis had a very Kentrail day with a double, walk, and HBP. Scooter Gennett was 1-4, and Khris Davis and Hunter Morris each went 0-4. Morris also committed his fifth and sixth errors of the season (third and fourth at first base; two have come at third base).Brevard County play-by-play

Final: Jacksonville 7, @Huntsville 5 (11 innings) Stars drop extra-inning contest to SunsHuntsville Stars HUNTSVILLE, AL – The Huntsville Stars (15-10) dropped the series opener to the Jacksonville Suns (13-13) on Wednesday afternoon in a 7-5 contest that took 11 innings. Catcher Martin Maldonado drove in the game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth inning with a single to score center fielder Erik Komatsu. With Yancarlos Ortiz pinch running for Maldonado, he advanced to third on a throwing error by Suns catcher Kyle Skipworth. Chuckie Caufield lined out to end the inning and send the game into extra innings. Reliever Roque Mercedes (0-2) gave up the game-winning run in the top of the 11th. Outfielder Kevin Mattison hit a double and scored on a ground out by third baseman Jim Negrych. The Stars got on the board early in the bottom of the first inning with back-to-back lead-off singles from left fielder Lee Haydel and second baseman Sergio Miranda. Haydel scored on a ground out from right fielder Brandon Jones. Jacksonville wasted no time getting that run back and then some. They put up four runs in the top of the second with a pair of doubles off the bats of first baseman Erik Lis and second baseman Ryan Curry. Negrych hit a two-run bomb to give the Suns a 4-1 lead. Huntsville closed the game with two more runs in the fourth, with a lead-off double from shortstop Matt Cline. Pitcher Lucas Luetge followed up with his first hit of the season to advance Cline. Haydel brought him home with a single up the middle. Jones walked to load the bases. Reliever Corey Madden walked Steffan Wilson to score Luetge. The Stars put three runs on Suns starter Omar Poveda before he was pulled in the fourth. He gave up six hits and walked five batters without recording a strikeout. The Stars added one more run in the eighth before tying it up in the ninth. Starter Wily Peralta got roughed up, going just 3.0 innings, his shortest outing of the 2011 season. He was tagged with four earned runs on four hits. He allowed four walks and struck out five. The Suns and Stars play a doubleheader, two seven-inning games, tomorrow starting at 4:43 p.m. CST. Gates open at 4 for the double dose of Bud Light Thirst-Aid Thursday. All Bud Light and AmberBock 20-ounce drafts are just $2 through the fifth inning of the second game. Following both contests, fans can take their ID wristbands down to Sammy T’s Music Hall downtown Huntsville for free admission. Sammy T’s is the official after party of your Huntsville Stars! For tickets and more information, call (256) 882-2562 or visit huntsvillestars.com! Huntsville box scorePeralta's been struggling with his control lately. Only 45 of his 84 pitches were strikes, and he hit a batter in addition to the four walks. At least he's still missing bats, I guess. Luetge did yeoman's work, turning in five scoreless frames in relief of Peralta; his hit was not only his first of the season, but the first of his pro career. Mercedes has now allowed 24 baserunners in 11.2 innings. Komatsu was 1-5 with a walk. Maldonado walked twice in addition to his clutch single. Ortiz was released after the game; he finishes his Milwaukee career 1-16. Hainley Statia, conversely, made his Brewers debut, pinch-hitting in the 8th and drawing a walk. We'll see if Statia, good with the glove, takes over Ortiz's role as a bench player or starts ahead of Cline, who's probably not a particularly good defensive shortstop and is hitting poorly.Huntsville play-by-play The Stars' only baserunner in extras was a one-out single by Wilson in the 11th.

From the Stars: HUNTSVILLE, AL. – The Milwaukee Brewers have made a couple of roster moves that will impact their Double-A affiliate Huntsville Stars prior to tomorrow’s doubleheader against the Jacksonville Suns. Infielder Yancarlos Ortiz has been released from the organization. In nine games with the Stars, Ortiz was batting .063 (1-16). He started six games at either shortstop or second base for Huntsville. In a related move, RHP Corey Frerichs has been promoted to Huntsville from High-A Brevard County. In six appearances with the Manatees, he rang up a 3.68 ERA (3er/7.1ip) with five walks and 11 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .125 batting average. With these moves, the Stars active roster stays at 24, the Southern League limit.

It's taken time, but Cleveland Indians are getting big results from their big-name dealsTerry Pluto/Cleveland Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For Tribe fans, the first shock wave came on July 7, 2008. That was when CC Sabathia was traded to Milwaukee for Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson, Rob Bryson and a player to be named later. Less than a year after coming one game away from the 2007 World Series, the Indians traded the Cy Young Award winner. In Sabathia, they also traded one of the best pitchers to come through the farm system in decades. "We knew it would be traumatic for the fan base," said team president Mark Shapiro. "But we also knew they was no way we'd sign CC." Sabathia was heading to free agency, knowing his destiny was to become baseball's highest paid pitcher. "The question wasn't trading CC," said Shapiro. "It was should we wait until after the season and take the amateur draft picks [as compensation], or try to find someone who'd trade us some top prospects." Milwaukee was in serious contention and needed a big-time pitcher. The Indians convinced the Brewers to immediately part with LaPorta, who was leading all of the minors with 20 homers in 84 Class AA games at the time of the deal. Jackson and Bryson were pitching prospects, but not high on anyone's list. Then the Indians faced a choice -- an outfielder named Michael Brantley or third baseman Taylor Green -- as the last piece in the trade. They went with Brantley despite having more of a need for a third baseman. Three years later, Brantley is hitting .309 for the Tribe, sixth best among all American League outfielders. He doesn't turn 24 until May 15, meaning Brantley is not at his prime. As for 24-year-old Green, he's hitting .211 with three homers and nine RBI in Class AAA. Last season, he hit .260 with 13 homers and 81 RBI in Class AA. So they made the right choice. Patience is needed Matt LaPorta has begun to show the extra-base power that could provide the Indians with much-needed punch from the right side of the plate. Sabathia did pitch the Brewers into the first round of the 2008 playoffs. He then signed with the Yankees. The Indians have LaPorta at first, where he's hitting .263 (.857 OPS) with four homers and 15 RBI. He's second on the team with six doubles and has been solid defensively.Brantley can play all three outfield positions and eventually will be the team's leadoff hitter. LaPorta should be the right-handed bat with some pop that the team has needed for years at first base. "I'm always guarded when it comes to [talking about] these deals, because progress with prospects is never in a straight line," said Shapiro. "Guys have to go back to the minors. The [performance] goes up and down in the big leagues. But I do know that patience is usually rewarded." That may be the case in this deal. The same is true with the trade of Victor Martinez to Boston for Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price. In the summer of 2009, the Indians were on their way to 97 losses. They knew attendance would dip again in 2010. They knew they couldn't afford to sign Cliff Lee or Martinez -- both free agents after 2010. They knew they'd be ripped by the media and fans for trading Lee (another Cy Young winner) and Martinez (a popular .300 hitter) when they were 1 1/2 seasons away from free agency. "It came down to the same choice between picks and prospects," said Shapiro. "Emotionally, the Victor deal was the hardest because of what he has meant to the organization."That's also the trade paying off the fastest, as Masterson is 5-0 with a 2.25 ERA in six starts. At Class AA Akron, Hagadone has not allowed a run in 14 2/3 innings, striking out 19 and walking only two. The 25-year-old lefty throws 95 mph after having major elbow surgery in 2008. He could be in the Tribe bullpen before the end of the season. Money is always a factor Dealing away Victor Martinez was emotional for the Indians front office and the Tribe's fans, but Justin Masterson's 5-0 start to the 2011 season eases memories of Martinez's departure. What the Indians don't say is economics also drove the Lee and Martinez deals. They would have added nearly $16 million to the 2010 payroll, and the Indians simply didn't think they could afford that. So they traded. They are still waiting for the payoff of the Lee deal -- Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, Lou Marson and Jason Knapp. Carrasco is very close to establishing himself as a viable big-league starter. Marson is a solid backup catcher, Donald is at Class AAA but it's easy to project him as a utility infielder. Knapp throws 95 mph, but he's still preparing to start his Class A season. The Indians mention "patience" when it comes to this trade. It was made in 2009, a year after the Sabathia deal. At this point last season, Brantley and LaPorta were struggling. Both would eventually go back to the minors before returning to Cleveland after the All-Star break. These trades are risky. After the 2007 season, Minnesota traded Cy Young winner Johan Santana to the Mets. They received Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey in return. Only Guerra is still in the Twins' organization, and he's 2-3 with an 8.81 ERA in Class AA. Gomez, a career .245 hitter, is with the Brewers. Mulvey is 1-2 with a 12.93 ERA in Class AAA for Arizona. Humber was traded twice after joining the Twins, and is now 2-3 with a 3.06 ERA for the White Sox. The Indians have a remarkable record of dealing for prospects, be it Carlos Santana (Casey Blake deal), Asdrubal Cabrera (Eduardo Perez), Shin Soo Choo (Ben Broussard) and Chris Perez (Mark DeRosa). Grady Sizemore, Lee and Brandon Phillips were obtained for Bartolo Colon in 2002, a mega deal that began this trend of trading veterans for prospects. Along with the players obtained in the Sabathia, Lee and Martinez deals contributing to the surprising 19-8 start is the fact that Masterson can't be a free agent until after the 2014 season. The other players in these deals don't see free agency until after 2015 or later. "We feel good about the players we got in return for those trades," said General Manager Chris Antonetti. "They gave us some depth with young players, and they are guys who we can build with. It means a lot to see them develop and help us win right now -- knowing that we will have these guys under our control for quite a while."

Final: @Oklahoma City 12, Nashville 4 Sounds Lose 12-4 To RedHawks On Tuesday NightNashville Sounds OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The Nashville Sounds were handed a 12-4 loss by the Oklahoma City RedHawks on Tuesday Night at RedHawks Field in the second game of a four-game series. The 12 runs given up were the most that Nashville (9-15) has allowed this season, which has now dropped 13 of the last 17 contests overall. Oklahoma City jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, as the RedHawks took advantage of Chase Wright's control. Wright hit a batter and walked four more while the RedHawks scored their first run on a wild pitch from the southpaw. The next four runs came on a Collin DeLome grand slam over the right field wall. The long ball was Delome's second of the season and the first grand slam given up by the Sounds this season. The Sounds scored two runs in the next frame to come within three runs at 5-2. With one out and runners in scoring position, catcher George Kottaras drove in his first run of the year with an RBI base hit to left field. After a walk, Wright helped his own cause with an RBI single to right field for the other run. Oklahoma City got the two runs back in the next frame, as former Sounds catcher Carlos Corporan knocked a two-run double to center for a 7-2 advantage. Nashville's scored their two other runs in the fifth, beginning with a leadoff single by Caleb Gindl. Eric Farris then broke out of an 0-for-18 hitless skid with a double to center to plate Gindl. Farris moved to third on a Mat Gamel groundout and later scored on a Jeremy Reed groundout. Justin James relieved Wright to begin the fifth inning and surrendered three unearned runs as the RedHawks went up 10-4. Oklahoma City brought home one run via a throwing error by Luis Figueroa and plated two more on two bases-loaded walks by James, who allowed four walks in the inning. The RedHawks tacked on their final two runs in the next inning, highlighted by an Anderson Hernandez RBI single. After working from the bullpen over the season's first month, Wright (0-2) lasted four innings in his first start of the season, allowing seven runs on four hits and five walks. James allowed three unearned runs in one inning. Zack Segovia chipped in a season-high three innings in relief while allowing two runs with three strikeouts. Henry Villar (2-0) earned the win after giving up four runs on five hits and four walks in five innings pitched. The Sounds and RedHawks will play the third-game of four-game set at 7:05 pm CT on Wednesday evening at RedHawks Field. Right-hander Amaury Rivas (3-2, 2.67) will start against Oklahoma City righty Jordan Lyles (1-3, 3.67). Nashville box scoreWhat's with the unearned runs today? Nice game from Gindl, hitting in the leadoff spot--he also doubled and walked. Nice to see Kottaras get off the schneid with the Sounds. Taylor Green was 1-4, and Gamel was 0-4. Brett Carroll had yet another outfield assist; they should send him to Wisconsin to play with Romero & Keen. Recently aquired Jordan Brown subbed in late on defense for Gamel in his Nashville debut. Nashville play-by-play

Final: Wisconsin 3, @Quad Cities 1 Wisconsin sweeps their way out of Quad CitiesChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers DAVENPORT, IA – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers defeated the Quad Cities River Bandits 3-1 on Tuesday night to complete a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals Midwest League affiliate at Modern Woodmen Park. Tyler Thornburg allowed one unearned run over six innings and got just enough support from the offense. Two Rattlers relievers worked the final three innings to close down the game. TJ Mittelstaedt put Wisconsin (10-12) on the board first. The Rattlers right fielder blasted a one-out, solo homer to right. Mittelstaedt’s second home run of the season made the score 1-0. Quad Cities (11-14) tied the game in the fourth inning with plenty of help. Cody Stanley started the frame with a single. He went to second on a passed ball charged to catcher Tyler Roberts. Stanley took third on a wild pitch by Thornburg. Moments later, Thornburg let loose another wild pitch and Stanley scored. Roberts started the Wisconsin half of the fifth inning with a walk. A hit-and-run single by Greg Hopkins sent Roberts around to third base. Robbie Garvey’s sacrifice fly to deep right-center allowed Roberts to score the run that put the Rattlers up 2-1. Later in the inning Wisconsin loaded the bases with one out, but did not cash in on the opportunity. The Rattlers also had runners at the corners in the and no outs in the sixth and runners at first and second in the seventh. The did not score in either inning. Thornburg, who would pick up his first Midwest League win, left after the sixth. He allowed six hits, walked two, threw a pair of wild pitches, and committed a balk. But, he struck out four and made the pitches that he had to make to get out of the jams. Stosh Wawrzasek relieved Thornburg and struck out the side in order in the bottom of the seventh. The Rattler bats got the insurance run in the top of the eighth. Franklin Romero tripled to start the inning. Hopkins drove him in with a suicide squeeze bunt for the 3-1 advantage. Wawrzasek went back out for the bottom of the eighth and worked around a two out walk to keep Quad Cities off the scoreboard. Greg Holle, who got the final three outs of Monday’s win, came on for the ninth and struck out a pair to finish the game for his third save. The three-game sweep marks the first time the Wisconsin franchise has done that to the River Bandits at Modern Woodmen Park. It is the first sweep for the Rattlers at Quad Cities since the won all four games in a series from June 30 to July 3, 2003. The Rattlers continue their road trip by heading to Beloit to start a three-game series with the Snappers on Wednesday night. Matt Miller (1-2, 4.43) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. Adrian Salcedo (1-1, 2.78) is set to start for Beloit. Game time is 6:30pm. Tune in on AM1280 or timberrattlers.com for the Miller Lite Pregame Show starting at 6:10pm. Wisconsin box scorehttp://boinc.berkeley.edu/w/images/thumb/2/2c/Broom_icon.svg/400px-Broom_icon.svg.png Great job from Thornburg. The six-inning performance is a season- and (I'm pretty sure) career-high for Thornburg, who was on a shorter leash to begin the year but has worked his way up to throwing 100 pitches today (63 strikes). Nice to see Stosh, one of my personal favorites, continue to pitch well after three seasons stuck in rookie ball. Romero and Nick Shaw each had three hits, and Romero also notched his fourth outfield assist already; Reggie Keen's got a bunch, too. Mittelstaedt singled and walked to go with his homer; he has 11 walks in only 55 plate appearances. The passed ball is Roberts' sixth. Wisconsin play-by-play

Final: @Dunedin 4, Brevard County 3 Brevard County box scoreAs mentioned above, errors in the first inning led to four unearned runs charged to Kyle Heckathorn, four runs that ultimately turned out to be enough for the win. Still, Heckathorn turned in fine game after that, pitching six innings and keeping the Blue Jays from scoring further. He struck out six, walked two, and hit a batter. He didn't get as many groundouts as usual, posting a 7/5 GO/FO. Brock Kjeldgaard socked a two-run homer in the 9th to close the gap to 4-3, but the 'Tees couldn't tie it up. Mike Brownstein had three hits, and Hunter Morris added a single and double. Scooter Gennett and D'Vontrey Richardson each had a hit--four-game hit streak for D'Vo! Both Kentrail Davis and Khris Davis went 0-4. Brevard County play-by-playDunedin Bottom of the 1stBrad McElroy reaches on throwing error by shortstop Josh Prince.Chris Hopkins singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Mike Brownstein. Brad McElroy to 2nd.A. J. Jimenez singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Mike Brownstein. Brad McElroy to 3rd. Chris Hopkins to 2nd.Jon Talley strikes out swinging.Kevin Ahrens reaches on fielding error by shortstop Josh Prince. Brad McElroy scores. Chris Hopkins scores. A. Jimenez to 3rd.Sean Ochinko out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Kentrail Davis. A. J. Jimenez scores.With Ryan Goins batting, missed catch error by Hunter Morris on the pickoff attempt, Kevin Ahrens to 2nd.Ryan Goins doubles (7) on a fly ball to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Kevin Ahrens scores.Justin Jackson flies out to left fielder Khristopher Davis. Jeez, Hunter Morris's error was in the 1st as well, not to mention two straight bunt singles against Brownstein. No wonder Heckathorn gave up four runs--when you have to get six to eight outs in one inning, four runs is actually a pretty low total. That said, Heckathorn got a little lucky here: Dunedin Bottom of the 4thSean Ochinko walks.Ryan Goins doubles (8) on a fly ball to left fielder Khristopher Davis. Sean Ochinko to 3rd.Justin Jackson grounds out, third baseman Mike Brownstein to first baseman Hunter Morris.Kenny Wilson lines into unassisted double play, shortstop Josh Prince. Ryan Goins doubled off 2nd. He did a good job working out of his own jam here: Dunedin Bottom of the 6thKevin Ahrens singles on a ground ball to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson.Sean Ochinko walks. Kevin Ahrens to 2nd.Ryan Goins out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Sean McCraw to first baseman Hunter Morris. Kevin Ahrens to 3rd. Sean Ochinko to 2nd.Justin Jackson called out on strikes.Kenny Wilson called out on strikes. Josh Prince grounded out with the tying run on second base to end the game.

Former Yukon baseball star happy to have another chance at big leaguesRyan Aber/The Oklahoman There are few players, if any, enjoying life in Triple-A more than Nashville relief pitcher Justin James. “Life's great right now,” said James, a 29-year-old Yukon High School product. “I'm getting a second opportunity, and it's a privilege to be able to play baseball.”It wasn't long ago when James wondered if baseball was for him. He reached the Triple-A level in 2007 and thought he was close to breaking through to the majors. But James was released by the Cincinnati Reds organization following the 2008 season, when he spent time at Double-A or below. No other affiliated teams took a chance on the right-hander. So James signed with the independent Kansas City T-Bones. Then came throwing arm issues. His velocity was down, though no specific diagnosis had been made. Last year, no affiliated teams took a chance on James, and he wound up back with the T-Bones. “After I got released and was playing independent ball, it was the hardest struggle I'd ever been through,” James said. James turned to his faith. “I was looking for answers that nobody could give me,” James said. “Jesus had always been in my life, but when I got back after that season, I went to church that first Sunday back here and turned my life back over to Him.” At the same time, James' younger brother, Chad, was about to embark on his professional career after being a first-round draft choice of the Florida Marlins in 2009. Justin got together with his brother's agent, Rob Martin, and started working alongside Chad and trainer John Carey. The older James got off to a hot start for the independent Kansas City team, posting a 1.69 ERA in 11 appearances. “It was like every time I took the mound, I took it like it was my last outing,” James said. “And that's what it felt like. “Being my age, and going through being hurt, I knew that I was on about my last chance.” The arm issues behind him, Oakland took a chance and signed James midway through last season, initially sending him to Double-A Midland, Texas. He continued his strong performances and moved up to Triple-A after 12 appearances. In September, the A's called up James to make his Major League debut. “In my mind, nothing was going to stop me from making it to the big leagues,” he said. James made his big-league debut Sept. 2 in Yankee Stadium. “It was great,” he said. “It felt like that was where I should be.” James threw four innings for the A's in the last month of the season, posting a 4.50 ERA in five appearances. He was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers last November and optioned to Nashville late in spring training. Nashville is in Oklahoma City for a four-game series at Bricktown Ballpark. James, who is 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in seven appearances so far this season, couldn't be happier. “Sometimes, you've got to hit rock bottom to realize what's going on,” James said. “I'm grateful to have another chance.”

Final: @Mississippi 2, Huntsville 0 Huntsville box scoreA dismal offensive evening in the Brewers system. The Stars managed just three baserunners, singles by Lee Haydel, Erik Komatsu, and Steffan Wilson. Cody Scarpetta again was inefficient with his pitches, needing 93 to get through five innings. He allowed two runs on six hits and three walks, striking out four. He threw 59 strikes. Huntsville play-by-playAt least the Stars had the good sense to group two of their three hits together, and leading off an inning to boot, but the opportunity was quickly squandered: Huntsville Top of the 8thSteffan Wilson singles on a ground ball to center fielder Antoan Richardson.Erik Komatsu singles on a line drive to left fielder Marcus Lemon. Steffan Wilson to 2nd.Martin Maldonado grounds into double play, shortstop Jordan Kreke to second baseman C. Retherford to first baseman Geraldo Rodriguez. Steffan Wilson to 3rd. Erik Komatsu out at 2nd.Matt Cline flies out to right fielder Cory Harrilchak.

Final: @Oklahoma City 2, Nashville 1 Sounds Open Road Trip With 2-1 LossNashville Sounds OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Three Oklahoma City pitchers held the Sounds to only two hits in the RedHawks' 2-1 victory over Nashville on Monday evening at RedHawks Field in the opener of a four-game series. Left-hander Douglas Arguello (2-1) picked up the win for Oklahoma City by hurling a quality start, holding Nashville to one run on two hits while fanning five in his six frames of action. Fernando Rodriguez followed with two hitless innings, striking out three, before Jose Valdez closed out the win with a scoreless ninth for the RedHawks to earn his third save. Caleb Gindl and Mike Rivera each singled in the contest to account for Nashville's lone hits. The loss continued a trend of recent struggles for the Sounds in Oklahoma City. Since the start of the 2008 season, Nashville is just 6-19 in games played at RedHawks Field. Oklahoma City grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Sounds starter Josh Butler. Following a leadoff single by Jose Vallejo, the right-hander issued consecutive walks to J.B. Shuck and ex-Sound Carlos Corporan to load the bases. Vallejo plated the game's first run when Butler recovered to induce a double play grounder from Koby Clemens. Nashville evened the score at 1-1 in the top of the second against Arguello, loading the bases with no outs using a pair of walks sandwiched around a Gindl single. After Rivera was forced out at the plate on a Taylor Green grounder to first, Gindl raced home with the tying run a batter later as Butler helped his own cause with an RBI groundout to third. Butler again minimized damage following a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the fourth, permitting just one run in the frame on an Arguello sacrifice fly as the RedHawks pulled back in front by a 2-1 margin. The right-hander then induced an inning-ending double play groundout from Vallejo. Butler (1-2) took the loss after giving up two runs on four hits over four innings, walking a Sounds season-high five batters while striking out three. Brewers left-hander Manny Parra made his seventh rehab appearance for Nashville and retired all three batters he faced. He carries a 6.10 ERA (7er/10.1ip) in his rehab stint with the Sounds. Brendan Katin went 0-for-3 for the Sounds to snap his season-best hit streak at five games. The teams continue the series with another 7:05 p.m. meeting on Tuesday evening. Left-hander Chase Wright (0-1, 1.64) will make his first start of the season for the Sounds. Oklahoma City will counter with right-hander Henry Villar (1-0, 4.76). Nashville box scoreTwo hits, but six walks--Green and Luis Figueroa were the only starting position players not to draw a free pass. Mat Gamel committed his second error at first base. Is the Eric Farris, shortstop experiment over? He hasn't played there since the 22nd. Mike McClendon tossed his 9th consecutive scoreless inning. Nashville play-by-play

Final: Wisconsin 12, @Quad Cities 7 Rattlers start May with a bangChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers DAVENPORT, IA - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers offense turned the page with the calendar. On the first day of May, the Rattlers recorded season highs for hits and runs as they defeated the Quad Cities River Bandits 12-7. Cody Hawn had four hits and scored three runs to pace Wisconsin's 15 hit attack on Sunday afternoon at Modern Woodmen Park. Franklin Romero and Tyler Roberts each drove in four runs. Romero and Reggie Keen both homered for the Rattlers. Romero and Keen were joined by fellow outfielder TJ Mittelstaedt in recording an outfield assist in the game. The Rattlers (8-12) grabbed the early lead with a first inning run. Mike Walker singled with two outs to send Mittelstaedt home from second for a 1-0 advantage. But, the River Bandits (11-12) responded in the bottom of the first, Jonathan Rodriguez doubled on an 0-2 pitch from Daniel Britt to drive in a pair of runs and give Quad Cities a 2-1 lead. Keen started the Wisconsin half of the third inning with a home run to left field. Keen's second dinger of the season tied the game 2-2. But, Frederick Parejo hit a towering fly ball to left in the bottom of the third. The ball carried over the fence and the River Bandits went in front 3-2. Quad Cities padded their lead in the fourth inning. Kyle Conley reached on an error and Cody Stanley doubled to put runners on second and third. Chris Edmondson sent a fly ball to right for a sacrifice fly. Conley scored, but the throw went into third to try to get Stanley. However, the throw from Romero, who had thrown out a runner at third in the third inning, was wild and Stanley also scored on the play for a 5-2 lead. The River Bandits missed on an opportunity to add to their lead again in the bottom of the fifth. Oscar Tavares was at second and Packy Elkins was at first with two outs. Cody Stanley flared a single to center. Elkins was trying to go to third and Keen threw him out for the final out. More important, Elkins was out before Tavares crossed home plate with the run. So, the River Bandits lead remained at 5-2. That lead did not last long as Wisconsin charged to the lead in the sixth inning. Hawn and Walker singled to start the frame. A sacrifice bunt moved both runners up a base. Then, Romero reached on a catcher's interference to load the bases. Roberts unloaded them with a three-run double into the left to tie the game 5-5. Moments later, Keen singled to right-center and Roberts hustled home with the go-ahead run for a 6-5 Wisconsin lead. Greg Garcia singled to left with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, but Mittelstaedt got him at second as he tried to stretch the hit into a double. In the seventh, Romero stepped to the plate with runners at second and third with two outs and launched the first pitch of the at bat over the wall in left for a three-run homer and a 9-5 lead. Romero and Roberts got into the act together in the ninth. The duo delivered back-to-back RBI singles in the inning. Carlos George's RBI grounder knocked in another run for a 12-5 lead. Parejo hit a two run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, but those were the only runs allowed by reliever Charly Bashara. The lefty came out of the Rattlers bullpen in the fourth inning and kept the River Bandits off the scoreboard after the sacrifice fly. Bashara tossed six innings and worked around seven hits for his first win of the season. Game two of the series is scheduled for Monday morning at 11:00am. Austin Ross (2-0, 1.08) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Zach Russell (0-1, 7.36) is set to start for the Bandits. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 10:45am. Wisconsin box scoreJason Rogers, rehabbing in Arizona, asked Chris the other day to remind the team that "its ok to hit the white ball"; it appears the advice took hold, as the Rattlers offense snapped out of its doldrums. They also got revenge on River Bandits starter Kevin Siegrist, who shut them out for seven innings last time out on the 25th; this time around, they hung six runs on him. Four hits and all of a sudden Hawn's hitting .293, though still with little power or patience. Impressive work on defense from the three outfielders, but less so from George, who committed three errors at short. Keen added his ninth steal for good measure. Roberts may be getting his bat going: he's got seven hits in his last four games. Greg Hopkins was the only Rattler without a hit. The pen owes Bashara a steak dinner. Wisconsin play-by-play

Final: Lakeland 14, @Brevard County 5 Brevard County trounced by Lakeland 14-5Frank Longobardo/Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- The Brevard County Manatees allowed a season-high in both runs and hits as the Lakeland Flying Tigers pounded the 'Tees 14-5 on Sunday evening at Space Coast Stadium. Lakeland (12-12) roped 20 hits, including eight for extra-bases and went 10-for-28 with runners in scoring position. Manatees (10-14) starting pitcher Adrian Rosario allowed four runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. Brevard County's bullpen fared even worse as the trio of Trey Watten, Efrain Nieves and Jonathan Pokorny combined to allow 10 runs (seven earned) on 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings of work. For Brevard County at the plate, Hunter Morris went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Both Scooter Gennett, whose 21st birthday was today, and Brock Kjeldgaard had two RBI. The rubber game of this three-game set will be on Monday morning at 10:35 a.m. The Manatees will send Maverick Lasker to the mound (0-4, 5.82), while the Flying Tigers will counter with Victor Larez (2-2, 4.03). Brevard County box scoreTurnabout was fair play for the Flying Tigers, who avenged the Manatees' 16-hit performance yesterday. Most of the damage came off Watten, who allowed seven runs and got only two outs. Pokorny actually pitched a scoreless inning despite putting three men on, including two walks. Gennett was 1-5 with a double. Khris Davis singled and walked, and Kentrail Davis also drew a free pass. D'Vontrey Richardson tripled to run his hit streak to two games. Kjeldgaard stole his fourth base after having only three all of last year. Brevard County play-by-play

Final: Huntsville 3, @Mississippi 2 Huntsville box scoreHuntsville got three in the 6th to take a 3-1 lead; Darren Byrd allowed his first run of the year in the bottom of the 6th, but the Stars hung on from there, with Michael Fiers picking up the save. Huntsville beat Braves sleeper prospect J.J. Hoover with some help from the Braves' defense--all three runs were unearned. Starter Jesus Sanchez got good mileage out of his sinker, giving up just an unearned run in 5.2 innings with a 9/3 GO/FO. Erik Komatsu was 2-4 with a triple and stolen base to lead the Stars offense--from the six hole--while Lee Haydel also had two hits and Sean Halton singled and walked. Four of Halton's five walks on the year have come in the last six games. Huntsville play-by-playSanchez was in a major jam in the 1st but got out of it with just one run in: Mississippi Bottom of the 1stAntoan Richardson hit by pitch.Tyler Pastornicky singles on a bunt ground ball to first baseman Sean Halton. Antoan Richardson to 2nd.C. J. Retherford reaches on force attempt, throwing error by third baseman Steffan Wilson. Antoan Richardson scores. Tyler Pastornicky to 2nd.Ernesto Mejia walks. Tyler Pastornicky to 3rd. C. J. Retherford to 2nd.Jordan Kreke grounds into a force out, first baseman Sean Halton to catcher Martin Maldonado. Tyler Pastornicky out at home. C. Retherford to 3rd. Ernesto Mejia to 2nd. Jordan Kreke to 1st.Cory Harrilchak flies into double play, right fielder Brandon Jones to first baseman Sean Halton. Jordan Kreke doubled off 1st. The Stars' rally: Huntsville Top of the 6thSergio Miranda lines out to shortstop Tyler Pastornicky.Sean Halton lines out to left fielder Marcus Lemon.Brandon Jones doubles (7) on a line drive to right fielder Cory Harrilchak.Steffan Wilson reaches on fielding error by shortstop Tyler Pastornicky. Brandon Jones to 3rd.Erik Komatsu triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Cory Harrilchak. Brandon Jones scores. Steffan Wilson scores.Martin Maldonado singles on a line drive to right fielder Cory Harrilchak. Erik Komatsu scores.Matt Cline flies out to left fielder Marcus Lemon. Not sure if Mike Guerrero was uncomfortable with Sanchez's pitch count--he threw 92 on the day and has hit 95 as recently as two starts ago--but he was pulled after retiring the first two batters in the 6th, after which Byrd promptly allowed the next four batters to reach. We'll see if Sanchez takes his next turn in the rotation. Mississippi Bottom of the 6thJordan Kreke pops out to shortstop Matt Cline.Cory Harrilchak lines out to left fielder Lee Haydel.Pitcher Change: Darren Byrd replaces Jesus Sanchez, batting 9th.Jesus Sucre singles on a line drive to center fielder Erik Komatsu.Marcus Lemon singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Jones. Jesus Sucre to 3rd.Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Donell Linares replaces J. Hoover.Donell Linares singles on a line drive to left fielder Lee Haydel. Jesus Sucre scores. Marcus Lemon to 2nd.Antoan Richardson walks. Marcus Lemon to 3rd. Donell Linares to 2nd.Tyler Pastornicky grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Sergio Miranda. Antoan Richardson out at 2nd.

Sounds Homestand Finale Rained Out SundayNashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Sunday afternoon's scheduled 2:05 p.m. series finale between the Nashville Sounds and Albuquerque Isotopes has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions at Greer Stadium resulting from heavy overnight rains in Middle Tennessee. It marks the third consecutive season in which the Sounds have been rained out on May 1st. The game will be made up as part of a 5:35 p.m. CT doubleheader on Friday, July 15 at Greer Stadium. Both contests of the twinbill will be scheduled for seven innings. Tickets for today's game (May 1) may be exchanged for tickets of equal or lesser value, pending availability, to any remaining 2011 Sounds regular-season home game. Please visit the Greer Stadium box office to exchange your tickets. The Sounds fly to Oklahoma City in the morning to begin an eight-game road trip with Monday's 7:05 p.m. CT series opener against the RedHawks (AAA-Astros). Right-hander Josh Butler (1-1, 4.85) will make the start for Nashville to face Oklahoma City southpaw Douglas Arguello (1-1, 3.72). Baseball returns to Greer Stadium on Tuesday, May 10, when the Sounds open an eight-game homestand against Fresno and Sacramento.

At Wisconsin, C Cameron Garfield back on the DL with his knee injury; 1B Chris Dennis activated from the DL at Brevard County and transferred to Wisconsin to take Garfield's roster spot.