battlekow

Final (game two): @Burlington 1, Wisconsin 0 (7 innings) Howell’s heartbreak as Bees sweep RattlersChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers BURLINGTON, IA – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers starting pitcher Del Howell flirted with history in game two of Saturday’s doubleheader at Community Field against the Burlington Bees. The lefty out of the University of Alabama retired the first 10 batters he faced and kept the Bees hitless through the first six innings. However, the Rattlers offense was held scoreless on two hits. Then, the Bees got to Howell for a pair of hits and a single run in the bottom of the seventh for a 1-0 walkoff win and a doubleheader sweep of the Rattlers. Wisconsin (5-8) got the first base runner of the game on a leadoff single by Jason Rogers in the second inning. In the top of the fourth, Cody Hawn singled and Rogers walked with one out, but both were left stranded. The hit by Hawn was the last by a Rattlers hitter on the evening. Bees starter Blake Hassebrock tossed six innings, allowed two hits, and struck out six. Burlington (12-3) got their first runner when Nino Leyja walked with one out in the fourth. The Bees started to put runners on, but Howell did not break in the fifth or sixth inning. An error and a hit batsman put two on with one out in the fifth. But, a caught stealing and a strikeout kept the Bees off the board. In the sixth, Burlington coaxed a pair of walks off Howell and had runners at the corners with two outs, but a 1-3 grounder ended the threat. Tony Thompson broke up the no-hit bit with a clean single to right as the leadoff batter in the seventh. Jose Rivero was next and he launched a 2-1 pitch from Howell to the gap in left-center. Thompson was rounding third with the winning run by the time the ball was retrieved. Rivero pulled into third with a game-winning triple. Howell’s line in the loss was six innings pitched with two hits, a run, three walks, and four strikeouts. Both Timber Rattlers starting pitchers in the doubleheader pitched a complete game, but took the loss. Matt Miller allowed three runs on three hits over six innings in the opener and was tagged with the loss. Wisconsin hitters had five hits and scored one unearned run in the twinbill. Burlington’s offense also collected five hits in the game. The Rattlers are off on Sunday. They return to action on Monday at Time Warner Cable Field against the Quad Cities River Bandits. Game time is 6:35pm. Tickets are available for Monday’s game and for the other five games of the homestand through the Timber Rattlers ticket office. Wisconsin box scoreReally too bad for Howell, who's found success hard to come by so far as a pro. He kept the ball down well to the tune of a 9/2 GO/FO, and threw 48 of his 83 pitches for strikes. After all the postponements and two complete games today, the Rattlers' bullpen is quite well-rested. Unfortunately, so are the legs of the Rattlers' hitters, who did very little baserunning today. The only runner not mentioned above was Nick Shaw's walk. The 250-pound Rogers stole his 5th base. Wisconsin play-by-play

Adam McCalvy:

Really ugly: Omaha Top of the 1stLorenzo Cain walks.With David Lough batting, Lorenzo Cain steals (3) 2nd base.David Lough walks.Eric Hosmer walks. Lorenzo Cain to 3rd. David Lough to 2nd.Mike Moustakas triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Caleb Gindl. Lorenzo Cain scores. David Lough scores. Eric Hosmer scores.Clint Robinson grounds out, second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Mat Gamel. Mike Moustakas scores.Johnny Giavotella strikes out swinging.Lance Zawadzki triples (2) on a ground ball to right fielder Corey Hart.Lucas May called out on strikes. Rogers threw 36 pitches, only 15 of them strikes.

Gabe Gross to the Marlins on a minor-league deal, pending physical.

Final (game one): @Burlington 3, Wisconsin 1 (7 innings) Brown does it for BurlingtonChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers BURLINGTON, IA – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers starting pitcher Matt Miller was good. But, Burlington Bees pitcher Jake Brown was a bit better. Brown and the Bees beat the Rattlers 3-1 in game one of a doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Community Field. Brown, who came on as a scheduled reliever in the top of the second inning, struck out five, allowed two hits, and gave up one unearned run over six innings for his third win of the season. Burlington (11-3) sent Seth Frankoff to the mound in the top of the first inning to get in some work since the Bees have been on a layoff over the last two days. Frankoff allowed a hit with two outs, but nothing else. The Bees jumped got to Miller in the first inning. They had runners at first and third with one out. Tony Thompson sent a single to right to drive in the runner from third. On the play, the ball got by Franklin Romero and that allowed the runner at first to score. Thompson wound up at third base, but he would be stranded there when the inning ended. Brown, who threw five no-hit innings in his start prior to Saturday entered the game in the second and didn’t give up a hit until Mike Walker’s leadoff single in the sixth. That was the inning Wisconsin (5-7) pulled to within a run thanks to a Burlington miscue. Walker went to second on a wild pitch and took third on a flyball. But, he was still there with two outs. Carlos George sent a grounder to second, but the throw to first was missed by Jason Whitaker to let Walker score. The Bees answered in the bottom of the inning. Nino Leyja tripled with two outs. A wild pitch by Miller let Leyja score for a 3-1 advantage. Brown finished off the Rattlers with a scoreless sixth and a scoreless seventh inning. Miller was touched for three hits, walked three, and struck out three for a complete game, but was charged with the loss. Game two is scheduled to start at 6:15pm. Wisconsin box scoreWell, losing isn't great, but it's better than not playing. Miller threw only 53 of his 93 pitches for strikes. He also hit two batters, something he's done a lot of so far in his pro career (13 in 86.1 career innings). Cody Hawn and Jason Rogers had the Rattlers' other two hits; those were the only baserunners, as the Rattlers drew no walks. Tyler Roberts got to show off his arm again, picking a runner off second. Wisconsin play-by-play

Nashville Sounds outfielder Brett Carroll sees more playing time in minor leaguesGreg Sullivan/The Tennessean Sounds center fielder Brett Carroll has experienced the thrill of wearing a major-league uniform. But after spending parts of the last four seasons with the Florida Marlins as a fourth outfielder, the Knoxville native and former MTSU player is trying to become an everyday player. "It's a little difficult to find a groove when you're only getting 200 at-bats, so I'm excited about (this year)," Carroll said. "To be able to just come out and know you're in the lineup, hopefully, and get consistent at-bats … I feel good. "It's been fun being so close to home. It provides a little extra energy when you've got friends and family that come see you play." The Sounds open an eight-game homestand beginning today at 6:35 p.m. against Omaha. Carroll's parents still live in Knoxville and he has former teammates and coaches who live nearby from his days in Murfreesboro. After spending most of his professional career as a right fielder, Carroll has already proven to be a versatile asset for the Sounds. He stepped in as the team's center fielder when Caleb Gindl went down with an injury in the second game of the season. Carroll hit .205 in 173 major-league games, but his fielding percentage was .985 and he had 10 assists. He was hitting .240 with the Sounds heading into Friday's game at New Orleans. What he lacks in some categories, Carroll makes up for in others. "He's a pretty good athlete," Sounds Manager Don Money said. "He's got a good arm and he likes to show it off, and he covers a lot of ground out there." Now, said Carroll, it will be up to the Brewers to take notice. "For me it's refreshing being with a different club; a new set of eyes and new opportunities," he said. "I'm letting (my) game speak for itself. I'll take whatever happens." http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20110423&Category=SPORTS04&ArtNo=104230305&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0 (George Walker IV/The Tennessean)

I'm sure Toby will be by at some point to elaborate, but he was watching the Sounds game on MiLB.tv tonight and I'll take this opportunity to quote him from Twitter about Farris at short:

Final: Nashville 9, @New Orleans 1 Rivas, Sounds Take Down Z's In Series FinaleNashville Sounds METAIRIE, La. - Right-hander Amaury Rivas turned in another solid start and the Nashville offense erupted for seven runs in the top of the second inning en route to a 9-1 Sounds rout of the New Orleans Zephyrs on Friday evening at Zephyr Field in the finale of a four-game set. With the victory, the Sounds (8-8) gained a split of the series and drew back to .500 on the year. Rivas (3-1) continued his solid start to the season, earning his third win in four starts by holding the Z's to one run on five hits while walking two batters and fanning four in his seven innings of work. He lowered his ERA to 2.59 on the year and helped his own cause with three RBIs in the contest. Sounds shortstop Eric Farris continued his recent hot hitting with a 2-for-5 effort, the infielder's fifth two-hit contest in his last six games. He is batting .393 (11-for-28) over that stretch. The Nashville offense sent 11 runners to the plate in the second frame against starter Elih Villanueva to post their seven-spot in the inning. Five of the Sounds' six hits in the frame went for two bases, highlighted by a pair of Corey Hart two-baggers and a three-run double off the bat of Rivas. Mat Gamel's two-run double in the frame was the first baseman's team-leading seventh two-bagger of the year. Hart finished 2-for-4 in his third rehab contest with the Sounds after going 0-for-5 in his initial two games. Only three of Nashville's seven runs scored in the second inning were earned against Villanueva due to a one-out fielding error by New Orleans first baseman Josh Kroeger. New Orleans got on the board in the fifth when ex-Vanderbilt star Ryan Klosterman opened the frame with a double off Rivas and later scored on a double-play groundout to make it a 5-1 contest. The Sounds wrapped up the evening's scoring with a pair of runs against the New Orleans bullpen in the ninth. Pinch-hitter Mike Rivera got things started when he drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk from Zephyrs reliever Steve Cishek. Taylor Green followed and greeted new reliever Dustin Richardson with an RBI single to center that stretched the lead to 9-1. Richardson escaped further damage by catching Brendan Katin looking at a called third strike to end the inning with the bags full of Sounds. Chase Wright and Zack Segovia each followed Rivas to the hill for Nashville and worked a pair of scoreless innings to close out the game. Villanueva (1-2) took his second loss in two starts against the Sounds this season after surrendering seven runs on seven hits in his five innings of work. The Sounds travel back to Nashville in the morning and will open an eight-game homestand on Saturday evening with a 6:35 p.m. series opener against the division-rival Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA-Royals). Right-hander Mark Rogers (0-1, 5.56) will man the bump for the Sounds to face Omaha right-hander Vin Mazzaro (0-0, 9.82). Nashville box scoreThe best part of Rivas's outing? The gaudy 12/1 GO/FO ratio he put up. That'll turn some heads in the front office. That three-run double was also the first hit of his pro career, so congrats to Amaury on the all-around fine day. Between Rivas's double, Michael Bowman's two hits for Huntsville, and Yovani Gallardo's homer for the big club, it was quite a day for pitchers in the organization. I have to think that Kyle Heckathorn, big as he is, can put a charge into a ball if he gets ahold of one, but alas, Brevard County uses the designated hitter rule. Speaking of guys who are dangerous with a bat in their hands, Gamel is up to .364/.462/.473 on the year, and Farris ran his line to .327/.365/.490. No, I do not predict Eric Farris will outslug Mat Gamel for much longer. Katin contributed a single and walk to the cause. Hart left after seven innings, as scheduled. Caleb Gindl, activated off the DL today, did not play. I'm glad Chase Wright got into the game; it's the anniversary of a big day for him, the day he ingrained his name into MLB history and my brain: Nashville play-by-playNashville Top of the 2ndCorey Hart doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Vinny Rottino.Taylor Green flies out to right fielder Chris Aguila. Corey Hart to 3rd.Brendan Katin doubles (3) on a line drive to center fielder Bryan Petersen. Corey Hart scores.Martin Maldonado walks.Anderson Machado reaches on fielding error by first baseman Josh Kroeger. Brendan Katin to 3rd. Martin Maldonado to 2nd.Amaury Rivas doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Chris Aguila. Brendan Katin scores. Martin Maldonado scores. Anderson Machado scores.Eric Farris singles on a line drive to left fielder Vinny Rottino. Amaury Rivas to 3rd.Brett Carroll flies out to center fielder Bryan Petersen.Mat Gamel doubles (7) on a fly ball to center fielder Bryan Petersen. Amaury Rivas scores. Eric Farris scores.Corey Hart doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Bryan Petersen. Mat Gamel scores.Taylor Green grounds out to first baseman Josh Kroeger.

Final: Huntsville 7, @Carolina 3 Huntsville box scoreWe don't talk about RHP Michael Bowman that much, but he's been effective in the early going for the Stars, even if his peripherals don't support his ERA. His success continued tonight, as he tossed seven innings of one-run ball despite not striking out a batter. Even had he been worse, though, it wouldn't have been a problem: a five-run 3rd put Huntsville up 7-1, and they coasted from there. Erik Komatsu had a huge night, crushing a grand slam for his first homer of the year; he also singled, walked twice, and stole a base. Lee Haydel was no slouch either, ringing up four singles, though he was caught stealing for the fourth time already this year (against six successful thefts). Bowman helped his own cause with two singles, doubling his career hit total. Huntsville play-by-playThe only two innings you need to know about: Huntsville Top of the 2ndChuck Caufield reaches on throwing error by shortstop Elian Herrera.Steffan Wilson pops out to first baseman Dioner Navarro.Erik Komatsu walks. Chuck Caufield to 2nd.With Matt Cline batting, throwing error by Steven Jackson on the pickoff attempt, Chuck Caufield to 3rd. Erik Komatsu to 2nd.Matt Cline out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Scott Van Slyke. Chuck Caufield scores.Dayton Buller walks.Michael Bowman singles on a line drive to right fielder Kyle Russell. Erik Komatsu scores. Dayton Buller to 2nd.Lee Haydel grounds into a force out, second baseman Jaime Pedroza to shortstop Elian Herrera. Michael Bowman out at 2nd. Huntsville Top of the 3rdSergio Miranda singles on a line drive to center fielder Brad Coon. Sergio Miranda advances to 2nd, on fielding error by center fielder Brad Coon.Sean Halton reaches on a fielder's choice out, third baseman Pedro Baez unassisted. Sergio Miranda out at 3rd.Chuck Caufield hits a ground-rule double (5) on a line drive down the left-field line. Sean Halton to 3rd.Steffan Wilson walks.Erik Komatsu hits a grand slam (1) to right field. Sean Halton scores. Chuck Caufield scores. Steffan Wilson scores.Pitcher Change: David Pfeiffer replaces Steven Jackson, batting 9th.Matt Cline reaches on fielding error by shortstop Elian Herrera.Dayton Buller lines out to right fielder Kyle Russell.Michael Bowman singles on a line drive to right fielder Kyle Russell. Matt Cline to 2nd.Lee Haydel singles on a line drive to center fielder Brad Coon. Matt Cline scores. Michael Bowman to 2nd.Sergio Miranda reaches on fielding error by first baseman Dioner Navarro. Michael Bowman to 3rd. Lee Haydel to 2nd.Sean Halton grounds into a force out, shortstop Elian Herrera to second baseman Jaime Pedroza. Sergio Miranda out at 2nd.

Final: Brevard County 6, @Clearwater 0 Threshers shutout for the first time, lose 6-0Clearwater Threshers CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers (9-7) were blanked for the first time all season, dropping a 6-0 decision to the Brevard County Manatees (6-10) on Friday night. The loss gives the series to the Manatees as the Threshers managed just six hits all night. Jarred Cosart (1-3) started the game with a stellar three innings, allowing just a solo home run while striking out six hitters. However, the Manatees would tack on another run in the fourth and three more in the fifth. After allowing a sixth run the inning afterward, Cosart was lifted for Joe Esposito. Of the six runs allowed, only five were earned and the right-hander issued two free passes. Not all was bad for Cosart however, as he did post nine strikeouts, good for a new season high. Brock Kjeldgaard scored the first run for Brevard in the third, hitting his first home run of the year. D'Vontrey Richardson followed with a sacrifice fly that put BC up 2-0. Then in fifth inning, Ryan Gennett and Kentrail Davis ripped back-to-back doubles to extend the lead to 5-0. Kjeldgaard plated the final run for the Manatees in the sixth. Jiwan James and Joe Savery each collected two hits for the Threshers, while Jonathan Singleton and Sebastian Valle recorded one each. Kyle Heckathorn (2-1) hurled six scoreless innings and allowed all six of the Clearwater hits. The combination of Efrain Nieves, Jon Pokorny, and Trey Watten completed the shutout as only Clearwater two runners reached base the final three innings. The Threshers hit the road for a three-game series against the Tampa Yankees before returning home on Wednesday to face the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 1 p.m. Brevard County box scoreNice, very Heckathorny start by the big fella. He struck out three, walked one (the first walk he's allowed all year), and posted an 8/3 GO/FO. Gennett had a big night, 3-5 with two doubles, moving his season line to .288/.338/.373; he had just two extra-base hits all year entering the game. Kentrail Davis also walked. Richardson remains hitless since his three-hit debut, though he also walked; he continues to display both his ability and rawness in equal amounts, stealing a base but also getting picked off again. Hunter Morris has also cooled off lately, 0-4 again tonight. Khris Davis had the night off. Brevard County play-by-play

I love the internet. That's awesome.

Quite precocious, in fact!

Chris, having a lot of time on his hands recently, has been reading the Link Report; he chimes in to note that the first four weathered-out games of that 2003 season were against none other than Prince Fielder and the Beloit Snappers. Before my time, but do you remember that, MH?

Per Chris Mehring, C Cameron Garfield should be activated off the DL on Monday.

Kind of amazingly, this isn't franchise record for most consecutive games postponed; in 2003, when they were a Mariners affiliate, the first five games of the season were rained/snowed out. Bummer for anyone psyched for the 2003 T-Rats.

Rattler Radio has the game notes and lineup: Nick Shaw 2BReggie Keen CFCody Hawn 1BJason Rogers LFMike Walker DHGreg Hopkins 3BTyler Roberts CCarlos George SSFranklin Romero RF Matt Miller SP Unfortunately, it's started to rain again and the tarp is on the field.

No Brewers minor leaguers made this week's Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet proper, but RHP Tyler Thornburg does have helium:

It's official: Morgan placed on the DL retroactive to the 18th & Boggs' contract purchased.

Final: Huntsville 4, @Chattanooga 2 Huntsville box scoreCody Scarpetta started and pitched okay, allowing two runs (one earned) in four frames on four hits and two walks, fanning four. He was pulled (hopefully) because of pitch count, having throwing 79 pitches, 46 of them strikes. Darren Byrd again pitched well in relief, working three scoreless innings with two strikeouts, two walks, and a hit. Michael Fiers got the save with two perfect innings, including two punchouts. The Stars never trailed, scoring two in the 1st and tacking on single runs in the 4th and 5th. Matt Cline was on three times with three free passes, but because he was hitting 7th he didn't score a single run. Lee Haydel and Erik Komatsu each singled and walked; Haydel also stole a base and threw a runner out at second. Huntsville play-by-playScarpetta immediately got into trouble but almost got out of it unscathed: Chattanooga Bottom of the 1stJaime Pedroza doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Lee Haydel.With Dioner Navarro batting, wild pitch by Cody Scarpetta, Jaime Pedroza to 3rd.Dioner Navarro pops out to catcher Anderson De La Rosa in foul territory.Alfredo Silverio strikes out swinging.Kyle Russell walks.Scott Van Slyke singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Jones. Jaime Pedroza scores. Kyle Russell to 2nd.Brian Cavazos-Galvez strikes out swinging. The defense really helped Scarpetta out in the 4th before really hurting him: Chattanooga Bottom of the 4thScott Van Slyke singles on a line drive to center fielder Erik Komatsu.Brian Cavazos-Galvez pops out to first baseman Sean Halton in foul territory.Pedro Baez walks. Scott Van Slyke to 2nd.With Ivan Ochoa batting, Anderson De La Rosa picks off Pedro Baez at 1st on throw to Sean Halton.Ivan Ochoa reaches on fielding error by shortstop Matt Cline. Scott Van Slyke scores. Ivan Ochoa out at 2nd, left fielder Lee Haydel to second baseman Sergio Miranda. Clutch two-out double by Steffan Wilson to drive in the first two Stars runs: Huntsville Top of the 1stLee Haydel strikes out swinging.Sergio Miranda walks.Sean Halton singles on a ground ball to center fielder Alfredo Silverio. Sergio Miranda to 2nd.Brandon Jones strikes out on foul tip.Steffan Wilson doubles (4) on a line drive to right fielder Kyle Russell. Sergio Miranda scores. Sean Halton scores. Steffan Wilson to 3rd on the throw.Erik Komatsu flies out to center fielder Alfredo Silverio. What's with the Komatsu bunt play here being scored a force out? Huntsville Top of the 4thBrandon Jones walks.Steffan Wilson walks. Brandon Jones to 2nd.Erik Komatsu ground bunts into a force out, left fielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez to third baseman Pedro Baez. Brandon Jones scores. Steffan Wilson out at 3rd. Erik Komatsu advances to 1st, on throwing error by pitcher Chris Withrow.Matt Cline grounds into a force out, shortstop Ivan Ochoa to second baseman Jaime Pedroza. Erik Komatsu out at 2nd. Matt Cline to 1st.Anderson De La Rosa singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez. Matt Cline to 2nd.Cody Scarpetta strikes out swinging. Maybe Darren Byrd is a better hitter--or pitcher--than I realize, but I'm not sure it's worth it to let him hit here in a two-run game: Huntsville Top of the 6thErik Komatsu singles on a line drive to right fielder Kyle Russell.Matt Cline walks. Erik Komatsu to 2nd.Anderson De La Rosa flies out to right fielder Kyle Russell. Erik Komatsu to 3rd.Darren Byrd called out on strikes.Lee Haydel lines out to left fielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez.

Final: Nashville 8, @New Orleans 7 Sounds Win 8-7 In New Orleans With Go-Ahead Pinch-Hit Homer By Mike RiveraNashville Sounds METAIRIE, La. - With two outs in the top of the eighth inning, pinch-hitter Mike Rivera belted a go-ahead two-run homer over the left field wall to give the Nashville Sounds an 8-7 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs on Thursday night at Zephyr Field. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Nashville (7-8), and marked the first come-from-behind win this season. Nashville scored the first six runs of the game, but allowed seven unanswered by the Zephyrs before Rivera's late homer. With two outs in the inning, New Orleans reliever Frank Mata (0-1) hit Martin Maldonado and then gave up Rivera's second home run of the season for the loss. The pinch-hit homer was the first hit by Nashville pinch-hitters this season, and marked the first pinch-hit long ball since Adam Stern's homer in second game of a doubleheader on July 9, 2010 at Memphis. In his third rehab appearance for the Brewers, Manny Parra followed with a perfect eighth inning, allowing two groundouts while striking out one on 12 pitches (10 strikes). Justin James continued his dominance, earning his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth. The Sounds scored their first two runs in the top of the second inning. Zephyrs pitcher Adalberto Mendez started the frame by walking both Brett Carroll and Taylor Green, with both runners advancing to scoring position on a Chris Nowak sacrifice bunt. Maldonado then laced a two-out double to left field that plated both runners. The Sounds tacked on four more runs in the top of the third inning to extend their lead to 6-0. With the bases loaded and no outs, Mendez surrendered an RBI base hit to Carroll and a sacrifice fly to Green for the first two runs. Nowak later singled in the next run, followed by Jeremy Reed collecting his first RBI for the Sounds with another sacrifice fly that plated Carroll. The Zephyrs would score seven unanswered runs over the next five innings to take a 7-6 lead in the seventh inning. New Orleans plated their first two runs in the third, as former Vanderbilt star Ryan Klosterman singled to start the rally and scored on a Bryan Petersen double to right field. Former Sound Vinny Rottino then brought home Petersen with a base hit to left field. New Orleans' next two runs came from Chris Aguila's third home run of the season, a two-run shot over the wall in left field that trimmed the lead to 6-4. The Zephyrs plated three runs to take a quick 7-6 advantage in the bottom of the seventh inning as Sounds reliever Jim Henderson began the frame by walking the first two batters. The first run of the frame came off a Henderson throwing error during a New Orleans sacrifice bunt. After Henderson was lifted from the ballgame for reliever Mark DiFelice (1-0), Aguila laced a two-run double to left field for the tying and go-ahead runs. DiFelice fanned Brad Davis to end the inning and back into the win. Sounds starting pitcher Sam Narron earned a no-decision, allowing four runs on seven hits in five innings pitched. Mendez surrendered six runs on five hits in five innings for New Orleans. The Sounds and Zephyrs will play the finale of a four-game set at 7:00 pm CT on Friday night at Zephyr Field in New Orleans. Right-hander Amaury Rivas (2-1, 2.08) takes the mound for the Sounds against New Orleans righty Elih Villanueva (1-1, 6.19). Nashville box scoreRivera may not be long for the Sounds, but at least he went out in style; listen to his homer here. As noted earlier, Green started at second base and Eric Farris at shortstop, though Farris didn't do himself any favors by committing a throwing error; Toby, above, was not impressed with his arm. Farris did draw a walk though, so that's nice, and though it's only his third of the year he's still well ahead of last year's pace. Mat Gamel was 2-4 with a double and walk, and Brandon Boggs also doubled and walked in what was hopefully his last appearance for the Sounds for awhile. Maldonado's double was just his second extra-base hit on the year. Nashville play-by-play

Haudricourt:

If the Brewers want more power off the bench, all they have to do is DFA Erick Almonte and purchase Brendan Katin's contract.

Right, the outrighting happens after the player clears waivers. Yes, you have to clear waivers when removed from the 40-man roster regardless of previous outrights (and this was Kottaras's first). Where those come into play is by granting the right to refuse subsequent outright assignments. Players with more than three years of MLB service time can also refuse outright assignments.

Final: @Clearwater 4, Brevard County 2 Singleton puts Clearwater back on track, win 4-2Adrian Martinez/Clearwater Threshers CLEARWATER, Fla - A two-RBI single off the bat of Jonathan Singleton gave the Clearwater Threshers (9-6) a 4-2 victory over the visiting Brevard County Manatees (5-10) on Thursday night. The Threshers limited the Manatees to just five hits and even the series at a game a piece. First baseman Joe Savery put the Threshers on top in the fourth inning when he drove home Leandro Castro on a sacrifice fly. Then in the following inning, Travis Mattair led off with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. Alan Schoenberger then slapped a single to right, scoring Mattair. From there, Castro moved Schoenberger to third on a base hit and took second on the throw. Singleton followed with the eventual game-winning RBI, driving home both runs. The Manatees responded with two unearned runs in the sixth but that was all they could manage as the Clearwater bullpen allowed just three runners the rest of the way. Julio Rodriguez (2-0) was effective in his five innings of work, surrendering just two hits and registering five strikeouts. Justin Friend worked two scoreless innings to earn his league-leading sixth save of the season. Maverick Lasker (0-3) was tagged with the loss for Brevard, giving up four runs (two earned) through five frames. The Threshers look to win the series Friday night when the two teams square off in the rubber game. First pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m. with gates opening an hour before. Be sure to arrive early as the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a special Domonic Brown bobblehead, presented by the Holiday Inn Express. Brown was a member of the Threshers in 2009 and has been rated as the Phillies' top prospect the last two seasons. He got his first crack at the big leagues last September and was set to challenge for a roster spot this year before being sidelined with an injury. Brevard County box scoreLasker looked like he was going to end up with a better line; he was shutting out Clearwater through three before allowing a run in the 4th and three in the 5th. He still had pretty solid peripherals, fanning five against one walk and six hits, and continued his newfound groundballing ways with a 6/3 GO/FO. Rob Wooten struck out three in two scoreless innings of relief, giving up just a hit. Mike Brownstein had the only multi-hit game for the 'Tees, though Khris Davis heard Toby's pleas and walked twice. Scooter Gennett was also on twice with a single and a walk, while Kentrail Davis drew a free pass and Hunter Morris and D'Vontrey Richardson took 0-4 collars. Brevard County play-by-playKentrail Davis got a little too greedy in the 1st: Brevard County Top of the 1stMike Brownstein called out on strikes.Ryan Gennett pops out to first baseman Joe Savery.Kentrail Davis reaches on fielding error by left fielder Jonathan Singleton. Kentrail Davis out at 3rd, left fielder Jonathan Singleton to shortstop Troy Hanzawa to third baseman Travis Mattair. Lasker's not entirely free of blame for the two unearned runs, but Richardson's arm would have gotten him out it down just 2-0 had Morris managed to hang onto this throw: Clearwater Bottom of the 5thTravis Mattair doubles (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Kentrail Davis.Troy Hanzawa out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Maverick Lasker to first baseman Brock Kjeldgaard. Travis Mattair to 3rd.Alan Schoenberger singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Travis Mattair scores.Jiwan James called out on strikes.Leandro Castro singles on a line drive to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Leandro Castro to 2nd on the throw. Alan Schoenberger advances to 3rd, on missed catch error by third baseman Hunter Morris, assist to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson.Jonathan Singleton singles on a ground ball to left fielder Khristopher Davis. Alan Schoenberger scores. Leandro Castro scores.Darin Ruf flies out to right fielder Kentrail Davis. After drawing a walk in the 8th, Khris Davis put the tying run on base--momentarily: Brevard County Top of the 8thRyan Gennett walks.Kentrail Davis grounds out, second baseman Alan Schoenberger to first baseman Joe Savery. Ryan Gennett to 2nd.Clearwater Threshers Manager Dusty Wathan ejected by 1B umpire Nick Mahrley.Hunter Morris grounds out, shortstop Troy Hanzawa to first baseman Joe Savery. Ryan Gennett to 3rd.Khristopher Davis walks.With Brock Kjeldgaard batting, Justin Friend picks off Khristopher Davis at 1st on throw to Joe Savery. I wonder what bee was in Wathan's bonnet there.

Rattlers hit the road, weather follows them and forces another postponementChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers BURLINGTON, IA – It wasn’t snow, but the result was the same for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Thursday’s game at Community Field against the Burlington Bees was postponed by rain. This marks the third day in a row that the Rattlers have been postponed by weather. The teams will attempt to get on the field to play a pair of seven inning games on Friday evening. Game one is scheduled to start at 5:30pm. Wisconsin is tentatively set to send Matt Miller and Del Howell to the mound as the respective starters in game one and game two. Burlington plans to send Jacob Brown and Blake Hassebrock out as their starters in game one and game two. Fans may tune in for the action on AM1280, WNAM or www.timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 5:10pm.