battlekow

MLS is a little off; with playoff stats added in, Hawn finished at .315/.412/.564 (976 OPS). He had 23 doubles and 15 homers in 273 AB/318 PA.

The complete transcript:jquir34: Can you tell us anything about Cody Hawn? He was impressive last night. Reid Nichols: Cody played really well last night for Helena in the Pioneer League championship. He hit two home runs to left-centerfield, including a grand slam, and both were no doubters! He's agressive at the plate and had a great showing last night. polidor4eva: Are there any players, similar to Axford or Kintzler, whom the Brewers have signed recently and are still under the radar, who you think have a chance to really break out next year? Nichols: We've got some exciting players. Kyle Heckathorn is a player to keep an eye on and Cody Scarpetta has similar stuff to Jeremy Jeffress, not quite the velocity of Jeremy's. Wily Peralta is also a guy that we're excited about his potential. GormanBraun28: Hey Reid, saw some big steps this season for a lot of minor league pitching prospects. How aggressive will the organization be with Kyle Heckathorn next year, and who would you compare him to in terms of the stuff he throws? Nichols: As far as how aggressive we'll be with Kyle, we'll look to see where Kyle is at during spring training and what kind of spring training he has. He compares a little bit to a player like Kameron Loe on our big league club. madlion05: Can you describe a typical day on the job? Nichols: The first thing I do is listen to my messages from managers and pitching coaches from our minor league clubs. I look through all the boxscores from our minor league teams and check their progress. I spend a good amount of time instructing players on the practice fields. I travel to all the different clubs and watch the games throughout the season. Then the process repeats itself all over again. UeckerPowell: Any idea what the plan is going to be with Eric Farris with Lawrie likely to take over 2B at Nashville? Nichols: Those are two very talented players and they are the type of things that will work themselves out. Competition is good for everybody. Brett and Eric are both exciting players! Billies: Jimmy Nelson looked strong this year. Do you see his future as a starter or reliever? Nichols: I see him projecting as a starter. He's got three impressive pitches and he's another player that we are really excited about. massbrewer: Will the Brewers take an exciting pitching prospect like this year's 3rd rounder Tyler Thornburg and attempt to develop him as a starter initially despite his 5'11" frame? Hopefully the organization isn't limiting itself to 6'5" starters only. Nichols: Our general philosophy is that if a player can command three pitches for strikes, then he will have an opportunity to start in our organization. tfence: I'm curious as to how far away you think our best pitching prospects (Oddorizzi, Peralta, Rogers, Jeffress, Heckathorn, Rivas, etc...) are from contributing at a major league level? Nichols: All of these players have the opportunity to play next year in the big leagues at some point, depending on their performances next year. As we've seen, Mark Rogers and Jeremy Jeffress had impressive seasons and are now pitching on the big league club. billyhallmvp06: I imagine a job like yours is pretty cool - do you get to travel around to the Minor League ballparks during the season? Which is your favorite? Nichols: The most excitement I see from fans is when I travel to Appleton to watch the Timber Rattlers!!! They do a great job with their fans and I enjoy visiting the ballpark. I also really enjoy the excitement and anticipation from our younger players when they arrive at our Maryvale complex and in Helena. Nichols: All of our minor league affiliates do an exceptional job with our players. It certainly is enjoyable to travel to the different minor league clubs! massbrewer: Just how tough are the Maryvale conditions for the rookie leaguers in June, July, August? Do you think the conditions sometimes hamper player evaluations? Nichols: There is no doubt that the conditions are difficult when you're playing in three-digit temperatures every day. But, it is good test for our younger players. We have great facilities and extraordinary staff members that help our minor leaguers. benderdx: Who was the most talented player you've ever seen coming through the system? Nichols: I would have to say Ryan Braun. He could get out of bed and hit line drives! Billies: Is there anyone at Helena that we should be excited to see next year in Appleton? Nichols: There are going to be a lot of choices to decide from. Helena obviously had a very successful season winning the Pioneer League championship last night and we have some exciting young players in our farm system. massbrewer: What are your thoughts about the new Dominican complex and the organization's first full DSL squad in many seasons? How many of those kids might be state-side next April? Nichols: I think everything has worked out really well in with our DSL club. We have a great staff there and Nestor Corredor, a former player in our system, is the manager of the DSL Brewers. The facility works really well there too. Everyone will have an opportunity and it will depend on player performances. polidor4eva: Do the Brewers still use a checklist of "goals" a player has to achieve before he's promoted? Nichols: Yes, we do. There is a point-scale system and it deals with their work habits, how they present themselves in the community and obviously how well they perform on the field. chucknorrisaurus Did you play? Where did you play in the Major Leagues? Nichols: Yes, I was drafted by Boston and played for the Red Sox, White Sox and Expos organizations during my playing career. massbrewer: What are the biggest changes you've seen in minor league ball since you were a Red Sox farmhand? Are salaries still about the same, I'm guessing yes... Nichols: Actually salaries, facilities, traveling, etc. have all improved significantly. You have to remember...that was a long time ago! Nichols: I'd love to answer all your questions, however, I've got a flight to catch back to Arizona in a few minutes! Thanks for all the great questions. Go Crew!

Raise a toast to the BrewersAmber Kuehn/Helena Independent Record OGDEN, Utah — Cody Hawn may have just played his last game in a Helena Brewers uniform. Helena’s designated hitter Thursday made a strong argument for a promotion, hammering out two home runs—one a grand slam—and batting in eight runs to lift the Brewers to their first Pioneer League Championship in 14 years. Helena beat the Ogden Raptors 14-3 at Lindquist Field to capture the franchise’s first title since 1996. That one also came against Ogden, when both teams were Milwaukee affiliates. “Unbelievable,” first-year Helena manager Joe Ayrault said when asked to put his feelings into words. “I couldn’t ask for a better staff here in Helena.” The Brewers did what they had to do to make sure they took care of business in two games. Not wanting to lose and be forced to play a Game 3, Helena cleared out the hotel and loaded the bus before coming out to the ballpark. The team wanted to head back to Helena on Thursday night, and they wanted to head back with rings. “This was above and beyond what I expected it to be,” Hawn said of his first pro season. “I knew there was something special about this group at camp, our chemistry was just amazing from day one.” Ogden had gotten the best of Helena in the regular season, winning six of seven. This one was never within reach for the Raptors, as Hawn hit a two-run, opposite field shot off Ogden starter Red Patterson in the first inning to stake the visitors to an early lead. Little did the Raptors know, the player affectionately known in the Brewers’ clubhouse as ‘The Cheetah’ was just getting started. “It's tough,” Ogden manager Damon Berryhill said. “But you've got to give Helena credit. They pitched well against us and neutralized our bats, and we made some mistakes with Hawn and he did what he was supposed to do.” After Helena tacked on two more scores in the top of the fourth courtesy of Robbie Garvey’s two-run single, Ogden reliver Jake McCarter walked Shea Vucinich to load the bases. That set up the league-leader in RBIs perfectly, as the lefty Hawn sent a carbon copy of his first homer sailing out of the park to put Helena up 8-0. “When I hit it I knew it was gone,” Hawn said. “As Cody was rounding third he said ‘I love championship games,’ ” Ayrault said. “That just fired me up. He loves big games, the grin never came off his face. He couldn’t have had a better night for us.” The Brewers would extend their lead to 14-0 in a six-run fifth frame, when Hawn, Rafael Neda and Carlos George each struck RBI singles. Ogden’s only life came from Nick Akins, the league leader in home runs during the regular season. He hit a three-run shot in the fifth frame, the only real damage done to Helena starter Matt Miller, to put the Raptors on the board. “I'm not going to say it felt bad to hit it,” Akins said. “But we didn't win the game and that's the whole point of playing.” Miller (2-0) earned the win, his second of the postseason. The right-hander worked five innings, giving up just six hits and three earned runs while walking two and fanning four. Eric Marzec, Jimmy Nelson and Brian Garman pitched two-hit, shutout ball the rest of the way. “Coming out and winning the first game of the playoffs was actually probably the biggest,” said Miller, who was also the winning pitcher in Game one of the Pioneer League North Championship series against Great Falls. “Neda did a great job blocking behind the plate, and our offense did a great job coming out and giving me run support.” After beating the Raptors in Game one via 17 strikeouts by Brewers pitchers, Helena got this one done with its hitters. The Brewers finished with 15 hits in the contest and every player in the lineup reached base. George and Hawn each recorded three hits. It was an extra special evening for five Brewers—Kenny Allison, Nick Shaw, Charly Bashara, Tony Roberts and Jose Sanchez—after they won their second championship of the 2010 season [bK: And also Alex Periard]. The Arizona League Brewers won rings for being the best at the low-rookie level before coming to the Capital City. Allison was the only recently promoted player to see action in this finale, going 2 for 5 with a double. And a fine finale it was. “It was fun to come in as underdogs and out as champions,” Miller said. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/e/31/785/e31785d2-c222-11df-861e-001cc4c03286-revisions/4c9307641683d.image.jpg Helena’s Cody Hawn, right, is congratulated by teammate Robbie Garvey (59) and others after hitting a home run on Thursday.(Nick Short/Ogden Standard-Examiner) http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/2/e8/07d/2e807d58-c223-11df-a6c0-001cc4c03286-revisions/4c9307e17358d.image.jpg Helena’s Greg Hopkins, right, congratulates Cody Hawn after Hawn homered during Thursday’s game.(Nick Short/Ogden Standard-Examiner)

Final (game two): Helena 14, @Ogden 3 Hawn, Helena sweep to Pioneer crownJohn Parker/Special to MLB.com The Helena Brewers broke out their bats Thursday night to win their first Pioneer League title since 1996. Designated hitter Cody Hawn collected two home runs and a career-high eight RBIs in the 14-3 rout of the host Ogden Raptors. Helena swept the Rookie-level Finals in two games. A sixth-round pick out of the University of Tennessee in June, Hawn led the Brewers with 13 longballs and tied for the league lead with 61 RBIs in 65 regular season games. He had never driven in more than four runs in his 69 games as a pro. "I had an eight-RBI game in college that was actually pretty similar, with a slam and a two-run homer," Hawn said. "But to do it in a championship game is extra special." Hawn's huge night eclipsed the seven RBIs that Orem's Casey Haerther collected in the decisive third game of the 2009 Finals, in which the Owlz beat the Missoula Osprey, 13-10. The Raptors led the league in hitting (.298), scoring (494) and home record (26-12) and had All-Star right-hander Red Patterson on the mound. They had also gone 6-1 against the Brewers during the regular season. But from the first inning on Thursday, the game was all Brewers. After leadoff man Rob Garvey struck out, Shea Vucinich -- who entered the game 1-for-15 in the postseason -- singled to left field. Hawn followed with a two-run blast to left. Helena went down quietly in the next two frames, but sent nine men to the plate in the fourth, scoring six runs on four hits, a walk and a hit batsman. The inning was capped by Hawn's two-out grand slam off Raptors reliever Jake McCarter. "Both [home run pitches] were up and away. It seemed like they were trying to pitch me that way in Game 1, so I went with it and tried to get good wood on them," Hawn said. "And it helps to come up with runners on base." The Brewers struck again for six runs on six hits in the fifth. Hawn delivered a two-RBI single with the bases loaded. Helena's own All-Star starter, Matt Miller, held the Raptors scoreless for four innings before yielding a three-run shot in the fifth to Nick Akins, who led the circuit with 15 regular-season homers. Miller (2-0) went five frames, allowing three runs on six hits. He fanned four and walked a pair. Helena reliever Eric Marzec tossed a hitless sixth, followed by Jimmy Nelson, who scattered two hits and two walks over two scoreless frames. Southpaw Brian Garman struck out one in a perfect ninth. Hawn, who batted three times with the bases loaded, was robbed of perhaps two more RBIs when Ogden second baseman Casio Grider made a diving play on his sharply hit grounder in the sixth. Hawn was hardly alone in battering the Raptors pitching staff. Carlos George collected three hits, Michael Walker singled twice and drove in a pair of runs and Vucinich scored three times. The Brewers went 7-for-15 with runners in scoring position and outhit Ogden, 15-8. Kenneth Allison, who went 2-for-5 with a double, was one of a handful of Brewers to win their second championship of the season. He was a member of the Arizona Rookie League Brewers, who won their league title on Aug. 31. Patterson (0-1) took the loss for the Raptors, allowing six runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. He fanned five and did not walk a batter. Helena manager Joe Ayrault, the co-Pioneer League Manager of the Year, captured the crown in his first season in the Milwaukee organization. He spent the previous three campaigns managing the Sarasota Reds in the Florida State League. He guided the Brewers past the circuit's top two regular season teams -- Great Falls and Ogden -- to capture the Bob Wilson Trophy. It was Helena's fourth Pioneer League title overall and first since beating Ogden in the 1996 Finals. The club also won in 1984 and 1995. For Hawn, the whole championship season was special. "The last three months been above and beyond everything I thought and hoped," he said. "There was something special about this team. Even back when we started, we had a unique chemistry. They're a great bunch of guys. It makes winning tonight that much better." http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2010/09/16/AjL6ObPT.jpg Cody Hawn (Bill Mitchell/Four Seam Images) Helena box scoreAwesome! Any win would have been fantastic, but a complete bludgeoning is particularly enjoyable. Congrats and thanks to all the Brewers, and especially Hawn on his outstanding season. We'll see you guys in Appleton in the spring. Helena play-by-play

I was going to add Jones to Marzec and Garman as far as guys who could solidify Wisconsin's bullpen next year. He's gotten lost in the shuffle a bit, but I know colby liked him as a sleeper post-draft. Is his slider as good as some of the scouting reports we've heard?

Ha, I probably could have mentioned whose opinion I was citing, huh? I don't know the man, but I definitely enjoy both his photography and his tweets. He's pretty much the only source of info for what's going on down in the desert.

Background from Baseball America: There are Brewers on each of those three teams: USA: RHP Andre Lamontagne Canada: RHP Jim Henderson, 3B Taylor Green, OF Adam Stern Puerto Rico: RHP Hiram Burgos, LHP Efrain Nieves, C Martin Maldonado

Guessing we probably won't hear much about what goes on in instructs, but the league kicked off today, with Cody Scarpetta getting the start for the Brewers. Also, D'Vontrey Richardson continues to impress:

There's also the point of view that you want to get as many MLB innings out of Rogers as you can before his arm falls off. This perspective applies to all pitchers, but Rogers especially because of his injury history. It's not necessarily one I adhere to--I'm not sure I buy the "only so many bullets" argument--but it's reasonable enough.

What's already been a great year for Rogers will get even better on November 6th: he's getting married. It's in Boston; I wonder if Mass Haas got an invite?

Final (game one): @Helena 3, Ogden 2Garvey, Brewers win Finals opener John Parker/Special to MLB.com The Rookie-level Helena Brewers got key hits from left fielder Rob Garvey and a stifling performance from four pitchers Tuesday night to beat visiting Ogden, 3-2, in the opening game of the best-of-3 Pioneer League Finals. Garvey went 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and a pair of RBIs. He is 6-for-15 (.400) with two homers and four RBIs in four postseason games. During the regular season, the Raptors offense led the league in hitting (.298) and runs scored (494) while accumulating the fewest strikeouts (562). On Tuesday night, however, the Dodgers affiliate was held to just three hits while fanning a season-high 17 times. "Our team really started to click in the second half of the season," Garvey said. "We might have been underdogs on paper, but we didn't feel that way at all tonight." Third-round Brewers pick Tyler Thornburg got the game off to a blistering start by striking out the side in the first inning. He did it again in the third, but started to run out of gas in the fourth. The right-hander, who had not pitched since Aug. 31, allowed a single and three walks in the frame -- including a bases-loaded free pass -- before exiting. He was charged with two runs on two hits and four walks while striking out nine batters in 3 2/3 frames. Reliever Stosh Wawrzasek issued a bases-loaded walk to the first batter he faced, but settled down to pitch 2 1/3 hitless innings and earn the victory. He was followed by left-hander Charly Bashara, who allowed one hit in two shutout frames. Brian Garman closed it out for the Brewers, striking out a pair in a perfect ninth. "Our pitchers were awesome," said Garvey. "If we get performances like that from them, we're going to be tough to beat." Garvey got Helena on the board in the third with an RBI single to center, but was caught stealing later in the frame. The Brewers added a run on a fourth-inning double by Rafael Neda and went ahead for good on Garvey's sacrifice fly in the fifth. Ogden starter Bret Montgomery (0-1) took the loss, allowing three runs -- two earned -- on six hits over five innings. The 6-foot-6 right-hander struck out four and walked one. Arismendy Ozoria and Andrew Pevsner combined to hold Helena hitless in their final three innings. The series shifts for Game 2 on Thursday to Ogden's Lindquist Field, where the Raptors were 26-12 during the regular season. Both teams will turn to their ace starters, with Ogden's Red Patterson (6-1, 3.33 ERA) facing Helena's Matt Miller (7-2, 4.06). A win would give the Brewers their first Pioneer League title since beating the Raptors in the 1996 Finals. At the time, both clubs were Milwaukee affiliates. http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2010/09/15/cWeDaRUE.jpg Robbie Garvey (Bill Mitchell/Four Seam Images) Helena box score As noted above, Thornburg was really on through the first three innings. Steve Wendt was just gushing about his fastball; paraphrasing: "You just don't see stuff like this very often, especially in the Pioneer League." The pregame show mentioned that Thornburg had been shut down for a few weeks before tonight because of fatigue, and obviously the Brewers are continuing to limit his pitch counts, and rightly so given how quickly he fatigued. Helena play-by-play Here's the troublesome 4th: Ogden Top of the 4th Jake Lemmerman walks. Nick Akins strikes out swinging. Blake Dean singles on a line drive to center fielder Kenneth Allison. Jake Lemmerman to 3rd. Jonathan Garcia called out on strikes. Chris Henderson walks. Blake Dean to 2nd. Michael Pericht walks. Jake Lemmerman scores. Blake Dean to 3rd. Chris Henderson to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Stosh Wawrzasek replaces Tyler Thornburg. Casio Grider walks. Blake Dean scores. Chris Henderson to 3rd. Michael Pericht to 2nd. Leon Landry strikes out swinging. Thornburg battled Henderson to a 3-2 count before walking him, and Wendt was kind of surprised that he was left in to face Pericht--whom he promptly walked on four pitches to force in a run. Wawrzasek then came in and threw four straight balls to Grider to force in another run and fell behind Landry--a third-round pick this year--either 2-0 or 3-0 before coming back to fan him. After that, though, fantastic job by the Helena pen.

Helena Brewers open Pioneer League title series against Ogden tonight Amber Kuehn/Helena Independent Record The Helena Brewers’ quest for their first Pioneer League title since 1996 begins tonight, when the Brewers host the Ogden Raptors for the first game in a best-of-three Pioneer League Championship Series. But the attitude in the Kindrick Legion Field clubhouse before Monday’s practice was light, as coaches stressed the importance of having fun, rather than becoming overwhelmed by the pressure that often goes hand in hand with big games. “Have fun with what you’re doing and just know you’re prepared when you are out there,” said Helena pitching coach Elvin Nina. “In a game like this you could forget about having fun and just think about the outcome of the game...all we can do now is enjoy ourselves and, whatever the outcome may be, you’ve got to cherish this time.” Nina only made it to the playoffs twice in his 10-year playing career. He said he hopes the players realize what it means to still be playing and how tough it is to get this far. After all, only two teams out of the eight-team league are still standing. Helena reached the playoffs via the wild card, then went on to defeat the Pioneer League North regular-season champion Great Falls Voyagers on the road in the decisive game on Sunday. Ogden won both halves of the Southern Division, then rallied from a seven-run deficit to rob defending champion Orem of a game-three victory. It’s the Raptors’ first trip to the championship since 1996, when Helena held on to take the crown for the second straight year. The Brewers haven’t seen the Raptors since July 24, and only won once in the seven games they faced Ogden during the regular season. The Raptors closed out the season with four straight losses, but still managed to finish as the best offensive team in the league. Ogden has a .298 team batting average, and boasts the Pioneer League MVP in Jake Lemmerman, the league-leader in home runs in Nick Akins and the best closer in Shawn Tolleson, who finished with 17 saves. Helena, however, appears to have the better pitching staff on paper. The Brewers’ 4.54 ERA is just slightly better than Ogden’s, but the way Helena hurlers have been throwing lately, many on the staff think the Brewers can ride their pitchers to a ring. “They’re putting in the work and it’s starting to show on the scorecard,” Nina said. “We’re going to have to continue doing exactly what we’ve been doing, pounding the strike zone. Pitching and defense is what wins championships. Offense will get you to the playoffs but pitching and defense is what will get you the win at the end.” The Brewers send Tyler Thornburg to the mound. Thornburg was 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in the regular season. He has not pitched against Ogden. The Raptors were still unsure who they’d send to the mound as of late Monday. “Our guys are playing with a lot of confidence right now,” first-year Brewers manager Joe Ayrault said. “We’ve got some good pitchers ... they’ve just got to stick to the gameplan, hit their spots and execute their pitches. I know those guys are going to be loose and playing with some fire.” The Helena bats have brought some heat lately, as the Brewers pounded out 11 hits in Sunday’s win. After closing out the regular season with a handful of games where they struggled to bring in runs, the Brewers appear to have some new-found confidence on offense. “We’ve just got to do the little things,” Helena hitting coach Ned Yost said. “We’ve gotta move guys over and score them from third, hit with less than two outs and bunt when needed. “You can always get better but I think our guys have been doing a really good job overall. I like our chances.” Yost hopes the guys come out with the same intensity they had in game three but, as the rest of the staff said, remember to enjoy themselves. “Emotions were running high and it was either get it done or go home,” Yost said of the game-three attitude. “The one thing I told them was it’s just a game, go out there and have fun. Don’t try to be too perfect out there. When you get all those emotions out there guys tighten up and it’s hard to play under pressure.” Ayrault was clear to point out that just because they’re preaching fun doesn’t mean they’re not teaching to win. “I know all those guys in that clubhouse are like me—competitive,” he said. “I don’t even like losing at cards. “When you’re playing to win, you’re having fun.” First pitch tonight is 7:05 p.m. Games two and three, if necessary, will be Thursday and Friday in Ogden.

Thornburg is starting tomorrow.

Final (game three): Helena 9, @Great Falls 5Helena coasts into Pioneer League Championship Brett Billings/Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers' championship hopes came down to one game against the Great Falls Voyagers. The losers would go home while the winners played for the Pioneer League Championship. Helena hadn't played for a league championship since 2005 when they lost to Orem two games to none. The 2010 team led by first-year coach Joe Ayrault decided to try their luck this year as they downed Great Falls 9-5 at Centene Stadium in Great Falls, Montana to advance to play for the league title. The Brewers got on the board in the first inning and never looked back. Robbie Garvey led started the game with a walk and later scored on a double by Cody Hawn. Helena batted around in the third inning. Garvey singled to start the rally and Shea Vucinich was hit by a pitch. Hawn, who finished 2 for 4 with a double, lined in Garvey and advanced Vucinich to third. After Greg Hopkins struck out, Mike Walker singled to score Vucinich. Kenny Allison drew a free pass to load the bases, and Rafael Neda moved everybody over and scored Hawn with a single to left field. The Brewers' fifth and final run of the inning came when Carlos George scored Allison with a sacrifice fly. Great Falls wasn't going down without a fight. They answered for two in the bottom of the inning to cut their deficit to 6-2, but Helena answered for one more in the top of the fourth with Hopkins singling in Vucinich, who also singled in the inning. The Voyagers scored again in the fifth and sixth to pull within three, but that was as close as they would get as the Brewers rallied for two more in the seventh. Catcher Neda doubled in Hopkins. A batter later, John Dishon scored Walker with a sacrifice fly. RHP Tyler Cravy (1-0, 6.00) received the win for the Brewers. Cravy, who was selected by Milwaukee in the 17th round of the 2009 draft, pitched six innings while allowing four runs on seven hits. He struck out seven and issued two walks. Rob Currie entered the game in the seventh inning but was pulled with two outs after allowing a run on two hits and walk. The last time an opponent scored off of Currie was on August 25th at Casper. The St. Charles, Illinois native had only allowed one run in his last 13.2 innings leading up to this game. Eric Marzec finished the inning without any more damage and also tossed a scoreless eighth. He recorded four outs in the contest, all by way of strikeouts. RHP Brian Garman finished the game in style by striking out the side in the ninth. The Brewers will now return home to face the Ogden Raptors for the first game of a best-of-three series to decide the Pioneer League Champions. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14th at 7:05 PM. The series will then move to Ogden for the second game and a third if necessary. For ticket prices and information, call the ticket office at 495-0500. Helena box score Neato, gang! Hawn, who was a force in the three-game series despite nursing that hamstring injury, also walked. Neda had three hits, and Walker and Hopkins both had two. Helena play-by-play

Brewers season comes down to one game in Great Falls today Helena Independent Record GREAT FALLS — The Helena Brewers scored the first and final runs Saturday night at Centene Stadium. The trouble was all of the innings in between. The Great Falls Voyagers used a four-run sixth inning to even the Pioneer League North Division Championship Series at 1-1 a night after Helena’s postseason-opening victory, winning 6-2 in front of 1,232 fans. The best-of-three series concludes tonight in the Electric City, and a division champion will be crowned. The Brewers again wasted no time getting on the board, as Cody Hawn came home on Mike Walker’s RBI single off Voyagers starter Paul Burnside. Burnside struggled with his command at the beginning, walking two and hitting a batter in his first two innings. The Helena offense was anemic the rest of the way. Great Falls tied the game with Randall Thorpe’s sacrifice fly to score Andy Wilkins in the fourth frame. It was the only run Helena starter Austin Ross would allow, as his night ended after giving up six hits and striking out six through 4 1/3 innings. The trouble for Helena came in the sixth. After the Brewers stranded yet another baserunner in their half of the inning—Helena left nine on in the contest—reliever Alex Jones gave up a leadoff double to Ryan Hamme. A wild pitch moved Hamme to third with none out. That brought up Rafael Vera, who was 3 for 3 with an RBI in the game. Vera lined a shot to right field to score Hamme and give the Voyagers the lead, one they would never relinquish. A barrage of hits and a costly error by Shea Vucinich on what should have resulted in a double play put Great Falls up 5-1 by the inning’s end. Wilkins’ RBI double to left field in the bottom of the eighth gave the hosts a five-run advantage and extra cushion heading into the final frame. Helena left fielder Robbie Garvey hit a solo shot in the top of the ninth, his second homer in the playoff series, but it was too little, too late for a rally by a Brewers team that made a living off the comeback in June. The Brewers used five pitchers on the evening, and Jones was tagged with the loss. The sidearm thrower didn’t get through an inning, giving up two hits and three runs in relief. Burnside earned the win on the mound for the Voyagers, giving up three hits and walking four but allowing just one run in six innings of work. The Brewers managed just five hits in the contest, with Walker the only player recording multiple base knocks. Garvey, Hawn and Greg Hopkins had the other hits. Right-handed hurler Steven Upchurch makes the start for the Pioneer League North regular-season champs tonight. Upchurch was 4-2 this year with a 3.78 ERA. Helena was unsure who would take the mound for game three, but Tyler Cravy appears to be the likliest candidate. Orem 17, Ogden 10 OGDEN — The Ogden Raptors rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning to take a 10-8 lead, only to have their hopes of clinching the Southern Division crown dashed two innings later. The Owlz forced a game three with the 17-10 road win in a game that turned into a slugfest. Orem finished with 18 hits, twice as many as the home team. Their were five home runs total in the high-scoring affair. Game three is in Ogden tonight. The winner will take on either Great Falls or Helena in the Pioneer League Championship.

Final (game two): @Great Falls 6, Helena 2Helena box score Well, I guess a recap isn't going to get posted before I go to bed, so here goes. The Brewers had an excellent chance to sweep the Voyagers with Austin Ross, probably their best starter, on the mound tonight, but Ross lasted only 4.1 innings. He wasn't roughed up, allowing just one run on six hits and two walks while fanning six, but I guess he was inefficient with his pitches. Reliever Alex Jones was nailed for three runs while recording just two outs, and the H-Crew couldn't recover. Jimmy Nelson, who was forced to miss the end of the Penn State-Alabama because of these pesky playoffs, surrendered a run in two innings on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts. Robbie Garvey homered for the second straight game after hitting just four in the regular season and was also hit by a pitch. Mike Walker singled twice, Cody Hawn doubled and walked, and Rafael Neda walked twice and was also hit by a pitch. Helena play-by-play This was the inning that did the Brewers in: Great Falls Bottom of the 6th Ryan Hamme doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder John Dishon. With Rafael Vera batting, wild pitch by Alex Jones, Ryan Hamme to 3rd. Rafael Vera singles on a fly ball to right fielder John Dishon. Ryan Hamme scores. Randall Thorpe bunt pops out to first baseman Michael Walker. Dusty Harvard reaches on force attempt, missed catch error by second baseman Shea Vucinich, assist to third baseman Gregory Hopkins. Rafael Vera to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Jose Sanchez replaces Alex Jones. With Kyle Davis batting, Dusty Harvard steals (2) 2nd base. Kyle Davis walks. Michael Earley singles on a line drive to center fielder Franklin Romero. Rafael Vera scores. Dusty Harvard scores. Kyle Davis to 3rd. Ross Wilson hits a sacrifice bunt. Kyle Davis scores. Michael Earley to 2nd. Ross Wilson to 1st. Andy Wilkins grounds into double play, shortstop Carlos George to first baseman Michael Walker. Ross Wilson out at 2nd.

Helena's game was rained out. With the playoffs sorted out, it obviously won't be made up. RHP Matt Miller will go in game one tomorrow against RHP Stephen McCray.

It's like the Helena version of the SI cover jinx; didn't Reggie Keen go down right before a feature on him came out, too? Hawn a natural slugger for Brew Crew Amber Kuehn/Helena Independent Record The Milwaukee Brewers knew they saw something special in Cody Hawn when he was just a teen playing prep baseball at South Doyle High School in Knoxville, Tenn. Hawn was drafted by the Brewers then, in 2007, in the 23rd round. But, knowing he still had a lot of growing up to do and desired to get a degree, Hawn opted instead to go to college - first spending a season at Walters State Community College before playing two years for the University of Tennessee. The wait paid off for Hawn and the Brewers. Hawn was selected in this June's draft in the sixth round, again by Milwaukee, and the first baseman has been stalwart offensively for Helena. "This guy can swing the bat," Helena manager Joe Ayrault said of Hawn, a player the skipper has penciled in at the No. 3 spot in the lineup for every game Hawn has been active. The infielder missed nine games with a hamstring injury. "He's one of the best guys we've got in the clubhouse. The guys want to follow him, just the way he carries himself on and off the field." Not only has having a power hitter like Hawn given the Brewers confidence, but it's posed a threat to opposing pitchers and defenses. Helena hopes to have Hawn for the playoffs after the infielder reaggravated his hamstring Wednesday against Missoula. Through Tuesday, Hawn was leading the Pioneer League in RBIs with 61, was tied for third in the league in home runs and doubles with 13 and 20, respectively, and was second for the Brewers with a .310 batting average. The left-hander was also named to the all-league team released earlier this week, but his biggest accolade came Wednesday night when he was named the team MVP. "His dad keeps me posted and I check on-line all the time to see how he's doing," said Todd Raleigh, University of Tennessee head baseball coach. "I'm not surprised at all, Cody's one of those guys I knew would have success." Hawn picked up right where he left off at Tennessee, after he led the Volunteers in batting average (.364), home runs (22), RBIs (81), hits (72), doubles (15) and slugging percentage (.773) as a junior. His 22 homers ranks second all-time in school history. Raleigh estimates he has coached 80 to 100 players who have went on to play in the big leagues. He said Hawn is one of the best hitters he's ever coached. "Of all the kids I've ever had, he's the one I know is going to hit at every level," the Vols skipper said. "If he stays healthy he'll make the big leagues. He needs to get stronger physically, and obviously everyone has to improve, that's why we have the minor league system. But he'll make it in under five years." "He put up good numbers at Tennessee and he's just carried it over into his first pro season. He's one of our best hitters and he makes the other guys around him better," Ayrault said. "He's a baseball player. This is what he was born to do." Hawn was just 2 years old when he first picked up a bat, learning whiffle ball a year after learning to walk. "I remember sitting at the house at 4 or 5 years old waiting for Dad to get off work so we could go out and hit and throw or whatever," recalled Hawn, who played some football and basketball while growing up in Knoxville before it hit him he could make baseball a career. It may not be long before he's climbing the ladder to the big leagues. Scouts and rovers have been high on Hawn as a prospect this year, and there is little doubt in Ayrault's mind that the kid he helped groom in rookie ball will one day play at Miller Park. "He's worked with Garth Iorg, our infield coordinator who speaks very highly of him," Ayrault said, adding that the biggest asset this season has been having Hawn hit third, the spot he's been in since day one. "Having him come up every game in the first inning has been huge. He's still leading the league in RBIs even though he's been out, and he's right up there in home runs. He's the guy you want, just a stellar player." Hawn has made as big of an impact at first base as he has with his bat. His defensive instincts - as well as his smart base running - have earned him the nickname "The Cheetah" in the Kindrick Legion Field clubhouse. "Garth Iorg, one of the rovers that came into town, the biggest thing I worked on with him was fielding the ball with one hand," Hawn said, while rattling off a list of things he's been practicing. "Trying to make every play backhanded, working on moving runners over, the mental side of it. Having the right approach when I come to the plate. If guys are on second and third finding a way to get them in. It's stuff I've worked on a lot and it's paid off." Raleigh said Hawn was a very good first baseman in college as well. "He's always had fast hands, great instincts," Raleigh said. "He makes up for his lack of speed." "Defense is something we stress from day one in the Brewers organization," Ayrault said. "He's good there. He's not the fastest guy but he is very good on the bases, has great instincts, has advanced on a lot of pitches in the dirt other guys might not read as well ... he spends just as much time in that cage as he does in the field working on his defense." Because of his all-around skills, Hawn was one of several athletes selected to attend an instructional league this winter in Phoenix. With a good players-to-coaches ratio, Hawn will get more in-depth instruction on things to improve upon to help him toward his dream of one day playing in the majors. It's a fitting place for a guy Ayrault refers to as top-notch. "He's like everybody's best friend," the skipper said. "If I'm 21 years old, same age as him, he'd be the guy I'd want to hang out with." It may be hard to believe given the kind of season he's had, but Hawn was intimidated coming in to his first season as a pro. He said he wasn't sure what to expect, was worried he might not succeed. "It's been a great experience so far, I didn't really know what I was getting into when I first got here but it's been better than what I thought it was gonna be," he said. Hawn's biggest concern at first would be how he'd adjust to swinging with a wood bat. "I did play in the SEC, and everybody lives and dies on the home run there," Hawn said with a smile. "With a wood bat it's not necessarily like you're going to come out and hit two or three home runs over nine innings." Thinking he couldn't rely too heavily on the long ball, Hawn began striving to find gaps and get the ball on the ground. But in just his second professional start, he stroked an opposite-field shot over the wall at Kindrick that he said gave him the confidence he needed to be able to swing for the fences with a different bat than he was familiar with. "I didn't expect that, I thought I'd be more of a doubles guy," Hawn said, noting that he's had his share of those as well. "Then the last 10 or 15 games before I got hurt, I started sprinkling balls all over the park." While to outsiders it may seem like forgoing the pros out of high school and first attending college was the right choice, it is still a decision Hawn says he wrestles with from time to time. "I would have been 18 and out on my own for the first time, but at the same time I could maybe be in high A or even double A right now," he said. "But I am pretty close to graduating and, on that note, I'm happy with my decision." If baseball doesn't work out for Hawn, he may still make a living close to the game. He is studying communications and hopes to one day be a radio broadcaster. He said what Steve Wendt, the voice of the Helena Brewers, does fascinates him. "I like talking to Steve about it, it really interests me," he said. "Maybe one day I could get an opportunity to do the same thing." Or he just might get the opportunity to live his first dream. Rather than being a voice on the radio, being a player featured on ESPN's Top 10. "I'm in the best spot for that opportunity to happen," he said. "I'm around great coaches, great players, learning every day. If, God willing, I stay healthy, hopefully one day I will get that opportunity to do so." http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/2/9a/8e3/29a8e382-bbcb-11df-b720-001cc4c03286-revisions/4c88633b5dd83.image.jpg (Dylan Brown/Helena Independent Record)

Brewers clinch playoff spot Amber Kuehn/Helena Independent Record As conditions worsened at Kindrick Legion Field, moods brightened when the news came over the public address system Wednesday. The Helena Brewers had made the Pioneer League playoffs with Billings' 5-2 loss to Great Falls, and the 447 fans who stuck out the rainy weather went crazy. A half-inning later the celebrating could truly begin, as the Brewers finished off the Missoula Osprey, 3-1. It's the first time Helena has advanced to the postseason since 2007, and the Brewers will host Great Falls on Friday for the first game in the best-of-three series. Matt Miller is scheduled to start on the mound. "Anytime you can go out there and clinch the playoff spot is great," said Helena infielder Mike Walker, whose two-run homer over the left-center field wall in the first inning was the difference in the contest. "We've been struggling the past couple days and finally got the monkey off our back and clinched it." Walker was 2 for 3 with two RBIs, Kenny Allison was 2 for 4 and John Dishon added a triple for the Brewers (41-34 overall, 22-15 second half). But after Helena jumped out to a 3-0 lead after one, there was little offense the rest of the way. This one went to the pitchers. "To win championships you've gotta get good pitching, solid defense and come through with timely knocks," Brewers manager Joe Ayrault said amidst loud music and cheering in the clubhouse. "That's what these guys do." Stosh Wawrzasek started for Helena, going 4 1/3 frames and giving up just one run on four hits while striking out three and walking three. Rob Currie was phenomenal in relief, retiring 10 of the 12 guys he faced, with the only baserunners reaching on walks. Brian Garman closed the ninth for the save. "It was an awesome feeling, we had the momentum from the beginning, scoring three runs right off the bat," said Currie, who was stoic on the mound in earning the win. "I was comfortable enough just throwing strikes and trusting my defense behind me when (Missoula) hit the ball." The Osprey's lone run came in the second, when Javon Williams reached on a single, stole second, and then came home on Domingo Soriano's RBI single. Soriano entered the game batting just .099, and Missoula would have just one hit the rest of the way, a double by Matt Helm in the third. Helena earned much-needed momentum heading into its regular-season finale tonight against Missoula before facing a tough Voyagers squad that won both halves. The Brewers are looking for some revenge. "We got a sour taste in our mouth from Great Falls the past two days," said Currie. "Hopefully we'll win another one tomorrow and take a quick two in the playoffs." The Brewers may have to compete without their hard slugging first baseman, Cody Hawn. Hawn retweaked a hamstring injury going to first on a groundball and was taken out of the game after just an inning. Ayrault said Hawn will rest tonight but is questionable for the playoffs. "Our trainer guru Jimmy Gentry will work with him to try to get him back," the skipper said. Walker or Brandon Sizemore could easily cover the bag at first if Hawn is unable to go, but the Brewers would miss the league-leader in RBIs' bat. Ayrault, who takes the team to the postseason in his first year as the Helena manager, still has the faith in his team that he's had since day one. "To be around this great group of guys, I've said it all year they have character," he said. "I love being in the trenches with these guys."

Final: @Helena 3, Missoula 1 Brewers secure playoff spot on win over Missoula Brett Billings/Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers defeated the Missoula Osprey 3-1 on Wednesday night at Kindrick Legion Field and secured their spot in the 2010 Pioneer League playoffs. All of the Brewers' runs came in the first inning, but it was all they would need as the pitching staff kept the Osprey batters at bay all night. Mike Walker hammered a two-run opposite field home run to give the Brewers the early advantage. Nick Shaw singled and scored earlier in the inning. RHP Stosh Wawrzasek started on the mound for Helena. He tossed 4.1 innings and allowed Missoula's only run. Rob Currie was credited with the win. He pitched a respectable 3.2 innings of no-hit baseball. Currie struck out three and walked two. Brian Garman earned his ninth save of the season, which is good for fourth best in the league. He didn't allow a hit and struck out one, bringing his ERA down to 0.90 in 30 innings of work this season. The win means the Brewers will face Great Falls in a best-of-three series for the Pioneer League North Championship. The first game will be played at home on Friday at 7:05 PM. The series will then move to Great Falls for the second game and a third if necessary. For ticket prices and information, call the ticket office at 495-0500. Before post-season play begins, the Brewers will close out the regular season tomorrow night against Missoula. First pitch will be at 7:05 with gates opening at 6:00. Helena box score Sweet! The Osprey got their run in the top of the 2nd, so there was a whole lot of nothin' after that. Wawrzasek allowed four hits, three walks, and a hit batter while fanning three. Walker also singled and walked, Johnny Dishon tripled and walked, and Kenny Allison had two hits. Cody Hawn was pinch-hit for after one plate appearance. Helena play-by-play

From the JS:

Life of Ryan Bob Brainerd/foxsportswisconsin.com MILWAUKEE -- Even though he looks like a Scooter, there must be a cute back story to explain Ryan Gennett's nickname. "I was about 5 years old, and I was a big fan of the (TV show) 'Muppet Babies,'" explains Gennett, a 16th round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009. Good enough. But hold those warm and fuzzy thoughts for just a moment… "I was a very defiant child,” said Gennett. “I was in the car and my Mom told me to put my seat belt on. I unclicked it, and she put it back on, and I unclicked it again. So she took me to the Police Station to have an officer talk to me about seatbelt safety." This was hardly going to be the hot light bulb treatment on a 5-year-old, but Ryan wasn't taking any chances. "He asked me what my name was," Gennett continued. "I got scared and said 'Scooter Gennett.' He was kind of taken aback, and said 'what's your real name?' I said 'Scooter.'” “So ever since then, I didn't respond or answer to Ryan at all." When his name got called by the Brewers on draft day of 2009, Gennett had bigger decisions to make than whether or not he should use his self-inflicted alias. The choices: play baseball on scholarship at Florida State, or pursue his Major League dream. The 19-year-old jumped at the chance to sign on the dotted line and kick start his career. "I worked as hard as I could," recalls Gennett. "Spring training, I was at the clubhouse at 6 a.m., hitting off the tee, doing everything I could to show everybody what I had." The former shortstop was on the move from the get-go, sidestepping one slot over on the diamond to second base this season with the Brewers Class A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, heeding the advice of coaches and Brewers brass who believe Gennett's climb up the company ladder can be expedited with a position switch. All part of Scooter's routine in Appleton. "I'm very fortunate to be in low A now, especially being my first year after high school," said Gennett. "It was an adjustment. They really preach getting into a routine, and when you're struggling, you have to really stay with your routine because you have to stick with what you've had success with, and believe in it day in and day out." Folks all the way back in Milwaukee began to take notice at the numbers Gennett was producing at the plate. He launched himself into the top tier of the Midwest League leader board and refused to leave, piling up eye-popping numbers for batting average, hits, doubles and runs scored, earning Gennett a starting nod at the Midwest League All Star Game. Not too shabby for a player who didn't command much attention on a Rattlers roster loaded with higher draft picks. "The write-ups and awards, those are just results from working hard and believing in yourself," said Gennett. "It's always good when you're under the radar because you don't have anything to lose or you don't have any added pressures. Just go to the field every day, work hard at getting better, whether you're under the microscope or not." And while the praise has been deservedly heaped upon Gennett, this mature beyond his years infielder won't ever let an inflated ego absorb his lunch pail work ethic. "I've exceeded some people's expectations being a 16th-round pick and not really expecting a first year guy to put up numbers like I have," said Gennett. "Personally, I have a lot higher expectations. It's about getting better...you can't be satisfied with anything. See the ball, hit the ball...everybody should be ready to do that, but it's the smaller stuff too. I feel like I can always work on that." There's a focus in Gennett that also allows for fun on the field. "You definitely have to have fun," said Gennett with an infectious smile. "You can work as hard as you want, but if you're not having fun, I don't believe you're going to get any better or get anything positive out of it. You can work as hard as you want, take as many ground balls, but it's really the quality that you have in that energy and spark in your step." Energy was never an issue with Scooter, in fact, there was too much of it at times. So much so that Gennett was diagnosed with AD/HD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. "I was constantly moving," explains Gennett. "I was the kid that if you said not to press the button, then I would. As I got older, I kind of matured. I'm not as defiant…just a little bit here and there." Enough to keep Gennett grounded, understanding, and willing to work with children who face the same hurdles of AD/HD. "It's important to accept that you have it and to know what triggers that," said Gennett. "I wasn't medicated when I was young, I actually got medicated after my first year of high school. When I was on my medication, I was just focused in class. But I was always good on the baseball field because that's what I enjoy doing." Gennett's commitment to the game will never come into question. His father, a former scout with the Houston Astros, made the ultimate sacrifice by quitting his job to work with his 10-year-old son every day. The Gennett family also made a lifestyle commitment, moving from Ohio to Florida so Scooter could pursue his passion year round. "My father saw that baseball was in my heart and that I was going to work hard," said Gennett. "I loved baseball, and not just because he always wanted to do that with me. He had the Ohio area when he scouted, so he saw how hard it was for a position guy, not only to get noticed, but to be able to play the whole year." The seed was planted in richer soil, and because of persistent nurturing, Gennett blossomed into a legitimate prospect. His Appleton adventure behind him, Scooter can now regroup his thoughts for the offseason, and go back to being a kid again. Not the defiant one, but one who pictures that one day his dreams will come true. "Every since I was wee little, the ultimate goal for me and most of these guys is to make it to the big leagues," said Gennett. "But my goals don't stop there. It was a dream when I was little, but now that we have that opportunity to make that dream come true it's almost like a long term goal. Making it to the big leagues would sure make all this hard work and stuff pay off." http://wac.2532.edgecastcdn.net/802532/fsswisc/common/medialib/306/249719.jpg http://wac.2532.edgecastcdn.net/802532/fsswisc/common/medialib/306/249717.jpg http://wac.2532.edgecastcdn.net/802532/fsswisc/common/medialib/306/249718.jpg

Final: @Great Falls 1, Helena 0 Brewers can’t secure playoff spot, fall in ninth Helena Independent Record GREAT FALLS — Great Falls Voyagers catcher Mike Blanke saved the game. Minutes later, he was the man responsible for winning it. The Helena Brewers’ best chance to score was tagged out in a violent collision at home plate, as Blanke held on to the ball despite taking a hard hit from Robbie Garvey, who was looking to be the first one in the game to score. But Blanke’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth lifted the Voyagers 1-0 Tuesday in a pitcher’s duel and prevented Helena from locking down a playoff spot. The Brewers’ magic number remains at one, and they’ll look to clinch a postseason berth tonight when they host Missoula at Kindrick Legion Field. The game was scoreless until the final frame, when Ross Wilson drilled a triple to deep left field to lead off the inning and was followed by Blanke’s hit, when the Great Falls catcher smashed a hanging breaking ball from Eric Marzec. Helena appeared likely to get on the board in its half of the inning, as Nick Shaw lashed a single to left to send Garvey for home. But Dusty Harvard’s throw was on the mark, and Blanke was able to hold on. Tyler Cravy was sensational in his longest start as a pro, lasting into the eighth inning and striking out nine Voyagers. Cravy retired 14 in a row, not allowing a base runner between the second and seventh innings, and gave up just three hits and a pair of walks. The Brewers (40-34 overall, 21-15 second half) failed to get a runner as far as second base until the final frame. Steven Upchurch was equally phenomenal for Great Falls (45-28, 22-13), giving up just two hits over six and walking none. Helena box score Wow. They'll still probably make it, but that's a tough loss. Of course, all they need is Billings to have any sort of loss and it won't matter what they do. Fantastic game from Cravy. The Brewers only had five hits--and only five baserunners--two of them singles by Garvey. Helena play-by-play

The caption of the picture in this article we linked in the Huntsville relationship thread seems to indicate that Drew Anderson will retire.

The caption of the picture in this article we linked in the Huntsville relationship thread seems to indicate that Drew Anderson will retire.