battlekow

Huntsville game notes

Jim Callis chat: [tt][/tt]

On MLS, it's calculated based on all balls in play. Same for pitchers, which makes it a lot more useful than the GO/AO posted in MiLB.com, though that's a nice shorthand on a game-by-game basis. Your overall point is correct: the BIP classifications may be suspect. They may not be, and Lawrie (and Cain) may have been getting massively lucky. Hard to tell, but at least in Lawrie's case, there are excellent scouting reports to back up the statistics.

Raptors continue dominance over Brewers Brandon Hart/Ogden Raptors The Ogden Raptors answered every run that the Helena Brewers scored Wednesday night with at least two of their own as the Raptors won 7-3 at Lindquist Field. The Brewers struck first in the top of the third. With one out, Carlos George doubled down the left-field line, and Robbie Garvey singled him home with a hit to left, giving the Brewers a 1-0 lead. The Raptors answered with two in the bottom of the inning. Pedro Guerrero led off the inning with a double to left. After a groundout moved Guerrero to third, Bobby Coyle hit a two-run homer to right field. The home run was Coyle's second of the season and gave the Raptors a 2-1 lead. The Brewers tied the game in the sixth with a run in the top of the inning. With one out, Greg Hopkins singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. After consecutive walks loaded the bases, Hopkins came home on a passed ball to tie the game 2-2. The Raptors answered in the bottom of the inning, this time with three runs. Jake Lemmerman led off the inning with a double off the bag at first base. Two batters later, Jonathan Garcia singled and moved up to second on the throw home that kept Lemmerman at third. Nick Akins then delivered a towering home run to left, a three-run shot, giving the Raptors the lead, 5-2. The Brewers scored again in the eighth. Mike Walker reached base on a high throw by Lemmerman to begin the inning. A single by Brandon Sizemore and a groundout by Gerald Ogrinc moved Walker to third. Walker then scored an unearned run on a wild pitch by Jimo Lee to cut the Raptors' lead to 5-3. The Raptors answered again in the home half of the inning with two runs. This time Mike Pericht doubled down the left-field line to start the inning. Garcia singled home Pericht for the first run of the inning. Two batters later, Blake Dean doubled home Garcia to give the Raptors a 7-3 lead. Raptors starter Red Patterson received a no decision as the righty worked 5 1/3 innings and gave up two runs, one earned, on eight hits and five strikeouts. The Raptors and Brewers will continue their four-game series Thursday. Ogden's Greg Wilborn will face off against Helena's Tyler Cravy. The game starts at 7:00 and can be heard on 1280 The Zone.

Final: @Ogden 7, Helena 3Helena box score Stosh Wawrzasek struck out six and walked only one in 5.1 innings, but fell victim to a couple long balls (and some bad luck) and eventually allowed five runs on eight hits. 8th-rounder Austin Ross followed, making his second pro appearance, and struggled similarly with balls in play; he struck out three and walked none in 2.1 innings but allowed two runs on five hits. Cody "Cheetah" Hawn had another good night, smacking his league-leading 15th double as part of his 2-4 night; he also walked. Shea Vucinich was 2-5 with a double; though he struck out three times, Steve Wendt observed that is rarely embarrassed at the plate. Carlos George was 2-3 with a walk, and Mike Walker, playing first base for only the 4th time, was 2-4 with a walk. Each side threw a runner out at home. Trivia: Four of the five LSU players that have signed from the 2010 draft took part in this game: Ross and Johnny Dishon for the Brewers and Blake Dean and Leon Landry for the Raptors (the other is the Cubs' Micah Gibbs). Helena play-by-play The Brewers had just tied it in the top of the 6th when Stosh ran into a little bad luck: Ogden Bottom 6th Jake Lemmerman doubles (11) on a fly ball to right fielder John Dishon. Michael Pericht strikes out swinging. Jonathan Garcia singles on a line drive to left fielder Brandon Sizemore. Jake Lemmerman to 3rd. Jonathan Garcia to 2nd on the throw. Nick Akins homers (3) on a fly ball to left field. Jake Lemmerman scores. Jonathan Garcia scores. Pitcher Change: Austin Ross replaces Stosh Wawrzasek. Blake Dean doubles (5) on a ground ball to right fielder John Dishon. Jesse Bosnik singles on a fly ball to left fielder Brandon Sizemore. Blake Dean out at home on the throw, left fielder Brandon Sizemore to catcher Gerald Ogrinc. Jesse Bosnik to 2nd on the throw. Pedro Guerrero grounds out, pitcher Austin Ross to first baseman Michael Walker. Lemmerman's double was a fluke; Wendt said that Wawrzasek got it "right in his kitchen". On Garcia's single, Dishon made a good throw back in, and the Brewers should have easily gotten Garcia recklessly advancing to second, but no one cut it off.

Final: AZL Rangers 4, @AZL Brewers 3AZL Brewers box score The Brewers came close, climbing to within one in the 7th, falling back in the 8th, then getting back to within one in the bottom of the 9th. Bobby Bramhall started but didn't make it out of the first, presumably hitting his pitch count after getting two outs and allowing a run on three hits and a walk. Dane Amedee followed and took the loss, surrendering two runs in 2.2 innings on four hits, fanning two and walking none. Max Walla and Kenny Allison were each 2-4, and John Bivens was 1-3 with a walk and a double, his first hit since being demoted. Tyler Roberts was 1-4 with a double, but committed two more passed balls, ten now. Walla tallied another outfield assist. AZL Brewers play-by-play The tying run was thrown out at the plate in the 7th: AZL Brewers Bottom 7th Demetrius McKelvie walks. Thomas Mittelstaedt out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Andres Perez-Lobo to first baseman Jhonny Gomez. Demetrius McKelvie to 2nd. John Bivens doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Braxton Lane. Demetrius McKelvie scores. Defensive Substitution: Carson Vitale replaces catcher Alison Perez, batting 7th, playing catcher. With Eric Farris batting, passed ball by Carson Vitale, John Bivens to 3rd. Eric Farris reaches on a fielder's choice out, shortstop Drew Robinson to catcher Carson Vitale. John Bivens out at home. Yadiel Rivera flies out to center fielder Teodoro Martinez. Seems like McKelvie might have taken out the catcher there. The Brewers got the tying run to second base with one out in the 9th but couldn't plate it: AZL Brewers Bottom 9th Maxwell Walla singles on a ground ball to left fielder Braxton Lane. With Demetrius McKelvie batting, passed ball by Carson Vitale, Maxwell Walla to 2nd. Demetrius McKelvie flies out to right fielder Travis Meiners. Thomas Mittelstaedt walks. John Bivens walks. Maxwell Walla to 3rd. Thomas Mittelstaedt to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Jose Monegro replaces Jonathan Rojas. Eric Farris out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Braxton Lane. Maxwell Walla scores. Yadiel Rivera called out on strikes.

Final: Wisconsin 3, @West Michigan 1Road trip starts on the right foot for Wisconsin Chris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers COMSTOCK PARK, MI – Maverick Lasker and Nick Bucci kept a struggling West Michigan Whitecaps team down on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers pitching duo kept the Whitecaps to six hits and one run in a 3-1 Rattlers victory. Wisconsin started their nine-game road trip with a few clutch hits, some good pitching, and a couple of big defensive plays. Wisconsin (12-13 second half, 38-55 overall) grabbed the lead on a mistake by the Whitecaps in the first inning. The Rattlers had Kentrail Davis at third and Khris Davis at first with two outs. Hunter Morris swung and missed a pitch from Victor Larez that should have been strike three. But, the ball skipped to the backstop and by the time it was retrieved, Morris reached first, Khris Davis made it to second, and Kentrail Davis scored the first run of the game. The Rattlers took advantage of another West Michigan miscue in the fourth inning to add to their lead. Cutter Dykstra reached base on an error to start the frame. He stole second. Cameron Garfield drove in Dykstra with a single and took second on the throw to the plate. Moments later Michael Marseco doubled in Garfield and the Rattlers led 3-0. Lasker cruised through the first six innings and allowed just two hits. But, the Whitecaps (7-18, 33-61) got to him in the seventh. Cory Jones started the inning with a ground rule double. One out later Tony Plagman singled in Jones to cut the Wisconsin lead to 3-1. The next batter was Avisail Garcia, who had a pair of hits off Lasker in two trips to the plate. Garcia lined an offering to the gap in left-center, but Wisconsin center fielder D’Vontrey Richardson ran down the ball for a catch and the second out. Bucci relieved Lasker in the bottom of the eighth inning and promptly got the first two outs. But, a single and two straight walks loaded the bases for West Michigan. Cleanup batter Wade Gaynor sent a fly ball deep to left, but Khris Davis ran it down on the warning track for the final out. Bucci worked around a one out single in the bottom of the ninth to nail down the victory. By working those two scoreless innings, Bucci picked up his first professional save. Game two of the series is Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Wisconsin sends Del Howell (2-4, 5.09) to the mound. West Michigan’s scheduled starting pitcher is Luis Angel Sanz (1-4, 6.45). Game time is 6:00pm CDT. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 5:40pm. Wisconsin box scoreLasker only struck out two, but he didn't walk anyone, and Mehring specifically pointed out how quickly he was working. Sounds like he was in a nice rhythm. Fairly quiet night offensively, as Garfield and Scooter Gennett were the only Rattlers with more than one hit. Richardson was 1-5 with three strikeouts but did make that nice running catch. Wisconsin play-by-play

Huge problems making contact. He struck out almost 39% of the time last year; this year, he's reduced his K-rate about 3% so far, but it's still way too high. The power isn't really showing up when he does make contact, either; his career ISO is < .100.

Final: @AZL Angels 9, AZL Brewers 6 AZL Brewers box score Francisco Rivero started and allowed six runs in an inning of work, though only one was earned. He was removed after one batter in the 2nd inning; not sure if that was a pitch-count thing or what, but Rivero had previously gone at least four innings in every appearance, so he was stretched out. Like their MLB brethren, the Brewers dug themselves a big hole but almost climbed out of it, closing to 7-6 in the 5th inning, but couldn't get over the hump. Eric Farris was 2-4 with a walk and two doubles, while Tyler Roberts, Yadiel Rivera, and Kenny Allison were each 2-5 with a double, Derrick Shaw was 2-4 with a triple, and Justin Parker was 2-3 with a walk. Max Walla was 1-4 with a double, struck out once, and tallied another outfield assist. No Demetrius McKelvie. Roberts keeps hitting, but committed his 8th passed ball in 16 games. The opposing starter was 2010 Angels first-rounder Cameron Bedrosian, son of former big-leaguer Steve Bedrosian. AZL Brewers play-by-playRivero got the first two batters out in the 1st inning before the next seven reached. An error by first baseman Jason Rogers made them all unearned. Roberts was up as the tying run with two outs in the 9th but popped out to the catcher.

Final: @Helena 11, Orem 5Eight-run inning lifts Helena over Orem Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (15-14) scored eight runs in the fourth inning to coast to an 11-5 win against the Orem Owls (14-15). The victory gave the Brewers a much needed series win as they head on the road for a seven-game stretch. John Dishon led off the fourth with a walk. After five hits, two more walks, and a hit batsman, the Brewers held a 9-1 advantage. Brent Dean, Robbie Garvey, and Brandon Sizemore each singled in the inning. Carlos George doubled, and Cody Hawn found his fifth homerun of the season. Four Brewers had multi-hit games: Garvey (2-4), Hawn (3-5), Dishon (2-3), Dean (2-4). Hawn, who finished the night with a homer and a double, now leads the Pioneer league in doubles (14) and RBI (30). Matt Miller (3-1, 3.30) started on the mound and got the win. He threw five innings and allowed three runs. Two runs came after the long fourth inning. He finished with three walks and three strikeouts. Jimmy Nelson, a 2nd round draft choice out of the University of Alabama, was sharp out of the pen, throwing two hitless innings. He struck out five and walked one. The Brewers now make the trek to Ogden for four games and Orem for three. They find themselves still two games back of Great Falls for first place in the Pioneer League North. Action returns to Kindrick Field July 29th for a two-game set with Great Falls, which could decide a first-half champion. Helena box score Nice for Nelson to finally put up a scoreless line. He now has 14 strikeouts in 8.1 innings, impressive considering he's probably doing it almost entirely on his average-velocity fastball. Miller came in with only five walks in 25 innings; he got eight ground outs against only four fly outs. Hawn's line now sits at .313/.402/.565 in 132 PA. Good college players should hit well in the Pioneer League, and first basemen in particular have to hit a ton to be real prospects, but you have to like what Hawn's done so far. The same goes for Shea Vucinich, who was 1-4 with a walk tonight and is now hitting .336/.413/.579. Nothing wrong with that line from a middle infielder. Helena play-by-play Nothing better than a good half-page inning: Helena Bottom 4th John Dishon walks. Michael Walker reaches on force attempt, throwing error by second baseman Wes Hatton. John Dishon to 3rd. Brandon Sizemore hit by pitch. Michael Walker to 2nd. Brent Dean singles on a ground ball to left fielder Daniel Eichelberger. John Dishon scores. Michael Walker scores. Brandon Sizemore to 3rd. Carlos George doubles (7) on a fly ball to left fielder Daniel Eichelberger. Brandon Sizemore scores. Brent Dean to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Yeison Almeida replaces Brian Diemer. Robert Garvey singles on a ground ball to center fielder Andrew Heid. Brent Dean scores. Carlos George scores. With Shea Vucinich batting, Robert Garvey steals (1) 2nd base. Shea Vucinich flies into double play, center fielder Andrew Heid to third baseman Thomas Nichols. Robert Garvey out at 3rd on the throw. Cody Hawn homers (5) on a fly ball to left field. Gregory Hopkins walks. John Dishon hit by pitch. Gregory Hopkins to 2nd. Michael Walker walks. Gregory Hopkins to 3rd. John Dishon to 2nd. Brandon Sizemore singles on a fly ball to left fielder Daniel Eichelberger. Gregory Hopkins scores. John Dishon scores. Michael Walker to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Bryant George replaces Yeison Almeida. Brent Dean flies out to center fielder Andrew Heid.

Final: West Tenn 10, @Huntsville 0Huntsville box score Mike Fiers made the start but left after two scoreless innings for an unknown reason. Lucas Luetge took over and was hammered, allowing eight runs in three innings, including a grand slam, the second day in a row the Stars have been slammed. Huntsville couldn't get anything going on offense, in part because Brett Lawrie got the day off; they managed just five hits and drew no walks. Caleb Gindl was 2-4 with his eighth steal, and Taylor Green was 1-3. Huntsville play-by-play Patrick Arlis relieved starting catcher Dayton Buller in the 8th. After allowing the grand slam in the 4th, the Stars needed to shut down the Diamond Jaxx from there on out to have a chance to get back in the game, but this happened instead: West Tenn Top 5th Carlos Triunfel grounds out, third baseman Taylor Green to first baseman Chris Nowak. Brandon Haveman singles on a line drive to center fielder Caleb Gindl. Matthew Lawson singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Taylor Green. Brandon Haveman to 2nd. Johan Limonta strikes out swinging. Alex Liddi homers (9) on a fly ball to left field. Brandon Haveman scores. Matthew Lawson scores. Nate Tenbrink singles on a line drive to right fielder Drew T. Anderson. Coaching visit to mound. Scott Savastano singles on a ground ball to shortstop Zelous Wheeler. Nate Tenbrink to 2nd. Leury Bonilla singles on a ground ball to center fielder Caleb Gindl. Nate Tenbrink scores. Scott Savastano to 2nd. Brandon Bantz reaches on fielding error by first baseman Chris Nowak. Scott Savastano to 3rd. Leury Bonilla to 2nd. Carlos Triunfel pops out to first baseman Chris Nowak. Two-out three-run homer. Ballgame.

Jake Odorizzi and the Timber Rattlers have a nice video where he demonstrates the grips on his fastball, changeup, slider, and curveball.

Brewers fall behind early in 8-3 loss Mark Vinson/Helena Independent Record Through the first third of the Pioneer League baseball season, the only thing predictable has been the league’s unpredictability. The most recent exhibit comes in the form of the defending league champion Orem Owlz, who used a five-run first inning and a strong start from a previously winless pitcher to snap a four-game losing streak and beat the Helena Brewers 8-3 before 816 at Kindrick Field on Monday night. “That’s baseball,” Helena manager Joe Ayrault said. “The guys are playing hard.” Helena (14-14) lost for the ninth time in its last 12 games and remained two games behind Great Falls in the North Division. But there was no sense of panic in the Brewers’ clubhouse. “We’ll put this behind us and tomorrow’s a new day,” said Helena outfielder John Dishon, who had two of Helena’s six hits, including his first professional home run. “All the guys’ confidence is still there.” Orem (14-14) trails Ogden by two games in the Southern Division entering tonight’s finale of a seven-game road-trip. After outscoring the Owlz 10-2 in the first two games of the series, the Brewers fell behind 5-0 in the first inning and never caught up on Monday. Four consecutive hits and a walk by Helena starter and loser Evan Frederickson (2-1) allowed Orem to score three times with two outs in the first and stake starter Josh Blanco to a big lead. “Frederickson could have easily gotten out of the first inning with a zero,” Ayrault said. Blanco, who entered the game with a 0-3 record and 8.27 ERA, surrendered one run and three hits in five innings. “He was mixing his pitches real well,” Dishon said of Blanco. “It gives you a ton of confidence,” Blanco said of the early cushion. “I was throwing the fastball, down in the zone and had good command.” Trailing 8-2, Helena scored once in the eighth and threatened to get more, but third baseman Ricky Alvarez snagged a hard-hit ball by Brandon Sizemore and started an inning-ending double play. Helena got three hits off Blanco and three off Orem relievers. Before the game, the Brewers sent outfielder John Bivens to the Arizona League and recalled outfielder Robert Garvey.

Well, you never know, but I wouldn't be entirely surprised if Lawrie wasn't at Nashville next year. If he is, never too early to start transitioning Farris into the utility role that will be his ticket to the big leagues.

Final: Albuquerque 7, @Nashville 6 (13 innings)Sounds drop extra-inning game to Isotopes, 7-6 Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds lost to the Albuquerque Isotopes, 7-6, in 13 innings on Monday evening at historic Greer Stadium in the opener of a four-game set. In his first game playing in Nashville since joining the Dodgers organization, Isotopes outfielder Trent Oeltjen knocked in the game-winning run in the top of the 13th inning, as Justin Sellers smacked a double to begin frame. Sellers moved to second on a sacrifice, and later scored as Oeltjen grounded out to first baseman Joe Koshansky. At four hours and twenty minutes, it was Nashville's (51-44) longest game this season, as the club moved to 5-6 in extra-inning ball on the year. The Isotopes used seven pitchers in the game, as Jesus Castillo (1-3) allowed one hit over 3 1/3 innings of shutout ball to pick up the win. Jack Taschner earned his second save. Tim Dillard (2-5) picked up the tough loss on his 27th birthday, giving up just one run on three hits in four innings pitched in relief. The Sounds took an early 1-0 lead in the opening frame as Adam Stern, Norris Hopper, and Mat Gamel hit consecutive singles off Albuquerque starting pitcher Seth Etherton. The Isotopes knotted the game one in the top of the third inning as starter Chuck Lofgren walked two Albuquerque hitters to start the frame. John Lindsay singled home Etherton to tie the game and then was thrown out trying to advance to second base. Oeltjen crushed an RBI triple to right center to score Etherton again and give Albuquerque the lead. The next batter, Ivan De Jesus Jr., hit a sacrifice fly to score Oeltjen for a 3-1 advantage. In the next inning, outfielder Jamie Hoffmann hit a solo homer to left center that extended the Isotopes lead to 4-1, his fifth home run of the season. Hoffmann came into the contest hitting .467 (14-for-30) against Nashville through the first eight games of the season series. In his first Triple-A appearance this season for the Sounds, Robert Hinton entered the game in the top of the seventh inning and walked the first batters on eight pitches and allowed a single to Russ Mitchell to load the bases with no outs. John Lindsay hit an infield groundout to bring home the next run for a 5-1 lead. Hinton stuck out the next two hitters to escape the inning. After the first two hitters reached base with singles to begin the next inning, the Isotopes tacked on another run for a 6-1 lead, thanks to a Jay Gibbons infield groundout. The Sounds plated a run in the bottom of the eighth inning to reduce the deficit to four runs at 6-2. Johnny Raburn walked to lead off the inning, with Hopper doubling to put runners on second and third. Gamel then picked up his second RBI of the game by grounding out to second base and plating the runner from third. Trailing four runs to the Isotopes, Nashville scored four runs in the ninth frame to tie the game at 6-6. Koshansky led off with a double to left center with pinch hitter Erick Almonte singling over Koshansky to third. Next up during the Martin Maldonado at-bat, Jon Link attempted to pick off Almonte at first and threw the ball into the visitor's bullpen, allowing Koshansky to score from third. Reliever Scott Dohmann entered the game to relieve Link and allowed a Maldonado RBI base hit to extend his season-long hitting streak to nine games and score Almonte. Raburn, who entered the contest in the previous inning during a double switch, then crushed a game-tying two-run homer down the right field line, his third long ball of the season. The Sounds rallied to load the bases with one out in the bottom of the 12th inning, but were unable to capitalize and win the game. Stern hit a leadoff single, followed by walks from Gamel and Brendan Katin, but Castillo struck out Koshansky and got Luis Cruz to pop out and end the inning. Lofgren surrendered four runs on six hits and three walks over six innings pitched while matching a season-high six strikeouts. Hinton allowed one run on one hit and two walks with two strikeouts in one inning thrown. Donovan Hand gave up one run in two innings of work. Etherton threw his fifth quality start for Albuquerque, allowing one run on four hits with a strikeout over six innings. Albuquerque catcher Lucas May went 0-for-6 with six strikeouts in the contest. The Sounds and Isotopes will continue their four-game series with Tuesday's 7:05 pm CT contest at Greer Stadium. Left-hander Chris Waters (5-6, 3.48) takes the mound for Nashville against Albuquerque lefty Alberto Bastardo (3-1, 4.87). Nashville box score The curse of Oeltjen! Plus, Taschner is a Wisconsinite. Gamel finished 1-5 with an intentional walk. Katin was 1-3 with a double and three walks. I was kind of startled to realize that Hinton struck out 56 batters in 45 innings for Huntsville this year, by far the highest K-rate of his career. I kind of started glossing over his name a long time ago because he's mostly been in AA since 2007, but he's still only 25--a year and a half younger than John Axford. You never know... I remember really wanting the Brewers to draft Isotopes reliever Josh Lindblom in 2008. Nashville play-by-play

Final: Orem 8, @Helena 3Helena falls to Orem 8-3 Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers fell to the Orem Owlz on Monday night at Kindrick Field. The Brewers surrendered five runs in the first inning and were never in contention as the Owlz went on to win 8-3. Evan Frederickson (2-1, 6.38) took the loss for Helena. He started on the mound and pitched the first three innings. He allowed five runs in the first, thanks in part to some bad luck. The first batter popped up to second baseman Greg Hopkins, but the wind interfered as the ball fell safely to the ground. He pitched the second and third without allowing a hit. The Brewers only combined for six hits on the night. John Dishon and Tony Pechek each had two. Dishon hit a solo shot in the second inning and a double in the ninth to account for two of the three runs. The other run came in the eighth after a singles from Pecheck and Robbie Garvey and walks from Shea Vucinich and Hopkins. Garvey was just promoted from Arizona where he batted .356 with two doubles and four triples. The Brewers return to action tomorrow night for the last game of the series and home stand. Helena is scheduled to start RHP Matt Miller (2-1, 2.88). Orem plans to start RHP Brian Diemer (2-0, 4.50). Helena box score Well, not much to say about Frederickson at this point. If a dropped pop-up makes anyone feel better, that's good. Seth Lintz at least posted decent peripherals (three strikeouts, one walk, three hits in four innings), though he allowed three runs. Thomas Keeling pitched a scoreless 9th, striking out one and walking one. Hopkins, Vucinich, and Cody Hawn were all 0-3, with the former two each drawing a walk and Hawn getting hit by a pitch. Helena play-by-play In all its glory: Orem Top 1st Travis Witherspoon singles on a pop up to second baseman Gregory Hopkins. Daniel Eichelberger grounds out, second baseman Gregory Hopkins to first baseman Cody Hawn. Travis Witherspoon to 2nd. Kole Calhoun walks. With Ricky Alvarez batting, wild pitch by Evan Frederickson, Travis Witherspoon to 3rd. Kole Calhoun to 2nd. With Ricky Alvarez batting, wild pitch by Evan Frederickson, Travis Witherspoon scores. Kole Calhoun to 3rd. Ricky Alvarez grounds out, third baseman Michael Walker to first baseman Cody Hawn. Kole Calhoun scores. Wes Hatton singles on a fly ball to right fielder John Dishon. Michael Sodders singles on a ground ball to shortstop Shea Vucinich. Wes Hatton to 2nd. Thomas Nichols doubles (8) on a fly ball to left fielder Brandon Sizemore. Wes Hatton scores. Michael Sodders to 3rd. Ryan Broussard singles on a fly ball to left fielder Brandon Sizemore. Michael Sodders scores. Thomas Nichols scores. Ryan Broussard advances to 2nd, on fielding error by left fielder Brandon Sizemore. Andrew Oldfield walks. Travis Witherspoon flies out to center fielder Robert Garvey.

Final: West Tenn 12, @Huntsville 5Huntsville box score Ugly line from Josh Butler: 4 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR. That homer was a grand slam. Whoops. The last two innings, both scoreless, were pitched by position players Chuckie Caufield and Andy Machado. Machado struck out a batter and Caufield managed to fan two, a nice feather in his cap. To their credit, the Stars kept battling, scoring four runs in the 9th inning. Brett Lawrie and Chris Nowak both had three hits, one of Lawrie's being a double. Taylor Green was 1-3 with a double and two walks, Caleb Gindl was 1-5 with a double, and Lee Haydel was 2-4 with a triple. Huntsville play-by-play Accentuate the positive: West Tenn Top 8th Pitcher Change: Chuck Caufield replaces Mark Willinsky. Alex Liddi called out on strikes. Carlos Peguero strikes out swinging. Guillermo Quiroz singles on a line drive to center fielder Lee Haydel. Nate Tenbrink flies out to left fielder Drew T. Anderson. West Tenn Top 9th Pitcher Change: Anderson Machado replaces Chuck Caufield, batting 7th. Joseph Dunigan doubles (8) on a fly ball to right fielder Caleb Gindl. Carlos Triunfel grounds out, shortstop Zelous Wheeler to first baseman Chris Nowak. With Brandon Haveman batting, Joseph Dunigan advances to 3rd on a balk. Brandon Haveman walks. Matthew Lawson strikes out swinging. Johan Limonta flies out to left fielder Drew T. Anderson. Look at Caufield getting a clutch K to keep it an 11-run game!

Final: DSL Athletics 6, @DSL Brewers 5DSL Brewers box score Exciting game. Hitaniel Arias tied it with a solo homer in the bottom of the 9th, and after the Brewers allowed two in the top of the 11th, Allixon Cequea homered in the bottom, bringing them to within a run before ultimately losing. Starter Eduard Reyes allowed three runs (one earned) in five innings, striking out eight. Osmel Perez, who still doesn't turn 17 until the 28th, followed and allowed just an unearned run in four innings, fanning five and walking none. Carlos Sosa allowed the winning runs and took the loss. The Brewers had only nine homers on the year entering the game but knocked three out today, the third coming courtesy of Yonki Hernandez leading off the 1st. Jose Pena was 0-4 with a walk and three strikeouts and notched an outfield kill, and Carlos Pena was 1-4. Not a good day defensively, as first baseman Arias somehow managed to commit three throwing errors, while Ruben Sanchez had two errors himself, and Carlos Pena and Raul Mondesi, Jr. had one each. DSL Brewers play-by-play I would say the first defensive play of the game kind of set the tone: DSL Athletics Top 1st Rodolfo Penalo walks. With Wilfredo Solano batting, Rodolfo Penalo steals (4) 2nd base, Rodolfo Penalo scores. Throwing error by center fielder Ruben Sanchez. Throwing error by catcher Carlos Pena. Wilfredo Solano walks. With Luis Baez batting, Wilfredo Solano caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Carlos Pena to second baseman Yonki Hernandez. Luis Baez flies out to center fielder Ruben Sanchez. Michael Soto called out on strikes.

A coupe rookie-ball outfielders swap places: Robbie Garvey goes from Arizona to Helena, with John Bivens doing the opposite.

Brett Lawrie named Brewers Minor League Player of the Month Huntsville Stars HUNTSVILLE, ALA. – Brett Lawrie is going to run out of room on his trophy shelf pretty soon. He just added another award, his third of the month, to his name when the Milwaukee Brewers named him their Minor League Player of the Month for the month of June. Lawrie led the Southern League in most offensive categories for a good part of June. His batting average for the month was .360 (41-for-114). He knocked in 14 RBI and a team-leading 12 doubles. He drew seven walks and swiped eight bases. He continues to be in the top five in the league in the following offensive categories: at bats (376), extra-base hits (40), games (92), hits (107), stolen bases (25), total bases (170) and triples (11). Additionally, Lawrie was named to the 2010 MLB Futures Game World Team roster and the Southern League All-Star North Division roster. Both games were played last week. Milwaukee’s Director of Pro Scouting Dick Groch will present Lawrie with a plaque tonight before the Stars game against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. Lawrie’s sister Danielle, a softball player for the University of Washington and the 2009 USA Softball Player of the Year, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Tonight is Military Monday, presented by NetwoRx of Huntsville. Any fans showing a military or government ID card will receive admission for them and their friends for just $1 each. Gates open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.huntsvillestars.com.

Final: @Wisconsin 4, Great Lakes 3Rattlers bite Loons with a three-run ninth Chris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have been waiting all season for a comeback like the one that they got on Monday afternoon. That it came against the team with the best record in baseball was just icing on the cake. Wisconsin scored three runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the Great Lakes Loons at Time Warner Cable Field. Kentrail Davis doubled in two runs to tie the game and Khris Davis singled in the other Davis to plate the winning run. Heading into Monday, Wisconsin was 0-30 in games that they trailed after eighth innings. They are 1-30 in those games now. Eric Arnett returned to make the start for Wisconsin (37-55 overall, 11-13 second half). The #1 pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2009 draft had been sent down to the Arizona League after a start on June 12 that sent his record to 0-7. After throwing six straight balls to start Monday’s game, the tall right-hander settled in and held the Loons to one hit over six innings. However, that one hit was a solo home run by Angelo Songco to start the fourth inning to give the Loons (62-31, 19-5) a 1-0 lead. Wisconsin had several opportunities early in the game, but Great Lakes starter Brett Wallach stranded three Rattlers in the first, two more in the second, and one at second base in the third inning. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Wisconsin had runners at second and third with no outs and Wallach escaped without letting a run score. Great Lakes added to their run without a hit in the top of the seventh against Wisconsin reliever Adrian Rosario. Rafael Ynoa walked, stole second, went to third on a throwing error, and scored on a wild pitch for a 2-0 advantage. Cutter Dykstra finally got the Rattlers on the scoreboard in the bottom of the eighth inning. Kentrail Davis, who had three hits on the afternoon, started the frame with a double. But he had only made it to third base with two outs. Dykstra singled sharply to right field and the Rattlers had pulled to within a run. But, the Loons tacked on an insurance run in the top of the ninth on an RBI grounder by JT Wise. Michael Marseco started the rally in the bottom of the ninth with a walk against Steve Ames. Austin Stockfisch was next and his hot shot to right was stopped by Ynoa. The Loons second baseman was falling over backwards towards second and he flipped the ball over his head to shortstop Christian Lara covering the base. But, the spectacular play went as a near miss because Lara came off the bag to field the ball and both Marseco and Stockfisch were safe. Ames got the next two batters, but he could not get the final out. Kentrail Davis, who was up in a similar bottom of the ninth situation in Wisconsin’s 6-5 loss to the Loons on Saturday, lined the first pitch he saw from Ames on Monday to the gap in left-center to send Marseco and pinch runner Erik Miller home with the runs that tied the game 3-3. Khris Davis stepped in next delivered a single to right on a 2-2 pitch to send Kentrail Davis home with the winning run. The Rattlers are off on Tuesday. They return to action when they begin a nine-game road trip on Wednesday. Game one of the road trip is against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, Michigan. Maverick Lasker (5-3, 3.36) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. Victor Larez (6-7, 4.56) will get the ball for the Whitecaps. Game time on Wednesday is 6:00pm CDT. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM beginning with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 5:40pm. Wisconsin box score Arnett's final line: 6 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 4 K. His fastball velocity was 89-90, according to the TV broadcast, though he may have perked up to 92 later. As colby recounted above, his slider looked nice, and he was able to both throw it for called strikes (it really did look like a curveball when he was back-dooring it) and get swings-and-misses on it. The HBP was dubious. Rosario handled the last three innings, allowing two runs. The comeback was really a palpable relief, especially after the missed opportunities earlier in the game. Kentrail Davis, who finished 3-4 with two doubles and a walk, now holds a line of .373/.475/.590 in 101 plate appearances with the Rattlers. Kentrail's hamstring looked little balky on his first double, but he was moving fine a minute later when he tagged up and moved to third on a fly ball; he also stole second on the back end of a double steal. Scooter Gennett was 1-4 with a walk and was thrown out trying to stretch the one hit into a double. He stole third on the front end of that double steal and also committed his 18th error (throwing). Colby's right about Hunter Morris's double--it was scalded right at the right fielder, who misplayed it, not expected it to travel so far. Morris also worked a nice walk in a long plate appearance in the 1st inning, fouling off a bunch of pitches. Chris Dennis pulled two singles but had a couple bad strikeouts. Speaking of strikeouts: D'Vontrey Richardson had three on the day, two of them in rather key situations. Wisconsin play-by-play The first two innings were pretty frustrating to watch: Wisconsin Bottom 1st D' Vontrey Richardson strikes out swinging. Ryan Gennett walks. Kentrail Davis singles on a line drive to left fielder Angelo Songco. Ryan Gennett to 2nd. Khristopher Davis strikes out swinging. With Hunter Morris batting, Ryan Gennett steals (12) 3rd base. Kentrail Davis steals (1) 2nd base. Hunter Morris walks. Cutter Dykstra strikes out swinging. Wisconsin Bottom 2nd Chris Dennis singles on a line drive to right fielder Blake Smith. Michael Marseco ground bunts into a force out, pitcher Brett Wallach to shortstop Christian Lara. Chris Dennis out at 2nd. Michael Marseco to 1st. Austin Stockfisch doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Angelo Songco. Michael Marseco to 3rd. D' Vontrey Richardson strikes out swinging. Ryan Gennett grounds out, pitcher Brett Wallach to shortstop Christian Lara to first baseman Jaime Ortiz. As was the 6th: Wisconsin Bottom 6th Khristopher Davis singles on a line drive to right fielder Blake Smith. Hunter Morris doubles (10) on a line drive to right fielder Blake Smith. Khristopher Davis to 3rd. Cutter Dykstra grounds out to first baseman Jaime Ortiz. Chris Dennis strikes out swinging. Michael Marseco lines out to shortstop Christian Lara. D'Vo's at-bat in the 9th was particularly glaring/galling, but you can't beat the ending: Wisconsin Bottom 9th Michael Marseco walks. Austin Stockfisch reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by second baseman Rafael Ynoa. Michael Marseco to 2nd. D' Vontrey Richardson strikes out on foul bunt. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Erik Miller replaces Austin Stockfisch. Ryan Gennett grounds out to first baseman Jaime Ortiz. Michael Marseco to 3rd. Erik Miller to 2nd. Kentrail Davis doubles (10) on a line drive to left fielder Angelo Songco. Michael Marseco scores. Erik Miller scores. Khristopher Davis singles on a line drive to right fielder Blake Smith. Kentrail Davis scores.

For Omaha, you should be familiar with former big-leaguers Rick Ankiel and Alex Gordon. Their first baseman is Kila Ka'aihue, a sluggardly slugger stuck in the minors for somewhat unfathomable reasons. The real stud prospect, though, is Mike Moustakas, the #2 pick in the 2007 draft who was just promoted to AAA last week after decimating the Texas League. The Royals organization has a ton of pitching prospects, but none have yet matriculated to AAA, though their staff does have former prospects Phil Humber, Bryan Bullington, and Gaby Hernandez on it.

Sounds like Lorenzo Cain might play winter ball in Venezuela this year.

Sounds defeat Royals in series finale, 8-2 Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Sam Narron worked his fourth straight quality start and Brendan Katin homered with four RBIs to lead the Nashville Sounds to an 8-2 victory over the division-rival Omaha Royals on Sunday evening at historic Greer Stadium in the finale of a four-game series. With the win, the Sounds (51-43) took three of four in the series and pulled into a tie with Iowa for first place in the PCL American Conference Northern Division. Narron (5-3) continued his solid pitching since joining the Sounds, turning in his sixth quality start in seven starting assignments to pick up the victory. He held Omaha to two runs on nine hits over seven innings, lowering his ERA to 2.79 with the effort. The Nashville offense ripped seven of its 11 hits on the night for extra bases. Katin (2-for-4), Mat Gamel (2-for-2), and Erick Almonte (2-for-4) registered multiple-hit efforts for the Sounds; Almonte's effort was the veteran's fourth consecutive two-hit contest. The Sounds got off to a quick start, plating three first-inning runs against Omaha starter Manuaris Baez. Norris Hopper and Gamel drew consecutive one-out walks from the right-hander before both scored on Katin's two-run double down the left field line. Almonte increased the Nashville advantage to 3-0 with a two-out RBI single later in the frame. Omaha got a run back in the third with a two-out rally against Narron. After the first two batters were retired, Marc Maddox singled to center, moved to second when David Lough walked, and scored the visitors' first run on shortstop Ed Lucas' RBI single to left. Nashville increased its lead to 7-1 in the third with a four-run outburst against Baez. After Gamel led off the frame with a double, Katin slugged his 13th home run of the year, a two-run shot to center. The rally continued as Joe Koshansky singled and Luis Cruz doubled before Ray Olmedo plated them both on a two-run two-bagger to the wall in right-center. The Royals scored their second run in the sixth against Narron when Lucas led off with a double to right-center then came plateward when Rick Ankiel followed with an RBI single to left, making it a 7-2 contest. Sounds catcher Martin Maldonado extended his longest hitting streak of the year to eight games in the seventh inning, roping a two-out RBI single to center off Omaha reliever Matt Herges. Almonte scored on the play to up the lead to 8-2 after doubling earlier in the frame. Baez (2-2) was saddled with the loss for the Royals after being tagged for seven runs on eight hits, six for extra bases, in just three innings of work. The Sounds continue their homestand on Monday night when they welcome the Albuquerque Isotopes to town for the 7:05 p.m. opener of a four-game series. Left-hander Chuck Lofgren (7-5, 4.74) will man the bump for Nashville in Monday's opener to face Albuquerque right-hander Seth Etherton (3-2, 4.89). Nashville box score Gamel finished the night 2-2 with two walks and a HBP. Katin drew a walk to go along with his homer and double. Mitch Stetter tossed a perfect 8th inning. Nashville play-by-play

Yep, Kevin Goldstein said he was touching 95, and Chris Mehring mentioned the same.