Erik Miller.......CF
Juan Sanchez......2B
Brett Lawrie......DH
Corey Kemp........1B
Brock Kjeldgaard..LF
Chris Dennis......RF
John Delaney......3B
Sean McCraw........C
Michael Marseco...SS
Michael Bowman....SP
A place to follow the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Midwest League, Minor League baseball, Major League Baseball, and everything in between in that order.
5/31/2009
May 31, 2009: Opposition Research
From the Whitecaps Game Notes:
Strikeout Machine: West Michigan starter Mauricio Robles still leads the Midwest League in strikeouts in 67.
Sunday Sunday: West Michigan is 7-3 on Sundays. They are also 4-0 at home on Sundays.
Finishing Strong: The Whitecaps are 10-4 in series finales this season.
Strikeout Machine: West Michigan starter Mauricio Robles still leads the Midwest League in strikeouts in 67.
Sunday Sunday: West Michigan is 7-3 on Sundays. They are also 4-0 at home on Sundays.
Finishing Strong: The Whitecaps are 10-4 in series finales this season.
Probable Pitchers (vs. Cedar Rapids)
These are the tentative pitching matchups for the Cedar Rapids series June 2-5 as of right now.
TUE: RHP Cody Scarpetta (1-3, 4.68)* v. RHP Tyler Chatwood (2-2, 2.25)
WED: RHP Trey Watten (2-6, 5.36) v. RHP Manaurys Correa (1-3, 5.47)
THU: RHP Wily Peralta (0-0, 3.26)** v. RHP Ryan Chaffee (4-1, 3.13)
FRI: TBA v. LHP Will Smith (2-1, 3.60)
*-Efrain Nieves will pitch in relief
**-Evan Frederickson will pitch in relief
TUE: RHP Cody Scarpetta (1-3, 4.68)* v. RHP Tyler Chatwood (2-2, 2.25)
WED: RHP Trey Watten (2-6, 5.36) v. RHP Manaurys Correa (1-3, 5.47)
THU: RHP Wily Peralta (0-0, 3.26)** v. RHP Ryan Chaffee (4-1, 3.13)
FRI: TBA v. LHP Will Smith (2-1, 3.60)
*-Efrain Nieves will pitch in relief
**-Evan Frederickson will pitch in relief
May 31, 2009: Today's starting pitcher
RHP MICHAEL BOWMAN: Selected by Milwaukee in the ninth round of the 2008 draft out of Virginia Military Institute.
AS A KEYDET: Bowman was 4-6 in 18 games (13 starts) in his final season at VMI. Bowman struck out 82 and walked 25 in 91-2/3 innings while picking up an ERA of 3.44.
NICE COLLEGE CAREER: In three seasons at VMI, Bowman won 14 games, struck out 209 batters, and compiled an ERA of 3.32. All of those numbers are top five in the career categories at VMI.
BIG IN THE BIG SOUTH: Bowman was Second Team All-Big South Conference as a sophomore in 2007. He was also named Big South Pitcher of the Week on May 19, 2008.
ALL-AROUND: Was a three-year letter winner and earned Honorable mention all-district and all-academic at Deep Run High School in Richmond, Virginia. Also won a pair of letters as a high school quarterback at DRHS.
LAST SEASON: Bowman made four starts for the Helena Brewers before being promoted to West Virginia. He made eight appearances (four starts) for the Power. Combined for a 4-2 record with a 3.68ERA on the two stops in the Milwaukee system in 2009.
LAST START: Bowman won at Dayton on May 26. He allowed one run on five hits over a career high eight innings. Bowman walked one and struck out eight for the win.
HEY! WE’RE GOIN’ STREAKIN’: Bowman had a scoreless streak of 11-2/3 innings snapped in the first inning at Kane County on May 21.
VS. WEST MICHIGAN: Today is Bowman’s first appearance against the Whitecaps.
VS. DETROIT: Bowman is making his first appearance against an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers tonight.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (@Dayton 5/26/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (vs. Clinton 5/16/09)
AS A KEYDET: Bowman was 4-6 in 18 games (13 starts) in his final season at VMI. Bowman struck out 82 and walked 25 in 91-2/3 innings while picking up an ERA of 3.44.
NICE COLLEGE CAREER: In three seasons at VMI, Bowman won 14 games, struck out 209 batters, and compiled an ERA of 3.32. All of those numbers are top five in the career categories at VMI.
BIG IN THE BIG SOUTH: Bowman was Second Team All-Big South Conference as a sophomore in 2007. He was also named Big South Pitcher of the Week on May 19, 2008.
ALL-AROUND: Was a three-year letter winner and earned Honorable mention all-district and all-academic at Deep Run High School in Richmond, Virginia. Also won a pair of letters as a high school quarterback at DRHS.
LAST SEASON: Bowman made four starts for the Helena Brewers before being promoted to West Virginia. He made eight appearances (four starts) for the Power. Combined for a 4-2 record with a 3.68ERA on the two stops in the Milwaukee system in 2009.
LAST START: Bowman won at Dayton on May 26. He allowed one run on five hits over a career high eight innings. Bowman walked one and struck out eight for the win.
HEY! WE’RE GOIN’ STREAKIN’: Bowman had a scoreless streak of 11-2/3 innings snapped in the first inning at Kane County on May 21.
VS. WEST MICHIGAN: Today is Bowman’s first appearance against the Whitecaps.
VS. DETROIT: Bowman is making his first appearance against an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers tonight.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (@Dayton 5/26/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (vs. Clinton 5/16/09)
May 31, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers beat West Michigan 4-3. Brett Lawrie’s three-run homer with two outs in the top of the seventh inning erased a 3-1 deficit to put the Rattlers ahead. Liam Ohlmann pitched the final three innings to preserve the lead.
MEADOW’S LAND: Timber Rattler pitcher Daniel Meadows made a spot start last night. He allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts over six innings. He was in position to take his first loss of the season, but Lawrie’s homer in the seventh put him in line for the win. When Ohlmann held the Whitecaps off the scoreboard for the final three innings, Meadows took the win to move his record to 8-0.
NOT JUST A LEAGUE LEADER: Meadows is the first pitcher in all of minor league baseball to reach eight wins.
AS A STARTER: Meadows is 3-0 in three starts. He has an ERA 2.81 and has allowed six runs (five earned) with two walks and 13 strikeouts over 16 innings as a starting pitcher.
SHOWING HIS QUALITY: Meadows tossed a professional career high six innings and by allowing just two earned runs picked up a quality start. This was the eight quality start (six innings with three or fewer earned runs) by a Rattler starter this season.
TRADING RUNS: Both teams scored runs in the first inning. Corey Kemp’s two-out RBI single in the top of the inning drove in the Wisconsin run. An RBI grounder by Brent Wyatt in the bottom of the inning tied the game.
BUILDING A LEAD: West Michigan got single runs in the fourth and sixth innings. The run in the sixth scored on a two out error by Lawrie.
REDEMPTION SONG: Sean McCraw walked with one out in the top of the seventh against West Michigan reliever Victor Larez. Erik Miller followed with a single. Larez got the second out and would face Lawrie. The Wisconsin second baseman lifted a high fly to left that carried out of the park for Lawrie’s seventh homer of the season and a 4-3 lead. Lawrie has 37 RBI on the season and is second in the Midwest League in that category.
LET’S HEAR IT FOR LIAM: Ohlmann walked the leadoff batter in the bottom of the seventh and had runners at the corners with one out in his first inning of work. He worked out of the jam in that frame; worked around a two-out double in the eighth; and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first professional save.
ROAD TRIP! The Rattlers began a 12-game, 12-day, 4-city road trip on May 20. Wisconsin is 6-5 so far with only today’s game at West Michigan remaining. The Rattlers return home on June 2 and begin a 12-game homestand against Cedar Rapids, Beloit, and Kane County.
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers are 15-15 in the month of May with one game remaining. The team needs to win the final game of this series with West Michigan to give them their first winning month (in a month with more than 10 games) since the 2007 Rattlers went 17-12 in August of that season.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They currently hold the best record in the Midwest League with a 31-17 mark. The Whitecaps lead the Midwest League Eastern Division by 1-1/2 games over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. The Timber Rattlers will face the Whitecaps at Time Warner Cable in a three-game series July 8-10.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .253 as a team. They have scored 218 runs (4.4/game) and hit 30 home runs. The Whitecaps are hitting .271 as a team. They have scored 240 runs (5.0/game) and hit 25 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.30 while allowing a total of 246 runs (5.0/game). West Michigan pitchers have a team ERA of 3.11 while allowing 168 runs (3.5/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 70 errors. The Whitecap defense has committed 35 errors. Wisconsin is 8-17 on the road this season. West Michigan is 14-8 at home this season.
WEST MICHIGAN STARTING PITCHER: LHP Mauricio Robles was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Venezuela by the Tigers in 2006. He spent all of the 2008 season with the Whitecaps and was 5-3 in 23 games (16 starts) with a 2.66ERA. Robles walked 54 and struck out 79 over 91-1/3 innings for the Caps. So far in 2009, Robles is 4-2 with a 3.24ERA in nine starts with the Whitecaps. In his start prior to this afternoon, he beat Quad Cities on May 26 at Fifth Third Ballpark. Robles allowed three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts over seven innings. Today is his first appearance against an affiliate of the Brewers, but Robles did beat the Timber Rattlers in a start on July 23, 2008. He pitched six shutout innings, gave up two hits, and struck out four.
MEADOW’S LAND: Timber Rattler pitcher Daniel Meadows made a spot start last night. He allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts over six innings. He was in position to take his first loss of the season, but Lawrie’s homer in the seventh put him in line for the win. When Ohlmann held the Whitecaps off the scoreboard for the final three innings, Meadows took the win to move his record to 8-0.
NOT JUST A LEAGUE LEADER: Meadows is the first pitcher in all of minor league baseball to reach eight wins.
AS A STARTER: Meadows is 3-0 in three starts. He has an ERA 2.81 and has allowed six runs (five earned) with two walks and 13 strikeouts over 16 innings as a starting pitcher.
SHOWING HIS QUALITY: Meadows tossed a professional career high six innings and by allowing just two earned runs picked up a quality start. This was the eight quality start (six innings with three or fewer earned runs) by a Rattler starter this season.
TRADING RUNS: Both teams scored runs in the first inning. Corey Kemp’s two-out RBI single in the top of the inning drove in the Wisconsin run. An RBI grounder by Brent Wyatt in the bottom of the inning tied the game.
BUILDING A LEAD: West Michigan got single runs in the fourth and sixth innings. The run in the sixth scored on a two out error by Lawrie.
REDEMPTION SONG: Sean McCraw walked with one out in the top of the seventh against West Michigan reliever Victor Larez. Erik Miller followed with a single. Larez got the second out and would face Lawrie. The Wisconsin second baseman lifted a high fly to left that carried out of the park for Lawrie’s seventh homer of the season and a 4-3 lead. Lawrie has 37 RBI on the season and is second in the Midwest League in that category.
LET’S HEAR IT FOR LIAM: Ohlmann walked the leadoff batter in the bottom of the seventh and had runners at the corners with one out in his first inning of work. He worked out of the jam in that frame; worked around a two-out double in the eighth; and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first professional save.
ROAD TRIP! The Rattlers began a 12-game, 12-day, 4-city road trip on May 20. Wisconsin is 6-5 so far with only today’s game at West Michigan remaining. The Rattlers return home on June 2 and begin a 12-game homestand against Cedar Rapids, Beloit, and Kane County.
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers are 15-15 in the month of May with one game remaining. The team needs to win the final game of this series with West Michigan to give them their first winning month (in a month with more than 10 games) since the 2007 Rattlers went 17-12 in August of that season.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They currently hold the best record in the Midwest League with a 31-17 mark. The Whitecaps lead the Midwest League Eastern Division by 1-1/2 games over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. The Timber Rattlers will face the Whitecaps at Time Warner Cable in a three-game series July 8-10.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .253 as a team. They have scored 218 runs (4.4/game) and hit 30 home runs. The Whitecaps are hitting .271 as a team. They have scored 240 runs (5.0/game) and hit 25 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.30 while allowing a total of 246 runs (5.0/game). West Michigan pitchers have a team ERA of 3.11 while allowing 168 runs (3.5/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 70 errors. The Whitecap defense has committed 35 errors. Wisconsin is 8-17 on the road this season. West Michigan is 14-8 at home this season.
WEST MICHIGAN STARTING PITCHER: LHP Mauricio Robles was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Venezuela by the Tigers in 2006. He spent all of the 2008 season with the Whitecaps and was 5-3 in 23 games (16 starts) with a 2.66ERA. Robles walked 54 and struck out 79 over 91-1/3 innings for the Caps. So far in 2009, Robles is 4-2 with a 3.24ERA in nine starts with the Whitecaps. In his start prior to this afternoon, he beat Quad Cities on May 26 at Fifth Third Ballpark. Robles allowed three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts over seven innings. Today is his first appearance against an affiliate of the Brewers, but Robles did beat the Timber Rattlers in a start on July 23, 2008. He pitched six shutout innings, gave up two hits, and struck out four.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of May 30, 2009
AAA:
Mexican League:
Monterrey:
Chris Snelling ('00): 2-for-5
International League:
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 1-for-4
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 1-for-4, RUN, 2 RBI, HR #2
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 1-for-3, 2 RUNS, 2RBI, HR #6
Jeff Clement ('05): 1-for-4, RUN, 3RBI, HR #7
Albuquerque:
Shawn Estes ('95): 6IP, 4H, R, 3BB, 3K, CG, Loss
AA:
Southern League:
West Tennessee:
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 2-for-4, 2 RUNS
Johan Limonta ('06): 3-for-4, 3 RUNS, 2RBI, HR #2
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 1-for-4, RUN
Brent Johnson ('05): 2-for-4, 2 RUNS, 2 RBI
Justin Souza ('08): 6.2IP, 4H, R, BB, 9K, WIN #4
Matt Renfree ('07): 2.1IP, 2H, 0R, K
Mexican League:
Monterrey:
Chris Snelling ('00): 2-for-5
International League:
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 1-for-4
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 1-for-4, RUN, 2 RBI, HR #2
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 1-for-3, 2 RUNS, 2RBI, HR #6
Jeff Clement ('05): 1-for-4, RUN, 3RBI, HR #7
Albuquerque:
Shawn Estes ('95): 6IP, 4H, R, 3BB, 3K, CG, Loss
AA:
Southern League:
West Tennessee:
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 2-for-4, 2 RUNS
Johan Limonta ('06): 3-for-4, 3 RUNS, 2RBI, HR #2
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 1-for-4, RUN
Brent Johnson ('05): 2-for-4, 2 RUNS, 2 RBI
Justin Souza ('08): 6.2IP, 4H, R, BB, 9K, WIN #4
Matt Renfree ('07): 2.1IP, 2H, 0R, K
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of May 30, 2009
Kansas City:
Gil Meche ('98): 7IP, 5H, 2R, 7K, No decision
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-4
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-3
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 0-for-5
Shin soo Choo ('02): 2-for-3, 2 runs, RBI, HR #7
Seattle:
Rob Johnson ('05): 0-for-4
Felix Hernandez ('03): 6.2IP, 6H, R, 0ER, 6K, No decision
Mark Lowe ('05): .1IP, 0H, 0R
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, 3H, 3R, Blown Save
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 0-for-5
Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 0-for-5
Greg Dobbs ('02): BB, RUN
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, H, 0R
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): .2IP, 0H, 0R
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, K
Gil Meche ('98): 7IP, 5H, 2R, 7K, No decision
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-4
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-3
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 0-for-5
Shin soo Choo ('02): 2-for-3, 2 runs, RBI, HR #7
Seattle:
Rob Johnson ('05): 0-for-4
Felix Hernandez ('03): 6.2IP, 6H, R, 0ER, 6K, No decision
Mark Lowe ('05): .1IP, 0H, 0R
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, 3H, 3R, Blown Save
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 0-for-5
Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 0-for-5
Greg Dobbs ('02): BB, RUN
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, H, 0R
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): .2IP, 0H, 0R
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, K
A 12-pack, some dynamite, and a sledgehammer
That's all I would've needed...Well, maybe some cupcakes and a nice lunch, too. But, noooooooo. The Allen County board had to go with professionals for the demolition of Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.
The fate of Memorial Stadium is sealed.I would have done that for...well, about that. Gotta cover my overhead, ya know. But, in the end, I guess they made the right choice. If they do an implosion, they better show it on the internet.
Allen County commissioners on Friday awarded a bid to Geiger Excavating to demolish the 16-year-old minor-league baseball park and replace it with more parking spaces.
The county will pay $1.3 million for the entire project, well below pre-bid estimates of $2.3 million, said C.J. Steigmeyer, chief financial officer for Memorial Coliseum.
Midwest League Action: Games of May 30, 2009
Complete Scoreboard
Wisconsin 4 @West Michigan 3: "There were quick innings on both sides, with not much going on (hitting wise)," West Michigan manager Joe DePastino said. "Victor (Larez) threw pretty good. He just left one pitch up and in and it hurt him. He just made one mistake.
@South Bend 5, Clinton 1: Silver Hawks version | LumberKings version
*Cedar Rapids 5 @Dayton 3 (10 innings): It spoiled an otherwise perfect evening.
@Lansing 5, Quad Cities 4: Lugnuts version | Bees version
@Fort Wayne 6, Burlington 4: “I thought it was all over again, you know, from what was going on,” Decker said. “But we really needed this. This was a big win.”
Kane County 5 @Beloit 2: Cougars version | Snappers version
Peoria 7 @Great Lakes 5 (14 innings): The Great Lakes Loons and Peoria Chiefs went late into the night on Saturday. The teams battled to a 5-5 score through 12 innings. The game was still being played at Daily News’ press time....Then it's a good thing there is a Chiefs version and a Loons version**.
*-That's nine straight wins for the Kernels
**-Not that you would know it by their front page.
Wisconsin 4 @West Michigan 3: "There were quick innings on both sides, with not much going on (hitting wise)," West Michigan manager Joe DePastino said. "Victor (Larez) threw pretty good. He just left one pitch up and in and it hurt him. He just made one mistake.
@South Bend 5, Clinton 1: Silver Hawks version | LumberKings version
*Cedar Rapids 5 @Dayton 3 (10 innings): It spoiled an otherwise perfect evening.
@Lansing 5, Quad Cities 4: Lugnuts version | Bees version
@Fort Wayne 6, Burlington 4: “I thought it was all over again, you know, from what was going on,” Decker said. “But we really needed this. This was a big win.”
Kane County 5 @Beloit 2: Cougars version | Snappers version
Peoria 7 @Great Lakes 5 (14 innings): The Great Lakes Loons and Peoria Chiefs went late into the night on Saturday. The teams battled to a 5-5 score through 12 innings. The game was still being played at Daily News’ press time....Then it's a good thing there is a Chiefs version and a Loons version**.
*-That's nine straight wins for the Kernels
**-Not that you would know it by their front page.
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of May 30, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 29-20; T-1st National League Central): The Brewers beat Cincinnati 9-5 at Miller Park. Ryan Braun and Mike Cameron homered in a six run fifth inning to erase a 5-3 deficit. Seth McClung got the win with three scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 27-24; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): Nashville split a doubleheader with Omaha. The Sounds won game one 6-2. Brendan Katin hit two homers and Adam Heether hit one for Nashville in the opener. The Royals won 2-1 in game two. Josh Butler allowed two runs on three hits over six innings, but took the loss.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 28-20; 1st Southern League South Division): The Stars won 10-7 at Tennessee for their seventh consecutive win. Drew Anderson had three hits and three RBI for Huntsville. Jonathon Lucroy had three hits and scored three runs for the Stars.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 29-13; 1st Florida State League East Division): The Manatees lost 7-1 to Fort Myers. Brevard County had 10 hits, but managed a single run.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Cincinnati (Micah Owings 3-5) at Milwaukee (Yovani Gallardo 4-2) 1:05pm CDT
Omaha (Heath Phillips 2-4) at Nashville (Tim Dillard 6-2) 2:00pm CDT
Birmingham (Lucas Harrell 6-1) at Huntsville (Chris Cody 4-1) 1:00pm CDT
Fort Myers (Tyler Robertson 2-2) at Brevard County (Amaury Rivas 4-2) 12:05pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 27-24; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): Nashville split a doubleheader with Omaha. The Sounds won game one 6-2. Brendan Katin hit two homers and Adam Heether hit one for Nashville in the opener. The Royals won 2-1 in game two. Josh Butler allowed two runs on three hits over six innings, but took the loss.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 28-20; 1st Southern League South Division): The Stars won 10-7 at Tennessee for their seventh consecutive win. Drew Anderson had three hits and three RBI for Huntsville. Jonathon Lucroy had three hits and scored three runs for the Stars.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 29-13; 1st Florida State League East Division): The Manatees lost 7-1 to Fort Myers. Brevard County had 10 hits, but managed a single run.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Cincinnati (Micah Owings 3-5) at Milwaukee (Yovani Gallardo 4-2) 1:05pm CDT
Omaha (Heath Phillips 2-4) at Nashville (Tim Dillard 6-2) 2:00pm CDT
Birmingham (Lucas Harrell 6-1) at Huntsville (Chris Cody 4-1) 1:00pm CDT
Fort Myers (Tyler Robertson 2-2) at Brevard County (Amaury Rivas 4-2) 12:05pm CDT
5/30/2009
May 30, 2009: Starting Lineup
Erik Miller.......CF
Juan Sanchez......SS
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp........1B
Brock Kjeldgaard..LF
Chris Dennis......RF
John Delaney......3B
Jose Duran........DH
Sean McCraw........C
Daniel Meadows....SP
Juan Sanchez......SS
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp........1B
Brock Kjeldgaard..LF
Chris Dennis......RF
John Delaney......3B
Jose Duran........DH
Sean McCraw........C
Daniel Meadows....SP
May 30, 2009: Research from elsewhere
I didn't get to use this tidbit from an e-mail last night, but with Daniel Meadows pitching tonight...
Thanks for the tip.
Jared Gayhart went to Katy High School – district rival of Cinco Ranch High School where Daniel Meadows played. Katy HS was District Champion his senior year – 2005; and Cinco was the Champion the next year when Daniel was a senior. They later played on the same summer team- before Jared went to Rice.Gayhart pitched a scoreless ninth inning last night for the Whitecaps.
Thanks for the tip.
May 30, 2009: Opposition Research
From the Game Notes of the West Michigan Whitecaps:
Under the Lights: Whitecaps starter Luke Putkonen has a 5.40ERA in day games, but a 2.13ERA in night games.
Strikeout Machine: The West Michigan pitching staff is second in the league in strikeouts (403).
Top Team: The Whitecaps have the best team ERA in the Midwest League (3.11). They are also second in the league in batting average (.272).
Quick Games: The Whitecaps have not had a game last more than three hours since May 14*
*-Way to go, Whitecaps Media Relations. We'll need to have a little talk if tonight's game goes 3:45.
Under the Lights: Whitecaps starter Luke Putkonen has a 5.40ERA in day games, but a 2.13ERA in night games.
Strikeout Machine: The West Michigan pitching staff is second in the league in strikeouts (403).
Top Team: The Whitecaps have the best team ERA in the Midwest League (3.11). They are also second in the league in batting average (.272).
Quick Games: The Whitecaps have not had a game last more than three hours since May 14*
*-Way to go, Whitecaps Media Relations. We'll need to have a little talk if tonight's game goes 3:45.
Update on the contests
As of right now, here is the status of availability for the Kolosso Toyota-Scion View from the Tundra Seats for the upcoming homestand:
June 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13
As of right now, here is the status of availability for the Famous Dave's Best Seats in the House homestand:
June 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12
There are two tickets that go with the Tundra Seats. There are four tickets that go with the Best Seats in the House. There is waitress service for both locations.
Here are the rules:
I will be giving away tickets to both locations on the blog this weekend. First-come, first-serve. You may only pick one of the locations, so please indicate your choice.
This will be for the next 24, er, I mean, 18 people who e-mail me at rattlerradio@aol.com.
Please indicate which location you would like, and pick the three games you would like to attend in descending order of preference. If your first choice is already taken, I will give you your second choice...If all three of your games have already been selected, I will contact you about alternate dates.
Also, make sure to include your address and real name. I will let you know in an e-mail how you will get your tickets.
June 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13
As of right now, here is the status of availability for the Famous Dave's Best Seats in the House homestand:
June 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12
There are two tickets that go with the Tundra Seats. There are four tickets that go with the Best Seats in the House. There is waitress service for both locations.
Here are the rules:
I will be giving away tickets to both locations on the blog this weekend. First-come, first-serve. You may only pick one of the locations, so please indicate your choice.
This will be for the next 24, er, I mean, 18 people who e-mail me at rattlerradio@aol.com.
Please indicate which location you would like, and pick the three games you would like to attend in descending order of preference. If your first choice is already taken, I will give you your second choice...If all three of your games have already been selected, I will contact you about alternate dates.
Also, make sure to include your address and real name. I will let you know in an e-mail how you will get your tickets.
May 30, 2009: Tonight's starting pitcher
LHP DANIEL MEADOWS: Selected by Milwaukee in the 49th round of the 2008 draft out of Temple Junior College in Texas.
LEOPARD SPOTS: Meadows was 9-5 in two seasons at Temple Junior College.
NO TO TECH: Meadows chose to sign with the Brewers over a scholarship offer to Texas Tech.
PRO DEBUT: Meadows started his professional career with the Arizona League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. He made three relief appearances and was 0-1 with an ERA of 0.00.
MOVIN’ ON: Meadows was promoted to the Helena Brewers of the Pioneer League in early July and would appear in 12 games (six starts). Meadows was 2-3 with a 5.45 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 39-2/3 innings.
THE SEASON SO FAR: Meadows has made 12 appearances (two starts) in 2009. He is 7-0 with a 3.00 ERA. His seven wins are tops in the Midwest League.
HE’S A PLAYER…OF THE WEEK: Meadows was named Midwest League Pitcher of the Week on May 11. He appeared in three games during the week of May 4 through 10 and was 2-0 and allowed one run over 10 innings with a walk and nine strikeouts.
LAST START: Meadows made the start in the second game of the doubleheader on May 17 against Clinton at Time Warner Cable Field. He allowed three runs on six hits over five innings and struck out four without walking a batter in an 8-3 Rattler win.
LAST APPEARANCE: Meadows entered in relief at Beloit on May 25. He pitched 1-2/3 scoreless innings and picked up the win.
VS. WEST MICHIGAN: Meadows is making his first ever appearance against the Whitecaps.
VS. DETROIT: Meadows has never faced an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.0 (3x; Last: vs. Clinton 5/18/09 – Game Two)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 @Missoula 8/28/08
LEOPARD SPOTS: Meadows was 9-5 in two seasons at Temple Junior College.
NO TO TECH: Meadows chose to sign with the Brewers over a scholarship offer to Texas Tech.
PRO DEBUT: Meadows started his professional career with the Arizona League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. He made three relief appearances and was 0-1 with an ERA of 0.00.
MOVIN’ ON: Meadows was promoted to the Helena Brewers of the Pioneer League in early July and would appear in 12 games (six starts). Meadows was 2-3 with a 5.45 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 39-2/3 innings.
THE SEASON SO FAR: Meadows has made 12 appearances (two starts) in 2009. He is 7-0 with a 3.00 ERA. His seven wins are tops in the Midwest League.
HE’S A PLAYER…OF THE WEEK: Meadows was named Midwest League Pitcher of the Week on May 11. He appeared in three games during the week of May 4 through 10 and was 2-0 and allowed one run over 10 innings with a walk and nine strikeouts.
LAST START: Meadows made the start in the second game of the doubleheader on May 17 against Clinton at Time Warner Cable Field. He allowed three runs on six hits over five innings and struck out four without walking a batter in an 8-3 Rattler win.
LAST APPEARANCE: Meadows entered in relief at Beloit on May 25. He pitched 1-2/3 scoreless innings and picked up the win.
VS. WEST MICHIGAN: Meadows is making his first ever appearance against the Whitecaps.
VS. DETROIT: Meadows has never faced an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.0 (3x; Last: vs. Clinton 5/18/09 – Game Two)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 @Missoula 8/28/08
May 30, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Timber Rattlers defeated the Whitecaps 5-3. Evan Frederickson pitched five scoreless innings, struck out four, and walked two for his second win. Brett Lawrie drove in a pair of runs for the offense.
EARLY: The Rattlers scored three times in the third and once in the fifth to take a 4-0 lead. Sean McCraw, who had a pair of hits in the game, drove in the first run with a single. Lawrie’s two-out, single made the score 3-0. Juan Sanchez knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth to put the Rattlers up 4-0.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’LL NEED SOME: Wisconsin tacked on an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning. Chris Dennis, who had two doubles in the game, knocked in Sanchez from first with a two-out double to right to put the Rattlers up 5-0.
EVAN ALMIGHTY: Frederickson picked up his first win since April 10 with his five scoreless innings. Aside from the two walks, he also hit a batter and allowed five hits.
FLIRTING WITH DISASTER: The Whitecaps did not go down in order in any inning of last night’s game. They stranded a total of 13 runners and left at least a runner at third in seven innings.
PERALTA’S DAY: Wily Peralta, the reigning Midwest League Pitcher of the Week, worked 2-2/3 innings in relief of Frederickson. He allowed a walk and three hits with three strikeouts. Peralta left the game with the Rattlers up 5-0 and a runner at second and two outs in the bottom of the eighth.
THEY BROKE THROUGH: Brandon Ritchie relieved Peralta and gave up three consecutive RBI hits and the Whitecaps were within 5-3.
CLOSING TIME: Rattler closer Jim Henderson relieved Ritchie and gave up a single to the first batter he faced. But, he retired the next batter to keep Wisconsin up 5-3.
WHAT HAPPENED? Henderson retired the first two batters in the bottom of the ninth, but he would walk Billy Nowlin to bring up Ben Guez. On a two-strike pitch, Guez sent a high, deep fly ball down the left field line. The play was initially called a fair ball for a game tying home run. But, after the umpires conferred, the call was changed to a foul ball. Henderson got Guez to fly out to left to end the game.
DON’T MESS AROUND WITH JIM: Henderson is 12-for-12 in save situations this season. Last night was the second time this season he has picked up a save with an outing of longer than one inning. He also had a four out save at South Bend on May 10.
ROAD TRIP! The Rattlers began a 12-game, 12-day, 4-city road trip last Wednesday. Wisconsin is 5-5 so far with only two games at West Michigan left. The Rattlers return home on June 2 and begin a 12-game homestand against Cedar Rapids, Beloit, and Kane County.
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers are 14-15 in the month of May with two games remaining. The team needs to win the final two games of this series with West Michigan to give them their first winning month (in a month with more than 10 games) since the 2007 Rattlers went 17-12 in August of that season.
TOSSING THIS IN TO SEE IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR: The Rattlers won the first game in all four series of this road trip.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They currently hold the best record in the Midwest League with a 31-16 mark. The Whitecaps lead the Midwest League Eastern Division by 2-1/2 games over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. In their most recent series, West Michigan swept a three-game set from the Quad Cities River Bandits here at Fifth Third Ballpark.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .252 as a team. They have scored 214 runs (4.5/game) and hit 29 home runs. The Whitecaps are hitting .272 as a team. They have scored 237 runs (5.0/game) and hit 25 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.35 while allowing a total of 243 runs (5.1/game). West Michigan pitchers have a team ERA of 3.11 while allowing 164 runs (3.5/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 69 errors. The Whitecap defense has committed 33 errors. Wisconsin is 7-17 on the road this season. West Michigan is 14-7 at home this season.
WEST MICHIGAN STARTING PITCHER: RHP Luke Putkonen was a third round pick of the Tigers in the 2007 draft out of North Carolina. In his final season with the Tarheels, Putkonen was 8-2 with a 4.57ERA in 17 starts as a sophomore. He climbed from the Gulf Coast League in 2007 to Oneonta in the New York-Penn League in 2008 and was 2-2 with a 3.78ERA in nine career starts in the Detroit system before this season. Putkonen is 3-1 with a 2.72ERA in nine starts with the Whitecaps in 2009. In his start prior to this evening, he took a no decision with two runs allowed on five hits over five innings at Kane County on May 25. Tonight is Putkonen’s first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and his first appearance against an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.
EARLY: The Rattlers scored three times in the third and once in the fifth to take a 4-0 lead. Sean McCraw, who had a pair of hits in the game, drove in the first run with a single. Lawrie’s two-out, single made the score 3-0. Juan Sanchez knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth to put the Rattlers up 4-0.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’LL NEED SOME: Wisconsin tacked on an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning. Chris Dennis, who had two doubles in the game, knocked in Sanchez from first with a two-out double to right to put the Rattlers up 5-0.
EVAN ALMIGHTY: Frederickson picked up his first win since April 10 with his five scoreless innings. Aside from the two walks, he also hit a batter and allowed five hits.
FLIRTING WITH DISASTER: The Whitecaps did not go down in order in any inning of last night’s game. They stranded a total of 13 runners and left at least a runner at third in seven innings.
PERALTA’S DAY: Wily Peralta, the reigning Midwest League Pitcher of the Week, worked 2-2/3 innings in relief of Frederickson. He allowed a walk and three hits with three strikeouts. Peralta left the game with the Rattlers up 5-0 and a runner at second and two outs in the bottom of the eighth.
THEY BROKE THROUGH: Brandon Ritchie relieved Peralta and gave up three consecutive RBI hits and the Whitecaps were within 5-3.
CLOSING TIME: Rattler closer Jim Henderson relieved Ritchie and gave up a single to the first batter he faced. But, he retired the next batter to keep Wisconsin up 5-3.
WHAT HAPPENED? Henderson retired the first two batters in the bottom of the ninth, but he would walk Billy Nowlin to bring up Ben Guez. On a two-strike pitch, Guez sent a high, deep fly ball down the left field line. The play was initially called a fair ball for a game tying home run. But, after the umpires conferred, the call was changed to a foul ball. Henderson got Guez to fly out to left to end the game.
DON’T MESS AROUND WITH JIM: Henderson is 12-for-12 in save situations this season. Last night was the second time this season he has picked up a save with an outing of longer than one inning. He also had a four out save at South Bend on May 10.
ROAD TRIP! The Rattlers began a 12-game, 12-day, 4-city road trip last Wednesday. Wisconsin is 5-5 so far with only two games at West Michigan left. The Rattlers return home on June 2 and begin a 12-game homestand against Cedar Rapids, Beloit, and Kane County.
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers are 14-15 in the month of May with two games remaining. The team needs to win the final two games of this series with West Michigan to give them their first winning month (in a month with more than 10 games) since the 2007 Rattlers went 17-12 in August of that season.
TOSSING THIS IN TO SEE IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR: The Rattlers won the first game in all four series of this road trip.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They currently hold the best record in the Midwest League with a 31-16 mark. The Whitecaps lead the Midwest League Eastern Division by 2-1/2 games over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. In their most recent series, West Michigan swept a three-game set from the Quad Cities River Bandits here at Fifth Third Ballpark.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .252 as a team. They have scored 214 runs (4.5/game) and hit 29 home runs. The Whitecaps are hitting .272 as a team. They have scored 237 runs (5.0/game) and hit 25 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.35 while allowing a total of 243 runs (5.1/game). West Michigan pitchers have a team ERA of 3.11 while allowing 164 runs (3.5/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 69 errors. The Whitecap defense has committed 33 errors. Wisconsin is 7-17 on the road this season. West Michigan is 14-7 at home this season.
WEST MICHIGAN STARTING PITCHER: RHP Luke Putkonen was a third round pick of the Tigers in the 2007 draft out of North Carolina. In his final season with the Tarheels, Putkonen was 8-2 with a 4.57ERA in 17 starts as a sophomore. He climbed from the Gulf Coast League in 2007 to Oneonta in the New York-Penn League in 2008 and was 2-2 with a 3.78ERA in nine career starts in the Detroit system before this season. Putkonen is 3-1 with a 2.72ERA in nine starts with the Whitecaps in 2009. In his start prior to this evening, he took a no decision with two runs allowed on five hits over five innings at Kane County on May 25. Tonight is Putkonen’s first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and his first appearance against an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Quick mid-day update
Cody Adams has been scratched from tonight's start in West Michigan. No injury. Repeat no injury. His turn is just being skipped in the rotation.
LHP Daniel Meadows will get the start for the Rattlers tonight in West Michigan.
LHP Daniel Meadows will get the start for the Rattlers tonight in West Michigan.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of May 29, 2009
AAA:
Mexican League:
Monterrey:
Chris Snelling ('00): 2-for-5
International League:
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 1-for-4, RBI, HR #1
Pawtucket:
Carlos Maldonado ('98): 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Syracuse:
Jorge Sosa ('01): 5IP, 7H, 3R, 3BB, 2K, Loss
Scranton/Wilke Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 0-for-2, run
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 2-for-4, 2 runs, RBI
Jeff Clement ('05): 1-for-4, 2 runs
Nashville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 2-for-4
AA:
Southern League:
Huntsville:
Juan Sandoval ('03): 2IP, 3H, 0R, BB, K, Win #2
West Tennessee (Game 1):
Brent Johnson ('05): 0-for-4
Greg Halman ('07): 0-for-2
Mike Wilson ('05): 0-for-2
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-3
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-1
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 0-for-3
Marwin Vega ('06): 2IP, 4H, 2R
Matt Renfree ('07): IP, 0H, 0R
West Tennessee (Game 2):
Halman: 0-for-4
Wilson: 0-for-4
Hubbard: 1-for-2
B. Johnson: pinch runner
Navarro: 0-for-3
Mexican League:
Monterrey:
Chris Snelling ('00): 2-for-5
International League:
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 1-for-4, RBI, HR #1
Pawtucket:
Carlos Maldonado ('98): 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Syracuse:
Jorge Sosa ('01): 5IP, 7H, 3R, 3BB, 2K, Loss
Scranton/Wilke Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 0-for-2, run
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 2-for-4, 2 runs, RBI
Jeff Clement ('05): 1-for-4, 2 runs
Nashville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 2-for-4
AA:
Southern League:
Huntsville:
Juan Sandoval ('03): 2IP, 3H, 0R, BB, K, Win #2
West Tennessee (Game 1):
Brent Johnson ('05): 0-for-4
Greg Halman ('07): 0-for-2
Mike Wilson ('05): 0-for-2
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-3
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-1
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 0-for-3
Marwin Vega ('06): 2IP, 4H, 2R
Matt Renfree ('07): IP, 0H, 0R
West Tennessee (Game 2):
Halman: 0-for-4
Wilson: 0-for-4
Hubbard: 1-for-2
B. Johnson: pinch runner
Navarro: 0-for-3
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of May 29, 2009
Seattle:
Rob Johnson ('05): 0-for-3
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 0H, 0R, K
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-4
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-4
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 2-for-5
Shin soo Choo ('02): Pinch hitter, 1-for-1, RBI
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 2-for-4
St. Louis:
Joel Pineiro ('98): 4IP, 6H, 4R, BB, 3K, Loss
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): .1IP, 0H, K
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, H, 0R, 2K
New York (NL):
JJ Putz ('00): 1.2IP, 0H, 0R, BB, K
Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4, 2RBI
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): pinch hit, 1-for-1
Rob Johnson ('05): 0-for-3
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 0H, 0R, K
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-4
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-4
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 2-for-5
Shin soo Choo ('02): Pinch hitter, 1-for-1, RBI
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 2-for-4
St. Louis:
Joel Pineiro ('98): 4IP, 6H, 4R, BB, 3K, Loss
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): .1IP, 0H, K
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, H, 0R, 2K
New York (NL):
JJ Putz ('00): 1.2IP, 0H, 0R, BB, K
Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4, 2RBI
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): pinch hit, 1-for-1
Midwest League Action: Games of May 29, 2009
Complete scoreboard
Wisconsin 5 @West Michigan 3: "Fair, no doubt," Guez said of his hit. Manager Joe DePastino, who coaches third base, had a good view and a different opinion. "It was foul. It was easily foul," DePastino said.
Cedar Rapids 5 @Dayton 2: Dragons manager Todd Benzinger marveled at the record crowd of 9,444 at Fifth Third Field on Friday, May 29, and shook his head. “We have such good fans here,” Benzinger said. “They’re usually cheering us on and staying a long time to see if we can win.”
Burlington 11 @Fort Wayne 5: “When you get in a little funk like we are right now, you have to be careful that you don’t start doubting yourself,” TinCaps manager Doug Dascenzo said. “This is the same group of guys who were here at the beginning of the year. We’ve seen them do it before.”
@Great Lakes 8, Peoria 7 (10 innings): Tony Delmonico hit a solo home run with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning Friday night
@Lansing 6, Quad Cities 2: Mark Sobolewski hit a two-run single in the bottom of the sixth and Brian Van Kirk followed that with a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh
@South Bend 4, Clinton 1: The South Bend Silver Hawks needed Taylor Sinclair to pitch like an ace Friday night. The left-hander responded with his longest and most impressive outing of the season
@Beloit 15, Kane County 2: Ozzie Lewis stroked a grand slam in the third inning and finished the game 3-for-5 with six RBI as the Snappers dismantled the Kane County Cougars, 15-2. Beloit scored early and often Friday, jumping to a 10-0 lead after two innings in support of starter Bradley Tippett.
Wisconsin 5 @West Michigan 3: "Fair, no doubt," Guez said of his hit. Manager Joe DePastino, who coaches third base, had a good view and a different opinion. "It was foul. It was easily foul," DePastino said.
Cedar Rapids 5 @Dayton 2: Dragons manager Todd Benzinger marveled at the record crowd of 9,444 at Fifth Third Field on Friday, May 29, and shook his head. “We have such good fans here,” Benzinger said. “They’re usually cheering us on and staying a long time to see if we can win.”
Burlington 11 @Fort Wayne 5: “When you get in a little funk like we are right now, you have to be careful that you don’t start doubting yourself,” TinCaps manager Doug Dascenzo said. “This is the same group of guys who were here at the beginning of the year. We’ve seen them do it before.”
@Great Lakes 8, Peoria 7 (10 innings): Tony Delmonico hit a solo home run with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning Friday night
@Lansing 6, Quad Cities 2: Mark Sobolewski hit a two-run single in the bottom of the sixth and Brian Van Kirk followed that with a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh
@South Bend 4, Clinton 1: The South Bend Silver Hawks needed Taylor Sinclair to pitch like an ace Friday night. The left-hander responded with his longest and most impressive outing of the season
@Beloit 15, Kane County 2: Ozzie Lewis stroked a grand slam in the third inning and finished the game 3-for-5 with six RBI as the Snappers dismantled the Kane County Cougars, 15-2. Beloit scored early and often Friday, jumping to a 10-0 lead after two innings in support of starter Bradley Tippett.
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of May 29, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 28-20; T-1st National League Central): The Brewers beat the Reds 3-2. Corey Hart homered in the bottom of the seventh inning to break a 2-2 tie. Trevor Hoffman pitched a scoreless ninth for his twelfth save.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 26-23; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 7-3 to Omaha. Chase Wright allowed five runs on seven hits over 5-1/3 innings for the loss.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 27-20; 1st Southern League South Division): The Stars swept a doubleheader at Tennessee. Huntsville won game one 4-2 by scoring a run in the sixth and three more in the seventh. The Stars won game two 3-0 in eight innings Drew Anderson hit a two-run homer in the top of the eighth. Juan Sandoval ('03) got the win in game two.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 29-12; 1st Florida State League East Division): The Manatees got rained out at St. Lucie.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Cincinnati (Aaron Harang 5-4) at Milwaukee (Dave Bush 3-1) 6:05pm CDT
Omaha (Matt Wright 01-) at Nashville (Matt Ginter 1-1) 6:00pm CDT
Omaha at Nashville – GAME TWO
Huntsville (David Welch 3-3) at Tennessee (Casey Lambert 3-3) 5:15pm CDT
Fort Myers (TBA) at Brevard County (Josh Butler 6-0) 6:05pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 26-23; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 7-3 to Omaha. Chase Wright allowed five runs on seven hits over 5-1/3 innings for the loss.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 27-20; 1st Southern League South Division): The Stars swept a doubleheader at Tennessee. Huntsville won game one 4-2 by scoring a run in the sixth and three more in the seventh. The Stars won game two 3-0 in eight innings Drew Anderson hit a two-run homer in the top of the eighth. Juan Sandoval ('03) got the win in game two.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 29-12; 1st Florida State League East Division): The Manatees got rained out at St. Lucie.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Cincinnati (Aaron Harang 5-4) at Milwaukee (Dave Bush 3-1) 6:05pm CDT
Omaha (Matt Wright 01-) at Nashville (Matt Ginter 1-1) 6:00pm CDT
Omaha at Nashville – GAME TWO
Huntsville (David Welch 3-3) at Tennessee (Casey Lambert 3-3) 5:15pm CDT
Fort Myers (TBA) at Brevard County (Josh Butler 6-0) 6:05pm CDT
5/29/2009
May 29, 2009: Starting Lineup
Erik Miller........CF
Juan Sanchez.......SS
Brett Lawrie.......2B
Corey Kemp.........1B
Chris Dennis.......LF
Edgar Trejo........DH
John Delaney.......3B
Michael Vass.......RF
Sean McCraw.........C
Evan Frederickson..SP
Juan Sanchez.......SS
Brett Lawrie.......2B
Corey Kemp.........1B
Chris Dennis.......LF
Edgar Trejo........DH
John Delaney.......3B
Michael Vass.......RF
Sean McCraw.........C
Evan Frederickson..SP
May 29, 2009: Opposition Research
From the Whitecaps Game Notes:
GRAND SLAM: Yesterday's grand slam by Ben Guez was the Whitecaps' first at Fifth THird Ballpark since Cameron Maybin hit one on May, 30, 2006 against Lansing.
ROAD WOES: Wisconsin has the worst road record (6-17) in the Midwest League.
HOME SWEET HOME: The Whitecaps have the best home record (14-6) in the league.
GRAND SLAM: Yesterday's grand slam by Ben Guez was the Whitecaps' first at Fifth THird Ballpark since Cameron Maybin hit one on May, 30, 2006 against Lansing.
ROAD WOES: Wisconsin has the worst road record (6-17) in the Midwest League.
HOME SWEET HOME: The Whitecaps have the best home record (14-6) in the league.
May 29, 2009 Timber Rattler Pitchers
SCHEDULED STARTER
LHP EVAN FREDERICKSON: Selected by Milwaukee as a supplemental first round pick (35th overall) in the 2008 draft out of the University of San Francisco.
THE DON: Frederickson transferred to the University of San Francisco for his junior season. He was 5-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) for the Diamond Dons. Frederickson walked 61 batters and struck out 109 over 75-1/3 innings for USF.
THE HOKIE: Frederickson began his college career at Virginia Tech. He compiled a 2-4 record and struck out 68 batters in 56-2/3 innings for the Hokies.
MY OLD SCHOOL: Frederickson was a two-time First Team All-Region and All-District selection as a high school player for Oakton (VA) High.
NOT A TWIN: The Minnesota Twins drafted Frederickson with a selection in the 27th round of the 2005 draft. He did not sign.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Frederickson as the #24 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST SEASON: Frederickson began his pro career with three starts for Helena, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Brewers. He had no record, walked five and struck out 16 over 11-2/3 innings. Frederickson was promoted to West Virginia and wrapped up his season with the Power in the South Atlantic League by going 0-1 over nine games (four starts) with a 6.20 ERA. He struck out 18 and walked 26 in 20-1/3 innings for the Power
LAST APPEARANCE: Frederickson took the loss at Beloit on May 24. He allowed four runs over two innings.
LAST START: Frederickson made the start against Clinton on May 19. He pitched four innings and allowed one run on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Frederickson had to leave the game after reaching his pitch limit through four frames. The Rattlers trailed 1-0 when Frederickson left the game, but they scored twice in the fifth and went on to a 2-1 win.
VS. WEST MICHIGAN: Frederickson is facing the Whitecaps for the first time in his career tonight.
VS. DETROIT: Frederickson has never faced an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.2 IP (6/23/08 @Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (3x – Last: 4/10/09 vs. Quad Cities)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
RHP WILY PERALTA: Signed by Milwaukee as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic on November 26, 2005.
DEBUT SEASON: Peralta was 2-5 with a 6.63 ERA for the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers in 2006. He made 14 appearances (six starts) in that season.
MISSING TIME: Peralta did not pitch in 2007 due to Tommy John surgery.
BACK ON THE HILL: Peralta started the 2008 season with Helena in the Pioneer League. He was 1-1 in 15 games (two starts) with a 3.07 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 29-1/3 innings pitched. Peralta also walked just eight batters in those games for Helena.
PROMOTED: Peralta made a pair of starts for West Virginia at the tail end of the 2008 season. He was 0-1 with a 10.80ERA for the power.
RANKING: Baseball America ranked Peralta as the #16 prospect in the Pioneer League after the 2008 season. Baseball America rates Peralta as the # 22 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer system heading into the 2009 season.
IT’S AN HONOR: Peralta is the reigning Midwest League Pitcher of the Week. He made two appearances that totaled nine innings for the week ending May 24. Peralta did not allow a run, gave up just five hits, and struck out 17 in those two games.
LAST APPEARANCE: Peralta pitched three scoreless innings in relief against the Clinton LumberKings on May 19. He gave up a pair of hits and matched his career high for strikeouts with seven. Peralta also walked two batters.
VS. WEST MICHIGAN: Peralta is making his first career appearance against the Whitecaps tonight.
VS. DETROIT: Peralta has never faced an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (3x – Last: @Beloit 5/24/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (@Beloit 5/24/09)
LHP EVAN FREDERICKSON: Selected by Milwaukee as a supplemental first round pick (35th overall) in the 2008 draft out of the University of San Francisco.
THE DON: Frederickson transferred to the University of San Francisco for his junior season. He was 5-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) for the Diamond Dons. Frederickson walked 61 batters and struck out 109 over 75-1/3 innings for USF.
THE HOKIE: Frederickson began his college career at Virginia Tech. He compiled a 2-4 record and struck out 68 batters in 56-2/3 innings for the Hokies.
MY OLD SCHOOL: Frederickson was a two-time First Team All-Region and All-District selection as a high school player for Oakton (VA) High.
NOT A TWIN: The Minnesota Twins drafted Frederickson with a selection in the 27th round of the 2005 draft. He did not sign.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Frederickson as the #24 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST SEASON: Frederickson began his pro career with three starts for Helena, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Brewers. He had no record, walked five and struck out 16 over 11-2/3 innings. Frederickson was promoted to West Virginia and wrapped up his season with the Power in the South Atlantic League by going 0-1 over nine games (four starts) with a 6.20 ERA. He struck out 18 and walked 26 in 20-1/3 innings for the Power
LAST APPEARANCE: Frederickson took the loss at Beloit on May 24. He allowed four runs over two innings.
LAST START: Frederickson made the start against Clinton on May 19. He pitched four innings and allowed one run on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Frederickson had to leave the game after reaching his pitch limit through four frames. The Rattlers trailed 1-0 when Frederickson left the game, but they scored twice in the fifth and went on to a 2-1 win.
VS. WEST MICHIGAN: Frederickson is facing the Whitecaps for the first time in his career tonight.
VS. DETROIT: Frederickson has never faced an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.2 IP (6/23/08 @Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (3x – Last: 4/10/09 vs. Quad Cities)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
RHP WILY PERALTA: Signed by Milwaukee as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic on November 26, 2005.
DEBUT SEASON: Peralta was 2-5 with a 6.63 ERA for the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers in 2006. He made 14 appearances (six starts) in that season.
MISSING TIME: Peralta did not pitch in 2007 due to Tommy John surgery.
BACK ON THE HILL: Peralta started the 2008 season with Helena in the Pioneer League. He was 1-1 in 15 games (two starts) with a 3.07 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 29-1/3 innings pitched. Peralta also walked just eight batters in those games for Helena.
PROMOTED: Peralta made a pair of starts for West Virginia at the tail end of the 2008 season. He was 0-1 with a 10.80ERA for the power.
RANKING: Baseball America ranked Peralta as the #16 prospect in the Pioneer League after the 2008 season. Baseball America rates Peralta as the # 22 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer system heading into the 2009 season.
IT’S AN HONOR: Peralta is the reigning Midwest League Pitcher of the Week. He made two appearances that totaled nine innings for the week ending May 24. Peralta did not allow a run, gave up just five hits, and struck out 17 in those two games.
LAST APPEARANCE: Peralta pitched three scoreless innings in relief against the Clinton LumberKings on May 19. He gave up a pair of hits and matched his career high for strikeouts with seven. Peralta also walked two batters.
VS. WEST MICHIGAN: Peralta is making his first career appearance against the Whitecaps tonight.
VS. DETROIT: Peralta has never faced an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (3x – Last: @Beloit 5/24/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (@Beloit 5/24/09)
May 29, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Dayton Dragons shutout the Timber Rattlers 5-0. Matt Fairel, Mark James, and Aguido Gonzalez combined on the six-hit shutout. Fairel pitched six innings, allowed four hits, and struck out five for his third win of the season.
THAT’S A LOTTA BASE RUNNERS: The Timber Rattlers only went down in order one time in nine innings last night. Fairel retired the Rattlers in order in the second inning. Aside from the six hits, there were four walks, an error, and a dropped third strike that allowed Wisconsin runners to reach base. The Rattlers left 10 runners on base in the game.
NOT SO FAST: Of the 13 total runners to get on base for Wisconsin, only three reached third base. Erik Miller singled, moved to second on a bunt, and third on a grounder in the first inning. Miller also tripled with two outs in the third. Jose Duran reached third base in the top of the ninth inning with two outs.
HOUDINI WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD: Rattler starting pitcher Trey Watten walked Dave Sappelt to start the bottom of the first inning. Next, Sappelt stole second base and third base on consecutive pitches to Miguel Rojas. Then, Watten walked Rojas. Watten proceeded to pick Rojas off first and strikeout the next two batters to escape the inning without a run scoring.
SCORELESS NO MORE: Watten retired the first two batters of the fourth inning. Then, former Brewer farmhand Stephen Chapman singled on a two-strike pitch. Carlos Mendez launched a 2-2 pitch from Watten over the left field fence for a two-run homer.
NO, WE WON’T BE BACK: Mendez was 6-for-13 with a homer and six RBI in the series against the Rattlers. Chapman had two hits, but scored five runs in the series.
MILLER TIME: Miller went 2-for-5 in last night’s game for the Rattlers. He is currently 12-for-35 with an eight game hitting streak. Miller’s career high for a hitting streak is 9-games and he set that earlier this year.
THE ROAD: Chris Dennis is 14-for-33 (.424), Miller is 12-for-40 (.300), and Corey Kemp is 10-for-30 (.300) on this current Rattler road trip.
ROAD TRIP! The Rattlers began a 12-game, 12-day, 4-city road trip last Wednesday. Wisconsin is 4-5 so far with only this series at West Michigan left. The Rattlers return home on June 2 and begin a 12-game homestand against Cedar Rapids, Beloit, and Kane County.
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers are 13-15 in the month of May with three games remaining. The team needs to sweep this series with West Michigan to give them their first winning month (in a month with more than 10 games) since the 2007 Rattlers went 17-12 in August of that season.
TOSSING THIS IN TO SEE IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR: In the first three series of this road trip, the Rattlers have won game one all three times.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They currently hold the best record in the Midwest League with a 31-15 mark. The Whitecaps lead the Midwest League Eastern Division by 2-1/2 games over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. In their most recent series, West Michigan swept a three-game set from the Quad Cities River Bandits here at Fifth Third Ballpark.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .253 as a team. They have scored 209 runs (4.4/game) and hit 29 home runs. The Whitecaps are hitting .270 as a team. They have scored 234 runs (5.1/game) and hit 25 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.38 while allowing a total of 240 runs (5.1/game). West Michigan pitchers have a team ERA of 3.07 while allowing 159 runs (3.5/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 69 errors. The Whitecap defense has committed 33 errors. Wisconsin is 6-17 on the road this season. West Michigan is 14-6 at home this season.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed four current Whitecaps in their list of Top 30 Tiger Prospects before the season started. Pitcher Casey Crosby is the only one of the four in the top ten and he checks in at #4. Shortstop Brandon Douglas (#23), pitcher Mauricio Robles (#24), and pitcher Brandon Hamilton (#25) are also on the list.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2008: The Whitecaps have 11 members of the 2008 Detroit draft class on their current roster. Pitchers Tyler Stohr (6th round) and Anthony Shawler (9th) were both picked in the top 10 rounds. Infielder Brandon Douglas (11th), pitchers Jared Gayhart (13th) and Tyler Conn (14th); outfielder Ben Guez (19th); catcher Billy Nowlin (25th), infielder Brent Wyatt (26th); pitcher Mark Sorenson (32nd); and infielders Jordan Lennerton (33rd) and Bryan Pounds (34th) were also Tiger draft picks in 2008.
RETURNING ALUMNI: There are six members of the current West Michigan team that played for the Whitecaps in 2008. Hamilton and Robles; catchers Joe Bowen and Angel Flores; and infielders Ronnie Bourquin and Douglas all played at least part of the season for West Michigan last year.
WEST MICHIGAN STARTING PITCHER: RHP Mark Sorenson was the 32nd round pick of the Tigers out of Michigan State University. He is the son of former Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Lary Sorenson. Mark Sorenson was 3-6 in 12 games with a 3.95 ERA and was named Third-Team All-Big Ten in his final season with the Spartans. He pitched for Oneonta in the New York-Penn League last season and was 3-3 in 13 games (12 starts) with a 3.66ERA. So far in 2009, Sorenson is 0-1 in a pair of starts with a 2.25ERA. In his start prior to this evening, Sorenson faced Kane County on May 24. He allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings with a pair of walks and six strikeouts for a no decision. Tonight is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.
THAT’S A LOTTA BASE RUNNERS: The Timber Rattlers only went down in order one time in nine innings last night. Fairel retired the Rattlers in order in the second inning. Aside from the six hits, there were four walks, an error, and a dropped third strike that allowed Wisconsin runners to reach base. The Rattlers left 10 runners on base in the game.
NOT SO FAST: Of the 13 total runners to get on base for Wisconsin, only three reached third base. Erik Miller singled, moved to second on a bunt, and third on a grounder in the first inning. Miller also tripled with two outs in the third. Jose Duran reached third base in the top of the ninth inning with two outs.
HOUDINI WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD: Rattler starting pitcher Trey Watten walked Dave Sappelt to start the bottom of the first inning. Next, Sappelt stole second base and third base on consecutive pitches to Miguel Rojas. Then, Watten walked Rojas. Watten proceeded to pick Rojas off first and strikeout the next two batters to escape the inning without a run scoring.
SCORELESS NO MORE: Watten retired the first two batters of the fourth inning. Then, former Brewer farmhand Stephen Chapman singled on a two-strike pitch. Carlos Mendez launched a 2-2 pitch from Watten over the left field fence for a two-run homer.
NO, WE WON’T BE BACK: Mendez was 6-for-13 with a homer and six RBI in the series against the Rattlers. Chapman had two hits, but scored five runs in the series.
MILLER TIME: Miller went 2-for-5 in last night’s game for the Rattlers. He is currently 12-for-35 with an eight game hitting streak. Miller’s career high for a hitting streak is 9-games and he set that earlier this year.
THE ROAD: Chris Dennis is 14-for-33 (.424), Miller is 12-for-40 (.300), and Corey Kemp is 10-for-30 (.300) on this current Rattler road trip.
ROAD TRIP! The Rattlers began a 12-game, 12-day, 4-city road trip last Wednesday. Wisconsin is 4-5 so far with only this series at West Michigan left. The Rattlers return home on June 2 and begin a 12-game homestand against Cedar Rapids, Beloit, and Kane County.
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers are 13-15 in the month of May with three games remaining. The team needs to sweep this series with West Michigan to give them their first winning month (in a month with more than 10 games) since the 2007 Rattlers went 17-12 in August of that season.
TOSSING THIS IN TO SEE IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR: In the first three series of this road trip, the Rattlers have won game one all three times.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They currently hold the best record in the Midwest League with a 31-15 mark. The Whitecaps lead the Midwest League Eastern Division by 2-1/2 games over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. In their most recent series, West Michigan swept a three-game set from the Quad Cities River Bandits here at Fifth Third Ballpark.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .253 as a team. They have scored 209 runs (4.4/game) and hit 29 home runs. The Whitecaps are hitting .270 as a team. They have scored 234 runs (5.1/game) and hit 25 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.38 while allowing a total of 240 runs (5.1/game). West Michigan pitchers have a team ERA of 3.07 while allowing 159 runs (3.5/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 69 errors. The Whitecap defense has committed 33 errors. Wisconsin is 6-17 on the road this season. West Michigan is 14-6 at home this season.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed four current Whitecaps in their list of Top 30 Tiger Prospects before the season started. Pitcher Casey Crosby is the only one of the four in the top ten and he checks in at #4. Shortstop Brandon Douglas (#23), pitcher Mauricio Robles (#24), and pitcher Brandon Hamilton (#25) are also on the list.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2008: The Whitecaps have 11 members of the 2008 Detroit draft class on their current roster. Pitchers Tyler Stohr (6th round) and Anthony Shawler (9th) were both picked in the top 10 rounds. Infielder Brandon Douglas (11th), pitchers Jared Gayhart (13th) and Tyler Conn (14th); outfielder Ben Guez (19th); catcher Billy Nowlin (25th), infielder Brent Wyatt (26th); pitcher Mark Sorenson (32nd); and infielders Jordan Lennerton (33rd) and Bryan Pounds (34th) were also Tiger draft picks in 2008.
RETURNING ALUMNI: There are six members of the current West Michigan team that played for the Whitecaps in 2008. Hamilton and Robles; catchers Joe Bowen and Angel Flores; and infielders Ronnie Bourquin and Douglas all played at least part of the season for West Michigan last year.
WEST MICHIGAN STARTING PITCHER: RHP Mark Sorenson was the 32nd round pick of the Tigers out of Michigan State University. He is the son of former Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Lary Sorenson. Mark Sorenson was 3-6 in 12 games with a 3.95 ERA and was named Third-Team All-Big Ten in his final season with the Spartans. He pitched for Oneonta in the New York-Penn League last season and was 3-3 in 13 games (12 starts) with a 3.66ERA. So far in 2009, Sorenson is 0-1 in a pair of starts with a 2.25ERA. In his start prior to this evening, Sorenson faced Kane County on May 24. He allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings with a pair of walks and six strikeouts for a no decision. Tonight is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and against an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Go over there
The latest This Week In Timber Rattlers Baseball is posted at The Daily Drink.
Topics included are:
Oh, and Baseball, too.
Go. I've got work to do.
Topics included are:
- Spider-Man Villains
- Who I think would win in a fight between Liam Neeson's character in Taken and those goofs in Never Back Down
- Mandalay movie posters
- Jessica Alba
Oh, and Baseball, too.
Go. I've got work to do.
A short break.
There is still time to get in on the ticket giveaway below. Tickets available for the Famous Dave's Best Seats in the House (Seats four) and the Kolosso Toyota-Scion View From the Tundra Seats (For two).
I have to wrap up the column for SportsBubbler.com and probably a few other things, the regular afternoon postings will be up after I get to the stadium today.
Check for the latest This Week in Timber Rattlers Baseball around Noon CDT over at The Daily Drink.
It's a Beautiful Morning!
I have to wrap up the column for SportsBubbler.com and probably a few other things, the regular afternoon postings will be up after I get to the stadium today.
Check for the latest This Week in Timber Rattlers Baseball around Noon CDT over at The Daily Drink.
It's a Beautiful Morning!
Yes, you saw that right!
BOBBY! is back in Triple-A! The Timber Rattler record holder for wins in a single season pitched for Norfolk last night and got a no decision.
Good luck, BOBBY!
Good luck, BOBBY!
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of May 28, 2009
AAA
Mexican League:
Monterrey:
Chris Snelling ('00): 1-for-4
International League:
Norfolk:
BOBBY! Livingston ('03): 6IP, 10H, 4R, 0BB, 3K
Pacific Coast League:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 1-for-4, RUN
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-4
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-3, RUN
Adam Moore ('06): 2-for-3, HR, 3RBI
Ryan Rowland-Smith ('03): 5IP, 3H, 0R, 3K, Win
AA:
Southern League:
West Tennessee (Game One):
Greg Halman ('07): 0-for-2, RBI
Mike Wilson ('05): 0-for-1
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 2-for-3
Brent Johnson ('05): 1-for-2, RUN
Johan Limonta ('06): 1-for-3, 2RBI
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 0-for-2
Mumba Rivera ('05): 2IP, H, 0R, Save #1
West Tennessee (Game Two):
Halman: 0-for-2
Wilson: 2-for-4, RBI
Hubbard: 0-for-3
Limonta: 2-for-3, 2RBI
Johnson: pinch runner, RUN
Kyle Parker ('07): 6IP, 4H, 2R, 4K
Mexican League:
Monterrey:
Chris Snelling ('00): 1-for-4
International League:
Norfolk:
BOBBY! Livingston ('03): 6IP, 10H, 4R, 0BB, 3K
Pacific Coast League:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 1-for-4, RUN
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-4
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-3, RUN
Adam Moore ('06): 2-for-3, HR, 3RBI
Ryan Rowland-Smith ('03): 5IP, 3H, 0R, 3K, Win
AA:
Southern League:
West Tennessee (Game One):
Greg Halman ('07): 0-for-2, RBI
Mike Wilson ('05): 0-for-1
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 2-for-3
Brent Johnson ('05): 1-for-2, RUN
Johan Limonta ('06): 1-for-3, 2RBI
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 0-for-2
Mumba Rivera ('05): 2IP, H, 0R, Save #1
West Tennessee (Game Two):
Halman: 0-for-2
Wilson: 2-for-4, RBI
Hubbard: 0-for-3
Limonta: 2-for-3, 2RBI
Johnson: pinch runner, RUN
Kyle Parker ('07): 6IP, 4H, 2R, 4K
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of May 28, 2009
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-4
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 1-for-4
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 2-for-4, RUN
Shin Soo Choo ('02): 0-for-3
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-3
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-4
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 1-for-4
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 2-for-4, RUN
Shin Soo Choo ('02): 0-for-3
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-3
Wow
I hate to do this, but I just gotta be me.
Here is a link to the Grand Rapids Press preview of the Timber Ratters before the series opener with the Whitecaps tonight.
Here is a link to the Grand Rapids Press preview of the Timber Ratters before the series opener with the Whitecaps tonight.
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers begin a three-game series with the West Michigan Whitecaps tonight. Entering play Thursday night, the Timber Rattlers were 21-25.???????????
Wisconsin's roster includes Cutter Dykstra, the son of former three-time National League All-Star Lenny Dykstra. Cutter Dykstra is batting .212 with one home run and seven RBIs.
More about the Timber Rattlers??????????????????????????????????
Affiliation: Seattle Mariners
Midwest League Action: Games of May 28, 2009
Complete scoreboard
@Dayton 5, Wisconsin 0: “It’s not about how many hits you get, it’s how you get them,” manager Todd Benzinger said. “When guys are on base, you want for your lineup to be itching to get them in. They’ve turned up their aggressiveness with guys on base.”
Kane County 5, @Great Lakes 4 (10 innings): Loooooons version
@West Michigan 8, Quad Cities 0: Ben Guez hit his first grand slam when he was 8 years old, on a day that happened to be his mother's birthday. Thursday, the West Michigan Whitecaps center fielder gave the same birthday present to his father, Charles, who was among the crowd of 8,557 at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Burlington 4, @Lansing 2; Lansing 7, @Burlington 2: Bees version | Lugnuts version
Beloit 4, @South Bend 2: Alberto Diaz dug in with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, facing a full count and his South Bend team trailing 4-2 on Thursday night at Coveleski Stadium. The Silver Hawks slugger cut loose with a vicious rip on pure heat from Beloit pitcher Joe Testa,
Cedar Rapids 3, @Fort Wayne 2 (11 innings): “Yesterday’s game, they get 11 runs in the first two innings; today, they only get one. So yeah, it’s definitely progress.”
Clinton 8, @Peoria 3: Untimely pitching and limited offensive production were struggles the Peoria Chiefs wrestled with in the first seven games of the homestand so there was no reason to think it would improve in the last.
@Dayton 5, Wisconsin 0: “It’s not about how many hits you get, it’s how you get them,” manager Todd Benzinger said. “When guys are on base, you want for your lineup to be itching to get them in. They’ve turned up their aggressiveness with guys on base.”
Kane County 5, @Great Lakes 4 (10 innings): Loooooons version
@West Michigan 8, Quad Cities 0: Ben Guez hit his first grand slam when he was 8 years old, on a day that happened to be his mother's birthday. Thursday, the West Michigan Whitecaps center fielder gave the same birthday present to his father, Charles, who was among the crowd of 8,557 at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Burlington 4, @Lansing 2; Lansing 7, @Burlington 2: Bees version | Lugnuts version
Beloit 4, @South Bend 2: Alberto Diaz dug in with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, facing a full count and his South Bend team trailing 4-2 on Thursday night at Coveleski Stadium. The Silver Hawks slugger cut loose with a vicious rip on pure heat from Beloit pitcher Joe Testa,
Cedar Rapids 3, @Fort Wayne 2 (11 innings): “Yesterday’s game, they get 11 runs in the first two innings; today, they only get one. So yeah, it’s definitely progress.”
Clinton 8, @Peoria 3: Untimely pitching and limited offensive production were struggles the Peoria Chiefs wrestled with in the first seven games of the homestand so there was no reason to think it would improve in the last.
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of May 28, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 27-20; 2nd National League Central): The Brewers were off on Thursday.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 26-22; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 5-3 at Tacoma. Nashville fell into a 5-0 hole early and could not dig out against Ryan Rowland-Smith.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 25-20; 1st Southern League South Division): The Stars swept a doubleheader at Tennessee. Hunstville scored three runs in the second inning of game one and won 3-1. Drew Anderson had three hits and three RBI in an 11-5 win in game two.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 29-12; 1st Florida State League East Division): The Manatees beat St. Lucie 4-3. Chris Errecart broke a 3-3 tie with a solo homer in the top of the eighth.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Cincinnati (Johnny Cueto 4-2) at Milwaukee (Braden Looper 4-3) 7:05pm CDT
Omaha (Lenny DiNardo 3-1) at Nashville (Chase Wright 3-4) 7:00pm CDT
Huntsville (Mark Holliman 1-2) at Tennessee (Jay Jackson 3-3) 4:30pm CDT
Huntsville (Josh Wahpepah 1-0) at Tennessee (Jeremy Papelbon 0-3) – Game Two
Brevard County (Mark Rogers 0-0) at St. Lucie (Angel Calero 1-4) 6:00pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 26-22; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 5-3 at Tacoma. Nashville fell into a 5-0 hole early and could not dig out against Ryan Rowland-Smith.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 25-20; 1st Southern League South Division): The Stars swept a doubleheader at Tennessee. Hunstville scored three runs in the second inning of game one and won 3-1. Drew Anderson had three hits and three RBI in an 11-5 win in game two.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 29-12; 1st Florida State League East Division): The Manatees beat St. Lucie 4-3. Chris Errecart broke a 3-3 tie with a solo homer in the top of the eighth.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Cincinnati (Johnny Cueto 4-2) at Milwaukee (Braden Looper 4-3) 7:05pm CDT
Omaha (Lenny DiNardo 3-1) at Nashville (Chase Wright 3-4) 7:00pm CDT
Huntsville (Mark Holliman 1-2) at Tennessee (Jay Jackson 3-3) 4:30pm CDT
Huntsville (Josh Wahpepah 1-0) at Tennessee (Jeremy Papelbon 0-3) – Game Two
Brevard County (Mark Rogers 0-0) at St. Lucie (Angel Calero 1-4) 6:00pm CDT
Awake and Alert
Four hours of sleep! Whoooo!
Stuff to do!
Stuff to do!
It's not quarter to three
It's like 4am here in Grand Rapids. But, I that bus ride made me feel like Frank & I have been out on the town...so:
Posting will either be in two or three hours or not at all this morning.
Posting will either be in two or three hours or not at all this morning.
5/28/2009
Whoa! UPDATED
Just a quick update on the weather.
The skies just opened up over Fifth Third Field in Dayton and it is pouring...pouring down like a tap at OktoberFest in Germany. But, the sun is shining, too.
Looking at the RADAR, this may not last long, but we may be dodging raindrops all night long.
Fun night in Dayton ahead.
Carl may be making an appearance later.
UPDATE 4:20pm: The tarp is now off the field. Carl is standing by in case he is needed.
CORRECTION: 4:31pm (CDT): The tarp is folded up on the infield. It is ready to be rolled up and put away or placed back on the infield at a moments notice.
UPDATED 5:31pm (CDT): Tarp all the way off the field. Fame scheduled to start on time. Pre-game show starts in a couple of minutes.
The skies just opened up over Fifth Third Field in Dayton and it is pouring...pouring down like a tap at OktoberFest in Germany. But, the sun is shining, too.
Looking at the RADAR, this may not last long, but we may be dodging raindrops all night long.
Fun night in Dayton ahead.
Carl may be making an appearance later.
UPDATE 4:20pm: The tarp is now off the field. Carl is standing by in case he is needed.
CORRECTION: 4:31pm (CDT): The tarp is folded up on the infield. It is ready to be rolled up and put away or placed back on the infield at a moments notice.
UPDATED 5:31pm (CDT): Tarp all the way off the field. Fame scheduled to start on time. Pre-game show starts in a couple of minutes.
Win some tickets...Again
Good afternoon, everyone!
I have a treat for you, the readers of Rattler Radio.
As you may be aware, the team has been away from home for awhile. But, when we return to Time Warner Cable Field, we will be home for 12 games.
I would like to see people in the Famous Dave's Best Seats in the House and the Kolosso Toyota-Scion View From the Tundra Seats.
Now, the Tundra seats are for two people and the Best Seats in the House are for Four people.
I will be giving away tickets to both locations on the blog this weekend. First-come, first-serve. You may only pick one of the locations, so please indicate your choice.
This will be for the first 24 people who e-mail me at rattlerradio@aol.com.
Please indicate which location you would like, and pick the three games you would like to attend in descending order of preference. If your first choice is already taken, I will give you your second choice...If all three of your games have already been selected, I will contact you about alternate dates.
Also, make sure to include your address and real name. I will let you know in an e-mail how you will get your tickets.
There is a lot of great stuff going on from June 12 through June 13. Consider this a reward for slogging through some of the stuff that I put up here every day.
Good luck and we'll see you at the ballpark.
I have a treat for you, the readers of Rattler Radio.
As you may be aware, the team has been away from home for awhile. But, when we return to Time Warner Cable Field, we will be home for 12 games.
I would like to see people in the Famous Dave's Best Seats in the House and the Kolosso Toyota-Scion View From the Tundra Seats.
Now, the Tundra seats are for two people and the Best Seats in the House are for Four people.
I will be giving away tickets to both locations on the blog this weekend. First-come, first-serve. You may only pick one of the locations, so please indicate your choice.
This will be for the first 24 people who e-mail me at rattlerradio@aol.com.
Please indicate which location you would like, and pick the three games you would like to attend in descending order of preference. If your first choice is already taken, I will give you your second choice...If all three of your games have already been selected, I will contact you about alternate dates.
Also, make sure to include your address and real name. I will let you know in an e-mail how you will get your tickets.
There is a lot of great stuff going on from June 12 through June 13. Consider this a reward for slogging through some of the stuff that I put up here every day.
Good luck and we'll see you at the ballpark.
May 28, 2009: Starting Lineup
Erik Miller.......CF
Juan Sanchez......LF
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Chris Dennis......RF
Jose Duran........DH
Edgar Trejo.......3B
Michael Marseco...SS
Trey Watten.......SP
Juan Sanchez......LF
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Chris Dennis......RF
Jose Duran........DH
Edgar Trejo.......3B
Michael Marseco...SS
Trey Watten.......SP
May 28, 2009: Tonight's starting pitcher
RHP TREY WATTEN: Selected by Milwaukee in the 7th round of the 2008 draft out of Abilene Christian University.
LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.
COLLEGIATELY: At Abilene Christian, Watten was 20-3 with a 2.74 ERA over two seasons. He also struck out 188 batters over 167-1/3 innings pitched for the Wildcats.
LONE STAR ALL-STAR: Watten was a First Team All-Lone Star Conference South Division selection as both a pitcher and a utility player in 2007. Watten also played shortstop for the Wildcats.
OLD DAYS: Watten pitched high school baseball for Coppel (TX) High and earned First Team Class 5A All-State selection and a District 6-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2005.
SAVING THE DAY: Watten earned his first professional save on August 30, 2008. He worked three scoreless innings against Great Falls. Watten walked a two and struck out two to close out the Voyagers. Watten also picked up a save in his first appearance as a Timber Rattler. Watten pitched four scoreless innings and struck out a career high six as the Rattlers beat Quad Cities on April 10.
LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.
LAST START: Watten broke a personal four game losing streak with a win at Beloit on May 23. He allowed one run on three hits over six innings. Watten worked his way around five walks and struck out a pair of Beloit hitters. He matched his high for innings pitched in a game as a pro in this start.
VS. DAYTON: Watten has never faced the Dragons.
VS. CINCINNATI: Watten pitched three times against the Billings Mustangs, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, during the 2008 season.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (2x; Last: 5/23/09 @Beloit)
STRIKEOUTS: 6 (2x; Last: 5/14/09 @ Cedar Rapids)
LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.
COLLEGIATELY: At Abilene Christian, Watten was 20-3 with a 2.74 ERA over two seasons. He also struck out 188 batters over 167-1/3 innings pitched for the Wildcats.
LONE STAR ALL-STAR: Watten was a First Team All-Lone Star Conference South Division selection as both a pitcher and a utility player in 2007. Watten also played shortstop for the Wildcats.
OLD DAYS: Watten pitched high school baseball for Coppel (TX) High and earned First Team Class 5A All-State selection and a District 6-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2005.
SAVING THE DAY: Watten earned his first professional save on August 30, 2008. He worked three scoreless innings against Great Falls. Watten walked a two and struck out two to close out the Voyagers. Watten also picked up a save in his first appearance as a Timber Rattler. Watten pitched four scoreless innings and struck out a career high six as the Rattlers beat Quad Cities on April 10.
LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.
LAST START: Watten broke a personal four game losing streak with a win at Beloit on May 23. He allowed one run on three hits over six innings. Watten worked his way around five walks and struck out a pair of Beloit hitters. He matched his high for innings pitched in a game as a pro in this start.
VS. DAYTON: Watten has never faced the Dragons.
VS. CINCINNATI: Watten pitched three times against the Billings Mustangs, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, during the 2008 season.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (2x; Last: 5/23/09 @Beloit)
STRIKEOUTS: 6 (2x; Last: 5/14/09 @ Cedar Rapids)
May 28, 2009: Opposition Research
From the Dayton Dragons Game Notes
Outfielder Dave Sappelt has hit in 10 straight games
Last Game: The Dragons established season-highs in runs and hits as they defeated Wisconsin 14-4.
The Dragons are batting .303 as a team over their last 10 games and have averaged 7.1 runs per game over those 10 games. They have jumped from 12th in the league in team batting average to tied for seventh over those 10 games.
Outfielder Dave Sappelt has hit in 10 straight games
Last Game: The Dragons established season-highs in runs and hits as they defeated Wisconsin 14-4.
The Dragons are batting .303 as a team over their last 10 games and have averaged 7.1 runs per game over those 10 games. They have jumped from 12th in the league in team batting average to tied for seventh over those 10 games.
May 28, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Dragons beat the Timber Rattlers 14-4. Dayton’s offense collected 17 hits to support starting pitcher J.C. Sulbaran, who picked up his second win.
IT STARTED EARLY: Dayton scored four times in the first inning. Timber Rattler starting pitcher Efrain Nieves retired the first batter he faced. Then, two singles, a double, an error, and a single led to the four Dayton runs.
GOING DEEP: Miguel Rojas, who started the first inning rally with a bunt single, hit a two out solo homer in the bottom of the second for a 5-0 cushion.
DAMAGE REPORT: Carlos Mendez led the hit parade for the Dragons with a 4-for-5 night and three RBI. Rojas had three hits and added three RBI on the evening. Every Dragon in the lineup had at least one hit and at least one run scored.
TOUCHED: Three of the four Timber Rattler pitchers in the game gave up at least two runs. Nieves allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits over 4-1/3 innings. Brandon Ritchie allowed two runs (one earned) in 2/3 of an inning. Cody Scarpetta was hit for four runs on four hits in two innings.
UNSCATHED: Reliever Nick Tyson tossed a 1-2-3 eighth inning and was the only Rattler hurler not to allow a run. Tyson has pitched six scoreless innings over four appearances since joining the Timber Rattlers.
FORE! Rattler outfielder Chris Dennis went 4-for-4 in last night’s game. He hit a pair of homers and added two singles to bump his average to .415. He is the fourth Rattler with four hits in a game this season. The others are: Taylor Green, Brett Lawrie, and Juan Sanchez
SOMETHING ABOUT THE 27TH: Last night – May 27 – matched the largest margin of defeat for Wisconsin this season. The Rattlers also lost by 10 in a 17-7 defeat at the hands of the Quad Cities River Bandits in the second game of a doubleheader on April 27.
SOMETHING ABOUT WEDNESDAY: Dennis is the second Timber Rattler to hit two homers in a game this season. Brock Kjeldgaard hit a pair of homers in Kane County exactly one week ago, on Wednesday, May 20.
THE REST OF THE OFFENSE: Jose Duran’s two-out, two-run single in the top of the eighth inning accounted for the final two runs of the night.
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers are 13-14 in the month of May with four games remaining. The team needs to win three of those games to give them their first winning month (in a month with more than 10 games) since the 2007 Rattlers went 17-12 in August of that season.
ROAD TRIP! The Rattlers began a 12-game, 12-day, 4-city road trip last Wednesday. Wisconsin is 4-4 so far with one game left in Dayton and a three game series in West Michigan still ahead. The Rattlers return home on June 2.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Former major leaguer Todd Benzinger is the manager for the Dragons and they are 18-28 and in fifth place in the Midwest League Eastern Division. Tonight is the final meeting of the first half between the teams. Dayton visits Time Warner Cable Field for a three-game series July 22-24.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .255 as a team. They have scored 209 runs (4.5/game) and hit 29 home runs. The Dragons are hitting .255 as a team. They have scored 203 runs (4.4/game) and hit 24 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.40 while allowing a total of 235 runs (5.1/game). Dayton pitchers have a team ERA of 4.74 while allowing 245 runs (5.3/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 68 errors. The Dragon defense has committed 49 errors. Wisconsin is 6-16 on the road this season. Dayton is 6-13 at home this season.
DAYTON STARTING PITCHER: LHP Matt Fairel was the 35th round of the Reds in the 2008 draft out of Florida State University. In his final year with the Seminoles, Fairel was 12-2 and was named All-ACC Second Team. He signed too late to play professionally in 2008, but is off to a 3-2 start in his first nine appearances of 2009 with the Dragons is also third in the Midwest League in strikeouts with 54 (in 50-1/3 innings pitched) and tenth in the Midwest League in ERA at 2.68. In his start prior to this evening, Fairel won at Burlington. He pitched seven shutout innings, gave up two hits, walked one, and struck out one. Fairel has won two consecutive starts. Tonight is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers. Fairel is also making his first appearance against an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers tonight.
IT STARTED EARLY: Dayton scored four times in the first inning. Timber Rattler starting pitcher Efrain Nieves retired the first batter he faced. Then, two singles, a double, an error, and a single led to the four Dayton runs.
GOING DEEP: Miguel Rojas, who started the first inning rally with a bunt single, hit a two out solo homer in the bottom of the second for a 5-0 cushion.
DAMAGE REPORT: Carlos Mendez led the hit parade for the Dragons with a 4-for-5 night and three RBI. Rojas had three hits and added three RBI on the evening. Every Dragon in the lineup had at least one hit and at least one run scored.
TOUCHED: Three of the four Timber Rattler pitchers in the game gave up at least two runs. Nieves allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits over 4-1/3 innings. Brandon Ritchie allowed two runs (one earned) in 2/3 of an inning. Cody Scarpetta was hit for four runs on four hits in two innings.
UNSCATHED: Reliever Nick Tyson tossed a 1-2-3 eighth inning and was the only Rattler hurler not to allow a run. Tyson has pitched six scoreless innings over four appearances since joining the Timber Rattlers.
FORE! Rattler outfielder Chris Dennis went 4-for-4 in last night’s game. He hit a pair of homers and added two singles to bump his average to .415. He is the fourth Rattler with four hits in a game this season. The others are: Taylor Green, Brett Lawrie, and Juan Sanchez
SOMETHING ABOUT THE 27TH: Last night – May 27 – matched the largest margin of defeat for Wisconsin this season. The Rattlers also lost by 10 in a 17-7 defeat at the hands of the Quad Cities River Bandits in the second game of a doubleheader on April 27.
SOMETHING ABOUT WEDNESDAY: Dennis is the second Timber Rattler to hit two homers in a game this season. Brock Kjeldgaard hit a pair of homers in Kane County exactly one week ago, on Wednesday, May 20.
THE REST OF THE OFFENSE: Jose Duran’s two-out, two-run single in the top of the eighth inning accounted for the final two runs of the night.
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Timber Rattlers are 13-14 in the month of May with four games remaining. The team needs to win three of those games to give them their first winning month (in a month with more than 10 games) since the 2007 Rattlers went 17-12 in August of that season.
ROAD TRIP! The Rattlers began a 12-game, 12-day, 4-city road trip last Wednesday. Wisconsin is 4-4 so far with one game left in Dayton and a three game series in West Michigan still ahead. The Rattlers return home on June 2.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Former major leaguer Todd Benzinger is the manager for the Dragons and they are 18-28 and in fifth place in the Midwest League Eastern Division. Tonight is the final meeting of the first half between the teams. Dayton visits Time Warner Cable Field for a three-game series July 22-24.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .255 as a team. They have scored 209 runs (4.5/game) and hit 29 home runs. The Dragons are hitting .255 as a team. They have scored 203 runs (4.4/game) and hit 24 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.40 while allowing a total of 235 runs (5.1/game). Dayton pitchers have a team ERA of 4.74 while allowing 245 runs (5.3/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 68 errors. The Dragon defense has committed 49 errors. Wisconsin is 6-16 on the road this season. Dayton is 6-13 at home this season.
DAYTON STARTING PITCHER: LHP Matt Fairel was the 35th round of the Reds in the 2008 draft out of Florida State University. In his final year with the Seminoles, Fairel was 12-2 and was named All-ACC Second Team. He signed too late to play professionally in 2008, but is off to a 3-2 start in his first nine appearances of 2009 with the Dragons is also third in the Midwest League in strikeouts with 54 (in 50-1/3 innings pitched) and tenth in the Midwest League in ERA at 2.68. In his start prior to this evening, Fairel won at Burlington. He pitched seven shutout innings, gave up two hits, walked one, and struck out one. Fairel has won two consecutive starts. Tonight is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers. Fairel is also making his first appearance against an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers tonight.
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