View Full Version : 2006 AAA Scoreboard: Nashville
April 6 Game was Rain Out
April 8 Doubleheader
<b><font size=4>Nashville-Omaha rained out</font></b>
Thursday's season-opening game between the Nashville Sounds and the Omaha Royals at Rosenblatt Stadium was postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader beginning at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday.
<b><font size=4>Sounds Season Opener Rained Out In Omaha</font></b>
OMAHA – Thursday evening’s scheduled season opener between the Nashville Sounds and Omaha Royals, slated for 7:05 p.m. at Rosenblatt Stadium, was postponed due to inclement weather.
The game will be made up as part of a 4:05 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday. The teams will play two seven-inning games that night.
The Sounds and Royals will try to kick off the 2006 season again on Friday evening at Rosenblatt Stadium. Nashville right-hander Ben Hendrickson will start the 7:05 p.m. CT contest and face Omaha right-hander Kyle Snyder.
<b><font size=4>Single Game On Friday; Doubleheader on Saturday</font></b>
OMAHA - The Omaha Royals scheduled season opener Thursday night at Rosenblatt Stadium was postponed by rain and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday at 4:05 p.m.
The game was delayed by rain just prior to the 7:05 scheduled first pitch and was called one hour later.
The Royals will host the Sounds in a single game Friday at 7:05 p.m., followed by Saturday's doubleheader with first pitch of game one scheduled for 4:05 p.m.
<b><font size=4>Sounds season opener rained out in Omaha</font></b>
OMAHA, Neb. — Thursday evening’s scheduled season opener between the Nashville Sounds and Omaha Royals, scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Rosenblatt Stadium, was postponed due to inclement weather.
The game will be made up as part of a 4:05 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday. The teams will play two seven-inning games that night.
The Sounds and Royals will try to kick off the 2006 season again today evening at Rosenblatt Stadium. Nashville right-hander Ben Hendrickson will start the 7:05 p.m. contest and face Omaha right-hander Kyle Snyder.
<b><font size=4>Royals' opener rained out</font></b>
The Omaha Royals' Class AAA baseball season opener against Nashville at Rosenblatt Stadium was rained out Thursday night.
The Royals and Sounds - the Class AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and the defending Pacific Coast League champions - are scheduled to open their seasons tonight at 7:05. Thursday's rainout will be made up Saturday as part of a doubleheader beginning at 4:05 p.m.
Omaha's Kyle Snyder and Nashville's Ben Hendrickson are tonight's scheduled starting pitchers.
Omaha made one roster move to get down to the Class AAA limit of 24 and placed relief pitcher Derrick DePriest on the disabled list.
<a href=http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2006_04_07_nasaaa_omaaaa_1 target=_blank>Omaha 5 Nashville 3</a>
Nashville Top 1st
Tony GwynnJr. called out on strikes.
Dave Krynzel lines out to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Vinny Rottino grounds out, pitcher Bobby Keppel to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 1st
Kerry Robinson hit by pitch.
Ruben Gotay grounds into double play, shortstop Enrique Cruz to first baseman Brad Nelson. Kerry Robinson out at 2nd.
Aaron Guiel strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 2nd
Nelson Cruz grounds out, third baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Justin Huber.
Brad Nelson lines out to second baseman Ruben Gotay.
Brent Abernathy walks.
With Jermaine Clark batting, Bobby Keppel picks off Brent Abernathy at 1st on throw to Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 2nd
Chad Allen grounds out, shortstop Enrique Cruz to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Chip Ambres strikes out swinging.
Paul Phillips pops out to shortstop Enrique Cruz.
Nashville Top 3rd
Jermaine Clark singles on a fly ball to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Mark Johnson walks. Jermaine Clark to 2nd.
Enrique Cruz out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Bobby Keppel to second baseman Ruben Gotay. Jermaine Clark to 3rd. Mark Johnson to 2nd.
Tony GwynnJr. out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Kerry Robinson. Jermaine Clark scores.
Dave Krynzel walks.
Vinny Rottino singles on a fly ball to left fielder Chip Ambres. Mark Johnson scores. Dave Krynzel to 3rd.
Nelson Cruz grounds out, third baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 3rd
Justin Huber walks.
With Mike Aviles batting, wild pitch by Ben Hendrickson, Justin Huber to 2nd.
Mike Aviles strikes out swinging.
Andres Blanco pops out to third baseman Vinny Rottino.
Kerry Robinson walks.
Ruben Gotay strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 4th
Brad Nelson strikes out swinging.
Brent Abernathy grounds out, third baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Justin Huber.
Jermaine Clark grounds out, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 4th
Aaron Guiel walks.
Coaching visit to mound.
Chad Allen grounds into double play, third baseman Vinny Rottino to second baseman Jermaine Clark to first baseman Brad Nelson. Aaron Guiel out at 2nd.
Chip Ambres strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 5th
Mark Johnson flies out to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Enrique Cruz called out on strikes.
Tony GwynnJr. grounds out, third baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 5th
Paul Phillips pops out to first baseman Brad Nelson in foul territory.
Justin Huber grounds out, shortstop Enrique Cruz to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Mike Aviles flies out to left fielder Dave Krynzel.
Nashville Top 6th
Dave Krynzel singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ruben Gotay.
With Vinny Rottino batting, Dave Krynzel steals (1) 2nd base.
Vinny Rottino grounds out, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber.
Nelson Cruz singles on a ground ball to center fielder Kerry Robinson. Dave Krynzel scores.
Pitcher Change: Ed Yarnall replaces Bobby Keppel.
Brad Nelson called out on strikes.
Brent Abernathy flies out to right fielder Aaron Guiel in foul territory.
Omaha Bottom 6th
Pitcher Change: Jason Kershner replaces Ben Hendrickson.
Andres Blanco grounds out to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Kerry Robinson singles on a fly ball to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Ruben Gotay flies out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Aaron Guiel called out on strikes.
Nashville Top 7th
Jermaine Clark grounds out, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Justin Huber.
Mark Johnson pops out to shortstop Andres Blanco.
Enrique Cruz strikes out swinging.
Omaha Bottom 7th
Chad Allen flies out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Chip Ambres flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Paul Phillips pops out to first baseman Brad Nelson in foul territory.
Nashville Top 8th
Tony GwynnJr. singles on a line drive to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Dave Krynzel walks. Tony GwynnJr. to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Joe Nelson replaces Ed Yarnall.
Vinny Rottino strikes out swinging.
Nelson Cruz called out on strikes.
Brad Nelson strikes out swinging.
Omaha Bottom 8th
Pitcher Change: Allan Simpson replaces Jason Kershner.
Justin Huber walks.
Mike Aviles grounds into a force out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to second baseman Jermaine Clark. Justin Huber out at 2nd. Mike Aviles to 1st.
Andres Blanco singles on a ground ball to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Mike Aviles to 2nd.
Kerry Robinson reaches on fielding error by shortstop Enrique Cruz. Mike Aviles to 3rd. Andres Blanco to 2nd.
Ruben Gotay out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Tony GwynnJr. Mike Aviles scores.
Aaron Guiel walks. Andres Blanco to 3rd. Kerry Robinson to 2nd.
Chad Allen singles on a ground ball to left fielder Dave Krynzel. Andres Blanco scores. Kerry Robinson scores. Aaron Guiel to 3rd. Chad Allen to 2nd on the throw.
Pitcher Change: Mike Adams replaces Allan Simpson.
Chip Ambres doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Dave Krynzel. Aaron Guiel scores. Chad Allen scores.
With Paul Phillips batting, Chip Ambres picked off and caught stealing 3rd base, pitcher Mike Adams to third baseman Vinny Rottino.
Nashville Top 9th
Pitcher Change: Joel Peralta replaces Joe Nelson.
Brent Abernathy strikes out swinging.
Jermaine Clark pops out to third baseman Mike Aviles.
Mark Johnson grounds out to first baseman Justin Huber.
<b>Royals rally past Sounds</b>
Chip Ambres hit a two-run double, capping a five-run eighth-inning rally and lifting the Royals past Nashville, 5-3, in their season opener on Friday night in Omaha.
Omaha trailed 3-0 entering the eighth against Sounds reliever Allan Simpson (0-1). Justin Huber led off with a walk and with one out, Andres Blanco singled to right field. Kerry Robinson reached on an error by shortstop Enrique Cruz to load the bases and Ruben Gotay followed with a sacrifice fly to center.
Two batters later, Chad Allen's two-run single tied the score, 3-3. After a pitching change, Ambres doubled in Aaron Guiel and Allen. All five runs against Simpson were unearned.
Omaha was no-hit over the first five frames by starter Ben Hendrickson, but the right-hander was pulled after tossing 80 pitches. Robinson broke up the no-hitter on a fly ball to center hat fell for a single with one out in the sixth.
Royals reliever Joe Nelson (1-0) struck out the side in the eighth to earn the win. Joel Peralta worked a perfect ninth for the save.
Bobby Keppel started for Omaha and yielded three runs on four hits and three walks with three strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.
The Sounds took a 2-0 lead in the third when Tony Gwynn Jr. lifted a sacrifice fly to center and Vinny Rottino singled in Mark Johnson.
Nashville upped its lead to 3-0 on Nelson Cruz's RBI single in the sixth.
The teams play at doubleheader beginning at 5:05 p.m. ET on Saturday in Omaha.
Ben Hendrickson who pitched 5 Hitless Innings with 5 Strike outs is the Nashville Player of the game.
<b><font size=4>Sounds Blow Late Lead, Drop Opener 5-3</font></b>
OMAHA – The Nashville bullpen failed to protect a late lead, allowing five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, as the Sounds suffered a heartbreaking 5-3 loss to the division-rival Omaha Royals in their 2006 season opener on Friday evening at Rosenblatt Stadium.
The late Omaha comeback ruined an outstanding outing by Nashville starter Ben Hendrickson, who did not allow a hit over five scoreless innings before being removed due to a pitch count limitation. The 25-year-old, who was left with a no-decision for his effort, walked three and struck out five batters, allowing only two runners to reach second base.
The Sounds jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Second baseman Jermaine Clark recorded the first Nashville hit of 2006 when he led off the frame with a single to center off Omaha starter Bobby Keppel. Catcher Mark Johnson followed with a walk and Enrique Cruz moved both runners up a base with a sacrifice bunt.
Tony Gwynn plated the first run of the season and gave Nashville a 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly to center that brought in Clark. Following a Dave Krynzel walk, Vinny Rottino celebrated his 26th birthday with an RBI single to left to double the Sounds’ advantage to 2-0.
Nelson Cruz upped the Nashville lead to 3-0 in the sixth with a one-out RBI single up the middle off Keppel that brought home Krynzel, who had singled and stolen second to open the frame.
Omaha finally recorded a hit in the bottom of the sixth when Kerry Robinson singled off Sounds reliever Jason Kershner, who worked two scoreless frames behind Hendrickson.
The Royals, who had been held to one hit through the first seven innings, broke through in the bottom of the eighth against the Nashville bullpen, plating five unearned runs during a two-out rally to take a 5-3 lead.
With one out, Omaha loaded the bases against Sounds reliever Allan Simpson on a Mike Aviles fielder’s choice, Andres Blanco single, and a fielding error by shortstop Enrique Cruz on a grounder by Robinson. Ruben Gotay followed with a sacrifice fly to center to bring in Aviles with the Royals’ first run of the contest. After Aaron Guiel drew a walk to re-load the bags, Omaha cleanup hitter Chad Allen chased Simpson with a game-tying, two-run single to left.
Mike Adams relieved Simpson and didn’t fare much better, surrendering a go-ahead two-run double to Chip Ambres on his second pitch.
Omaha closer Joel Peralta stifled the Sounds’ offense in the ninth to earn his first save of the year.
Joe Nelson (1-0) picked up the win as the beneficiary of the Omaha comeback after striking out the side in his lone inning of work. Simpson (0-1), who was charged with five unearned runs in his two-thirds of an inning, took the loss after blowing the save.
The Sounds and Royals will play a 4:05 p.m. CT doubleheader on Saturday evening to make up Thursday evening’s postponed season opener. A pair of southpaws take the hill for Nashville.
Zach Jackson, who was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the off-season, makes his Brewers organization debut in the opener for the Sounds and will face Royals left-hander J.P. Howell.
Dana Eveland will make his Sounds debut in the nightcap when he squares off against Omaha right-hander Kyle Snyder.
<b><font size=4>Royals rally to win opener</font></b>
Chip Ambres had a chance to be the fifth outfielder on the Kansas City Royals' opening day roster.
Instead he's hitting fifth in the Omaha Royals' every day lineup, and the 26-year-old delivered a two-run double that capped his new club's 5-3, come-from-behind victory Friday night over Nashville in a Class AAA season opener.
Ambres said he is trying not to overanalyze things while working his way back to the majors.
He made his big-league debut last season after being acquired from Boston in a trade for infielder Tony Graffanino, but he hit just .180 (9 for 50) in spring training - despite hitting three homers and driving in 10 runs in 21 games.
"I think the biggest thing is that I played controlled - I didn't just play," Ambres said. "My numbers, other than my average, were OK. But that average sticks out like a sore thumb."
Ambres drove in the go-ahead runs by pulling a ball that stayed just inside the bag at third base, scoring Aaron Guiel and Chad Allen. Guiel - another contestant in the competition for the reserve job that eventually went to Shane Costa - had drawn a walk to load the bases for Allen, whose two-run single tied the game 3-3.
All five runs in the inning were unearned because of a one-out error by shortstop Enrique Cruz, who tried to hurry for a force out on a ground ball to the hole by Omaha's Kerry Robinson. Ruben Gotay followed with a sacrifice fly that produced the Royals' first run, then Guiel drew a walk against Allan Simpson (0-1).
"We got a little help from them and we took advantage of it," Omaha manager Mike Jirschele said. "That's the thing - they can give you help, but if you don't take advantage of it, you lose."
It looked as though losing was a certainty for Omaha, as Nashville starter Ben Hendrickson pitched five no-hit innings on a night when the wind howled at 24 mph towards the right field corner and the wind chill dipped into the 30s.
Before about 500 frigid faithful (1,728 paid) at Rosenblatt Stadium, Hendrickson had his evening capped off at 80 pitches.
The 25-year-old right-hander, still considered one of Milwaukee's better prospects despite going 6-12 with a 4.97 ERA last year for the Sounds, pitched around three walks and a hit batter in an otherwise flawless performance.
"He was a quality guy," said Ambres, who struck out in his two appearances against Hendrickson. "He had a good changeup and was deceptive. You just try to make adjustments as quick as possible, because that probably won't be the last time we face him."
Hendrickson, the Class AAA International League pitcher of the year in 2004, has had little trouble with Omaha since joining the Pacific Coast League: he was 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA in four starts against the Royals last season.
The Royals didn't get their first hit until Robinson's one-out single in the sixth off reliever Jason Kershner.
The Omaha bullpen gave the offense a chance, as Eddie Yarnall pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings, then winner Joe Nelson struck out Nashville's Nos. 3, 4 and 5 hitters after two runners reached base against Yarnall in the eighth. Joel Peralta pitched the ninth for the save.
It's easier to thaw out after a game you've won.
"Yeah, it was worth it," Jirschele said.
<b><font size=4>Ambres aids Omaha rally over Nashville</font>
Hendrickson pitches five no-hit innings</b>
OMAHA, Neb. — Chip Ambres had a chance to be the fifth outfielder on the Kansas City Royals' opening day roster.
Instead he's hitting fifth in the Omaha Royals' every day lineup, and the 26-year-old delivered a two-run double that capped his new club's 5-3, come-from-behind victory last night over Nashville in a Class AAA season opener.
Ambres said he is trying not to overanalyze things while working his way back to the majors.
He made his big-league debut last season after being acquired from Boston in a trade for infielder Tony Graffanino, but he hit just .180 (9 for 50) in spring training — despite hitting three homers and driving in 10 runs in 21 games.
Ambres drove in the go-ahead runs by pulling a ball that stayed just inside the bag at third base, scoring Aaron Guiel and Chad Allen. Guiel — another contestant for the reserve job that went to Shane Costa — had drawn a walk to load the bases for Allen, whose two-run single to tie the game 3-3.
All five runs in the inning were unearned because of a one-out error by shortstop Enrique Cruz, who tried to hurry for a force out on a ground ball to the hole by Omaha's Kerry Robinson. Ruben Gotay followed with a sacrifice fly that produced the Royals' first run, then Guiel drew a walk against Allan Simpson (0-1).
<a href=http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2006_04_08_nasaaa_omaaaa_1 target=_blank>Omaha 2 Nashville 0</a>
Nashville Top 1st
Tony GwynnJr. grounds out, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber.
Dave Krynzel grounds out to first baseman Justin Huber.
Vinny Rottino pops out to shortstop Andres Blanco.
Omaha Bottom 1st
Kerry Robinson grounds out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brent Abernathy.
Ruben Gotay grounds out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brent Abernathy.
Aaron Guiel flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Nashville Top 2nd
Nelson Cruz strikes out swinging.
Mike Rivera flies out to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Brent Abernathy grounds out, third baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 2nd
Chad Allen grounds out, second baseman Jermaine Clark to first baseman Brent Abernathy.
Chip Ambres strikes out swinging.
Paul Phillips grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Brent Abernathy.
Nashville Top 3rd
Chris Barnwell grounds out, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber.
Zach Sorensen called out on strikes.
Jermaine Clark grounds out, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 3rd
Justin Huber hit by pitch.
Mike Aviles walks. Justin Huber to 2nd.
Coaching visit to mound.
Andres Blanco singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Zach Jackson. Justin Huber to 3rd. Mike Aviles to 2nd.
Kerry Robinson lines into double play, third baseman Vinny Rottino to second baseman Jermaine Clark. Mike Aviles doubled off 2nd.
Ruben Gotay flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Nashville Top 4th
Tony GwynnJr. called out on strikes.
Dave Krynzel grounds out, pitcher J. P. Howell to first baseman Justin Huber.
Vinny Rottino singles on a line drive to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Nelson Cruz strikes out swinging, catcher Paul Phillips to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 4th
Aaron Guiel grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Brent Abernathy.
Chad Allen strikes out swinging.
Chip Ambres lines out sharply to shortstop Chris Barnwell.
Nashville Top 5th
Mike Rivera pops out to third baseman Mike Aviles.
Brent Abernathy doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Chris Barnwell grounds out sharply, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber. Brent Abernathy to 3rd.
Zach Sorensen flies out sharply to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Omaha Bottom 5th
Paul Phillips lines out to first baseman Brent Abernathy.
Justin Huber grounds out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brent Abernathy.
Mike Aviles grounds out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brent Abernathy.
Nashville Top 6th
Jermaine Clark grounds out, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Justin Huber.
Tony GwynnJr. reaches on throwing error by first baseman Justin Huber.
Dave Krynzel out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Paul Phillips to first baseman Justin Huber. Tony GwynnJr. to 2nd.
With Vinny Rottino batting, wild pitch by J. P. Howell, Tony GwynnJr. to 3rd.
Vinny Rottino called out on strikes.
Omaha Bottom 6th
Andres Blanco flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Kerry Robinson grounds out, first baseman Brent Abernathy to pitcher Zach Jackson.
Ruben Gotay singles on a line drive to left fielder Dave Krynzel.
Aaron Guiel walks. Ruben Gotay to 2nd.
Coaching visit to mound.
Chad Allen doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Ruben Gotay scores. Aaron Guiel scores.
Pitcher Change: Chris Demaria replaces Zach Jackson.
Chip Ambres pops out to second baseman Jermaine Clark.
Nashville Top 7th
Pitcher Change: David Elder replaces J. Howell.
Nelson Cruz singles on a line drive to right fielder Aaron Guiel.
Mike Rivera grounds into a force out, shortstop Andres Blanco to second baseman Ruben Gotay. Nelson Cruz out at 2nd. Mike Rivera to 1st.
Brent Abernathy lines out to right fielder Aaron Guiel.
Chris Barnwell singles on a line drive to center fielder Kerry Robinson. Mike Rivera to 3rd.
Zach Sorensen strikes out swinging.
<b>Howell dominates opener</b>
J.P. Howell allowed just two hits in six innings as Omaha blanked Nashville, 2-0, in Saturday's doubleheader opener.
Howell (1-0), who made 15 starts for Kansas City last season, struck out five without a walk. Reliever David Elder worked out of a first-and-third jam in the seventh inning to pick up the save.
Chad Allen gave Howell all the run support he would need with his two-run double in the sixth.
After Ruben Gotay singled and Aaron Guiel walked with two outs, Allen sent a fly ball to right field off starter Zach Jackson (0-1).
The Royals (2-0) loaded the bases in the third, but Jackson got Kerry Robinson to line into a double play and retired Gotay to end the threat. The Sounds (0-2) also had runners in scoring position in the fifth and sixth, but could not push them across.
Brent Abernathy who hit a Double is the Nashville player of the game.
<a href=http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2006_04_08_nasaaa_omaaaa_2 target=_blank>Omaha 3 Nashville 2</a>
Nashville Top 1st
Tony GwynnJr. reaches on throwing error by shortstop Andres Blanco.
Dave Krynzel hits a ground-rule double (1) on a fly ball to left field. Tony GwynnJr. to 3rd.
Brent Abernathy grounds out, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber. Tony GwynnJr. scores.
Nelson Cruz doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Chip Ambres. Dave Krynzel scores.
With Brad Nelson batting, Nelson Cruz advances to 3rd on a balk.
Brad Nelson strikes out swinging.
Jermaine Clark grounds out, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 1st
Kerry Robinson walks.
Ruben Gotay singles on a line drive to left fielder Dave Krynzel. Kerry Robinson to 2nd.
Aaron Guiel grounds into double play, second baseman Jermaine Clark to shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brad Nelson. Kerry Robinson to 3rd. Ruben Gotay out at 2nd.
Chad Allen grounds out sharply, shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Nashville Top 2nd
Mark Johnson pops out to shortstop Andres Blanco.
Chris Barnwell called out on strikes.
Enrique Cruz grounds out, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 2nd
Chip Ambres homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
Justin Huber flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Rick Bell lines out to left fielder Dave Krynzel.
Jared Price pops out to catcher Mark Johnson in foul territory.
Nashville Top 3rd
Tony GwynnJr. bunt grounds out, catcher Jared Price to first baseman Justin Huber.
Dave Krynzel pops out to shortstop Andres Blanco.
Brent Abernathy strikes out swinging.
Omaha Bottom 3rd
Andres Blanco grounds out, second baseman Jermaine Clark to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Kerry Robinson called out on strikes.
Ruben Gotay strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 4th
Nelson Cruz pops out to catcher Jared Price in foul territory.
Brad Nelson grounds out, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Justin Huber.
Jermaine Clark flies out to left fielder Chip Ambres in foul territory.
Omaha Bottom 4th
Aaron Guiel pops out to first baseman Brad Nelson in foul territory.
Chad Allen grounds out to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Chip Ambres flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Nashville Top 5th
Mark Johnson strikes out swinging.
Chris Barnwell singles on a ground ball to right fielder Chad Allen.
Enrique Cruz called out on strikes.
Tony GwynnJr. strikes out swinging.
Omaha Bottom 5th
Justin Huber flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Rick Bell lines out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Jared Price called out on strikes.
Nashville Top 6th
Dave Krynzel strikes out swinging, catcher Jared Price to first baseman Justin Huber.
Brent Abernathy singles on a fly ball to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Pitcher Change: Justin Huisman replaces Kyle Snyder.
With Nelson Cruz batting, Brent Abernathy caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Jared Price to second baseman Ruben Gotay.
Nelson Cruz grounds out, third baseman Rick Bell to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 6th
Pitcher Change: Brett Evert replaces Dana Eveland.
Andres Blanco lines out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Kerry Robinson reaches on throwing error by pitcher Brett Evert. Kerry Robinson to 2nd.
Ruben Gotay pops out to third baseman Enrique Cruz in foul territory.
With Aaron Guiel batting, wild pitch by Brett Evert, Kerry Robinson to 3rd.
Aaron Guiel singles on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Kerry Robinson scores.
Chad Allen singles on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Aaron Guiel to 3rd.
Chip Ambres grounds into a force out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to second baseman Jermaine Clark. Chad Allen out at 2nd.
Nashville Top 7th
Brad Nelson lines out to shortstop Andres Blanco.
Jermaine Clark walks.
Mark Johnson flies out to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Chris Barnwell pops out to shortstop Andres Blanco.
Omaha Bottom 7th
Justin Huber walks.
Coaching visit to mound.
Rick Bell strikes out on foul bunt.
Jared Price strikes out swinging.
Andres Blanco pops out to third baseman Enrique Cruz in foul territory.
Nashville Top 8th
Enrique Cruz grounds out, third baseman Rick Bell to first baseman Justin Huber.
Tony GwynnJr. singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Dave Krynzel strikes out swinging.
Brent Abernathy strikes out swinging.
Omaha Bottom 8th
Pitcher Change: Mitch Stetter replaces Brett Evert.
Kerry Robinson walks.
Ruben Gotay out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Mitch Stetter to second baseman Jermaine Clark. Kerry Robinson to 2nd.
With Aaron Guiel batting, Kerry Robinson steals (1) 3rd base.
Aaron Guiel out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Tony GwynnJr. Kerry Robinson scores.
<b>Royals complete sweep</b>
Aaron Guiel's eighth-inning sacrifice fly plated the winning run as Omaha edged visiting Nashville, 3-2, to sweep Saturday's doubleheader.
The Royals (3-0) have won all three games this season in their final at-bat. This was their first sweep of a twinbill since May 29, 2000, against the Memphis Redbirds.
In the eighth, Nashville reliever Mitch Stetter (0-1) surrendered a leadoff walk to Kerry Robinson. The 32-year-old advanced to second on Ruben Gotay's sacrifice and stole third before scoring on Guiel's fly ball to center field.
The Sounds (0-3) took a 2-0 lead in the first on an RBI groundout by Brent Abernathy and Nelson Cruz's run-scoring double, but a leadoff homer by Chip Ambres in the second halved Omaha's deficit.
After Robinson reached on a throwing error by reliever Brett Evert in the sixth and raced to third on a wild pitch, Guiel delivered an RBI single to knot the score and send the game to extra innings.
Omaha starter Kyle Snyder kept the Sounds scoreless after the first, striking out seven over 5 1/3 innings. Reliever Justin Huisman (1-0) fanned two and allowed one hit and a walk over 2 2/3 frames to record the win.
The teams conclude the four-game series at 2:35 p.m. ET.
The Milwaukee Brewers announced Saturday that ace right-hander Ben Sheets will make another rehab start, facing Iowa for Nashville on Tuesday. The 28-year-old will be limited to 70 pitches and could return to the Brewers to face the Mets on April 16. --Marissa Rega/MLB.com
Nelson Cruz who had a RBI Double in the secound game of the Doubleheader is the Nashville player of the game.
<b><font size=4>Sounds Swept In Twinbill, Fall To 0-3 On Year</font></b>
OMAHA – The Omaha Royals swept a doubleheader from the Nashville Sounds on Saturday evening, scoring the winning run in their last at-bat in both contests at Rosenblatt Stadium to drop Nashville to 0-3 on the young season.
Omaha took the opener 2-0 then posted a 3-2, eight-inning victory in the nightcap to improve to 3-0 on the year.
The first game featured a pitchers’ duel between Sounds southpaw Zach Jackson and Omaha left-hander J.P. Howell. Neither team scored until the bottom of the sixth inning, when the Royals broke through for a pair of runs against Jackson on Chad Allen’s two-out, two-run double into the right field corner. Ruben Gotay, who reached on a two-out single, and Aaron Guiel, who followed with a walk, scored on the two-bagger.
Nashville’s best scoring opportunity in the opener came in the fifth when Brent Abernathy ripped a one-out double but was left on the basepaths as Chris Barnwell grounded out and Zach Sorensen flew out to end the frame.
Howell (1-0) allowed only two hits, struck out five batters, and walked none over six innings for Omaha to pick up the win. Dave Elder worked a scoreless seventh to notch his first save. Jackson (0-1) opened with 5 2/3 frames of scoreless, one-hit ball for Nashville before being touched for a pair of runs and took the loss in his Sounds and Brewers organization debut.
The Sounds got right to business in the nightcap, plating a pair of runs against Omaha starter Kyle Snyder in the top of the first inning. Tony Gwynn reached on an error to open the contest and moved to third on a ground-rule double by Dave Krynzel. Abernathy plated Gwynn with an RBI groundout and Nelson Cruz doubled the Sounds’ lead to 2-0 with a run-scoring double to left-center that brought in Krynzel.
Omaha leftfielder Chip Ambres answered with a leadoff solo home run off Sounds starter Dana Eveland in the bottom of the second inning to pull the home team back within a run at 2-1.
The score held until the bottom of the sixth when the Sounds bullpen failed to hold a lead for the second time in the team’s first three games of the year.
Brett Evert opened the frame on the hill in relief of Eveland, who allowed one run on two hits over his five innings of work. With one out, Kerry Robinson hit a comebacker to Evert but the right-hander misfired into right field. One out later, a wild pitch moved Robinson to third before Guiel delivered a two-out RBI single to right to knot the contest at 2-2.
Omaha won the game with an old-fashioned manufactured run in the bottom of the eighth against Sounds reliever Mitch Stetter. Robinson opened the frame with a walk then moved to second on a Gotay sacrifice bunt. After stealing third, the veteran outfielder scored the game-winner on Guiel’s sacrifice fly to center.
Justin Huisman (1-0) earned the victory in relief for Omaha after tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out two. Stetter (0-1) took the loss for Nashville after surrendering the game-winner.
The Sounds look to avoid a sweep when they wrap up the season-opening four-game series with a 1:35 p.m. matinee finale against the Royals on Sunday afternoon at Rosenblatt Stadium. Right-hander Dennis Sarfate takes the hill for Nashville to square off against Omaha right-hander Runelvys Hernandez.
<b><font size=4>Sounds swept, fall to 0-3</font>
Undefeated Royals capture both games in their final at-bat</b>
OMAHA, Neb. — The Pacific Coast League's defending champions dropped their first doubleheader of the season and are still looking for their first victory.
Scoring the winning run in their last at-bat in both games at Rosenblatt Stadium, the unbeaten Omaha Royals swept a pair from the winless Nashville Sounds last night, winning 2-0 and 3-2 in eight innings.
The twin killing dropped Nashville to 0-3 and improved the Royals to 3-0.
Sounds left-handed Zach Jackson and Omaha left-hander J.P. Howell were locked in a pitchers' duel until the bottom of the sixth inning. That's when the Royals scored both of their runs against Jackson on Chad Allen's two-out, two-run double into the right field corner.
Ruben Gotay, who reached on a two-out single, and Aaron Guiel, who followed with a walk, scored on the Allen double.
Nashville blew a chance to score in the fifth when Brent Abernathy hit a one-out double, but he was stranded there as Chris Barnwell grounded out and Zach Sorensen flew out to end the threat.
Howell (1-0) allowed only two hits, struck out five batters, and walked none over six innings for Omaha to pick up the win.
Dave Elder worked a scoreless seventh to notch his first save for Omaha.
Jackson (0-1) opened with 5ª innings of scoreless, one-hit ball for Nashville before being touched for a pair of runs and took the loss in his Sounds and Brewers organization debut.
In the nightcap, Nashville scored two quick runs Omaha starter Kyle Snyder in the top of the first inning. Tony Gwynn Jr. reached on an error to open the contest and went to third on a ground-rule double by Dave Krynzel.
Abernathy was then able to score Gwynn with an RBI groundout and Nelson Cruz doubled the Sounds' lead to 2-0 with a run-scoring double to left-center that brought in Krynzel.
Omaha leftfielder Chip Ambres answered with a leadoff solo home run off Sounds starter Dana Eveland in the bottom of the second inning to pull the home team back within a run at 2-1.
The score held until the bottom of the sixth when the Sounds bullpen failed to hold a lead for the second time in the team's first three games of the year.
Brett Evert opened the frame on the hill in relief of Eveland, who allowed one run on two hits over his five innings of work.
With one out, Kerry Robinson hit a comebacker to Evert but the right-hander misfired into right field.
One out later, a wild pitch moved Robinson to third before Guiel delivered a two-out RBI single to right to knot the contest at 2-2.
Omaha won the game with an old-fashioned manufactured run in the bottom of the eighth against Sounds reliever Mitch Stetter. Robinson opened the frame with a walk then moved to second on a Gotay sacrifice bunt.
After stealing third, the veteran outfielder scored the game-winner on Guiel's sacrifice fly to center. Justin Huisman (1-0) earned the victory in relief for Omaha after tossing 2ª scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out two.
Stetter (0-1) took the loss for Nashville after surrendering the game-winner.
The Sounds look to avoid a sweep when they wrap up the season-opening four-game series with a 1:35 p.m. finale against the Royals this afternoon at Rosenblatt Stadium.
Right-hander Dennis Sarfate takes the hill for Nashville to square off against Omaha right-hander Runelvys Hernandez.
<b><font size=4>Late inning sparks spark Royal sweep</font></b>
Sum up the first three games of the Omaha Royals' season like the old line about watching the NBA.
Just come for the finish.
The Royals swept a doubleheader from Nashville by scores of 2-0 and 3-2 Saturday before 2,106 (paid) at Rosenblatt Stadium and have won all three games on their final at-bat. The modest season-opening streak is the best for the franchise since the 1990 Class AAA championship team opened 5-0.
"You can see our guys are getting better at-bats as we go along, after five or six days of not seeing live pitching," Omaha Manager Mike Jirschele said. "I told our guys, 'Be patient, the pitchers are going to be a little ahead of you right now, but you'll catch up.'"
The Royal offense has been practically nonexistent in the early innings - they've managed one run on three hits before the sixth inning of any game - but their own outstanding pitching has made late rallies fruitful.
"It's going to take a few days to get our timing," said Aaron Guiel, whose second game performance included a sixth-inning RBI single to force extra innings and an eighth-inning sacrifice fly to end it.
"We've thrown together patches of runs to win games, but it's a credit to our pitchers for giving us a chance to feel our way through it."
In the opener, just like in its opening night victory, Omaha waited until its final at-bat to post its second hit of the game as part of the game-winning rally. And once again Chad Allen delivered a key base hit that scored two runs.
Allen, 31, has spent parts of each of the last seven seasons in the majors and is a career .331 hitter in 429 Class AAA games.
"It's definitely nice to have him on our club this year, rather than having him do that to us like he did last year," Jirschele said of Allen, who was 9 for 24 (.375) in six games against Omaha.
The Royals' only hit through five innings against Zach Jackson was a third-inning bunt single by Andres Blanco. Jackson fielded the ball up the third-base line and appeared to have a chance to throw Blanco out but instead made no attempt.
The outburst made a winner of J.P. Howell, who retired the first 13 batters he faced and yielded just two hits in six shutout innings.
"This team has a good vibe," Howell said. "I've been on teams when there's two or three great guys, but this team - from 1 to 9 in the lineup and from 1 to 9 on the pitching staff, and all the guys on the bench - is pretty darn good."
Justin Huisman worked 2 2/3 one-hit innings for the win, extending the bullpen's season-opening streak to 7 1/3 scoreless innings.
Leadoff hitter Kerry Robinson started the winning rally against lefty Mitch Stetter in the eighth by drawing a walk, moving to second on a sacrifice and stealing third base to set up Guiel's sacrifice fly.
"I'm up there against a left-hander whose sole job is to get me out," Guiel said. "And if Robinson stays at second base, I need to get a hit. As soon as he stole third, I knew I had him (Stetter), because it opened up the options for me."
<b><font size=4>Sounds swept, fall to 0-3</font>
Undefeated Royals capture both games in their final at-bat</b>
OMAHA, Neb. — The Pacific Coast League's defending champions dropped their first doubleheader of the season and are still looking for their first victory.
Scoring the winning run in their last at-bat in both games at Rosenblatt Stadium, the unbeaten Omaha Royals swept a pair from the winless Nashville Sounds last night, winning 2-0 and 3-2 in eight innings.
The twin killing dropped Nashville to 0-3 and improved the Royals to 3-0.
Sounds left-handed Zach Jackson and Omaha left-hander J.P. Howell were locked in a pitchers' duel until the bottom of the sixth inning. That's when the Royals scored both of their runs against Jackson on Chad Allen's two-out, two-run double into the right field corner.
Ruben Gotay, who reached on a two-out single, and Aaron Guiel, who followed with a walk, scored on the Allen double.
Nashville blew a chance to score in the fifth when Brent Abernathy hit a one-out double, but he was stranded there as Chris Barnwell grounded out and Zach Sorensen flew out to end the threat.
Howell (1-0) allowed only two hits, struck out five batters, and walked none over six innings for Omaha to pick up the win.
Dave Elder worked a scoreless seventh to notch his first save for Omaha.
Jackson (0-1) opened with 5ª innings of scoreless, one-hit ball for Nashville before being touched for a pair of runs and took the loss in his Sounds and Brewers organization debut.
In the nightcap, Nashville scored two quick runs Omaha starter Kyle Snyder in the top of the first inning. Tony Gwynn Jr. reached on an error to open the contest and went to third on a ground-rule double by Dave Krynzel.
Abernathy was then able to score Gwynn with an RBI groundout and Nelson Cruz doubled the Sounds' lead to 2-0 with a run-scoring double to left-center that brought in Krynzel.
Omaha leftfielder Chip Ambres answered with a leadoff solo home run off Sounds starter Dana Eveland in the bottom of the second inning to pull the home team back within a run at 2-1.
The score held until the bottom of the sixth when the Sounds bullpen failed to hold a lead for the second time in the team's first three games of the year.
Brett Evert opened the frame on the hill in relief of Eveland, who allowed one run on two hits over his five innings of work.
With one out, Kerry Robinson hit a comebacker to Evert but the right-hander misfired into right field.
One out later, a wild pitch moved Robinson to third before Guiel delivered a two-out RBI single to right to knot the contest at 2-2.
Omaha won the game with an old-fashioned manufactured run in the bottom of the eighth against Sounds reliever Mitch Stetter. Robinson opened the frame with a walk then moved to second on a Gotay sacrifice bunt.
After stealing third, the veteran outfielder scored the game-winner on Guiel's sacrifice fly to center. Justin Huisman (1-0) earned the victory in relief for Omaha after tossing 2ª scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out two.
Stetter (0-1) took the loss for Nashville after surrendering the game-winner.
The Sounds look to avoid a sweep when they wrap up the season-opening four-game series with a 1:35 p.m. finale against the Royals this afternoon at Rosenblatt Stadium.
Right-hander Dennis Sarfate takes the hill for Nashville to square off against Omaha right-hander Runelvys Hernandez.
Games at a glance
GAME 1
• Losing pitcher: Zach Jackson (0-1)
• Big stick: Brent Abernathy has a one-out double in the fifth, but is stranded.
• How they lost: In bottom of the sixth, Omaha's Chad Allen hits a two-out, two-run double into right field corner, scoring Ruben Gotay and Aaron Guiel.
GAME 2
• Losing pitcher: Mitch Stetter (0-1)
• Big stick: Nelson Cruz hits an RBI double to left-center, scoring Dave Krynzel.
• How they lost: Stetter gives up winner in bottom of eighth. Kerry Robinson walked, was sacrificed to second, stole third and scored on Aaron Guiel's sacrifice fly to center.• Today's game: RHP Dennis Sarfate for Sounds against RHP Runelvys Hernandez.
• Notes: Brewers RHP Ben Sheets make second rehabilitation start with Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday at Iowa.On April 6, Sheets pitched 2ª innings for Double-A Huntsville. He gave up four hits and two runs.
<a href=http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2006_04_09_nasaaa_omaaaa_1 target=_blank>Nashville 11 Omaha 5</a>
Nashville Top 1st
Tony GwynnJr. walks.
Dave Krynzel flies out to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Vinny Rottino walks. Tony GwynnJr. to 2nd.
Nelson Cruz pops out to shortstop Andres Blanco on the infield fly rule.
Mike Rivera doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Chip Ambres. Tony GwynnJr. scores. Vinny Rottino out at home on the throw, left fielder Chip Ambres to shortstop Andres Blanco to catcher Paul Phillips.
Omaha Bottom 1st
Kerry Robinson called out on strikes.
Ruben Gotay grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Aaron Guiel walks.
Chad Allen grounds into a force out, second baseman Jermaine Clark to shortstop Chris Barnwell. Aaron Guiel out at 2nd.
Nashville Top 2nd
Jermaine Clark singles on a fly ball to right fielder Aaron Guiel.
With Brent Abernathy batting, passed ball by Paul Phillips, Jermaine Clark to 2nd.
Brent Abernathy walks.
Brad Nelson walks. Jermaine Clark to 3rd. Brent Abernathy to 2nd.
Chris Barnwell grounds into a force out, shortstop Andres Blanco to second baseman Ruben Gotay. Jermaine Clark scores. Brent Abernathy to 3rd. Brad Nelson out at 2nd. Chris Barnwell to 1st.
Tony GwynnJr. singles on a fly ball to left fielder Chip Ambres. Brent Abernathy scores. Chris Barnwell to 2nd.
Dave Krynzel singles on a ground ball to right fielder Aaron Guiel. Chris Barnwell to 3rd. Tony GwynnJr. to 2nd.
Vinny Rottino out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Chip Ambres. Chris Barnwell scores. Tony GwynnJr. to 3rd.
With Nelson Cruz batting, wild pitch by Runelvys Hernandez, Tony GwynnJr. scores. Dave Krynzel to 2nd.
Nelson Cruz strikes out swinging.
Omaha Bottom 2nd
Chip Ambres flies out to center fielder Dave Krynzel.
Paul Phillips grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Justin Huber grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Nashville Top 3rd
Mike Rivera homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
Jermaine Clark singles on a ground ball to right fielder Aaron Guiel.
With Brent Abernathy batting, Jermaine Clark steals (1) 2nd base.
Brent Abernathy grounds out, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber. Jermaine Clark to 3rd.
Brad Nelson homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Jermaine Clark scores.
Chris Barnwell flies out to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Tony GwynnJr. lines out to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 3rd
Mike Aviles singles on a ground ball to center fielder Dave Krynzel.
Andres Blanco grounds into double play, third baseman Vinny Rottino to second baseman Jermaine Clark to first baseman Brad Nelson. Mike Aviles out at 2nd.
Kerry Robinson walks.
Ruben Gotay singles on a fly ball to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Kerry Robinson to 3rd.
Aaron Guiel pops out to catcher Mike Rivera in foul territory.
Nashville Top 4th
Pitcher Change: Adam Bernero replaces Runelvys Hernandez.
Dave Krynzel flies out to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Vinny Rottino grounds out, third baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Justin Huber.
Nelson Cruz pops out to first baseman Justin Huber in foul territory.
Omaha Bottom 4th
Chad Allen doubles (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Chip Ambres flies out to left fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Paul Phillips reaches on throwing error by third baseman Vinny Rottino. Chad Allen to 3rd.
Justin Huber singles on a line drive to center fielder Dave Krynzel. Chad Allen scores. Paul Phillips to 2nd.
With Mike Aviles batting, wild pitch by Dennis Sarfate, Paul Phillips to 3rd. Justin Huber to 2nd.
Mike Aviles grounds out, first baseman Brad Nelson to pitcher Dennis Sarfate. Paul Phillips scores. Justin Huber to 3rd.
Andres Blanco grounds out, second baseman Jermaine Clark to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Nashville Top 5th
Mike Rivera walks.
Jermaine Clark singles on a ground ball to right fielder Aaron Guiel. Mike Rivera to 2nd.
Brent Abernathy grounds into double play, shortstop Andres Blanco to second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Justin Huber. Mike Rivera to 3rd. Jermaine Clark out at 2nd.
Brad Nelson walks.
Chris Barnwell walks. Brad Nelson to 2nd.
Tony GwynnJr. triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Kerry Robinson. Mike Rivera scores. Brad Nelson scores. Chris Barnwell scores.
Dave Krynzel grounds out, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Justin Huber.
Omaha Bottom 5th
Pitcher Change: Jason Kershner replaces Dennis Sarfate.
Kerry Robinson singles on a fly ball to left fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Ruben Gotay singles on a fly ball to left fielder Tony GwynnJr. Kerry Robinson to 3rd.
Aaron Guiel out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Kerry Robinson scores.
Chad Allen lines out to third baseman Vinny Rottino.
Chip Ambres singles on a fly ball to left fielder Tony GwynnJr. Ruben Gotay to 2nd.
Paul Phillips flies out to left fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Nashville Top 6th
Vinny Rottino flies out to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Nelson Cruz reaches on throwing error by third baseman Mike Aviles. Nelson Cruz to 2nd.
Mike Rivera pops out to third baseman Mike Aviles.
Jermaine Clark pops out to shortstop Andres Blanco.
Omaha Bottom 6th
Justin Huber homers (1) on a fly ball to left center field.
Mike Aviles flies out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Andres Blanco doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Dave Krynzel.
Kerry Robinson singles on a ground ball to shortstop Chris Barnwell. Andres Blanco to 3rd.
Coaching visit to mound.
Ruben Gotay grounds into double play, second baseman Jermaine Clark to shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brad Nelson. Kerry Robinson out at 2nd.
Nashville Top 7th
Brent Abernathy singles on a ground ball to right fielder Aaron Guiel.
Brad Nelson flies out to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Chris Barnwell flies out to right fielder Aaron Guiel.
Tony GwynnJr. flies out to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Omaha Bottom 7th
Pitcher Change: Mitch Stetter replaces Jason Kershner.
Aaron Guiel flies out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Chad Allen triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Dave Krynzel.
Chip Ambres strikes out swinging.
Paul Phillips pops out to second baseman Jermaine Clark.
Nashville Top 8th
Pitcher Change: Joe Nelson replaces Adam Bernero.
Dave Krynzel grounds out, shortstop Andres Blanco to first baseman Justin Huber.
Vinny Rottino singles on a fly ball to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Nelson Cruz strikes out swinging.
Mike Rivera strikes out swinging.
Omaha Bottom 8th
Pitcher Change: Chris Demaria replaces Mitch Stetter.
Justin Huber singles on a fly ball to center fielder Dave Krynzel.
Mike Aviles grounds into double play, shortstop Chris Barnwell to second baseman Jermaine Clark to first baseman Brad Nelson. Justin Huber out at 2nd.
Andres Blanco homers (1) on a fly ball to right field.
Kerry Robinson grounds out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Nashville Top 9th
Pitcher Change: Ed Yarnall replaces Joe Nelson.
Jermaine Clark flies out to left fielder Chip Ambres.
Brent Abernathy strikes out swinging.
Brad Nelson flies out to center fielder Kerry Robinson.
Omaha Bottom 9th
Ruben Gotay grounds out, first baseman Brad Nelson to pitcher Chris Demaria.
Aaron Guiel pops out to third baseman Vinny Rottino.
Chad Allen singles on a ground ball to left fielder Tony GwynnJr.
With Chip Ambres batting, wild pitch by Chris Demaria, Chad Allen to 2nd.
Chip Ambres strikes out swinging.
<b>Sounds pound Royals</b>
Tony Gwynn Jr. drove in four runs as Nashville pounded Omaha, 11-5, on Sunday to avoid a season-opening four-game sweep.
The Sounds (1-3), who were outscored 9-5 in dropping the first three games, pounded out 11 hits, including homers by Mike Rivera and Brad Nelson.
Gwynn, son of the Hall of Fame outfielder, went 2-for-4. He had an RBI single in the second inning and a two-run triple in the fifth.
Nashville's Jason Kershner (1-0) earned the win in relief, allowing two runs in two innings.
Omaha starter Runelvys Hernandez (0-1) went three innings, surrendering eight runs and seven hits.
Justin Huber and Andres Blanco homered for the Royals (3-1). Nashville opens a four-game series in Iowa at 2:35 p.m. ET on Monday, while Omaha hosts Albuquerque at 8:05 p.m. ET.
<b><font size=4>Sounds Rout Royals For First Win, 11-5</font></b>
OMAHA - Mike Rivera and Brad Nelson each homered and Tony Gwynn drove in four runs to lead the Nashville Sounds to their first victory of the 2006 season, an 11-5 triumph over the Omaha Royals on Sunday afternoon at Rosenblatt Stadium in the finale of a four-game series.
The Sounds jumped all over Omaha starter Runelvys Hernandez, plating eight runs over the first three innings of play. Rivera opened the scoring with a first-inning RBI double. A Gwynn run-scoring single highlighted a four-run second inning, and Rivera (solo) and Nelson (two-run) slugged their longballs in the third.
Gwynn closed out the Nashville scoring in the fifth with a bases-loaded, three-run triple off Royals reliever Adam Bernero.
Justin Huber and Andres Blanco each homered for Omaha in the losing effort.
Reliever Jason Kershner (1-0) picked up the victory in relief of Sounds starter Dennis Sarfate, who allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits over four innings before being removed due to a pitch count. Hernandez (0-1) took the loss after surrendering eight runs in three innings of work.
The Sounds continue their season-opening road trip on Monday at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa, where they'll take on the division-rival Iowa Cubs in the opener of a four-game series. Left-hander Justin Thompson takes the hill for Nashville and will face I-Cubs southpaw Rich Hill. Both hurlers will make their 2006 season debut.
<b><font size=4>Sounds pick up first win of 2006</font></b>
Mike Rivera and Brad Nelson each homered and Tony Gwynn drove in four runs to lead the Nashville Sounds to their first victory of the 2006 season, an 11-5 triumph over the Omaha Royals on Sunday afternoon at Rosenblatt Stadium in the finale of a four-game series.
The Sounds jumped all over Omaha starter Runelvys Hernandez, plating eight runs over the first three innings of play. Rivera opened the scoring with a first-inning RBI double. A Gwynn run-scoring single highlighted a four-run second inning, and Rivera (solo) and Nelson (two-run) slugged their homers in the third.
Gwynn closed out the Nashville scoring in the fifth with a bases-loaded, three-run triple off Royals reliever Adam Bernero.
Justin Huber and Andres Blanco each homered for Omaha in the losing effort.
Reliever Jason Kershner (1-0) picked up the victory in relief of Sounds starter Dennis Sarfate, who allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits over four innings before being removed due to a pitch count. Hernandez (0-1) took the loss after surrendering eight runs in three innings of work.
The Sounds continue their season-opening road trip today at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa, where they’ll take on the division-rival Iowa Cubs in the opener of a four-game series. Left-hander Justin Thompson takes the hill for Nashville and will face I-Cubs southpaw Rich Hill. Both hurlers will make their 2006 season debut.
<b><font size=4>Nashville roughs up Hernandez, Royals</font></b>
It appears the Kansas City Royals were right about Runelvys Hernandez.
That probably doesn't give them any satisfaction.
The right-handed pitcher, expected to be one of the club's top starters, was forced to make his 2006 debut Sunday with Class AAA Omaha after struggling in spring training. The trend continued as he allowed eight runs on seven hits while walking four in just three innings as Nashville cruised to an 11-5 victory before 2,268 (paid) at Rosenblatt Stadium.
"He threw two more strikes (30) than balls (28) with his fastball," Omaha pitching coach Tom Burgmeier said. "Having poor fastball command, at any level, is obviously going to lead to a lot of problems."
A shaky outing as a result of poor fastball command may complicate the chances of Hernandez making his next start for Kansas City on Friday as many had expected.
Both J.P. Howell and Kyle Snyder were more effective in their starts against Nashville in a Saturday doubleheader and Howell, like Hernandez, is already on Kansas City's 40-man roster. Howell silenced the Sounds on two hits through six innings, and Snyder gave up one earned run while striking out seven in 51/3 innings.
Both Burgmeier and Omaha manager Mike Jirschele said they were unsure where the next appearance will be for Hernandez.
"They just said for him to come down and throw and see what happens," Jirschele said.
Although Hernandez has technically been optioned to Omaha and is on the active roster, his stay has been treated more like a rehabilitation assignment. He was not seen with the team until Sunday, and his locker was empty after the game.
The 6-foot-1 Hernandez reported to spring training well over his listed weight of 250 pounds, and the club cited his lack of stamina in sending him to the minors after he allowed 10 earned runs, with 10 walks and 10 hits allowed, in 12 innings.
One of the top pitchers in the American League early in 2003, Hernandez, 27, missed all of 2004 after having elbow surgery. He was effective early last season and was Kansas City's pitcher of the month in June before tailing off and finishing 8-14 with a 5.52 ERA.
"That was a continuation of the spring," said catcher Paul Phillips, who struggled to receive pitches. "I think he's better than that. He just didn't have it. Period."
Mike Rivera and Brad Nelson each homered off Hernandez, who allowed one run in the first inning, then four in the second and three in the third.
The Royals saw their season-opening three-game winning streak come to an end.
"The pressure's off," Jirschele said, laughing. "They know we're not going to go undefeated now."
<a href=http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2006_04_10_nasaaa_iowaaa_1 target=_blank>Iowa 7 Nashville 6</a>
Nashville Top 1st
Tony GwynnJr. called out on strikes.
Brent Abernathy grounds out, shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Vinny Rottino homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
Nelson Cruz lines out to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Iowa Bottom 1st
Felix Pie flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Ryan Theriot singles on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Casey McGehee singles on a line drive to left fielder Vinny Rottino. Ryan Theriot to 3rd. Casey McGehee out at 2nd on the throw, left fielder Vinny Rottino to shortstop Chris Barnwell to second baseman Brent Abernathy.
Michael Restovich flies out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Nashville Top 2nd
Mike Rivera singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jamal Strong.
Chris Barnwell reaches on force attempt, fielding error by second baseman Buck Coats. Mike Rivera to 2nd.
Brad Nelson flies out to center fielder Felix Pie. Mike Rivera to 3rd.
Enrique Cruz strikes out swinging. Mike Rivera steals (1) home. Chris Barnwell to 2nd. Chris Barnwell steals (1) 2nd base.
Justin Thompson grounds out, third baseman Casey McGehee to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Iowa Bottom 2nd
Brandon Sing flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Geovany Soto singles on a ground ball to left fielder Vinny Rottino.
Jamal Strong singles on a line drive to left fielder Vinny Rottino. Geovany Soto to 2nd.
Buck Coats strikes out swinging.
Rich Hill walks. Geovany Soto to 3rd. Jamal Strong to 2nd.
Felix Pie hits a grand slam (1) to center field. Geovany Soto scores. Jamal Strong scores. Rich Hill scores.
Ryan Theriot singles on a fly ball to left fielder Vinny Rottino.
Pitcher Change: Wilton Chavez replaces Justin Thompson, batting 9th.
Coaching visit to mound.
Casey McGehee doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Ryan Theriot scores.
Michael Restovich walks.
Brandon Sing strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 3rd
Tony GwynnJr. singles on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Restovich.
Brent Abernathy grounds out, third baseman Casey McGehee to first baseman Brandon Sing. Tony GwynnJr. to 3rd.
Vinny Rottino strikes out swinging.
Nelson Cruz lines out to third baseman Casey McGehee.
Iowa Bottom 3rd
Geovany Soto lines out to third baseman Enrique Cruz.
Jamal Strong called out on strikes.
Buck Coats flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Nashville Top 4th
Mike Rivera strikes out swinging.
Chris Barnwell flies out to right fielder Michael Restovich.
Brad Nelson called out on strikes.
Iowa Bottom 4th
Rich Hill strikes out on foul tip.
Felix Pie flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Ryan Theriot called out on strikes.
Nashville Top 5th
Enrique Cruz flies out to center fielder Felix Pie.
Wilton Chavez strikes out swinging.
Tony GwynnJr. grounds out, second baseman Buck Coats to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Iowa Bottom 5th
Casey McGehee grounds out, third baseman Enrique Cruz to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Michael Restovich strikes out swinging.
Brandon Sing flies out to left fielder Vinny Rottino.
Nashville Top 6th
Brent Abernathy grounds out, third baseman Casey McGehee to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Vinny Rottino pops out to second baseman Buck Coats.
Nelson Cruz flies out to center fielder Felix Pie.
Iowa Bottom 6th
Geovany Soto walks.
Jamal Strong grounds into double play, second baseman Brent Abernathy to shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brad Nelson. Geovany Soto out at 2nd.
Buck Coats flies out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Nashville Top 7th
Pitcher Change: Brandon Emanuel replaces Rich Hill, batting 9th.
Mike Rivera grounds out, shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Chris Barnwell doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Felix Pie.
Brad Nelson strikes out on foul tip.
Enrique Cruz called out on strikes.
Iowa Bottom 7th
Pitcher Change: Brett Evert replaces Wilton Chavez, batting 9th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Mike Fontenot replaces Brandon Emanuel.
Mike Fontenot homers (1) on a fly ball to center field.
Felix Pie flies out to center fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Ryan Theriot grounds out, second baseman Brent Abernathy to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Casey McGehee strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 8th
Pitcher Change: Mark Watson replaces Brandon Emanuel, batting 9th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Dave Krynzel replaces Brett Evert.
Dave Krynzel singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jamal Strong.
Tony GwynnJr. doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Michael Restovich. Dave Krynzel to 3rd.
Brent Abernathy reaches on missed catch error by first baseman Brandon Sing, assist to third baseman Casey McGehee. Dave Krynzel scores. Tony GwynnJr. to 3rd. Brent Abernathy to 2nd.
Vinny Rottino out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Jamal Strong. Tony GwynnJr. scores.
Pitcher Change: Roberto Novoa replaces Mark Watson, batting 9th.
Coaching visit to mound.
Nelson Cruz strikes out swinging, catcher Geovany Soto to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Dropped foul pop error by first baseman Brandon Sing.
Mike Rivera pops out to second baseman Buck Coats.
Iowa Bottom 8th
Pitcher Change: Mike Adams replaces Brett Evert, batting 9th.
Michael Restovich called out on strikes.
Brandon Sing grounds out, pitcher Mike Adams to second baseman Brent Abernathy to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Geovany Soto grounds out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Nashville Top 9th
Chris Barnwell flies out to center fielder Felix Pie.
Brad Nelson walks.
Enrique Cruz singles on a fly ball to right fielder Michael Restovich. Brad Nelson to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jermaine Clark replaces Mike Adams.
Jermaine Clark singles on a fly ball to right fielder Michael Restovich. Brad Nelson scores. Enrique Cruz to 3rd.
Coaching visit to mound.
Tony GwynnJr. grounds into double play, first baseman Brandon Sing to shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Brandon Sing to second baseman Buck Coats. Enrique Cruz scores. Jermaine Clark out at 2nd.
Iowa Bottom 9th
Pitcher Change: Allan Simpson replaces Mike Adams, batting 9th.
Jamal Strong grounds out, pitcher Allan Simpson to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Buck Coats walks.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jeff Deardorff replaces Roberto Novoa.
Jeff Deardorff called out on strikes.
Coaching visit to mound.
With Felix Pie batting, wild pitch by Allan Simpson, Buck Coats to 2nd.
Allan Simpson intentionally walks Felix Pie.
Ryan Theriot grounds out to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Nashville Top 10th
Pitcher Change: David Aardsma replaces Roberto Novoa, batting 9th.
Brent Abernathy grounds out, second baseman Buck Coats to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Vinny Rottino strikes out swinging.
Nelson Cruz called out on strikes.
Iowa Bottom 10th
Casey McGehee lines out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Michael Restovich singles on a ground ball to shortstop Chris Barnwell.
Brandon Sing strikes out swinging.
Geovany Soto grounds into a force out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to second baseman Brent Abernathy. Michael Restovich out at 2nd.
Nashville Top 11th
Mike Rivera flies out to right fielder Michael Restovich.
Chris Barnwell called out on strikes.
Brad Nelson called out on strikes.
Iowa Bottom 11th
Jamal Strong hit by pitch.
Coaching visit to mound.
Buck Coats hits a sacrifice bunt. Fielding error by catcher Mike Rivera. Jamal Strong to 2nd. Buck Coats to 1st.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Augie Ojeda replaces David Aardsma.
Defensive switch from left field to 3rd for Vinny Rottino.
Defensive switch from catcher to 1st for Mike Rivera.
Defensive switch from catcher to pitcher for Chris Barnwell.
Defensive switch from 1st to left field for Brad Nelson.
Defensive switch from 3rd to shortstop for Enrique Cruz.
Defensive Substitution: Mark Johnson replaces catcher Mike Rivera, batting 9th.
Augie Ojeda hits a sacrifice bunt. Jamal Strong to 3rd. Buck Coats to 2nd. Augie Ojeda to 1st.
Felix Pie singles on a fly ball to center fielder Tony GwynnJr. Jamal Strong scores. Buck Coats to 3rd. Augie Ojeda to 2nd.
<b>Pie drives Cubs past Sounds</b>
Felix Pie hit a grand slam and singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning as Iowa edged Nashville, 7-6, on Monday.
Pie, who entered the game 4-for-16, highlighted a five-run, second-inning outburst with his first homer of the year.
He came up in the 11th with the bases loaded and none out and lifted a single into center field to give Iowa its fourth straight win since a season-opening defeat to Albuquerque.
David Aardsma (1-0) notched the win for Iowa (4-1), striking out four over two perfect innings.
Allan Simpson (0-2) took the loss for Nashville (1-4), yielding a run on two hits in two innings.
Vinny Rottino drove in two runs for the Sounds, who failed to build on their first win of the year, an 11-5 victory over Omaha on Sunday.
The teams continue their four-game set at 1:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Vinny Rottino who hit a Solo Home Run and a RBI sacrifice fly is Nashville Player of the game.
<b><font size=4>Sounds Open First Homestand On Friday At Greer</font></b>
The 2005 PCL Champion Nashville Sounds return to Greer Stadium this Friday for the 2006 Home Opener. The Sounds started the season with an eight-game road trip to Omaha & Iowa, the first time since the 2000 season the Sounds have begun the year with a road trip.
The Sounds' first homestand of the 2006 season begins Friday at 7 p.m. against the Oklahoma RedHawks, their opponent in last fall's American Conference Finals which Nashville won three-games-to-two. The Sounds host the RedHawks for a four-game series and then the division-rival Omaha Royals come to Greer for a four-game series with the last game being on April 21 at 7 p.m.
To kick off the return of the PCL champs, Amy Dalley of Curb Records will sing the National Anthem prior to Friday's home opener. For more information on Dalley visit her web site at www.amydalley.com.
The Sounds take the field Friday vs. the RedHawks at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Every fan that enters Greer Stadium will receive a 2006 magnet schedule, sponsored by Harris Teeter.
Prior to the 6 p.m. game on Saturday, returning 2005 Sounds players and coaches will receive their PCL championship rings in an on-field ceremony. Saturday is also Organ Donation Awareness Night. Fans can receive two tickets for the price of one when they show their donor card or the back of their licenses with the donor logo on it. Organ donors and recipients will be recognized during the 7th inning stretch. Saturday's first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Every fan that comes through the gates will receive a free 2006 Sounds magnet schedule, sponsored by Harris Teeter.
April 16th marks the first Harris Teeter Family Day of the season. When fans show their Harris Teeter VIC card at the box office, they can get two tickets for the price of one. 2006 Sounds magnet schedules will be given away to every fan that enters the game, also sponsored by Harris Teeter.
Monday's 7 p.m. game is the final contest of the RedHawks series. Every Monday throughout the season will be host to Dollar Hot Dog Night and H.G. Hill Mondays. Fans can enjoy dollar hot dogs all night at every concession stand and when they present a H.G. Hill receipt at the Sounds box office, they will get one free ticket with the purchase of another ticket, up to four free tickets. Monday is also Scout Night. Several local Scout groups will be in attendance and recognized during the game.
On Tuesday, the Sounds begin a four-game series against the division-rival Omaha Royals. Every Tuesday this season will be GooGoo Tuesday. Fans can turn in the UPC panel from any flavor GooGoo six-pack at the box office and receive one ticket when they purchase one of equal or greater value.
The Sounds host the Royals again on Wednesday in a 6 p.m. game.
Thursday evening's 7 p.m. contest marks the first Thirsty Thursday of the year. Every Thursday, all draft beverages will be sold for a dollar until the end of the 5th inning. Thirsty Thursdays are sponsored by sponsored by 105.9 The Rock. Addition to Thirsty Thursday, the first 2,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a 2006 schedule poster sponsored by First Tennessee.
On Friday, the Sounds conclude their homestand with a 7 p.m. series finale against Omaha. The first 2,000 fans to enter Greer stadium will receive a 2006 schedule poster sponsored by First Tennessee. It is also a Sounds Reading Club night. Students from area schools who participated in the Sounds Reading program and met their required goals will be welcomed onto the field to partake in a parade around the field prior to the game.
After the homestand, the Sounds depart on a nine-day, eight-game road trip with stops in Oklahoma and New Orleans. The team returns on May 1st for their second homestand of the year when they will play host to Iowa and New Orleans.
Individual and season tickets, as well as group packages, are currently on sale. Call (615) 242-4371 ext. 2 or visit the Sounds' website to order or for more information.
<b><font size=4>Sounds fall to Iowa, 7-6 in 11 innings</font></b>
- Chicago Cubs top prospect Felix Pie, who had already belted a grand slam in the contest, produced a game-winning single in the bottom of the 11th inning to lead the Iowa Cubs to a 7-6 victory over the Nashville Sounds on Monday evening at Principal Park in the opener of a four-game series.
All four of the Sounds' losses this season have come when the opponent scores the winning run in its final at-bat. The contest was Nashville's second extra-inning affair in the club's first five games.
Jamal Strong opened the Iowa eleventh by getting hit by an Allan Simpson pitch. Buck Coats followed with a sacrifice bunt that was mishandled by Sounds catcher Mike Rivera, allowing the second baseman to reach safely.
Nashville skipper Frank Kremblas summoned shortstop Chris Barnwell - who threw 4 2/3 scoreless relief innings for the Sounds in 2005 - to the mound to face the next I-Cubs hitter, pinch-hitter Augie Ojeda. Ojeda laid down a bunt back to Barnwell but the throw to third was late, loading the bases for Pie. The 21-year-old hammered a ball off the wall in left-center, giving the Cubs their fourth straight victory.
David Aardsma (1-0) picked up the victory after working two hitless innings with four strikeouts, while Simpson (0-2) took his second loss of the year after being charged with the game-winning run.
The Sounds jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Vinny Rottino's first home run of the season, a two-out solo shot off Iowa starter Rich Hill in the top of the first inning. Nashville doubled the lead in the second when Rivera stole home as part of a double steal against Hill. Barnwell stole second on the play.
Pie put the home team ahead in the bottom of the inning with a two-out grand slam off Sounds starter Justin Thompson. The blast, which spotted Iowa a 4-2 lead, was the outfielder's first of the year and came after a costly walk to Hill, who rallied from a 1-2 count against Thompson to draw the free pass.
Ryan Theriot followed Pie's blast with a single to chase Thompson, who lasted only 1 2/3 innings and surrendered five runs on six hits in his Sounds debut. Cubs third baseman Casey McGehee greeted reliever Wilton Chavez with an RBI double to right to increase the Iowa advantage to 5-2.
Following that hit, Chavez settles down and turned in a solid relief outing for the Sounds, working 4 1/3 scoreless frames while allowing only that one hit and striking out five.
Iowa pinch-hitter Mike Fontenot greeted Nashville reliever with a solo homer to center in the bottom of the seventh to extend the lead to 6-2. The blast, which came on a 3-1 offering, was his first of the season.
The Sounds rallied in the eighth, plating a pair of runs against the Iowa bullpen to make it a close game at 6-4. Dave Krynzel opened the frame with a pinch-hit single off Mark Watson and moved to third when Tony Gwynn doubled into the right field corner. Brent Abernathy followed with a routine grounder to third but McGehee's throw was mishandled by Cubs first baseman Brandon Sing for a two-base error, allowing Krynzel to score.
Rottino followed with his second RBI of the contest, plating Gwynn with a sacrifice fly to left-center for the first out of the inning. Cubs closer Roberto Novoa was summoned from the bullpen and struck out Nelson Cruz then popped up Mike Rivera to escape the jam and protect the two-run lead.
Nashville rallied again in the ninth, scoring two more runs to tie the contest at 6-6. With one out, Brad Nelson drew a walk and moved to second on a bloop single to right by Enrique Cruz, the infielder's first hit of the season. Pinch-hitter Jermaine Clark drove home Nelson and moved Cruz to third with an RBI single off the top of the wall in right that was adeptly handled by Iowa rightfielder Michael Restovich.
Gwynn ripped a grounder up the first-base line that was gloved by Sing, who stepped on the bag for the second out of the inning. Clark got hung up in a rundown between first and second on the play but avoided the tag long enough for Cruz to score the tying run before Iowa completed the double play.
The teams continue their series with a 12:05 p.m. matinee on Tuesday afternoon. Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets will make a rehabilitation start for the Sounds. He is currently on the 15-day D.L. with a right posterior shoulder strain. Iowa will counter with right-hander Jae-Kuk Ryu (0-0, 1.80).
<b><font size=4>Brewers' ace Sheets in town</font></b>
Memo to people planning to a attend today's Iowa Cubs Pacific Coast League baseball game at Principal Park: Don't be late.
The bottom of the first inning could be interesting — with Iowa leadoff batter Felix Pie, a triple-A rookie with a .458 batting average, facing major league veteran pitcher Ben Sheets.
Pie hit a grand slam home run in the second inning, then drove in the winning run with a single in the 11th as Iowa's winning streak improved to four games with a 7-6 victory against Nashville before an announced crowd of 4,187 at Principal Park Monday.
He had two triples on Sunday. He has 11 RBIs and eight hits in the past three games.
At 12:05 today, Pie faces a former first-round draft choice who pitched the United States to a gold medal in the 2000 Olympics.
"Nasty is the word I would use to describe (Sheets)," said Iowa Cubs outfielder Michael Restovich, a former Minnesota Twin, Colorado Rockie and Pittsburgh Pirate, "and that's just from watching guys come back to the dugout after facing him."
Sheets is recovering from a torn muscle behind his pitching shoulder that sidelined him for the final month last season. He aggravated the injury during spring training.
"He's got a good curveball, a good changeup and an overpowering fastball," said Iowa shortstop Augie Ojeda, who played for the Chicago Cubs between 2000 and "03. "He's definitely one of the top pitchers in the major leagues."
Sheets is expected to throw between 75 and 80 pitches.
"Everything indicates that after this start, he'll probably be ready to go back to the big leagues," said Nashville pitching coach Stan Kyles.
Sheets struck out five in 2 2/3 innings while pitching for double-A Huntsville last Thursday against Mississippi.
He has a 55-62 record in five major league seasons, all with the Brewers, and watching with interest from the press box today will be Nate Teut - this time as a member of the Iowa Cubs radio team.
On May 4, 2002, they met competitively at Miller Park in Milwaukee - Sheets making his normal start for the Brewers, and Teut in his major-league debut.
"I didn't find out I was pitching against Ben Sheets until I got to the park," said Teut, a former Florida Marlin, "and the first thing that came to mind was his Olympic gold medal."
Sheets was the winning pitcher for the United States against Cuba in the gold medal game.
"That's impressive," said Teut, who, by the way, lost against Sheets in his major league debut. "The guy averages 11 or 12 wins a season for the Brewers. Put him on a contending team, and he might be a consistent 20-game winner."
<b><font size=4>Sounds fall in 11 innings</font></b>
Chicago Cubs top prospect Felix Pie, who had already belted a grand slam in the contest, produced a game-winning single in the bottom of the 11th inning to lead the Iowa Cubs to a 7-6 win over the Nashville Sounds on Monday evening at Principal Park in the opener of a four-game series.
All four of the Sounds’ losses this season have come when the opponent scores the winning run in its final at-bat. The contest was Nashville’s second extra-inning affair in the club’s first five games.
Jamal Strong opened the Iowa eleventh by getting hit by an Allan Simpson pitch. Buck Coats followed with a sacrifice bunt that was mishandled by Sounds catcher Mike Rivera, allowing the second baseman to reach safely.
Nashville skipper Frank Kremblas summoned shortstop Chris Barnwell — who threw 4 2/3 scoreless relief innings for the Sounds in 2005 — to the mound to face the next I-Cubs hitter, pinch-hitter Augie Ojeda. Ojeda laid down a bunt back to Barnwell but the throw to third was late, loading the bases for Pie. The 21-year-old hammered a ball off the wall in left-center, giving the Cubs their fourth straight victory.
David Aardsma (1-0) picked up the victory after working two hitless innings with four strikeouts, while Simpson (0-2) took his second loss of the year after being charged with the game-winning run.
The Sounds jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Vinny Rottino’s first home run of the season, a two-out solo shot off Iowa starter Rich Hill in the top of the first inning. Nashville doubled the lead in the second when Rivera stole home as part of a double steal against Hill. Barnwell stole second on the play.
Pie put the home team ahead in the bottom of the inning with a two-out grand slam off Sounds starter Justin Thompson. The blast, which spotted Iowa a 4-2 lead, was the outfielder’s first of the year and came after a costly walk to Hill, who rallied from a 1-2 count against Thompson to draw the free pass.
The teams continue their series with a 12:05 p.m. matinee on this afternoon. Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets will make a rehabilitation start for the Sounds. He is currently on the 15-day DL with a right posterior shoulder strain. Iowa will counter with right-hander Jae-Kuk Ryu (0-0, 1.80).
<b><font size=4>Sounds defeated again late</font>
Pie's hit gives Iowa win in 11 innings</b>
DES MOINES, Iowa — Memo to people planning to a attend today's Iowa Cubs Pacific Coast League baseball game at Principal Park: Don't be late.
The bottom of the first inning could be interesting — with Iowa leadoff batter Felix Pie, a triple-A rookie with a .458 batting average, facing major league veteran pitcher Ben Sheets.
Pie hit a grand slam in the second inning, then drove in the winning run with a single in the 11th as Iowa's winning streak improved to four games with a 7-6 victory against Nashville last night before an announced crowd of 4,187 at Principal Park.
All four of the Sounds' losses this season have come when the opponent scores the winning run in its final at-bat. Last night's game was Nashville's second extra-inning affair in the club's first five games.
Pie had two triples on Sunday. He has 11 RBIs and eight hits in the past three games.
At 12:05 today, Pie faces a former first-round draft choice who pitched the United States to a gold medal in the 2000 Olympics.
"Nasty is the word I would use to describe (Sheets)," said Iowa Cubs outfielder Michael Restovich, a former Minnesota Twin, Colorado Rockie and Pittsburgh Pirate, "and that's just from watching guys come back to the dugout after facing him."
Sheets is recovering from a torn muscle behind his pitching shoulder that sidelined him for the final month last season. He aggravated the injury during spring training.
"He's got a good curveball, a good changeup and an overpowering fastball," said Iowa shortstop Augie Ojeda, who played for the Chicago Cubs between 2000 and 2003. "He's definitely one of the top pitchers in the major leagues."
Sheets is expected to throw between 75 and 80 pitches.
"Everything indicates that after this start, he'll probably be ready to go back to the big leagues," said Nashville pitching coach Stan Kyles.
Sheets struck out five in 2-2/3 innings while pitching for double-A Huntsville last Thursday against Mississippi.
He has a 55-62 record in five major league seasons, all with the Brewers, and watching with interest from the press box today will be Nate Teut — this time as a member of the Iowa radio team.
On May 4, 2002, they met competitively at Miller Park in Milwaukee — Sheets making his normal start in the Brewers' rotation, and Teut in his major-league debut.
"I didn't find out I was pitching against Ben Sheets until I got to the park," said Teut, a former Florida Marlin. "The first thing that came to mind was his Olympic gold medal."
Sheets was the winning pitcher for the United States against Cuba in the gold medal game.
Nashville rallied last night in the ninth, scoring two runs to tie the game at 6-6.
Tony Gwynn Jr. ripped a grounder up the first-base line that was gloved by Brandon Sing, who stepped on the bag for the second out of the inning. Clark got hung up in a rundown between first and second on the play but avoided the tag long enough for Cruz to score the tying run before Iowa completed the double play.
Game at a glance
•Losing pitcher: Allan Simpson (0-2)
•Big stick: Tony Gwynn Jr., who was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a double.
•How they lost: Felix Pie, who had already belted a grand slam, produced a game-winning single in the bottom of the 11th inning for Iowa.
•What they said: "He's got a good curveball, a good changeup and an overpowering fastball," said Iowa shortstop Augie Ojeda of Sounds pitcher Ben Sheets, on the mound today.
•Today's game: At Iowa,
12:05 p.m.. Probable pitchers — Nashville: RHP Ben Sheets (0-0); Iowa: RHP JaeKuk Ryu (0-0).
<b><font size=4>Former Royal still struggling</font>
Sounds score early to beat Hernandez</b>
OMAHA, Neb. — It appears the Kansas City Royals were right about Runelvys Hernandez.
That probably doesn't give them any satisfaction.
The right-handed pitcher, expected to be one of the club's top starters, was forced to make his 2006 debut yesterday with Triple-A Omaha after struggling in spring training. The trend continued as he allowed eight runs on seven hits while walking four in just three innings as Nashville cruised to an 11-5 victory at Rosenblatt Stadium.
"He threw two more strikes (30) than balls (28) with his fastball," Omaha pitching coach Tom Burgmeier said. "Having poor fastball command, at any level, is obviously going to lead to a lot of problems."
A shaky outing as a result of poor fastball command may complicate the chances of Hernandez making his next start for Kansas City on Friday as many had expected.
Both J.P. Howell and Kyle Snyder were more effective in their starts against Nashville in a Saturday doubleheader, and Howell, like Hernandez, is already on Kansas City's 40-man roster. Howell silenced the Sounds on two hits through six innings, and Snyder gave up one earned run while striking out seven in 5¤ innings.
Both Burgmeier and Omaha Manager Mike Jirschele said they were unsure where the next appearance will be for Hernandez.
Although Hernandez has technically been optioned to Omaha and is on the active roster, his stay has been treated more like a rehabilitation assignment. He was not seen with the team until yesterday, and his locker was empty afterward.
The 6-foot-1 Hernandez reported to spring training over his listed weight of 250 pounds, and the club cited his lack of stamina in sending him to the minors after he allowed 10 earned runs, with 10 walks and 10 hits allowed, in 12 innings. Hernandez is currently listed at 265 pounds.
One of the top pitchers in the American League early in 2003, Hernandez, 27, missed all of 2004 after having elbow surgery. He was effective early last season and was Kansas City's pitcher of the month in June before tailing off and finishing 8-14 with a 5.52 ERA.
Nashville had hit just .169 and scored only five runs in losing the first three games of the series.
Mike Rivera and Brad Nelson each homered off Hernandez, who allowed one run in the first inning, then four in the second and three in the third. His start was cut off after 73 pitches, 40 of them strikes.
Hernandez got a break in the first, as Vinny Rottino was thrown out at the plate for the final out while trying to score on a double by Rivera. The first three batters of the second inning reached safely.
"We wanted to make him throw strikes, and when you get behind hitters at this level, they're usually going to make you pay," said Nashville outfielder Tony Gwynn, Jr. "We did a good job of getting ahead in counts, getting good pitches to hit and putting good swings on those pitches." n
The Royals saw their season-opening three-game winning streak come to an end.
"The pressure's off," Jirschele said, laughing. "They know we're not going to go undefeated now."
Game at a glance
•Winning pitcher: Jason Kershner (1-0)
•Big stick: Tony Gwynn Jr., 2-for-4, four RBIs; Mike Rivera, 2-for-4, two runs, home run; Jermaine Clark, 3-for-5, two runs.
•How they won: Nashville scored eight runs in the first three innings against former major leaguer Runelvys Hernandez for its first win of the season. Rivera and Brad Nelson each hit a home run in the third inning for an 8-0 Sounds lead.
•What they said: "Today we had some good offense, some good situational hitting, and we held the lead." — Sounds Manager Frank Kremblas.
•Today's game: At Iowa,
7:05 p.m. Probable pitchers — Nashville: LHP Justin Thompson (season debut); Iowa: LHP Rich Hill (season debut).
<a href=http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2006_04_11_nasaaa_iowaaa_1 target=_blank>Nashville 4 Iowa 1</a>
Nashville Top 1st
Tony GwynnJr. walks.
Dave Krynzel out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Jae Kuk Ryu to first baseman Brandon Sing. Tony GwynnJr. to 2nd.
Vinny Rottino grounds out, third baseman Casey McGehee to first baseman Brandon Sing. Tony GwynnJr. to 3rd.
Nelson Cruz homers (1) on a fly ball to center field. Tony GwynnJr. scores.
Brad Nelson doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Ryan Theriot.
With Jermaine Clark batting, passed ball by Geovany Soto, Brad Nelson scores. Throwing error by catcher Geovany Soto.
Jermaine Clark walks.
Coaching visit to mound.
Mark Johnson strikes out swinging.
Iowa Bottom 1st
Felix Pie grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Ryan Theriot singles on a line drive to left fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Mike Fontenot flies out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
With Jeff Deardorff batting, Ryan Theriot steals (2) 2nd base.
With Jeff Deardorff batting, wild pitch by Ben Sheets, Ryan Theriot to 3rd.
Jeff Deardorff called out on strikes.
Nashville Top 2nd
Chris Barnwell grounds out, third baseman Casey McGehee to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Ben Sheets singles on a line drive to center fielder Felix Pie.
Tony GwynnJr. strikes out swinging.
Dave Krynzel flies out to center fielder Felix Pie.
Iowa Bottom 2nd
Brandon Sing strikes out swinging.
Casey McGehee called out on strikes.
Augie Ojeda flies out to left fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Nashville Top 3rd
Vinny Rottino flies out to center fielder Felix Pie.
Nelson Cruz doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Felix Pie.
Brad Nelson strikes out swinging.
Jermaine Clark doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Jeff Deardorff. Nelson Cruz scores.
With Mark Johnson batting, wild pitch by Jae Kuk Ryu, Jermaine Clark to 3rd.
Mark Johnson grounds out, second baseman Mike Fontenot to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Iowa Bottom 3rd
Geovany Soto flies out to center fielder Dave Krynzel.
Jae Kuk Ryu called out on strikes.
Felix Pie strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 4th
Chris Barnwell flies out to right fielder Ryan Theriot.
Ben Sheets strikes out swinging.
Tony GwynnJr. grounds out, shortstop Augie Ojeda to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Iowa Bottom 4th
Ryan Theriot grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Mike Fontenot singles on a fly ball to left fielder Tony GwynnJr.
With Jeff Deardorff batting, wild pitch by Ben Sheets, Mike Fontenot to 2nd.
Jeff Deardorff strikes out swinging.
Brandon Sing pops out to second baseman Jermaine Clark.
Nashville Top 5th
Dave Krynzel doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Felix Pie.
Vinny Rottino grounds out, shortstop Augie Ojeda to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Coaching visit to mound.
Nelson Cruz strikes out swinging.
Brad Nelson grounds out, second baseman Mike Fontenot to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Iowa Bottom 5th
Casey McGehee called out on strikes.
Augie Ojeda grounds out, first baseman Brad Nelson to pitcher Ben Sheets.
Geovany Soto strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 6th
Pitcher Change: Ryan O'Malley replaces Jae Kuk Ryu, batting 9th.
Jermaine Clark lines out to left fielder Jeff Deardorff.
Mark Johnson grounds out to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Chris Barnwell called out on strikes.
Iowa Bottom 6th
Ryan O'Malley strikes out swinging.
Felix Pie grounds out, shortstop Chris Barnwell to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Ryan Theriot singles on a ground ball to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Pitcher Change: Chris Demaria replaces Ben Sheets, batting 9th.
Coaching visit to mound.
Mike Fontenot strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 7th
Chris Demaria grounds out, shortstop Augie Ojeda to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Tony GwynnJr. grounds out, shortstop Augie Ojeda to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Dave Krynzel strikes out swinging.
Iowa Bottom 7th
Jeff Deardorff strikes out swinging.
Brandon Sing pops out to third baseman Vinny Rottino in foul territory.
Casey McGehee singles on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Augie Ojeda doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Casey McGehee scores.
Geovany Soto strikes out swinging.
Nashville Top 8th
Defensive switch from right field to shortstop for Ryan Theriot.
Pitcher Change: Mark Watson replaces Ryan O'Malley, batting 7th.
Defensive Substitution: Jamal Strong replaces right fielder Ryan Theriot, batting 9th.
Vinny Rottino pops out to first baseman Brandon Sing in foul territory.
Nelson Cruz singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jeff Deardorff.
With Brad Nelson batting, Nelson Cruz steals (1) 2nd base.
Brad Nelson walks.
Jermaine Clark flies out to left fielder Jeff Deardorff.
Mark Johnson strikes out swinging.
Iowa Bottom 8th
Pitcher Change: Mitch Stetter replaces Chris Demaria, batting 9th.
Jamal Strong pops out to shortstop Chris Barnwell.
Felix Pie flies out to right fielder Nelson Cruz.
Ryan Theriot grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Brad Nelson.
Nashville Top 9th
Pitcher Change: Brandon Emanuel replaces Mark Watson, batting 7th.
Chris Barnwell strikes out swinging.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Enrique Cruz replaces Mitch Stetter.
Enrique Cruz grounds out, shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Tony GwynnJr. grounds out, pitcher Brandon Emanuel to first baseman Brandon Sing.
Iowa Bottom 9th
Pitcher Change: Mike Adams replaces Mitch Stetter, batting 9th.
Mike Fontenot called out on strikes.
Jeff Deardorff singles on a line drive to left fielder Tony GwynnJr.
Brandon Sing singles on a fly ball to left fielder Tony GwynnJr. Jeff Deardorff to 2nd.
Coaching visit to mound.
Casey McGehee grounds out, pitcher Mike Adams to first baseman Brad Nelson. Jeff Deardorff to 3rd. Brandon Sing to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Michael Restovich replaces Brandon Emanuel.
Michael Restovich flies out to center fielder Dave Krynzel.
<b>Sheets shuts down Iowa</b>
In his second rehab start of the season, Milwaukee Brewers ace Ben Sheets struck out nine over 5 2/3 shutout innings to lead Nashville to a 4-1 victory over Iowa.
Sheets (1-0) opened the season with a start for the Southern League's Huntsville Stars, where he gave up two runs -- one earned -- on four hits over 2 2/3 innings. He fared significantly better with Nashville on Tuesday. The 27-year-old right-hander yielded just three hits and did not walk a batter. He was yanked with two outs in the sixth inning, after his pitch count hit 75.
Among the Iowa players whom Sheets shut down was Felix Pie. The red-hot 21-year-old leadoff man, who had collected 10 hits in his previous 17 at-bats, went 0-for-4 to lower his average to an even .400.
Mike Adams tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his first save.
The Sounds (2-4) provided Sheets with all the offense he would need in the first inning. Nelson Cruz's dinger drove home Tony Gwynn Jr., who had walked to start the frame. Brad Nelson followed with a double and scored one batter later on catcher Geovany Soto's passed ball and subsequent throwing error.
Jermaine Clark contributed an RBI double in the third to cap the Sounds' scoring.
Iowa (4-2), which had its four-game winning streak snapped, finally got on the scoreboard in the seventh inning. Augie Ojeda's double to right field plated Casey McGeehee, who had singled with two outs in the frame.
Jae Kuk Ryu (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing four runs -- three earned -- on six hits over five innings. Ryan O'Malley, Mark Watson and Brandon Emanuel combined for four frames of scoreless relief.
The two teams will play the third game of their four-game set on Wednesday at 8:05 p.m. ET.
Nelson Cruz who had a Single,Double and a Home Run for 2 Runs and 2 RBI's is Nashville player of the game.
<b><font size=4>Sheets Dominates I-Cubs, Sounds Win 4-1</font></b>
- Rehabbing right-hander Ben Sheets turned in a dominant performance, striking out nine batters while allowing only three singles over 5 2/3 scoreless innings, to lead the Nashville Sounds to a 4-1 victory over the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday afternoon at Principal Park.
The Brewers hurler made his second rehabilitation start, the first with Nashville, while recovering from a right posterior shoulder strain and threw 75 pitches, 52 for strikes, in likely his final tuneup before being activated by Milwaukee.
Outfielder Nelson Cruz was the offensive star, breaking out of an 0-for-12 slump with a 3-for-4 afternoon that included his first home run of the season.
The Sounds spotted Sheets a 3-0 lead before he even took the hill, scoring three first-inning runs off Cubs starter Jae-Kuk Ryu. Tony Gwynn opened the contest by drawing a walk, was sacrificed to second, and later scored on Cruz's two-out longball to center. Brad Nelson followed that shot with a double and scored on a passed ball/throwing error combo by Iowa catcher Geovany Soto to increase the Sounds' lead to 3-0.
Cruz doubled with one out in the third off Ryu and scored later in the frame on a two-out two-bagger by Jermaine Clark to finish off the Nashville scoring.
The Cubs broke up the shutout bid in the seventh with a two-out run against Sounds reliever Chris Demaria. With two down in the frame, Casey McGehee singled then scored on Augie Ojeda's double to right.
Sheets (1-0) earned the victory, his first at the Triple-A level since 2001, while Ryu (0-1) took a loss after surrendering four runs (three earned) on six hits in five innings of work. Mike Adams worked a scoreless ninth, allowing a pair of Iowa hits before escaping a jam, to earn his first save of the season.
The Sounds and I-Cubs continue their series with a 7:05 p.m. meeting on Wednesday evening at Principal Park. Right-hander Ben Hendrickson (0-0, 0.00), who tossed five hitless innings in his 2006 debut last week at Omaha, will make the start for Nashville. Iowa counters with veteran southpaw Les Walrond (1-0, 1.50).
<b><font size=4>Brewers' ace Sheets shuts down Iowa Cubs</font></b>
Milwaukee Brewers' star pitcher Ben Sheets threw 5 2/3 strong innings and earned the win today in Nashville's 4-1, triple-A victory against the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park.
Sheets, a two-time All-Star, threw 75 pitches, allowed three hits, struck out nine and finished with two wild pitches in his rehab assignment.
"I finally located some balls which helps you get outs," he said. "I'm very happy (with my performance). I felt strong toward the end."
Sheets added a single in the second inning as a hitter.
"I was lucky right there — but I'll take lucky," he said.
Read complete coverage — including an inning-by-inning, graphic rundown of Sheets' game — in tomorrow's Register.
<b><font size=4>Cubs whiff Sheets' smoke</font></b>
Strong, precise and pain-free.
That's how Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets pronounced himself Tuesday after striking out nine batters in 5 2/3 shutout innings as Nashville beat Iowa 4-1 in a Pacific Coast League game before an announced crowd of 3,957 at Principal Park.
"I finally located some balls, which helps you get outs," said Sheets, who threw 75 pitches, 52 for strikes, and allowed three singles.
The two-time all-star who strained an upper right back muscle in a March 8 spring training game against Oakland hopes the impressive outing will get him back into the big leagues soon.
How soon?
"I'd like to pitch Sunday in New York," he said. "I don't make the rules, but it's a good possibility."
Sheets, who tore a back muscle behind his right shoulder last August, blended a lively fastball consistently in the low- to mid-90s with a spot-on curveball.
He allowed one runner beyond first base, walked none, and the Sounds staked him to a 3-0 first-inning lead.
"He mixed it up well; he showed good command, and that's what we're looking for is performance," said Milwaukee pitching coach Mike Maddux, in town to observe Sheets' progress. "His stuff's there, and now it's just a matter of getting game-ready. (Tuesday) was a step in the right direction."
The Sounds (4-2) snapped a four-game win streak for Iowa (4-2).
"Obviously, you don't look forward to a guy like that beating you, but it's a great experience, whether people have come to see Kerry Wood or Mark Prior pitch here, and it's fun to play behind them, or the challenge of facing a guy like that," Cubs manager Mike Quade said.
"To me, he's not a guy just starting his rehab. That was pretty damn good. My sense is, he's on the verge of going back there."
Iowa's Ryan Theriot went 2-for-4 and Augie Ojeda smacked a run-scoring double in the seventh inning after Sheets (1-0) exited the game. Jae-Kuk Ryu (0-1) took the loss.
"I'd be really happy if we didn't see (Sheets) pitching against us in Nashville again," Quade said.
Maddux said "it wasn't his place" to confirm whether Sheets may be back in a Brewers uniform by Sunday's 12:10 p.m. game against the Mets.
"Today was very encouraging and he seems to be on target for the master plan," he said. "So we'll see what goes on from here, how he feels (this week)."
Sheets, cut from colorful Louisiana cloth, spoke in a jocular tone with reporters in the visiting clubhouse after he left the game.
Reporter: "You probably felt pretty good?"
Sheets: "I'm a good-looking kid."
Reporter, smiling: "Not that . Pitching."
Sheets: "Oh, oh. No, it felt good."
Also good are the Brewers, who enter today's game at St. Louis with a 5-2 record.
"I don't want to ruin anything at all," Sheets said in reference to his eventual return. "But I want to contribute, no doubt about it. It would be nice to be back out there. You're so not part of the team when you're hurt."
The latter arrangement, judging by Tuesday's performance, soon should cease to be a concern for Sheets.
"If that's not close to being ready, I'd hate to see him when he's ready," Quade said.
<b><font size=4>Brewer pitching coach keeps an eye on Sheets</font>
Mike Maddux in D.M. to follow Milwaukee all-star's injury rehab</b>
Milwaukee pitching coach Mike Maddux strode to the Principal Park visitor's clubhouse incognito — decked out in Nashville red, black and white instead of Brewers blue and yellow.
"I'm flying under the radar," said Maddux, whose brother, Greg Maddux, pitched at Iowa in 1986 and 1987 before starring in the major leagues for the Cubs, Braves and Cubs again.
Maddux eyed the radar gun as well as rehabbing pitcher Ben Sheets' mechanics during Tuesday's Sounds win, and liked what he saw.
"A step in the right direction," he said.
And when asked about Greg and his time at Iowa, Maddux stepped back, turned, and glanced at the spot he'd been watching all day.
"That's the mound right there he excelled on in triple-A," said Maddux, who pitched 15 seasons in the big leagues and faced his brother when both were rookies in 1986.
"There's good memories for everyone at this ballpark."
Ben on Felix: Facing Ben Sheets finally cooled off Cubs center fielder Felix Pie .
Chicago's top prospect entered Tuesday's game batting .478, but went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, with three of the at-bats coming against Sheets.
"He looks like he has a good swing; aggressive at the plate," Sheets said of the 6-foot-2, 170-pound Pie. "A big kid."
Everybody hears Raymond: Former Iowa Cubs announcer Dave Raymond now works alongside Hall of Famer Milo Hamilton on Houston Astros radio broadcasts.
Hamilton, a Fairfield native known for his call on Hank Aaron 's 715th home run, worked games on radio and television for the Chicago Cubs before joining the Astros as play-by-play man for the last 20 seasons.
Raymond, who helped call games sporadically for San Francisco and Baltimore in recent years, is in his first season as color radio analyst for the Astros.
Where'd Sheets eat? After arriving in Des Moines Monday night, Sheets dined at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse.
His entree?
"I had the filet. Pretty solid."
His hurried impression of Des Moines?
"Nice to see this ballpark. A quiet town."
<b><font size=4>Sheets, Sounds dominate Cubs</font></b>
DES MOINES, Iowa — Rehabbing right-hander Ben Sheets turned in a dominant performance, striking out nine batters while allowing only three singles in 5 2/3 scoreless innings, to lead the Nashville Sounds to a 4-1 victory over the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday afternoon at Principal Park.
The Brewers hurler made his second rehabilitation start, the first with Nashville, while recovering from a right posterior shoulder strain. He threw 75 pitches, 52 for strikes, in likely his final tune-up before being activated by Milwaukee.
Outfielder Nelson Cruz was the offensive star, breaking out of an 0-for-12 slump with a 3-for-4 afternoon that included his first home run of the season.
Mike Adams worked a scoreless ninth, allowing a pair of Iowa hits before escaping a jam, to earn his first save of the season.
The Sounds (2-4) and Cubs continue their series tonight at 7:05. Right-hander Ben Hendrickson will make the start for Nashville. Iowa counters with veteran southpaw Les Walrond.
<b><font size=4>Sheets strong for Sounds</font>
Pitcher hopes to start for Brewers Sunday</b>
DES MOINES, Iowa — Strong, precise and pain-free.
That's how Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets described himself yesterday after striking out nine batters in five shutout innings as Nashville beat Iowa 4-1 before an announced crowd of 3,957 at Principal Park.
"I finally located some balls, which helps you get outs," said Sheets, who threw 75 pitches — 52 for strikes — and allowed three singles.
The two-time All-Star who strained an upper right back muscle in a March 8 spring training game hopes the impressive outing will get him back into the big leagues soon.
"I'd like to pitch Sunday in New York (against the Mets)," he said. "I don't make the rules, but it's a good possibility."
Sheets hasn't pitched for the Brewers since Aug. 26.
Sheets blended a lively fastball consistently in the low to mid 90s with a spot-on curveball. He allowed one runner behind first base, walked none, and the Sounds staked him a 3-0 first-inning lead.
"He mixed it up well, he showed good command and that's what we're looking for is performance," said Milwaukee pitching coach Mike Maddux, who attended the game to observe Sheets' progress. "His stuff's there and now it's just a matter of getting game ready. (Tuesday) was a step in the right direction."
Nelson Cruz's two run home run in the first inning gave the Sounds the early lead.
The Sounds snapped a four-game win streak for Iowa.
"Obviously you don't look forward to a guy like that beating you, but it's a great experience, whether people have come to see Kerry Wood or Mark Prior pitch here, and it's fun to play behind them, or the challenge of facing a guy like that," Cubs Manager Mike Quade said.
"To me, he's not a guy just starting his rehab. My sense is he's on the verge of going back there (to the Brewers rotation)."
Maddux said "it wasn't his place" to confirm whether Sheets may be back in a Brewers uniform by Sunday's 12:10 p.m. game against the Mets.
"If that's not close to being ready, I'd hate to see him when he's ready," Quade said.
Game at a glance
•Winning pitcher: Ben Sheets (1-0).
•Big stick: Nelson Cruz, 3-for-4, two runs, two RBIs.
•How they won: The Sounds scored three first-inning runs off Cubs starter Jae-Kuk Ryu, including a two-run homer by Cruz that drove in Tony Gwynn.