Garman & Britt one-hit Cougars for 5-0 win in game two

GENEVA, IL - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers pitcher Brian Garman didn't look like he was making his first professional start when he took the mound for game two of Tuesday's doubleheader at Elfstrom Stadium. Garman allowed one hit and no runs over five innings and was backed up by five runs in a 5-0 win over the Kane County Cougars to help the Rattlers to a split in the twinbill.

Wisconsin (56-58 overall,18-26 second half) took the lead in the first inning. They loaded the bases on singles by Nick Shaw and Mike Brownstein and a walk to TJ Mittelstaedt. Cleanup hitter Chad Stang took another walk to force Shaw home. Jason Rogers was next and he singled to right to send Brownstein home for a 2-0 lead.

The Rattlers added a run in the top of the fifth inning. Nick Ramirez served a single into left field with two outs to score Mittelstaedt from second base for a 3-0 lead.

Garman was making his first start as a professional on Tuesday night. The lefty out of the University of Cincinnati made 22 relief appearances last season with the Helena Brewers of the Pioneer League. The 17th round pick of the Brewers in the 2010 draft made 33 relief appearances for the Timber Rattlers before game two on Tuesday night.

Garman stepped into the spot start and made it look easy after the Rattlers gave him the early lead.

Geulin Beltre reached on a walk with one out in the first, but was erased on a 1-6-3 double play. Garman retired the first two batters of the second inning, but gave up a single to Jake Kuebler and a walk to Orlando Calixte. Garman got the final out of the second with his first strikeout. Garman retired the next nine batters he faced before turning the game over to the bullpen.

But - before Dan Britt could enter the game - the Rattlers offense tacked on to their lead. Mike Brownstein's two-run double in the top of the sixth inning put Wisconsin up 5-0.

The Cougars (54-59, 26-18) went down quietly against Britt as the Rattlers reliever retired the final six Kane County hitters in order.

The Timber Rattlers begin a six game homestand on Wednesday night. The Beloit Snappers are the first team in to Time Warner Cable Field and game time on Wednesday is 7:05pm. Matt Miller (4-6, 4.86) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Beloit has Blayne Weller (4-3, 4.45) as their scheduled starter.

Wednesday is a Bonus Bang for Your Buck Night with Pepsi products, Cher-Make hot dogs, and Miller Beer available for $1.

It is also an American TV Win-It Wednesday and every fan aged 16 and older will receive a scratch-off ticket. Every ticket is a winner with prizes from the Timber Rattlers and American TV of Appleton.

The first 1,000 fans to attend the game will receive a metal lunch box from Rasmussen College. Plus, fans are encouraged to bring donations for a clothing drive to support the Community Clothes Closet.

If you can't make it out to the game, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. Wednesday's game is also available to MiLB.TV subscribers.

WP: Brian Garman (3-2)
LP: Santiago Garrido (1-4)

TIME: 1:50
ATTN: 5,157