Zack Brown is making a name for himself in the world of single-A baseball.

The Seymour native has turned up the heat as his second season in the minors starts to wind down.

After missing around 30 games due to injury during the start of the season, Brown bounced back on the mound for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

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Through 80 innings of work, as of Friday morning, Brown has thrown 80 strikeouts while giving up 74 hits, 36 walks and 30 earned runs.

Since the Midwest League All-Star game June 20, Brown has thrown some of his best games.

In eight games, he has dropped his ERA from 4.99 to 3.38 in 46.1 innings. Brown has 45 strikeouts in that span while giving up 36 hits and 10 earned runs.

Brown has played in 17 games (starting 12), accumulating a record of 4-5 and going 2-2 since the break.

The Timber Rattlers are currently 14th of 16 teams in the Midwest League with a record of 43-62.

Q: How’s life in the minors treating you? What has been the biggest difference in Year 2?

A: “Life in the minors is going well. It’s definitely a unique lifestyle, but I’ve enjoyed it so far. The biggest difference in year two has been coming to the field every day with an idea of what I need to accomplish to get me ready for my next start. Treatment is playing a larger role this season as my pitch count during a start has increased, making my time between starts even more important.”

Q: What was it like for you to be named opening-day starter for the Timber Rattlers?

A: “It was awesome to know I would be the starter on opening day. It meant a lot to hear that and realize the impact I could make on the team. The first three innings of that start were really good, and I ran into some trouble in the fourth inning, which ended my night due to pitch count.”

Q: With your injury toward the beginning of the season, were you ever worried you would miss the season?

A: “As far as the time frame, I missed about a month right after the opening-day start. It initially struck me as what could be a season-ending injury, but through conversation with my trainer, it calmed my nerves, and it all worked out to just be a month missed. “

Q: What was your rehab like? How did it feel to throw once you came back?

A: “Rehab was tough. The actual rehabilitation was grueling, but missing 30ish games and knowing I wouldn’t be pitching any time throughout that span was the hardest part. It was great to get back to throwing after a couple weeks of no action. After a few bullpens with a gradual increase of pitch count, I was ready for games. They brought me back slowly, gradually increasing my innings one at a time until I was able to reach the normal pitch that I’m at now.”

Q: You’ve been on a tear lately. What has been the difference?

A: “Ever since the All-Star break, I’ve been throwing pretty well. I think a few days off and away from the game got my mind headed in the right direction. The confidence started to build, and it has showed in my outings. The best part of these past few starts has been being able to command my fastball more and making fewer mistakes out over the plate.”

Q: Is right now the most fun you’ve had since joining the Timber Rattlers? What’s this year’s group of guys like to play with?

A: “I would say in pro baseball, this is the most fun I’ve had. College baseball and the team camaraderie was awesome. I think that’s when I had the most fun. This team has been pretty good to play with, regardless of the struggles.”

Q: Has the organization talked to you about being moved up? Do you feel like you have the ability to throw at the next level?

A: “The organization hasn’t told me anything about a promotion. The next step would be to play for the Carolina Mudcats in the Carolina League. I feel like I’m able to pitch at that level. I just have to continue to show that on the field.”

Q: When will your season end with the Timber Rattlers? Where do you go from there?

A: “Our last game for the T-Rats is Sept. 4. Schedule after that is still unknown. I don’t know whether I’ll be free all offseason at home or if I will go to Instructional League in Arizona for a month starting in mid- to late September.”