Wednesday night in Miami, Cole Hamels pitched well, but 7 innings were not enough for a win as the bullpen (Madson and Lidge) gave up 3 runs in the last 2 frames and the Marlins won, 7-6. Hamels gave up 4 runs on 8 hits, NO walks, over his 7 innings throwing 100 pitches and leaving with the Phillies ahead, 6-4. Ryan Howard had 2 hits, including his 42nd home run, and drove in 4 (130) for the Phils.

On Thursday, Howard drove in 2 more to back a good effort from Jay Happ, as Philadelphia beat Milwaukee 9-4. Happ, gave up 2 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 to improve to 11-4, 2.79 for the year.

In Cleveland Thursday, Carlos Carrasco made his 4th start for the Indians against the Tigers. Carlos went 5 innings, and looked good for 4 of them. Detroit's 4-run 4th cost him the game, and the decision (he is 0-3), but he looked more comfortable to me, and mixed his pitches well most of time. He also got some help for his friends in the outfield running down some hard hit outs. In all, I think progress continues to be made.

Friday's games include: Matt Maloney, his first big league win now under his belt, and the Reds go into Houston to face Michael Bourn and the Astros, and Robinson Tejeda (4-1, 2.94) will take the hill in Kansas City against the Twins.