Thursday, April 30, 2009

Wednesday's action

In Stockton, California, Scott Mitchinson got the start for the Stockton Ports against Visalia and was hit hard. Scott only made it through 3.1 innings, allowing 6 runs on 7 hits and NO walks, and was the losing pitcher in the Port's 11-8 loss to the Rawhide. Matt Spencer, traded with Josh Outman and Adrian Cardenas last year, belted his 5th home run of the year for Stockton.

Speaking of Cardenas, Adrian had 2 singles, a triple, scored 3 times and drove in 5 in the Rock Hound's 16-9 comeback win. Adrian is hitting .355, with 18 RBI for Midland.

In Clearwater, Mike Durant has hit his first home run of the year, a 3-run blast to provide the margin of victory in the Threshers' 4-3 win over Dunedin. Dominic Brown also homered for Clearwater, his 2nd, as Julian Sampson recorded his first win of the season. Mike Schwimer threw 2 frames, giving up 1 run, before turning it over to Jared Simon, for save #5.

In Reading, Vance Worley threw 7 shut out innings for Reading, leading to a 2-0 victory over Altoona. Vance gave up just 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 7 to improve to 2-0, 2.22 for the year. Sergio Escalona picked up his 6th save with a 1-2-3 9th. Michael Taylor was 3 for 4, with a double, a stolen base, and scored a run, and Quintin Berry had a hit and stole base #7.

In Chicago, Gavin Floyd battled his way through 6 tough innings, allowing just 3 runs on 10 hits and 2 walks, and received no decision in the White Sox' 6-3 win over Seattle.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

the long arm of the HomeSide

extends to Delmarva. Travis Mattair with Delmarva HomeSider Brittney Calandra!!

Shorebirds stop 'Claws

Harold Garcia led off the game with a home run Tuesday night for Lakewood, but the BlueClaws would not score again, losing a 2-1 decision to Delmarva. Rob Roth was pitching pretty well, when he was struck by a batted ball in the 4th inning and removed immediately. Final numbers on Rob: 3.1 IP, 2 runs, 2 hits, 2 walks and a hard luck defeat. Justin De Fratus came on and kept Lakewood in the game, throwing 4.2 scoreless innings, surrendering just 4 hits, NO walk, 5 Ks. De Fratus' ERA is down to 1.08, and if Roth has to miss a turn, Justin would be my choice to start for him. Lakewood managed just 5 hits, and could not get it going.

Wednesday's game was an early one, 10:30 AM start, and Lakewood did not get their wake up call. Delmarva was all over them, taking to rubber game of the series, 8-1. Jesus Sanchez had another rough start, lasting just 3 innings. Jesus is struggling with his control from the set position with men on base. D'Arby Myers and Lou Collier had 2 hits each for Lakewood, who head now to Hickory, North Carolina to start a stretch of 16 games against the Crawdads and Kannapolis (8 games each).

Reading back on track

The Reading Phillies resumed their winning ways Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over the Altoona Curve. Joe Savery recorded his first win of the season, throwing 6 strong innings for Reading, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits and 4 walks, working out of jams constantly. Matt German came in for 2 more scoreless frames, and Mike Zagurski threw the 9th and picked up the save. German is unscored upon, with 16 strike outs in 11.2 innings, recording 5 "holds", and Zagurski has now thrown 4 innings (3 for Clearwater) in his rehab program.

Quintin Berry had a single, 2 walks, and scored 2 runs, once again showing his ability to be the catalyst for the offense. Brad Harman contributed an RBI double, and a walk.

The good news from Florida is Fidel Hernandez (.319, 4 for 6, 3 runs scored), Freddy Galvis (.297, single, double, walk, 2 runs) and Dominic Brown (.277, 2 singles, triple, 3 RBI) combined for 9 hits, but the Blue Jays outslugged the Threshers, 11-7. Drew Naylor absorbed most of the damage, lasting just 3.2 innings, and giving up 10 runs to see his record fall to 1-2 and his ERA balloon to 11.05. Chance Chapman went the next 2.1, allowing just 1 hit, giving the offense the chance to get back in, but they were too far behind. Chris Kissock and Mike Schwimer tossed an inning apiece.

Vance Worley will go for Reading tonight and Julian Sampson will have the ball for Clearwater.

Andrew Baldwin threw 6 strong innings in Colorado Springs Tuesday night, recoding his first win of the year in Tacoma's 6-3 win over the SkySox. Baldwin gave up only 1 run on 3 hits, NO walks, striking out 5 and lowering his ERA to 1.50.

In Omaha, some control issues and some defensive miscues cost Elizardo Ramirez a game, as the Royals topped the RedHawks, 3-1. "Easy" went 5 innings, allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, on 4 hits and 3 walks. Ramirez is 0-3, but he is not pitching badly, posting a 3.98 ERA in the PCL. Greg Golson (.310) was 0 for 4 in the game for Oklahoma City, picking up stolen base #3.

In Sacramento, Randy Ruiz (.321) had a single and a double in Las Vegas' 3-2 loss to the River Cats. Gio Gonzalez was the winning pitcher for Sacramento, spacing 8 hits over 5.1 innings of work to go to 1-0, 2.12 on the year.

In Salt Lake, Kevin Howard (.221) was 1 for 5 and scored 2 runs for Portland in the Beavers' 7-4 win over the Bees.

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Bobby Korecky back to AAA-Reno. Bobby pitched 2 innings for the Aces on Tuesday night, giving up a run on 3 hits. Chris Roberson was 0 for 2.

In Midland, Adrian Cardenas (.338) had a single, a double and an RBI (#13) as the Rock Hounds pounded Corpus Christi, 10-2.

In Philadelphia last night, Cole Hamels season of annoying injuries continues. Cole was pitching his best game of the season last night, when he sprained an ankle fielding a ball. He left the game, x-rays are negative, and he should make his next start, which would be Monday. Ryan Howard was 0 for 4, but the Phillies won the game, 7-1. In Cincinnati, Michael Bourn had 2 walks, 2 stolen bases (6) and scored a run in Houston's 8-3 win over the Reds. Jason Jaramillo (.345) had a walk, and a 2-run double for Pittsburgh, but the Pirates lost to the Brewers, 6-5. In Kansas City, Robinson Tejeda came in for struggling Gil Meche in the fourth inning and recorded 7 outs for the Royals, allowing just 2 hits and 1 walk, lowering his ERA to 1.17. The Blue Jays won, 8-1.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Pitching carries 'Claws to 5th straight

The Lakewood BlueClaws won their 5th game in a row on Monday, and improved to 10-3 in the last 13, by besting the Delmarva Shorebirds 4-1 to claim sole possession of first place. Jason Knapp picked up the victory, hurling 6 strong innings for Lakewood, and giving up just 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk, notching 7 Ks to increase his lead-leading total to 37, and drop his ERA to 1.85. Walter Tejeda (6 up, 6 down) and Brian Rosenberg (2nd save) finished off the Shorebirds.

Anthony Gose had 2 hits, Travis D'Arnaud scored 2 runs and Moose Mattair had 2 RBI in his first game back since letting the hamstring heal. D'Arby Myers had a hit, stole a base and scored a run.

Lakewood will face Delmarva again tonight, Rob Roth (1-0, 3.38) will have the assignment.


In Clearwater, Dunedin shut down the Thresher's attack with an 8-0 win. Carlos Monasterios pitched well, battling through 6 innings. He gave up 3 runs, 2 earned, on just 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 8. Carlos' record is now 1-2, 2.55. Joe Rocchio (1 IP, 3 runs) and Dan Brauer (1.1 IP, 2 runs) had no fun in their efforts, and Zack Sterner retired the last 2 hitters. The Threshers made 5 errors and Tim Kennelley (.345) had 3 of their 6 hits. The teams will slide over to Dunedin Tuesday for the next game, Drew Naylor (1-1) will pitch.

Lehigh Valley took a 2-1, 12 inning contest from Pawtucket. John Mayberry had a double and a home run and scored the winning run. Drew Carpenter was great, throwing 7.1 innings and allowing just 1 UNearned run on 4 hits, and 3 walks, striking out 3. Jason Donald (.243) and Jeremy Slayden (.182) were each 0 for 4.

In Omaha, the Royals and Oklahoma City split a doubleheader, Omaha winning the opener, 8-1 and the RedHawks claiming the split, 2-1. Greg Golson played both 7 inning games, going 2 for 6 in the doubleheader. In Salt Lake City, the Bees took 2 games from Portland, 4-3 and 5-3. Kevin Howard was 2 for 7 on the day, playing in both games for Portland. In Sacramento, Randy Ruiz had a double and drove in a run (#22) for Las Vegas in the 51s' 7-4 loss to the River Cats.

In Midland, Texas, Adrian Cardenas had a double and 2 RBI in the Rock Hound's 7-5 win over Corpus Christi. "AC" is hitting .333 for Midland with 12 RBI.

The Phillies scored 6 times in the bottom of the 8th inning to make a winner of J.A. Happ in the come-from-behind 13-11 win over the Nationals. Happ threw a scoreless inning and was the pitcher of record when his team had their explosion. Raul Ibanez had a grand slam in the game-winning 8th inning rally, matching Ryan Howard, who hit a long one to straight away center field in the 5th inning. Howard is hitting .292, with 4 HR and 15 RBI so far. Lou Marson also walked and scored in big rally.

In Milwaukee, the Brewers beat the Pirates, 10-5. Jason Jaramillo was 1 for 4 and scored a run for Pittsburgh. The Brewers activated Trevor Hoffman from the DL, and sent R.J. Swindel back to AAA Nashville. In Cincinnati, the Astros beat the Reds, 4-1. Michael Bourn (.290) had a double in 4 at bats for Houston.

In addition to the games I already mentioned, Joe Savery will pitch tonight in Reading, and Carlos Ruiz will play in that one. Andy Baldwin will get the assignment for Tacoma at Colorado Springs and Cole Hamels will throw for the Phillies.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Lakewood, Delmarva battle for first place

Jason Knapp (the big one) will get the start for Lakewood tonight in Delmarva as the teams square off for first place in the Northern Division.

Galvis leads Threshers

Freddy Galvis had 4 hits(and 2 stolen bases), including an RBI single to tie the game in the 4-run 9th inning rally that gave Clearwater a 6-4 win over Tampa. Kyle Drabek pitched well for 5 innings, but it got away from him in the 6th, when the Yankees scored 3 to take a 4-2 lead. It stayed that way until the 9th when Clearwater used 5 hits and a walk to post the come from behind win. Arlon Quiroz (.256, 3 RBI) and Derrick Mitchell (2 runs scored)had 2 hits each for Clearwater. Zack Sterner picked up the win, his 1st of the year, and Jared Simon said, "game over" for the 4th time. The Threshers are now 10-6, 1 game behind the Manatees in the FSL North, and play Dunedin tonight, Carlos Monasterios (1-1) to pitch.

In Kinston, NC, Mike Dubee struck out all 3 hitters he faced in a scoreless inning for the Lynchburg Hillcats, in Lynchburg's 6-3 loss to Kinston.


Of course, I was in Reading yesterday, where the Bowie BaySox enacted a little revenge, salvaging the final game of a 4 game set with the R-Phils, 8-0. More important, I have say it was great to have some of the guys spend a few minutes, so my thanks to: Quintin Berry, Mike Spidale, Tuffy Gosewisch, Michael Taylor, Sergio Escalona, Alex Concepcion, Mike Stutes, Vance Worley, Gus Milner, Mike Zagurski, Pat Overholt and Matt German, who all took a few moments to say hi, which I really appreciate. Reading will have an off day Monday and start a series with Altoona Tuesday. Joe Savery will start and Carlos Ruiz will be in town to make a rehab start.

Carlos Carrasco suffered through his first off day, not making it through 3 innings before giving up 6 runs on 8 hits, 2 walks as the IronPigs lost to Pawtucket 7-4. Carlos Ruiz caught the whole game and had a single and a walk. Drew Carpenter will face the Sox tonight.

In Sacramento, Randy Ruiz (.319) was 1 for 4 with a walk, and RBI #21, but Las Vegas lost to Sacramento, 2-1 in 13 innings. In Fresno, Chris Roberson (.262) was 1 for 4, an RBI double for Reno in the Aces' 3-2 win over the Grizzlies.

Michael Bourn (.293) had a single and a walk, and scored a run in Houston's 3-2 win over Milwaukee, and Ryan Howard (.290) had 2 hits and a walk, scored a run and drove 1 in, in the Phillies 13-2 mashing of the Marlins.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Many Thanks


A shout out to Quintin Berry, who was good enough to leave tix for 4 HomeSiders Sunday.

Zagurski moves up to Reading


We arrived at Reading today and guess who was there? After 3 lights out innings for Clearwater, Mike Zagurski was reassigned. Mike is looking good!
Photos courtesy of my wife, Lena....more in the coming days.

heading for Reading

A quick wrap of last nights late action before I head out for a day at Baseballtown.

Jason Jaramillo had 2 doubles, a walk and scored 2 runs in the Pirates' 10-1 beating of the Padres. JJ is hitting .384 so far filling in for Ryan Doumit.

Michael Bourn had a double and a home run in 6 at bats in the Astros' 9-8 11-inning defeat at the hands of the Brewers. Michael is off to a .291 start.

In Salt Lake City, Kevin Howard (.214) was 1 for 4 with a walk for Portland in Salt Lake's 9-3 victory, and in Sacramento, Randy Ruiz was 1 for 5, an RBI single (#20) in the River Cats 9-8 win over Las Vegas.

Off we go to watch Tyson Brummett take on Bowie for the red hot R-Phils.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Saturday's games

The Lakewood BlueClaws made it 9 out of 12 with a 1-0 walk-off win Saturday afternoon under sunny skies in Lakewood. Tyler Cloyd continued the run of great pitching this week, throwing 7 shut out innings against Hagerstown. He gave up just 4 hits, NO walks, and struck out 9. Unfortunately, he left the game in a 0-0 tie. Birthday boy Ryan Bergh tossed the last 2 frames and picked up the win when Jeremy Hamilton lined a drive down the left field line to score Troy Hanzawa with the winning run. Hamilton entered the game in the 5th inning when Harold Garcia injured himself while batting. Lakewood will celebrate the series sweep over Hagerstown with a day off Sunday before heading to Delmarva to battle the Shorebirds Monday. Lakewood and Delmarva are now tied for first place, just to add a little juice to this series!!

23-year old Yohan Flande won his third straight start for Clearwater, and in 18 innings, has yet to allow an earned run. Flande, from the Dominican Republic went 6 strong innings, allowing just 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 8 in the Thresher's 8-0 win over Tampa. Chris Kissock (2 IP) and Michael Schwimmer finished the Yankees off, neither allowing a hit. Derrick Mitchell belted 2 home runs, and added a double, driving in 4 runs to lead the shark attack. Luis Arzeno (.417, RBI), Dominic Brown (.268, double, triple, run scored, SB #5, 2 RBI), Freddy Galvis (2 singles, walk, run scored) and Tim Kennelley (.313, run scored, RBI) all added 2 hits for Clearwater. The teams will play again Sunday, Kyle Drabek will get the ball.

Mike Spidale had 4 hits, including a double and a triple, and 3 RBI to lead the Reading Phillies to a 5-2 win over Bowie. Spidale, playing for the injured Gus Milner, is now hitting .346. Antonio Bastardo started and went 5 hitless innings, NO walks, 3Ks, lowering his ERA to 0.53. Alex Concepcion worked the next 2.1 innings, allowing just an unearned run on 2 hits. Josh Shortslef gave up a run, but picked up the win, his 4th of the young season, and Sergio Escalona recorded his 5th save. Reading has won 7 of 8, and go for the sweep Sunday with Tyson Brummett pitching. At least 4 of us from here will be "heading for Reading" for Sunday's match!!

Jason Donald hit a game tying home run in the bottom of the 9th inning for the IronPigs, but the bullpen let it get away again, as Pawtucket grabbed a 5-4, 10-inning win. Carlos Ruiz was the DH for Lehigh Valley, picking up 2 walks in 5 plate appearances and he will catch Carlos Carrasco Sunday as his rehab continues. Kyle Kendrick started for the IronPigs, working 5, and giving up 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 3.

The Phillies beat Florida, 6-4 in 10 innings Saturday. Ryan Howard had 2 hits, including his 3rd home run of the year, and Lou Marson picked up a walk in 3 at bats. Robinson Tejeda recorded 2 outs for the Royals in their 9-1 loss to Detroit. Robinson (1.69) has worked 5.1 innings in 5 games, giving up just 1 run on 1 hit so far.

In Jupiter, Florida, Brett Harker threw 3 shut out innings for the Hammerheads against Fort Myers and was the winning pitcher in Jupiter's 2-1, 10 inning triumph. It is the 3rd time in
4 outings that Brett has not been scored upon.

Gus Milner/Carlos Ruiz

Reading has placed Gus Milner on the DL with a left oblique strain, retroactive to April 20. This has given Mike Spidale some at bats.

Rumor has it Carlos Ruiz will make a rehab start, either in Reading or Lehigh Valley tonight.

Claws on a roll

The Lakewood BlueClaws rode another great pitching performance to their 8th victory in the last 11 games, topping Hagerstown, 6-0. Jon Velasquez (4-0, 1.23) made his first start of the year, picking up his 4th win by throwing 5 solid shut out innings. Jon gave up just 2 hits and 1 walk, struck out 4 and looked comfortable throughout. Justin De Fratus (3rd hold, 1.50) took over and was equally impressive, striking out 5 in 3 innings, giving up just 1 hit before Esmelvin Jimenez got the last 3 outs.

In the meantime, Lakewood pounded out 14 hits. Harold Garcia (.314, 2 triples, 2 runs) and Jesus Villegas (.444, 2 RBI) had 3 hits each for the BlueClaws. Travis D'Arnaud had a double and a home run to increase his team leading RBI total to 15, and Sebastian Valle and Zack Collier also had 2 hits for Lakewood. The BlueClaws are now 9-6 and just a half game behind Kannapolis for first place. Tyler Cloyd (1-1) will get the ball today.

who let the 'Pigs out!

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs exploded for 13 runs on 18 hits Friday night against Pawtucket to post a 13-3 win. John Mayberry (.267, 2 doubles, 4 RBI), Pablo Ozuna (.315) and Jason Donald (.274, 2 doubles, 2 runs, RBI) all had 3 hits for Lehigh Valley. The IronPigs are now 6-8 on the year. Kyle Kendrick (1-1) will pitch tonight.

In Reading, Michael Stutes continues to wow them, throwing 6 more shut out innings against Bowie Friday night to improve to 3-0, 1.59 on the year. Ozzie Chavez had 4 hits for the R-Phils, and Tuffy Gosewisch had 2, including his first home run of the year. Michael Taylor (4), Mike Spidale (1) and Quintin Berry (6) all stole bases for Reading. Reading has won 6 of 7, and is 9-4 on the year. Antonio Bastardo will make his first start of the year tonight.

The Tampa Yankees roughed up Clearwater and Julian Sampson last night, winning 6-1. Sampson went 6, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks, striking out2 to fall to 0-3, 8.79 on the year. Mike Zagurski threw another scoreless inning for the Threshers (3 in a row, now), before Dan Brauer gave up 1 run on 3 hits in the 8th. Dan has really had a hard time so far, with his ERA at 11.57. Fidel Hernandez (.321) had 2 hits, starting another hitting streak after having one end Thursday.

Matt Maloney

Matt Maloney pitched another good game in Toledo last night, 6 innings, 1 run on just 5 hits, NO walks and 7 Ks. He left the game with a 4-1 advantage, but the Louisville bullpen gave up 1 in the 8th, 2 in the 9th and 1 more in the 10th, giving the Mudhens a 5-4 win. Matt's numbers are 2-0, 1.86 so far for Louisville.

Randy Ruiz was 1 for 5, and drove in 2 more runs (that's 19) in Las Vegas' 12-3 win over Fresno. Randy is now hitting .333.

In Tennessee, Brian Schlitter got the final 4 outs for the Smokies in their 9-2 loss to the Diamond Jacks. Brian did give up a home run, but has 2 saves in 6 appearances covering 7 innings of work for Tennessee.

In Toronto, Gavin Floyd suffered through his first sub-par outing last night against the Jays. Gavin lasted just 4.1 innings, while the red hot Jays got 6 runs, 5 earned, on 9 hits and 5 walks, en route to a 14-0 trouncing of the White Sox. Gavin also threw 2 wild pitches, and saw his record fall to 2-2, 5.79.

Jason Jaramillo had a single, a double and a walk in San Diego last night, but the Pirates lost to the Padres, 4-3 in 11 innings. JJ is off to a 6 for 18 (.333) start, with 2 doubles, and RBI and a stolen base! In Houston, the Astros were held to just 5 hits, but Michael Bourn had 2 of them, scoring a run and stealing a base (#4) in the Brewers' 5-2 victory. In Phoenix, the Diamondbacks lost 5-1 to the Giants, Bobby Korecky pitched a scoreless 8th inning for Arizona.

Finally, in Miami, the Phillies put up a 7-run 9th inning to steal a 7-3 win from the Marlins. Shane Victorino hit a grand slam in the big inning. Ryan Howard (.271)was 1 for 5 and Lou Marson was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Hamels hit

Cole Hamels was struck in the left shoulder by a line drive Thursday and came out of the game. It appears to be just a contusion, and Cole is hopeful to make his next start. In the game Cole gave up 2 runs on 4 hits, striking out 6 and walking no one. He left the game when struck with 1 out in the 4th. J.A. Happ relieved him, and struggled through 5 outs, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks. Dave Bush pitched a no-hitter into the 8th inning for Milwaukee, who took the game, 6-1.

Michael Bourn (.261) was 1 for 2 with a walk, and stole his 3rd base, but Houston did not score, losing to LA, 2-0.

p is for pitching

The Phillies have this beautiful p on their hats, which I am sure stands for Philadelphia, but it could stand for pitching so far this season. I'll start in Lakewood because I was there. Start with the starter, Jesus Sanchez. He got his first career win, throwing 5 scoreless innings, striking out 9, allowing just 4 hits and 2 walks. Great Job!! Walter Tejeda did give up a run on 2 hits and 2 walks, but he struck out all 4 of his outs. Jacob Diekman recorded 5 outs, 2 by K, and Santos Hernandez struck out the side in the 9th. That's a total of 18, and this morning, the BlueClaws lead the SAL with 136 strike outs.

Two 'Claws deserve my praise this morning. I start with D'Arby Myers. D'Arby had the key hit in the game, a 2-out, 2-run single to give Lakewood the lead, and then he stayed in the rundown long enough for Troy Hanzawa to score all the way from first with the 3rd run. Good base running got us another run!!

Anthony Gose now has an 8 game hitting streak, and is hitting .371 during that stretch. He had 3 more hits on Thursday, including 2 doubles he absolutely smoked, 2 runs scored, an RBI and stolen base #10. If speed kills, this kid is lethal. Lakewood has won 7 of 10 and, as young as they are, are playing pretty well right now.

Jon Velasquez will move into the rotation Friday night for Lakewood. He is 3-0 with 1.86 in 4 games out of the bullpen.

There will also be a rotation change in Reading as Antonio Bastardo will be put back in the rotation. He will make his first start Saturday night in Reading.

Speaking of Reading, Michael Taylor had 4 hits, including 2 home runs, the last a walk-off in the bottom of the 11th to give the Phillies a 7-6 win over Bowie. They were his first 2 of the season, after he hit 19 last year. Mike is up to .293. Catcher Kevin Nelson had 2 more hits, including a home run. Vance Worley started and went into the 7th, allowing just 4 runs, 3 earned, on 4 hits and 2 walks. Pat Overholt struggled through 5 hitters, allowing 2 runs, but Matt German continues to get outs. In 6 outings, German has thrown 9 innings, 4 hits, 3 walks, NO runs, 15 strike outs.

Reading has now won 5 of 6 with Mike Stutes (2-0) scheduled Friday night.

The pitching for Clearwater came from Chance Chapman Thursday night. Drew Naylor only managed to get through 2 innings, so Chapman was thrown in to the fire. "Chappy" went 4 perfect innings, striking out 4 on the way, and was the beneficiary when the Threshers scored 3 times in the 6th to take the lead. 2 of the 3 runs came on a home run from Dominic Brown. Dom also had a single, a stolen base (#4), 2 runs scored and a total of 3 RBI. Freddy Galvis had 2 hits and a walk, 2 stolen bases, and scored 3 runs, and Tim Kennelley had a single, a double, a walk, a stolen base, a run scored and an RBI. They survived a shaky 9th inning by Jared Simon to win, 7-6. The Threshers are 8-5, and tied for first place as they head to Tampa to take on the Yanks tonight. My calendar says Julian Sampson should pitch today.

Baldwin sparkles


Andy Baldwin got the assignment for Tacoma last night against Salt Lake and threw 6 strong innings. He gave up just 1 run, on 2 hits and a walk, striking out 7 and lowering his ERA to 1.72. Tacoma rallied for 3 in the 8th inning to win, 4-2. Baldwin (pictured) has thrown 15.2 innings in his 3 starts so far.
In Portland, the Beavers took a 3-0 decision from Sacramento. Gio Gonzalez started for Sacramento and was strong through 4.2 innings. 3 hits, 1 walk, 8 strike outs, left the game scoreless, and saw his ERA fall to 1.54. Kevin Howard had a double and a walk for Portland.
In Las Vegas, the Fresno Grizzlies beat the 51s, 6-3. Randy Ruiz had a single and scored a run in the game. Over in Reno, Chris Roberson had 2 singles, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI to help the Aces beat Colorado Springs, 8-5. Chris is 7 for 16 (.438) the last 4 games to raise his average to .294. Over in Oklahoma City, Greg Golson (.356) had 2 hits, scored a run and picked up RBI #9, as the RedHawks defeated Omaha, 5-4.
Down in Bakersfield, Scott Mitchinson made the start for Stockton against the Blaze. Scott went 5 innings for the Oakland affiliate, giving up 3 runs on 9 hits and 1 walk, striking out 4. Bakersfield scored 3 in the 7th to take a 6-5 win. In San Antonio, Adrian Cardenas (.364) was 2 for 5, including a double and an RBI in Midland's 9-3 win over the Missions. In Kinston, Mike Dubee tossed 2 scoreless innings for the Lynchburg Hillcats in their 11-7 win over the Indians.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

wrap up

The Brewers beat the Phillies, 3-1 Wednesday. Ryan Howard had 2 walks in 4 plate appearances and Lou Marson was 0 for 3.

In Pittsburgh, the Pirates completed the sweep of the Marlins with a 7-4 win. Jason Jaramillo was 0 for 4. It looks like JJ is going to play for a while. So far, he has done admirably.

In New York, the Yankees beat the Athletics 9-7 in 14 innings. Josh Outman got into the game, pitching the 11th inning, retiring the Yanks in order on just 17 pitches. Because of off days and rain outs, the A's have chosen to skip Outman in the rotation to let the other guys get their regular starts, and will use him out of the bullpen until his next turn comes up.

Buchholz/Simon

The news is not good, HomeSiders.

Taylor Buchholz has been moved to the 60-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies. This means he will not be eligible to play until June at the earliest.

The Baltimore Orioles have announced Alfredo Simon will have Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire season. Simon had just won a spot in the Orioles rotation and appeared to be getting his break. NOT!!

IronPigs win

In Syracuse, Lehigh Valley defeated Syracuse, 5-2 Wednesday, and Drew Carpenter showed well for 5 innings. He gave up 2 runs, on 2 hits and 4 walks, struck out 3 and kept the team in the game, which they won later.

In Las Vegas, Randy Ruiz continues to hit!! On Wednesday he had 2 for 2 and a walk, is now hitting .360 and driven in 17. C'mon Toronto; Call him up!!

In Oklahoma City, the RedHawks won, 7-6 in the bottom of the 10th inning, when Greg Golson (.333) opened the inning with a walk and then scored the game winning run. It was Golson's second run scored of the game, he had another hit beside the walk. Elizardo Ramirez started for Oklahoma City, and only made it 5.1 innings. He gave up 8 hits, 5 runs, 3 earned, 2 walks, and 4 Ks and received no decision.

In Reno, Chris Roberson, had a double, a 2-run HR, and a walk, scored twice and drove home 2 in Reno's 16-8 loss to Colorado Springs, raising his average to .267.

Reading falls to Altoona

The Altoona Curve hung on for a 5-4 win over Reading on Wednesday. Joe Savery has continued the theme of the pitchers hitting, Savery had a single and a double and scored 2 runs. He also pitched 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits, and 2 walks, striking out 6. Joe Bisenius got 5 outs, but gave up the go ahead run after 2 out in the 7th. Sergio Escalona came in for the final out. Other than Savery, Quintin Berry continues to show signs of breaking out, with another 2 hit (1 run, 1 RBI) game.

In Harrisburg Wednesday, at the end of a long night, in the second game of a doubleheader, Zack Segovia was called into a 2-2 tie in the top of the 7th (remember, it is a 7 inning game) with 1 out and a runner at second base, and Damaso Espino promptly singled in the go-ahead run before Zack retired the side.

'Claws claim split

The Lakewood BlueClaws cashed in when the Lake County Captains made 2 errors in the 3rd inning downpour that left me wet and cold for the rest of my night. It did result in 4 unearned runs and the BlueClaws were on their way to a 6-5 win. Rob Roth got the win, giving up single runs in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd frames, but when his team got him 4 in the home 3rd, Roth slammed the door on the Captains, throwing up 3 zeros to pick up his first win of the season. Travis D'Arnaud was the hitting star,with a single, 2 doubles and 4 RBI, to increase his team leading total to 13. Justin De Fratus threw an impressive inning, striking out 3, and hitting 1!! Brian Rosenberg recorded his first save, throwing 2 innings, despite complications.

A rough night in Lakeland, as the Flying Tigers beat the Threshers, 7-1. The silver lining here is both Dominic Brown (2 hits, walk, SB, run scored) and Mike Durant (consecutive 2-hit games) seem to be finding their comfort levels. Also, Luis Arzeno got into his 3rd game as a Thresher, and got another hit, he is 3 for 8 (.375) since joining the team. Carlos Monasterios started and took the loss for Clearwater, going 4.2 innings, allowing 5 runs, 3 earned, on 5 hits and 2 walks. He did strike out 5, but saw his record slip to 1-1, 2.31 ERA. Joe Rocchio gave up 1 run in 1.1 frames, Dan Brauer pitched a scoreless 7th and Zack Sterner gave up a home run to Audy Ciriaco of Lakeland in his inning.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

sneaky Reading Phillies

Don't look now, but the Reading Phillies have won 4 in a row and, at 7-3, are just a game behind Akron in the Eastern League Southern Division. Mike Spidale has played a little more this week, giving struggling Quinin Berry some time off, and Spidale has come through. He has 5 for 10, and driven in a run in limited time. Neil Sellers (.351) and Kevin Mahar (.385) have led the Reading assualt.

Vance Worley (1-0, 2.53) and Michael Stutes (2-0, 2.45) continue to reward the Phillies faith in them, so far making a smooth transition into the Eastern League. Matt German has yet to allow a run, and Sergio Escalona (3) and Antonio Bastardo(2) have all of the team's saves. Tuffy Gosewisch (.280)has been steady all along, so if they can get Michael Taylor (.258), Brad Harman (.209), and Quintin Berry (.226) into a regular groove, then watching this team is going to be a lot of fun!!

RJ returns to Philly

R.J. Swindel came into last night's game against the Phillies in the 5th inning in a key situation: bases loaded, Ryan Howard at the plate. R.J. must have been reaching back for a little extra, as he uncorked a wild pitch which let 2 runs score. In all Swindel threw 1.1 innings,allowing all 3 inherited runners to cross the plate , as well as 1 run charged to him on 2 hits and a walk, striking out 2. It was his debut for the Brewers, and if he was a little nervous, I can forgive him that.

In Pittsburgh, Jason Jaramillo was 1 for 2, an RBI single and a walk in the Pirate's 3-2 win over the Marlins. The news on Ryan Doumit is not good, he could be out 10 weeks! This could be JJ's big break!!

a day for the pitchers

Following Jason Knapp's matinee performance for the BlueClaws, the theme continued to be pitching on Tuesday.

First, to Lakeland, Florida, where Mike Zagurski pitched another scoreless inning for the Threshers to start the game. "Zag" has now thrown twice for Clearwater, allowing just 1 hit in 2 innings. From there, Kyle Drabek continues his fantastic comeback. Drabek struck out 10, walked 2, allowed just 4 hits in 6.2 scoreless innings of work to record his 3rd win of the year. The 21 year old has thrown 18 innings so far, allowing just 2 runs on 10 hits, walking 5 and striking out 26 (yes, 26) to post a 3-0, 0.96 ERA record. Mike Durant, 1 for 20 coming into the game, had 2 hits, as did Matt Rizzotti. "Rizz" hit his first home run, and is hitting .351 with 9 RBI for the Threshers. Clearwater won the game, 4-0.

Over in Jupiter, Brett Harker threw 2.2 innings for the Hammerheads, giving up 2 home runs to account for 3 earned runs against the Mets. For Brett, it was the first time in 3 appearances he did not look sharp.

In Altoona, Tyson Brummett and Antonio Bastardo held the Curve in check, and Reading prevailed, 3-1. Brummett was strong for 7.2 innings, giving up just 1 run on 5 hits, NO walks, striking out 5 to improve to 1-1, 2.55 for the year. Bastardo got the last 4 outs, allowing 2 hits, NO walks, 1 K, to record his 2nd save. Brian Staviski had 2 hits and a walk for Reading, with Michael Taylor (.258) and Tuffy Gosewisch (.280) to only HomeSiders to record hits. Taylor also stole his 3rd base.

Carlos Carrasco completed the fine pitching day, retiring the first 13 hitters he faced before giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 1 walk(the first walk he has allowed in 19 innings) in 7 innings. Unfortunately for Carlos and the IronPigs, it was too much, and Syracuse triumphed, 3-1. Jason Donald (.269) and Jeremy Slayden (.300) had a hit apiece for Lehigh Valley.

In Lynchburg, Virginia, Mike Dubee got 5 outs for the Hillcats in relief in the first game of a doubleheader against Frederick. 4 of the 5 outs were by strike out. He did give up 2 runs on 3 hits, but Lynchburg won, 3-2. Dubee is playing for P.J. Forbes, former BlueClaw and Reading manager in Lynchburg. In Jackson, Tennessee, Brian Schlitter retired the last 5 hitters of the game, striking out 3 of them, to pick up the save in the Tennessee Smokies 8-7 win over the West Tennessee Diamond Jacks. It was save #2 for Brian.

In Las Vegas, the "bring up Homie" campaign continues, as Randy Ruiz belted his 5th home run, a 2 run shot in the 6th inning of the 51s' 6-5 loss to Fresno. Homie is hitting .333, with the 5 homers and 16 RBI.

In Oklahoma City, Greg Golson drove in 3 runs, with a 2-run homer and a sacrifice fly to raise his average to .342, but the RedHawks lost to Omaha, 15-9. In Reno, Chris Roberson (.231) had a double in 4 at bats for the Aces in their 3-2 loss to Colorado Springs.

The rain has messed with the pitching assignments but my best estimations are:

Rob Roth for Lakewood

Carlos Monasterios for Clearwater

Joe Savery for Reading

Drew Carpenter for Lehigh Valley

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

"Z" to throw again

Mike Zagurski will start again for the Threshers tonight in his 2nd rehab start.

Knapp K's 14, ties team mark

Jason Knapp was fantastic Tuesday afternoon, striking out 14 Lake County Captains to equal a BlueClaw record (set July 12, 2001) by Robinson Tejeda against Lexington. Knapp threw 7 shut out frames, giving up 1 hit and 1 walk. He DID plunk 3 of them!! But nobody scored.

The Captains won the game by scoring 2 runs in the 9th off Ryan Bergh, who gave up 5 hits in 2 innings. It was a tough game for our side to win, because we had no runs. We couldn't get the big hit when we really needed it today. We will try for a split of the 2 game set tomorrow night, Rob Roth is scheduled to start.

Monday a washout

Monday's Lakewood and Reading contests were rained out.

Lehigh Valley got a day game in, playing in Pawtucket. Kyle Kendrick went 4 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 3. The 2 runs came on a 2-run first inning homer by Paul McAnulty. The PawSox won the game, 2-0, Kendrick is now 1-1, 2.40 on the year. Jason Donald was 1 for 4 with a stolen base and Jeremy Slayden had a walk in 4 at bats.

In the PCL, the weather was OK and the games were played. In Oklahoma City, Greg Golson (.343) was 1 for 4 as the RedHawks lost to Memphis 4-2. In Las Vegas, the 51s took a 6-5, 11-inning contest from Colorado Springs. Randy Ruiz (.341) was 2 for 6 with a double, scored a run and picked up RBI #14. ( I am ready to start a "call up Homie" campaign)

In Midland, the Springfield Cardinals topped the Rock Hounds, 9-4. Adrian Cardenas (.391) was 1 for 4 with a run scored.

I managed to flip back and forth between the Pirates' game, in which Jason Jaramillo was 2 for 4 with a run scored and threw out Hanley Ramirez trying to steal second base in the Pirates 8-0 triumph over the Marlins, and the Astros game, where Michael Bourn was 1 for 4 and threw out a runner at home. JJ may get some games in here the next few days as Ryan Doumit has a minor injury and is going to sit out.

The rain has complicated every ones pitching rotations, so I will try to get them all back on track later. The BlueClaws have an 11:00 AM start today, and it is Jason Knapp's turn to pitch for them. I believe Kyle Drabek will go for the Threshers, Tyson Brummett for the R-Phils and Carlos Carrasco for the IronPigs.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Rainout in Lakewood

Tonight's game in Lakewood has been rained out. It will be made up as part of a day/night doubleheader on Saturday, June 20.

Another note from last week, Mike Dubee was traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Pittsburgh Pirates and has been assigned to Lynchburg in the Carolina League.

more from Sunday

On Sunday in Philadelphia, Ryan Howard had 3 more hits to up his early season average to .341 with 2 HR and 9 RBI, but big kudos to J.A. Happ, who threw 3 scoreless innings to keep the Phillies in the game and set the stage for Raul Ibanez game winning walk off home run.

In 4 games so far, Happ has pitched 7.2 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5 and posting a 2.35 ERA. Put this guy in the rotation, already!!

My goodness, go away for a couple of days and a lot of baseball happens!!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

I am back

Hello HomeSiders, I have returned from my weekend trip and am just catching up with what has transpired.

There have been 3 days worth of games since I last updated, so I will not try to get all the details in, but here are some highlights.

Friday night, both Vance Worley and Matt Maloney picked up wins, but the big story to me is that they BOTH homered!!

Mike Zagurski pitched a 1-2-3 inning for Clearwater Friday night in his first rehab assignment.

D'Arby Myers had 2 more hits Saturday night, including a home run to help Lakewood to a victory over Hagerstown. Myers is hitting .353, and looks like a different player than the one who struggled here last year. The BlueClaws had a 5-2 road trip and return home Monday with a 6-5 record, and will face the same 2 teams (Lake County and Hagerstown) while their success is still fresh.

Orlando Guevara got his first start for Lehigh Valley Saturday, and was 1 for 3 with an RBI in the IronPig's 5-2 loss at Pawtucket.

Good to see Jeremy Slayden hitting, he had a home run Saturday and 2 doubles Sunday. "Slay" is hitting .385 in 4 games since coming off the DL.

Saturday night in Tacoma, Gio Gonzalez and Andy Baldwin squared off in the PCL contest between Tacoma and Sacramento. Gonzalez made it through 4 innings, 2 runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, 4 Ks, while Baldwin was tagged for the loss (6 runs, 2 earned, 7 hits, 3.2 IP)

Yohan Flande picked up his 2nd win for Clearwater on Sunday, throwing 7 shut out innings in the Thresher's 3-1 win over Tampa. Flande has thrown 12 innings in his 2 starts, allowing just 1 unearned run on 10 hits, walking 3 and striking out 9. The 23-year old Dominican was 4-1 in the GCL last year. Jared Simon notched his 3rd save, and Clearwater is tied for first place. Luis Arzeno made his 2nd start for the Threshers, belting a single and a double, scoring a run and driving one in.

Quintin Berry had 3 hits Sunday in Harrisburg as Reading beat the Senators, 6-2. Hopefully, this will get "Q" going, as he has struggled at the plate so far this year. He has stolen 5 bases in 7 attempts. Reading is 6-3, and in second place behind Akron. The R-Phils head to Altoona to take on the Curve Monday.

Gavin Floyd picked up his second win of the season Sunday, defeating the Rays in Tampa, 12-2. Gavin went 7, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, NO walks, 7 strike outs, to improve to 2-1, 4.74 for the White Sox.

I believe Monday's assignment are

Jason Knapp for Lakewood

Tyson Brummett for Reading

Kyle Kendrick for Lehigh Valley

Saturday, April 18, 2009

the weekend

I am leaving town for a few days this weekend, heading down to DC to see an old friend. If I can get wifi access in my hotel later, I will see if I can post Friday's games.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Mike Zagurski

Mike Zagurski will start for the Threshers tonight in his first rehab start of 2009. The "Z-Man" will throw 1 inning before yielding to scheduled starter Drew Naylor.

LOUUUU...and 2 guys named Carlos

We have much to cheer this morning, HomeSiders, our boys had some good games!!

At the top, in DC, Lou Marson made his debut a notable one, a single and a double in 3 at bats, but the Nationals won their first game of the year, 8-2. Ryan Howard was 0 for 3, but reached base on a walk. Howard is off to a .313 start. J.A. Happ was called upon to record the final out, which he did without incident. Cole Hamels (0-1) will pitch tonight against San Diego in Philadelphia.

In Lehigh Valley, Carlos Carrasco made his 2nd start of the year, and once again turned in 6 innings. He did give up 4 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits, NO walks, and 6 Ks. He received no decision, and the Chiefs scored in the 12th to take a 5-4 win over the IronPigs. That's 12 IP, 2ER, 11 hits, NO walks, 10 strike outs, 1.50 ERA. Nice 2 games back to back. GO Carlos!! Jason Donald had a double in 5 at bats, and Jeremy Slayden made his season debut, with a pinch hit single in the ninth inning, game-tying rally!

In Clearwater, in game 1 of a doubleheader, Carlos Monasterios made his season debut with a complete game (7 inning), 3-hit shut out in Clearwater's 1-0 victory over Lakeland. Apparently, Carlos likes working with Luis Arzeno, who caught the game for him. Arzeno, recently called to Clearwater from Lakewood, was 0 for 2 at bat. The Threshers got 2 hits each from Yonderman Rodriguez and Arlon Quiroz, cashing in that combination for the game's only run.

Lakeland rebounded, gaining a split with a 6-3 win in the second game. The Threshers got just 5 hits, but I find it noteworthy that the five who got the hits, are the hot ones so far. Tim Kennelley: .368, double, run scored....Matt Rizzotti: .476, single, run scored, RBI #7.....Yonderman Rodriguez: .368, single......Arlon Quiroz: .417, single , RBI ......Fidel Hernandez: .333, double........

The Lakewood BlueClaws had to win Thursday night's game twice. First they fell behind 5-0 after 2 innings. Then they took a 7-6 lead into the bottom of the 8th, where Ryan Bergh gave up 3 unearned runs to give Hagerstown a 9-7 advantage. The 'Claws would not be denied, rallying for 2 in the 9th to tie it on a 2-run double by Sebastian Valle, one of his 3 hits on the night. Then, after 2 out, nobody on in the 10th, it all started....Villegas singled. Gose singled. Mattair walks...setting up the game winning hit by Harold Garcia, a line drive single into right field. James Murphy had 3 more hits and 2 RBI, and is now hitting .522, and has reached base via hit or walk in 16 of his last 23 plate appearances. That is workin' it!! Go Murph! Moose Mattair had a single, a double and 3 more walks, scoring 3 times to aid the BlueClaw's effort. Moose' better recognition of balls and strikes has him not swinging at pitches he can't hit, and hitting the ones he can hit, better. ......Sorry, baseball is measured in numbers: he has a .348 batting average and a .595 on base percentage. At 4-4, Lakewood is a very interesting team to watch.

Reading lost in Harrisburg last night, 7-2. Mike Spidale, getting his first start, was 3 for 5, while Tuffy Gosewisch (.313, single, double, walk, 2 RBI) and Carlos Leon (.250) had 2 hits each for Reading. Joe Savery started and took the loss, throwing 4 innings, 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks, 3 strike outs. Matt German and Pat Overholt split the 5th frame, and Joe Bisenius threw 2.1 innings, giving up 2 runs on a walk and a homer.

In Pittsburgh yesterday, Jason Jaramillo made his first major league start for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 6-3 loss to Houston. Jaramillo, a 2005 BlueClaw, was 1 for 3. Michael Bourn, who played for the BlueClaws in 2004, had a hit and 2 walks for Houston, scoring twice and stealing his first base of the year.

In Midland, Adrian Cardenas (.300)had a walk and a hit and drove in a run in Midland's 5-4 loss to Arkansas. In Nashville, Greg Golson had a single, a double, 3 walks, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI as the Oklahoma City RedHawks put a 17-3 beating on Nashville Sounds. E-Gads!! Golson is hitting .381 and has an OBP of .458. In Salt Lake City, Randy Ruiz was 1 for 3, a 2-run home run in Las Vegas' 7-5 loss to Salt Lake. Randy, my "homie" from da Bronx, is hitting .423 with 4 doubles, 3 home runs and 12 RBI in his first 7 games for the 51s. In Sacramento, Kevin Howard was 2 for 5 with an RBI in Portland's 7-6, 10 inning defeat to the River Cats. Kevin is hitting .318 in his first 7 games for Portland. In Fort Myers, the Miracle took a 4-3 decision from the Jupiter Hammerheads. Brett Harker pitched 2 innings for Jupiter, giving up a walk, and an unearned run when an errant infield throw caused the walked baserunner to score. Otherwise, Brett struck out 2 and gave up no hits.

If my calendar is correct I have

Jesus Sanchez for Lakewood

Drew Naylor for Clearwater

Vance Worley for Reading

Drew Carpenter for Lehigh Valley

Matt Maloney for Louisville

Cole Hamels for Philadelphia

Josh Outman for Oakland

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Wednesday recap

Thursday's schedule is upon us, so quickly, yesterday's performances:

The Astros beat the Pirates in Pittsburgh, 4-1. Michael Bourn walked and scored a run in the first inning for Houston. In Allentown, Kyle Kendrick threw a strong 7 innings, giving up just 2 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk, striking out 4, to pick up the win. Jason Donald (.308) had a double, a triple, 2 walks, 3 runs scored and an RBI, Rich Thompson had 3 hits and scored twice, and John Mayberry, Jr. hit his first home run of the year as the IronPigs took an 11-4 victory from Syracuse.

In Nashville, the Sounds defeated the RedHawks, 7-1. Greg Golson (.333) was 1 for 3 for Oklahoma City. The save went to R.J. Swindel. R.J. retired all 9 hitters he faced, striking out 7 of them!! In Colorado Springs, Reno salvaged a win in their series, posting a 5-2 win over the SkySox. Chris Roberson took an 0 for 2 on the night. In Sacramento, it was all Portland Beavers in an 11-1 Portland win. Kevin Howard was 1 for 5, and a walk, and scored a run for Portland.

In Salt Lake City, the Bees and the Las Vegas 51s split a doubleheader. Salt Lake won the opener, 11-4, and Las Vegas won the nightcap, 6-4. Randy Ruiz played both games for Las Vegas, and was 2 for 6, including a 2-run homer in the first game and a double and a walk in the second. Randy is hitting .435 so far.

In Reading, Binghamton beat the R-Phils, 5-2. Gus Milner had 2 hits for Reading, including a 2-run home run to account for all the scoring for the Phillies. He also threw out a runner at home!! All right, Gus!! Tyson Brummett started and lasted just 4 innings. He gave up 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, with 4 Ks. Alex Concepcion finally got into a game, throwing 2 innings and giving up 3 runs on 4 hits, before Antonio Bastardo threw zeros up in the 8th and 9th.

In Trenton, the Thunder beat Harrisburg, 3-2. Zack Segovia pitched a scoreless inning for the Senators. In Kodak, Tennessee, the Birmingham Barons took a 6-2 decision from the Smokies. Brian Schlitter threw a shut out frame for Tennessee.

Finally, in Lake County, Ohio, the Lake County Captains topped the BlueClaws, 4-2. Jason Knapp threw 5.2 acceptable innings, allowing 4 runs, just 2 earned, on 5 hits and a walk, striking out 5. Anthony Gose, Jesus Villegas, and James Murphy all had 2 hits for Lakewood. Murphy has 9 for his last 14, and with 4 walks has reached base 13 of his last 17 trips. Impressive!!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Simon Disabled

The Baltimore Orioles have placed Alfredo Simon on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation of his pitching elbow. So, Alfredo's first opportunity at regular starts gets cut short for now.

Korecky recalled

The Arizona Diamondbacks have recalled Bobby Korecky from AAA Reno. Bobby got into the game today against the Cardinals, throwing 2 innings, giving up 1 run on 2 hits and a walk.

The Kansas City Royals brought Robinson Tejeda into the 9th inning, with 1 out and runners at first and third in a 1-run game this afternoon, and Tejeda got out of the jam unscathed. Robinson has not allowed a run in 3 appearances so far.

Drabek sharp again

Kyle Drabek won his second consecutive start, this time throwing 7 shut out innings as the Threshers topped the Flying Tigers, 8-1. Drabek allowed just 4 hits, NO walks, and struck out 9 to improve to 2-0, with a 1.50 ERA. Dan Brauer got the fist 2 outs in the 8th, giving up a run on 2 hits, before Michael Schwimer got the last 4 outs to seal the deal.

Freddy Galvis, (.304, 2 hits, a walk, 2 runs, RBI), Dominic Brown (.250, single, double run scored), Tim Kennelley (.375, 2 hits, run scored, RBI #7), Matt Rizzotti (.600, single, double, 2 walks, 4 RBI), Yonderman Rodriguez (.308, 2 hits, a walk, RBI), and Derrick Mitchell (.267, single, home run, 2 runs scored, RBI) all had multi-hit games for Clearwater, who improved to 4-1 on the year.

The Threshers and Flying Tigers will play a doubleheader tomorrow to make up yesterday's rain out.

the assignments

Today's starters include

Jason Knapp for Lakewood

Carlos Monasterios or Kyle Drabek for Clearwater

Tyson Brummett for Reading- Alex Concepcion will be skipped and will make his debut Sunday

Kyle Kendrick for Lehigh Valley

rainstorms continue throughout the northeast, Florida looks OK....Clearwater is a 1:30 start...

Jeremy Slayden

Jeremy Slayden is scheduled to join the IronPigs on Thursday. Someone will have to be moved to make room for him. Lehigh Valley will surely welcome his big left-handed bat.

Simon injured

Alfredo Simon recorded just 4 outs yesterday, giving up 3 solo home runs to the Texas Rangers before leaving the game with soreness in his right(pitching) elbow. Simon will return to Baltimore today to see team doctors, and determine if he will need to go on the DL.

Tyler Cloyd pitched a complete game, which turned out to be 6 innings, and the BlueClaws evened their record at 3-3 with a 10-3, rain-shortend victory over Lake County. Cloyd gave up just 4 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5. Lou Collier's bat continues hot, a double, a triple, 2 walks, 3 runs scored, 2 RBI, and stolen base #3 -(and a partridge in a pear tree!). James Murphy (.467) had another 3 hit game, and walked, scoring twice.

The BlueClaws will look to make it 3 in a row tonight with Jason Knapp (0-1) against the Lake County Captains at Classic Park .

Last night, in Lynchburg, Virginia, the hometown Hillcats defeated the Winston-Salem Dash, 7-4. Mike Dubee was the losing pitcher for the Dash, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in his inning of work. In Missouri, the Springfield Cardinals beat the Midland Rockhounds, 8-7. Adrian Cardenas had 2 more hits for Midland, drove in his 5th run of the year, and is hitting .308 for the Oakland affiliate. In Nashville, Oklahoma City pounded the Sounds, 12-6. Greg Golson had 2 hits for the RedHawks, and he is hitting .333 so far. In Colorado Springs, the SkySox defeated the Reno Aces, 7-2. Chris Roberson was 0 for 2 for Reno, and is off to a 1 for 10 start. In Sacramento, the River Cats beat the Portland Beavers, 4-2. Kevin Howard (.333) had a walk in 4 plate appearances for Portland.

I am hearing.....

....that the BlueClaws are activating Walter Tejeda from the DL, replacing the spot vacated by Luis Arzeno, who has moved on to Clearwater. Luis takes the spot Orlando Guevara left when he got called up to Lehigh Valley, to fill in for Lou Marson who is , of course filling in while Carlos Ruiz is on the DL. (There will be a quiz, later!) If Arzeno or Guevara get any playing time at all, it could be a big break, as neither has played much at all so far.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Rainouts

Clearwater, Reading and Lehigh Valley have all been rained out.

Monday's highlights

First action Monday afternoon was in Detroit, where Gavin Floyd struggled through 5 innings against the Tigers. Floyd had control trouble, walking 7 and allowing 6 runs on 5 hits, but toughed his way through 5 on a day where the White Sox scored enough to get him a win. Final score, Chicago 10, Detroit 6.

Ryan Howard's first home run of the season, a 3-run blast that was 1 of 2 hits he had on the night, helped the Phillies to a 9-8 win over the Nationals Monday.

In Fresno, Andy Baldwin made his season debut for Tacoma, and worked 6 shut out innings. Baldwin allowed just 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 3, and gaining the victory, 1-0 for the Rainiers. In Salt Lake City, Randy Ruiz had a single, a double, and a home run, driving in 4 runs, raising his average to .471. The 51s still lost, 8-7. In Allentown, the IronPigs won their first game of the year, 5-1 over Syracuse. Jason Donald was 0 for 5.

In Reading, the R-Phils defeated Binghamton, 4-1 with strong pitching. Michael Stutes was fabulous, throwing 5 shut out innings, giving up just 2 hits and 3 walks. He also had 5 strike outs and picked up the win. Josh Shortslef, Matt German, Joe Bisenius, and Sergio Escalona, allowed just 1 hit over the final 4 innings. Escalona picked up his second save. Catcher Kevin Nelson had 3 hits, including a double and a home run, to lead the Reading offense. In Springfield, MO, Adrian Cardenas (.308) had 2 more hits, knocking in a run and scoring another, but Midland still lost to the Cardinals, 8-7.

Clearwater defeated Dunedin, 5-2 behind strong pitching from Yohan Flande. Flande threw 5 innings, allowing an unearned run on 3 hits and 2 walks to earn the victory. Zack Sterner gave up a run in the 6th, but Joe Rocchio and Jared Simon slammed the door from there. Tim Kennelley had 2 doubles and a stolen base, and Mike Durant got his first hit and first RBI. In Jupiter, the Hammerheads lost 4-3 to Palm Beach. Brett Harker tossed 2 shut out innings for Jupiter, giving up just 1 hit, striking out 3. In Modesto, Scott Mitchinson made his first start for Stockton and got through 5 innings. Scott gave up just 1 run on 4 hits, and 1 walk, and left the game with a 2-1 lead. Modesto came back to win, 4-2.

The Lakewood BlueClaws got 3 hits each from Harold Garcia, Travis Mattair, and Travis D'Arnaud to overcome a 5-run deficit and defeat the Lake County Captains, 11-9. Lou Collier chipped in with 2 doubles, 2 walks, and a stolen base, and James Murphy smacked his first home run of the season. Jon Velasquez got the victory, his second, with 3.2 strong innings in relief of Jacob Diekman, who did not get out of the third frame. Santos Hernandez (2 IP, 1 run, 3 hits) and Ryan Bergh (1 IP, 2K, save) finished it off for Lakewood.

If I have it correct, the starting assignments for Tuesday are:

Tyler Cloyd for Lakewood

Carlos Monasterios for Clearwater

Alex Concepcion for Reading

Kyle Kendrick for Lehigh Valley

Alfredo Simon for Baltimore @ Texas

Monday, April 13, 2009

Happy Holidays

OK, I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays safely, so lets look back on Sunday.

In Lakewood, Jesus Sanchez could not get out of the first inning, walking the first 3 hitters, throwing a wild pitch and hitting a batter. The 1 hit he gave up drove in 2 runs. He did strike out 2 of the last 3 hitters he faced. Although Travis D'Arnaud's 2 run homer in the bottom of the first drew the 'Claws to 3-2, it went downhill from there, the Shorebirds winning, 14-5. Justin De Fratus, Esmelvin Jimenez, and Ryan Ariail all surrendered runs. Jesus Villegas had 2 more hits and an RBI for Lakewood.

In Allentown, Scranton completed the sweep of Lehigh Valley with a 14-4 pounding of the IronPigs. Let me just say I am glad no HomeSiders pitched in that one. Jason Donald had 2 doubles, scored a run and is hitting .333 so far.

In Denver, the Phillies scored 2 in the 8th and 2 in the 9th to come from behind and beat the Rockies, 7-5. Ryan Howard had 2 singles, a double and scored a run, as Philadelphia evened their record at 3-3. Michael Bourn had a single in 3 at bats in Houston's 3-0 loss to St.Louis.

In Fresno, Kevin Howard was 1 for 3,with a run scored and an RBI in Portland's 5-4 loss to the Grizzlies. Chris Roberson was also 1 for 3 for Reno, as the Aces lost to Salt Lake, 5-4. In Springfield, MO, the Midland Rockhounds took an 8-7 decision from the Cardinals, Adrian Cardenas had an RBI double for Midland.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

around the country....

In Allentown Saturday, the Scranton Yankees made it three in a row over Lehigh Valley, winning this one 12-5. Drew Carpenter got the start for the IronPigs, and went 5 innings. He gave up 5 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks, leaving the game in a 5-5 tie. The bullpen exploded, giving up 7 more runs in the remaining 4 frames as the Yankees continue to dominate the Pigs. Jason Donald was 1 for 5 for Lehigh Valley.

The news was better in Louisville, where Matt Maloney pitched a complete game, 7 innings in the first game of the Bat's doubleheader against Columbus. Matt gave up just 1 run on 6 hits, NO walks, 2 Ks, throwing 92 total pitches, winning 5-1.

In Memphis, the Red Birds topped Elizardo Ramirez and the RedHawks, 1-0. Ramirez pitched the same 7 innings that Maloney did, giving up 1 run on 6 hits, but his team did not score and, unlike Maloney, "Easy" was tagged with the loss. Greg Golson was 0 for 3 for Oklahoma City, who managed just 2 hits. In Colorado Springs, Randy Ruiz had 2 singles and a doubles, scoring a run and driving one in (RBI #4) for Las Vegas in the SkySox' 6-4 win over the 51s. In Fresno, the Portland Beavers shut out the Grizzlies, 2-0. Kevin Howard had a pinch hit walk for Portland.

In Reading, the R-Phils beat Harrisburg by the score of 3-2. Vance Worley made his AA debut and went 5.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6. Pat Overholt, Matt German and Sergio Escalona (save) threw 3 shut out innings in relief. Michael Taylor (.364, single, double, RBI) had the only multi-hit effort for Reading. While in North Little Rock, Adrian Cardenas (.364) had 2 doubles and 2 RBI to lead Midland to a 5-1 win over the Travelers.

I want to take this time to correct what I said earlier this week. Brett Harker and Ron "Bear" Hill are assigned to the Jupiter Hammerheads, not New Orleans as I erroneously stated. Hill is on the 7-day DL.

BlueClaws win first of the year

For the third straight game, the Lakewood BlueClaws got very good pitching, defeating Delmarva 3-2 in 11 innings on D'Arby Myer's 3rd hit of the game. Lakewood stole 5 bases, and finally got some timely hits to produce the season's first victory. Myers, who reached on an infield hit in the 4th inning, and went to second when shortstop Jedidiah Stephen's throw went wild. "Moose" Mattair sacrificed him to third and Travis D'Arnaud singled him home. It was D'Arnaud's first hit in 3 games. In the 11th, Myers singled in Leandro Castro, who had walked to start the frame, and advanced to second, then to third on wild pitches.

For the 3rd consecutive game, the BlueClaws got excellent pitching. Although they have lost 2 of 3, they have given up just 7 runs in 3 games. Saturday Rob Roth started and gave the team 5 strong innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits. He walked 4 and struck out 4. Santos Hernandez and Ryan Bergh combined for 3 shut out frames, before Brian Rosenberg gave up the tying run in the 9th. Rosenberg recovered to throw a scoreless 10th, and Jon Velasquez threw a 1-2-3 11th, picking up the victory.

The teams will wrap their game set Sunday, Lakewood will look for the split with converted catcher Jesus Sanchez making his season debut. I will not attend due to family commitments.

The Dunedin Blue Jays beat Clearwater 10-6 Saturday, roughing up Julian Sampson in the process. Sampson lasted just 3.1 innings, giving up 7 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks, absorbing the loss. Chance Chapman came in and threw 2.2 frames, giving up just 1 hit and 2 walks, striking out 4 while the Threshers battled back to 8-5, but could not catch up. Chris Kissock gave up a run on 3 hits in his inning and Michael Schwimer gave up another one in his 2 innings.

Clearwater got 2 hits each from Javis Davis, Derrick Mitchell (.286, single, double,run scored) and Fidel Hernandez (.417), and 3 RBI from Tim Kennelly. Dominic Brown had a hit and 2 walks, and pick up an assist throwing out a runner at third base. The Threshers are off today and will complete the 4 game set with Dunedin on Monday.

Outman runs out of gas

Josh Outman made his 2009 debut on Saturday in Oakland and started off well enough. Josh tossed 3 shut out frames against the Mariners while his team staked him to a 3-0 lead. Then Russell Branyan went deep off of him in the 4th, and in the 5th, he managed just 1 more out before being pulled. In all, 4.1 IP 3 runs, 6 hits, 2 walks, 3 strike outs. He threw 75 pitches, 44 strikes. Josh is scheduled to pitch again on Friday in Toronto.

In Denver Saturday, Ryan Howard was 2 for 4, including a 3-RBI double in the 3rd inning, as the Phillies beat the Rockies, 8-4. Ryno also walked and scored a run, as the Phillies improved to 2-3 on the year.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Ruiz disabled


The Phillies have placed catcher Carlos Ruiz on the 15-day disabled list today and called up Lou Marson to take his place on the roster. To replace Marson at Lehigh Valley, Orlando Guevara has been called up from Clearwater.

Tonight's assignments

Here is the list of Saturday's starting HomeSiders:

Josh Outman v Seattle 4:00

Rob Roth v Delmarva 4:00

Vance Worley v Harrisburg 6:00

Matt Maloney v Columbus 6:00

Julian Sampson v Dunedin 6:30

Drew Carpenter v Scranton 7:00

Elizardo Ramirez v Memphis 7:00

Hamels debut one to forget

Cole Hamels made his season debut in Denver yesterday, and if you weren't home early enough to see it, consider yourself lucky. The Rockies belted Cole for 7 runs on 11 hits, including a third inning home run by Garrett Atkins en route to a 10-3 win. J.A. Happ came in to relieve Cole and recorded 7 outs, allowing just 1 hit and striking out 1. Ryan Howard was 0 for 4 and Carlos Ruiz was 0 for 2 and left the game with a strained right oblique injury. While he is listed as day-to-day, the Phillies will decide if need to go on the DL Saturday. As a precaution, Lou Marson was scratched from Lehigh Valley's line up just before game time in Allentown and was flown to Denver to be available if needed.

The Cardinals beat the Astros 5-3 on Friday, Michael Bourn was 1 for 4 for Houston and is hitting .313 in the first 4 games.

With the untimely death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart late Wednesday night, and the resulting cancellation of Thursday's Angels-Athletics game, Josh Outman had his season debut pushed back to today at 4:00 against Seattle.

Down on the farm


Joel Naughton watches his home run, the first "HomeSide Slam" (sorry if that sounds like a breakfast at Denny's) of the year, his bases loaded shot 1 of his 2 hits on the evening. Matt Rizzotti had his second consecutive 3-hit game to start the year, as the Clearwtaer Threshers improved to 2-0 with a 10-7 win in Dunedin. Tim Kennelly added a double, 2 walks, 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI.

Drew Naylor picked up the win, throwing 5 innings. Drew gave up 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits, walked 1 and hit a batter, notching 4 strike outs. Zack Sterner gave up 2 runs on 4 hits in his 2 innings, and Dan Brauer gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in the 9th, but did strike out the side.

The Delmarva Shorebirds made it 2 in a row over the BlueClaws Friday night, taking a 3-1 decision. James Murphy was 3 for 3 and, with a walk, was on base all 4 times he came to the plate. Jesus Villegas had 2 hits, including a home run for Lakewood's lone tally, and shortstop Troy Hanzawa also added 2 hits. The BlueClaws could not seem to get the big hit when they had the chances last night, although they did manage 10 hits.

Jason Knapp was outstanding in defeat, throwing 5.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on on 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 10 and setting the radar gun off at 97 MPH for a top speed!! Justin De Fratus recorded 4 outs (2 Ks) and Ryan Ariel threw the last 2 frames, giving up a run on 2 hits, the run scoring on a wild pitch.





AA action- Savery, Segovia both impress

The Reading Phillies rallied for 2 in the bottom of the 8th inning Friday night, to defeat Harrisburg, 2-1. Joe Savery started for Reading, turning in 6 solid innings, yielding just 1 run on 4 hits (on a home run by Edgardo Baez), while walking 1 and striking out 8. He left the game trailing 1-0. Michael Taylor and Brian Staviski each picked up their second hit of the game and drove in the 2 runs that Reading would need to pull out the win. Zack Segovia entered the game in the 3rd inning for Harrisburg, and tossed 4.1 shut out innings of relief. Zack gave up just 4 hits, NO walks, struck out 5 and was in position to pick up the win before Reading rallied off of Jack Spradlin. Antonio Bastardo pitched the last 2 innings for Reading, giving up 1 hit and 1 walk, striking out 1 and recording the victory.

In a game I overlooked from Thursday, Brian Schlitter made his debut for the Tennessee Smokies, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks, recording just 2 outs in Jacksonville's 7-4 win.

Friday night in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Adrian Cardenas had a single, a double, a walk and an RBI to help Midland to a 4-0 triumph over Arkansas.

AAA games- Carrasco shines

Carlos Carrasco made his season debut Friday in Allentown, tossing 6 shutout innings against Scranton. Carlos allowed just 4 hits, NO walks, striking out 4, leaving the game with a 1-0 lead. Of course, the Lehigh Valley bullpen managed to lose the game 2-1 in 10 innings. Jason Donald was 2 for 5 for the IronPigs, who fall to 0-2 on the year.

Matt Maloney's first start of the year was rained out, he will try again to take on Columbus tonight at 6:00 in the first game of the make-up doubleheader.

In the PCL, Nashville topped New Orleans 10-6. R.J. Swindel pitched a 1-2-3 final frame for Nashville, recording a strike out. Colorado Springs edged Las Vegas, 5-4, Randy Ruiz had an RBI single in 4 at bats for the 51's. That makes 3 RBI in 2 games for "Homie". Oklahoma City defeated Memphis, 4-2. Greg Golson had a double in 3 at bats for the RedHawks and is off to a 3 for 7 (.429) start. The Salt Lake Bees beat Reno, 6-2. Chris Roberson was 0 for 5 for the Aces, and Bobby Korecky gave up a run on 2 hits in his 1 inning of work. Portland defeated Fresno 6-5 in 10 innings, Kevin Howard had a single and a double and scored a run for the Beavers.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Opening Night is here!

Tyler Cloyd delivers during the Lakewood opener last night. Third baseman Travis "Moose" Mattair is ready!

First Impressions

Storyline in Lakewood would have been the weather, but the Shorebirds and BlueClaws played a pretty clean game, with Delmarva winning, 2-1. Tyler Cloyd pitched 6 good innings, allowing 2 runs, 6 hits, NO walks, 4 Ks. Jon Velasquez (1 IP, 1 hit, 2 K) and Esmelvin Jiminez (2 IP, 1 walk, 0 hits) both threw well in relief, but the offense could not put it together. Lakewood managed just 2 hits all night, the second one, a single by Anthony Gose, drove home D'Arby Myers with the only Lakewood run. Myers was at second base because he put himself there on a pure hustle play, running hard on a slowly hit ball, putting the pressure on the defense and forcing the pitcher, Colin Allen to make an errant throw. I think this team will get more than 2 hits tonight!! Did I mention the weather?

I know the where the weather was good, Clearwater!! So was the news, and the news about Kyle Drabek, is very encouraging. Kyle threw 5 innings against Dunedin, allowing 2 runs, on 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7, and picking up the victory 5-2 for the Threshers. Matt Rizzotti had 2 singles, a double, and an RBI. Fidel Hernandez, playing second base, (a single and a double) and Freddy Galvis (a single and a 2-run HR) had 2 hits each for Clearwater. Chris Kissock (2 IP), Michael Schwimer (1 IP) and Jared Simon (1 IP) pitched 4 hitless innings out of the bullpen. It was the first save of 2009 for Simon, who saved a BlueClaw record 30 here last summer. When he came into the game we would say,"Simon Says, Game Over!"

In Reading, Harrisburg rallied from 3 runs behind to take a 6-5 decision from Reading. Tuffy Gosewisch (single, 2 doubles, run scored, RBI) and Brian Stavisky (2 singles, a double and scored a run) led a 14-hit Reading attack that also included 2 hits and a walk for Gus Milner, 2 hits for Brad Harman, and a hit and a walk for Quintin Berry. After a solid effort from Tyson Brummett(6 IP, 2 runs, 5 hits, 1 walk, 2 strike outs), Joe Bisenius could not get going. "Bis" faced 5 hitters, retiring only 1, and having 3 of them score. Matt German came in to restore order. Sergio Escalona pitched a scoreless 8th, but gave up the tying run on a lead off home run by Seth Bynam in the 9th. Josh Shortslef gave up the winning run in the 10th.

In Allentown, Scranton dominated Lehigh Valley, winning 11-3, once they got into the IronPigs bullpen. Kyle Kendrick pitched the first 4 innings for Lehigh Valley, allowing 3 walks and 4 hits, and the resulting 2 unearned runs, but left after 4 with a 3-2 lead. The 'Pig's 'pen gave up 9 more earned runs on 8 hits and 7 walks to put Lehigh Valley away. J.J. Furmaniak had 3 hits and an RBI, and Pablo Ozuna had 2 hits and 2 RBI. Jason Donald and Lou Marson were each 1 for 4.

At Camden Yard, Alfredo Simon started against the Yankees, and gave the Orioles 5 innings. Some very good, some not so good. 4 runs, 4 hits, 2 walks, 3 strike outs. Bullpen gave up 7 more, and Yankees get their first win of the year, 11-2.

In Colorado Springs, Randy Ruiz was 1 for 4, a 2-RBI double for Las Vegas , but the SkySox won the game 9-6. Greg Golson was 2 for 4, and drove in a run, but Oklahoma City lost to Memphis, 4-3 in 10. Kevin Howard got a pinch hit single in the 8th inning for the Portland Beavers in their 6-1 win in Fresno. Adrian Cardenas took an 0 for 4 in Midland's 6-1 loss to Arkansas.

HomeSider's starting tonight-

Cole Hamels @ Colorado 4:10 PM

Carlos Carrasco v Scranton 7:00PM

Matt Maloney v Columbus 7:00 PM

Joe Savery v Harrisburg 7:00 PM

Drew Naylor @ Dunedin 7:00 PM

Jason Knapp v Delmarva 7:00 PM

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Opening night

It is opening night for 4 Phillies affiliates tonight, all at home. Tyler Cloyd will get the ball in Lakewood, Kyle Drabek gets the assignment in Clearwater, Tyson Brummett will be Steve Roadcap's ace in Reading, and Kyle Kendrick, winner of 21 major league games in a year and a half, gets the honor in Lehigh Valley. I will be in Lakewood, where we will be alright if the wind is gentle!

We do have a major league assignment today at 1:30- on YES-Baltimore's Alfredo Simon gets his 2009 debut against the Yankees. The addition of these major league games to seek out is getting fun.

And , yesterday, we were taught the basic lesson of baseball once again, as Gavin Floyd pitched 7 strong innings for the White Sox, giving up just 2 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, 9 strike outs. Unfortunately for Gavin, the White Sox did not score and the Royals triumphed, 2-0. A loss for Floyd, but he clearly pitched well enough to win, keeping his team in the game through 7 innings. The basic lesson of baseball I was talking about: Nobody can win when his team does not score!!


Sometimes, no matter how many runs you score it is not enough. Just ask the Atlanta Braves. The Braves, who had stifled the Phillies for 2 games, took a 10-3 lead into the bottom of the 7th inning, when the Phillies offense came through with 8 runs, exactly half of them on bases loaded walks, and Philadelphia held on for their first win of 2009, by a score of 12-11. Ryan Howard had a double, his 1st RBI, and scored 2 runs, and Carlos Ruiz had a single and a walk in 3 plate appearances. J.A. Happ relieved Joe Blanton after 4 innings, throwing the fifth and sixth innings for Philadelphia. Happ allowed a 2 run homer to 22-year old Jordan Schafer, but pitched well overall, picking up 2 strike outs.

In Houston, the Cubs belted the Astros, 11-6. Michael Bourn was 1 for 4 for Houston, and has at least 1 hit in each of the first 3 games.