Lakewood roster move

The BlueClaws have placed relief pitcher Bryan Morgado on the disabled list and called in Jay Johnson from extended spring training. Johnson made his professional debut Friday night in Lakewood, and walked all four hitters he faced, throwing 24 pitches, 16 of them balls. You know me, I am a "glass half-full" kind of a guy, so I will remark, "It can only get better from here. Maybe we are rid of the butterflies, now!"

Worley, Howard lead Phils to win

Ryan Howard blasted 2 more home runs, one a grand slam, and drove in 6 runs top lead the Phillies to a 10-3 win over New York Friday night. The 6 RBI establish a new Phillie's record for runs driven in in April with 27!

Vance Worley made the start in place of Joe Blanton, and went 6 shut out inning, surrendering only 2 hits and 4 walks, striking out 5 to notch the win. Mike Stutes also threw a shut out frame in relief, picking up 2 Ks.

Michael Bourn was 1 for 3 with a walk, and stole 2 bases ( that's 11) for the Astros, but Milwaukee topped Houston, 5-0.

In a transaction that I missed earlier this week, the Cincinnati Reds have optioned Matt Maloney back to AAA Louisville. Matt pitched 4 innings against Durham on Thursday night.

Claws have record inning

The Lakewood BlueClaws scored 10 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning, establishing a new franchise record, to come from 4 runs down and beat Charleston, 13-9. Both Jim Murphy (#7) and Aaron Altherr had 3-run homers in the record setting inning as the BlueClaws took advantage of 6 Charleston errors and 6 walks to score the 13 runs with just 10 hits, but got the big one when they counted. Geancarlo Mendez (.347) continues to be hot, with a single, a triple, a walk, 2 runs scored and 2 driven in, and Edgar Duran added 2 more hits and scored 3 times for the Claws, who took 4 of 5 from Charleston to improve their record to 10-11.

The victory went to Hector Neris in relief, who entered the game with bases loaded and nobody out and immediately got a double play ball to quell that inning before it got out of hand, giving his team the chance to get back in it. The BlueClaws will stay at home and open a 4-game set with Savannah Saturday afternoon.

Zeid very sharp;Pettibone losses first

Josh Zeid pitched 5 no-hit innings for Reading Friday night, by far his best effort of the year, leading the Reading Phillies to 2-0 win over Portland. Zeid walked 3 and struck out 2 to notch his first win of the season. Mike Cisco came on and threw 3 innings, giving up just 2 hits and striking out 3 (for a hold) and Phillippe Aumont threw the 9th for his 2nd save.

Mike Spidale was 3 for 3 (Reading had only 5 hits) including a double and Tuffy Gosewisch belted his 5th home run of the year to pace the offense. Reading is now 14-7 and in first place by 2 games over New Hampshire.



In Lakeland, the Flying Tigers defeated the Threshers, 4-2. Jonathan Pettibone started and looked very good for 4 inning, before Lakeland got to him for 4 in the 5th. In his 5 innings, Pettibone allowed the 4 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks (tto many), striking out 2, and losing his first decision of the season (3-1, 1.55). Joe Esposito tossed 2 scoreless frames in relief, striking out 3.

Domonic Brown had his 3rd straight 2-hit game for the Threshers and is 6 for 12 so far in his rehab stint with Clearwater.

Chapman pitches his way to win!

Chance Chapman threw 4 shut out innings for Lehigh Valley Friday night against Pawtucket, giving up NO hits and NO walks, striking out 3 and picking up the win the IronPigs 3-0 victory. Mike Schwimer also threw a 1-2-3 inning, striking out 2 and recording a "hold"...................In Indianapolis, Jason Jaramillo had a double and scored a run for the Indians in their 11-3 loss to Norfolk. "J.J." had belted a grand slam home run for Indy on Thursday..............In Charlotte, Greg Golson had a single and a walk, and drove in a run for Scranton, the the Knights won the game, 6-5 in 10 innings............In Las Vegas, Adrian Cardenas was 1 for 4, but the 1 was a double and he scored a run in Sacramento's game winning, 2-run 7th inning rally as the River Cats topped the 51s, 2-1.................In New Orleans, Sergio Escalona threw a shut out frame, picking up 2 Ks, for Oklahoma City in their 1-0 loss to the Zephyrs.......In Trenton, Anthony Gose was 1 for 3, with 2 walks, and stole a base (#6) for New Hampshire in the Thunder's 6-2 win.

Zagurski optioned

The Phillies have optioned Mike Zagurski to Lehigh Valley and called up catcher Dane Sardinha from the IronPigs. They also activated Joel Naughton from the Dl, and assigned him to Lehigh Valley to replace Sardinha.

The Cleveland Indians have activated Jason Donald from the DL and optioned him to AAA Columbus. Donald had played a couple of games a few weeks ago, but had a setback and had not seen any action for 13 days before playing a pair of game for Akron earlier this week.

Carrasco to DL

The Cleveland Indians have placed Carlos Carrasco on the 15-day DL (retroactive to last Monday) with tightness in his pitching elbow. An MRI has revealed no structural damage and the treatment is exercise and rest. Carlos is 1-1 in 5 starts for the Tribe this month........The Phillies have placed Joe Blanton on the DL and recalled Vance Worley for AAA Lehigh Valley. Vance becomes the 8th HomeSider on the active roster........It could be 9 very soon, as Domonic Brown played his 2nd consecutive game in Clearwater Thursday night, belting a 3-run home run (1 of 2 hits) helping the Threshers to a 9-6 win over Lakeland. Domonic is 4 for 8 with 2 dingers for the Threshers. Jiwan James, Leandro Castro, Darrin Ruf, Joe Savery , Brian Gump and Troy Hanzawa all had 2 hits for Clearwater as they popped out 15 hits. Jarred Cosart picked up his second win, tossing 6 strong innings, charged with just 2 runs on 8 hits and 1 walk, striking out 3. Ebelin Lugo threw 2 scoreless innings of relief. The Threshers are now 13-8, 1.5 games behind first place Daytona.


The Reading Phillies have placed Harold Garcia on the DL with an ACL tear in his right knee. This did not stop Reading from taking a 4-0 decision from Erie in the final game of their road trip. Freddy Galvis led off the game with his second home run of the year, and then doubled in another run later, and Derrick Mitchell added his 3rd dinger of the season in the 3rd inning. Jeremy Slayden drove in the other run. Chris Kissock was the starter and winner for Reading, going 7 shut out innings and allowing just 3 hits to notch his first victory of the season. Justin De Fratus threw a scoreless 9th frame to finish off the Sea Wolves and give Reading a split of the 4-game set. The R-Phils return home Friday night to face Portland, with Josh Zeid on the hill.........In Allentown, Scott Mathieson tossed 3.1 innings for the IronPigs, allowing only 1 run on 2 hits and a walk, striking out 3 in Lehigh Valley's 11-8 loss to Pawtucket........In Lakewood, the BlueClaws spotted the River Dogs a 4-0 lead, before tying the game late and winning it in the 12th inning on an RBI hit by Jim Murphy. "Murph" had 2 hits and a walk on the evening, and the RBI was his team leading 14th. Cameron Rupp also had 2 hits for the Claws, who got strong pitching from Garrett Claypool in relief of Colby Shreve. After the defense let Shreve down (he allowed 4 UNearned runs in the 2nd inning, thanks to 2 infield errors behind him), Claypool (2.00 ERA) came in for 5 scoreless innings, allowing just 3 hits, NO walks and striking out 4 and keeping Lakewood in the game. The win went to Chase Johnson, his 2nd, who pitched a scoreless 12th and was the beneficiary of the run scoring hit by Murphy.


In Houston, Michael Bourn (who was the last Reading Phillie to lead off a game with a home run) had a double and a walk and scored a run for the Astros in their 11-7 loss to St Louis. ...........In Rancho Cucamonga, the Quakes took a 13-6 victory from Lancaster. Jonathan Villar had a triple and a walk, scored a run and drove in 2 for the JetHawks in the losing effort...........In Kodak, Tennessee, Quintin Berry had a double and drove in 2 runs for the Carolina Mudcats in their 8-5 loss to the Smokies...............In Manchester, Anthony Gose had 2 hits, stole 2 bases (that makes 5 for the year) and scored a run for the Fisher Cats, but New Britain won that game, 9-7.


In Rochester, Andy Baldwin won his 2nd game of the year for the Red Wings, going 6 good innings and allowing only 3 runs on 5 hits and a walk, as Rochester defeated Buffalo, 8-6............. In Louisville R.J. Swindel gave up 2 runs in 1.1 innings of work, the only hit he gave up was a 2-run home run to New Jersey product Todd Frazier. Frazier, who was on the Toms River little league champions from 10 (11,12,??) years ago, hit home runs in both games of the doubleheader and has hit 5 so far for Louisville..........In Charlotte, Greg Golson had 2 hits and drove in a run for Scranton, but the Yankees lost to the Knights, 6-3.

Savage sharp

Will Savage threw 6 great innings for Chattanooga Wednesday night, allowing just 1 run and 2 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5 and Picking up the win in Chattanooga's 5-1 win over Carolina. Savage is now 2-0, 3.38 for the Lookouts.

Reds sign Berry

The HomeSide is far reaching, folks, and I got word from Chattanooga, Tennessee that Quintin Berry was in town with the Carolina Mudcats. The Mudcats are the AA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.


Congratulations to Q on the assignment, and big congrats on the news that Quintin and his lovely wife Priscella are expecting their first child.

Floyd, Hamels both win 3rd

On Tuesday night in the Bronx, Gavin Floyd pitched a masterpiece against the Yankees, picking up his 3rd win of the season in the White Sox 3-2 win. Gavin allowed just 4 hits, the final one a leadoff single by Derek Jeter in the bottom of the 9th that signaled the end of then evening for Gavin . He walked only 1 and struck out 10 in throwing 102 pitches, and improved to 3-1.

Then, Wednesday afternoon in Phoenix, Cole Hamels bounced back from an off outing, giving up just 3 runs on 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 8 Diamondbacks in the Phillies 8-4 victory. Hamels is also 3-1, and that makes a total of 10 victories in the major leagues this April by the "Lakewood 5". Add in wins in relief from Kendrick and Bastardo, and BlueClaw alumni have 12 wins in the major leagues early this year.


In Clearwater Wednesday afternoon, Domonic Brown had 2 hits including a home run, Sebastian Valle had 2 hits and scored 2 runs, and Brian Gump hit a 3-run homer as the Threshers beat Lakeland, 8-6. Julio Rodriguez improved to 3-0 on the year, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits and a walk, striking out 6 in 5 innings of work.

Brown to begin rehab

The Phillies have announced that Domonic Brown will start a rehab assignment with the Threshers on Wednesday.

Claws get first walk-off of year

Aaron Altherr was the catalyst for Lakewood's 4-3 win over Charleston Monday night, scoring 2 runs, stealing 3 bases and and driving in the game winner on an infield single with 2 down in the 9th. Geancarlo Mendez (.387) had another 2 hits and continues to force his way into the Lakewood lineup. Mario Hollands went 6 strong innings, before tiring a bit and allowing a game tying 3-run home run to Charleston's Kelvin Castro in the 7th. Chase Johnson threw the final 2 frames, picking up his first win of the year. Johnson has pitched 11 innings and has not allowed an earned run yet. The win improves Lakewood to 7-10 on the year, and Lakewood will send David Buchanan to the hill Tuesday night.

Both Clearwater and Reading were postponed due to weather.

Drabek wins, Stutes makes debut

Kyle Drabek picked up his 2nd win of the year for Toronto, throwing 6 innings against the American League champion Rangers, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 2 in the Blue Jays 6-4 win. Drabek joins Cole Hamels and Gavin Floyd with 2 wins each, running the total for the "Lakewood 5" to 8 victories, with Floyd going Tuesday night in the Bronx against the Yankees.


Mike Stutes made his debut in Phoenix Monday night, throwing a scoreless inning in relief of Cliff Lee in the Diamondback's 4-0 win over the Phillies. Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard were each 0 for 3.

not so good Monday

In Huntsville, Alabama, Jesus Sanchez was pitching a good game through 5 innings, but had the world collapse on him in the 6th as he started that inning with a score of 2-2. But a single, a walk, a triple and a wild pitch in rapid succession signaled the end of the night for Sanchez. In all, 5.1 innings, 5 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, 5 strike outs and the loss against Birmingham. Jesus is now 1-2, 4.05 for the Stars.............In Sacramento, Adrian Cardenas (.412) had a double in 5 at bats for the River Cats, not enough for Sacramento in their 7-5 loss to Tucson........ In Buffalo, the IronPigs got robbed. They entered the 9th inning, trailing 5-0 to the Bisons, but rallied for 3 runs, and had the bases loaded with 1 out, when the rain became so bad, they had to stop the game. They never resumed and the game went into the books as complete. Very bogus!! Anyway, Chance Chapman pitched 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing 2 hits for the Pigs..........In Norfolk, R.J. Swindel allowed a run on 2 hits in his inning of work for Durham against the Tides, which raised his ERA to an alarming 6.75. Norfolk won the game, 5-2..........In Scranton, the Yankees edged the Syracuse Chiefs, 2-1 in 13 innings, Greg Golson taking an 0 for 6 collar, but did throw out a runner at home plate in the 7th inning, preserving the 1-1 tie and giving the Yanks the opportunity to win...........In Columbus, the Clippers swept a doubleheader form the Indianapolis Indians, 6-1 and 6-5. Jason Jaramillo played the first game for the Indians, going 1 for 3 at the plate and throwing out 1 of 3 would-be base stealers....... The struggles continue for both of our 2009 champions in Manchester, New Hampshire. Anthony Gose (.167) was 0 for 4, and Travis d'Arnaud (.188) 0 for 2 in the Fisher Cat's 9-2 loss to New Britain.

Stutes called up

Mike Stutes has been called up from Lehigh Valley to the Phillies, as Philadelphia put Jose Contreras on the DL. This caused a chain reaction, with Chance Chapman moving up to Lehigh Valley from Reading, and Jordan Ellis moving up from Clearwater to Reading.

There are now 7 former 'Claws on the current Phillies roster.

back to the action

I was away for the weekend, so I leave you to fend for yourself for the results, but a few things caught my eye. The first is Carlos Carrasco, who left his start after 3 innings Sunday with "elbow tightness". He is being re-evaluated on Monday as the team returns to Cleveland.

The second thing that jumps out at me is Domingo Santana, who hit .361 on the 9-game road trip, hitting a home run in each series and knocking in 6. The 18-year old is looking more confident at home plate, and joins a long list of BlueClaws who had to go back to Williamsport, only to come back stronger the next year. (Leandro Castro and Sebastian Valle are the 2 most recent who come to mind.) I look forward to the Claws upcoming home stand to see if Santana can keep it going!

Freddy Galvis is 7 for his last 19 (.368), Matt Rizzotti is still hitting over .400, Cody Overbeck has hit 6 home runs and has 18 RBI, and the first place Reading Phillies, managed by Mark Parent, are now 11-5 and throw Austin Hyatt (2-0, 1.69 in 3 starts so far) in Erie Monday night.

Finally, I have to mention Jonathan Pettibone. The Clearwater hurler, who won 8 games for Lakewood last year, has been nothing short of spectacular! In 3 starts, "Bone" has thrown 24 innings, allowing only 1 earned run, posting a 3-0, 0.38 mark so far.

Cole in control

In San Diego Friday night, Cole Hamels threw 8 shut out innings, and Ryan Howard had 2 hits, the big one a 2-run triple in the 3rd inning, and the Phillies beat the Padres, 2-0. Hamels allowed just 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 8 to improve to 2-1 on the year. For Howard, the RBI's raise his total to 17 on the season, as the Phillies improve to 13-6. Carlos Ruiz had a walk in 4 plate appearances for Philadelphia...............In Milwaukee, Michael Bourn had 2 singles, a double, scored a run, drove one in, AND stole his 9th base of the year, but the Brewers won the game, 14-7. The 3 hits raise Bourn's average to .319............In a game delayed over 2 hours before starting. Matt Maloney made the emergency start after Edison Volquez had warmed up and then the rains came. Matt gave up 3 runs on 8 hits and a walk, and was the losing pitcher as the Cards edged the Reds, 4-2. Maloney's ERA has ballooned to 8.49 for Cincinnati. Yikes!!

Barn Burner in Asheville

With all the offensive problem the Lakewood BlueClaws have had this early season, you would think that 12 runs would be enough to win a game. Not on Friday, as the Claws were beat by the Tourists, 13-12. Geancarlo Mendez, the hottest BlueClaw, had 4 hits for Lakewood, including a double, drove in 2 runs and scored 4 times. Mendez is hitting .409 and his bat is screaming for more playing time. Jeremy Barnes had a double and a home run, and dove in 4 runs, and Domingo Santana, Steve Batts, Anthony Hewitt and Cameron Rupp all had multi-hit games for Lakewood.

For the first time this year, the pitching let Lakewood down. Jesse Biddle did not get out of the 4th inning. He had trouble with his control- walking 5, and did not get much help from his defense. In all, Jesse gave up 4 runs, only 2 earned, on 3 hits. Hector Neris threw gas on the fire, allowing 2 inherited runners to score and 3 more runs of his own before getting out of the inning. Colby Shreve came on and took one for the team, working 4.1 innings allowing 6 runs, 5 earned, on 10 hits and 3 walks to be tagged with the loss. Just for good measure, Tyler Knigge came on and, after picking up a strike out, wild pitched home the winning run!

In the minors

In Rochester Friday afternoon, Andy Baldwin tossed 5 shut out innings for the Red Wings before running into trouble in the 6th. He came out after 5.2 frames, charged with 3 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks and was the losing pitcher as Pawtucket won, 3-1...........In Toledo, the Mud Hens topped the Indians, 7-1. Jason Jaramillo was 1 for 3 with a walk, and the lone Indianapolis run came on a home run from Chase d'Arnaud, Travis' brother........Speaking of Travis, he had a double and an RBI as New Hampshire shut out Binghamton, 2-0. I notice in the stats, he also had 3 passed balls, which is not good. Anthony Gose was 0 for 3 for New Hampshire.........In Lancaster, Jonathan Villar was 0 for 5 for the JetHawks, scoring a run and making a throwing error, as the Stockton Ports defeated Lancaster,5-4..............In Richmond, the Altoona Curve and the Flying Squirrels played a 15 inning affair, which the Curve won with 6 in the 15th, 11-5. Mike Dubee threw 2 shut out frames for Altoona, giving up just 1 hit and 1 walk, striking out 3 and lowering his ERA to 0.96!.............In New Orleans, Zack Segovia threw a shut out inning for Nashville, as the Sounds pounded the Zephyrs, 9-1...............In Reno, the Aces scored 4 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Sacramento, 6-5. Adrian Cardenas (.429) had 3 more hits, drove in a run and scored 2 more for the River Cats.


In Buffalo. the Bisons defeated the IronPigs, 4-2. Both Scott Mathieson (1 IP, 1 run, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 K) and Mike Stutes ( 1 IP 2 walks, 1 K) pitched for Lehigh Valley.........In Akron, Reading scored 3 runs in the top of the 3rd inning to take a 3-0 lead on the Aeros, but the game was suspended due to rain and will be completed Saturday afternoon before the regularly scheduled game.........In Clearwater, the Threshers were shut out by Brevard County, 6-0. Jiwan James and Joe Savery (.482) had 2 hits each for Clearwater. Jarred Cosart (1-3, 4.03) was the starter and losing pitcher, going 5.1 innings, allowing 6 runs, 5 earned, on 5 hits and 2 walks, but he did strike out 9. Joe Esposito tossed 2.2 innings of shut out ball, 2hits, 1 walk, 2Ks.

Floyd wins, Happ loses

Gavin Floyd threw 6 innings in St. Petersburg on Thursday night, picking up his 2nd win of the season in the White Sox' 9-2 win over the Rays. Gavin gave up 2 runs on 7 hits, 2 walks, and 2 plunks, picking up 7 strike outs. Jay Happ was not so fortunate, getting tattooed for 6 runs on 6 hits and a walk in just 4.2 innings in New York, and taking the loss in the Mets' 9-1 win. Michael Bourn had a single and a walk for Houston, and Taylor Buchholz threw 2 more scoreless innings for New York............In San Diego, the Phillies shut out the Padres, 3-0 behind Roy Oswalt. Ryan Howard was 0 for 5 (4 strike outs), and Antonio Bastardo recorded 4 outs, striking out 2 and giving up 1 walk and 1 hit.

Rizz gets 3 more hits

Matt Rizzotti (.440) had 2 singles, a double, a walk, and drove in 2 runs, but the Akron Aeros beat Reading, 6-3. Mike Spidale added 2 hits and drove in the 3rd Reading run. Chris Kissock started and was charged with the loss, throwing 5.2 innings, and giving up all 6 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks, before yielding to B.J. Rosenberg. "Rosie" got 4 outs, 2 Ks, and Phillippe Aumont finished it off with a scoreless frame...............In Clearwater, the Threshers beat Brevard County, 4-2. Jonathan Singleton drove in 2 runs for Clearwater and Leadro Castro had 2 hits and scored twice. Julio Rodriguez started and went 5 good innings, surrendering just 2 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5 to improve to 2-0 on the year..............In Asheville, the Tourists beat Lakewood, 5-4. Jeremy Barnes had 3 hits for the Claws, and Jim Murphy (3rd HR) and Stephen Batts added 2 hits each as the Lakewood bats seem to be warming up. Garrett Claypool started and lasted 4 innings, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7. Chase Johnson (2.2 IP, 2 hits, 2 walks, 2 Ks) and Juan Sosa (1.1 IP, 1 walk) threw scoreless relief.

Around the country........

In Chattanooga, Darren Byrd threw 3 scoreless innings of relief for Huntsville in the Star's 4-2 win over the Lookouts. Darren is now 2-0, and has now given up a run in 9.2 innings of work..........In Manchester, Anthony Gose had a double, 2 walks, scored 2 runs and stole a base (#3) for New Hampshire as the Fisher Cats topped Binghamton, 5-4 in 10 innings. Travis d'Arnaud was 0 for 4 for New Hampshire...........In Norfolk, Yohan Flande came into the game in the 6th inning with the bases loaded and 2 outs and got Blake Davis to ground out to end the inning. His glory was short lived, however, as he was charged with 3 runs on 3 hits in the next frame............In Toledo, Tigers prospect Charlie Furbush threw a 7-inning 1-hitter against Indianapolis. The only hit was by Jason Jaramillo, a third inning single...................In Durham, R.J. Swindel pitched just .2 innings for the Bulls, allowing 2 walks and a hit, and all 3 runs scored as Charlotte beat Durham, 6-4.............In Allentown, Greg Golson was 1 for 4, a triple and scored a run for Scranton as the Yankees beat the IronPigs, 3-0. Drew Carpenter did throw 2 shut out innings for Lehigh Valley, allowing just 1 hit, striking out 3.............In Lancaster, California, Jonathan Villar was 0 for 4, but drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, but Lancaster lost to Stockton, 13-10...........Sergio Escalona entered a game for Oklahoma City last night in the 7th with the bases loaded and 2 outs and struck out Brad Nelson to strand the 3 runners, and then retired the side with 1 hit and 2 more Ks in the 8th. The RedHawks lost to Round Rock, 6-3......In Reno, Adrian Cardenas (.412) had 3 hits, drove in a run and scored 2 more for Sacramento, as the River Cats edged the Aces, 11-10.

shuttle continues

The Phillies have moved Tyson Brummett back to Reading after leaving him in Lehigh Valley for about 24 hours. He swaps this time with Brian Gordon. Also Jeremy Slayden has been activated on the Reading roster, and Kyle Lafrenz has been placed on the DL in Clearwater.

Threshers fall despite Cloyd's performance

The Brevard County Manatees scored a run in the 9th inning to beat Ebelin Lugo and the Threshers, 5-4 Wednesday afternoon. Brian Gump and Robert Stumpo had 3 hits each for Clearwater, and Joe Savery and D'Arby Myers chipped in with 2 hits apiece. Tyler Cloyd was fantastic for Clearwater, throwing 6 1-hit innings, striking out 4 and getting no decision. Joe Esposito was lit up, allowing runs for the first time this year. Espo gave up 4 runs in just .1 innings.

The Phillies came from down 3 runs to defeat the Brewers, 4-3. Ryan Howard had a single and a walk in the game, Carlos Ruiz was 0 for 3, and Kyle Kendrick tossed a 1-2-3 7th inning as the Phillies got back into it.............Michael Bourn had 2 hits and drove in a run for Houston, as the Astros beat the Mets at Citifield, 4-3. Bourn is now hitting .297 for the Astros.

Claws explode

Well, it was bound to happen, and the Lakewood BlueClaws offense finally exploded Wednesday afternoon in Asheville, pounding out a franchise record 18 runs on 21 hits, including 2 6-run outbursts, taking out the Tourists, 18-8. Stephen Batts had 3 hits (including his first 2 home runs of the year) and a walk, and drove in 5 to lead the attack; Miguel Alverez had 4 hits, including 3 doubles, and Jeremy Barnes and Domingo Santana also had 3 hits apiece. Santana in particular seems to have found his rhythm, and is 7 for 16 over the last 4 games. Catcher Jeff Lanning, who replaced Torre Langley went Torre went on the DL, had 2 doubles, scored 2 runs and drove in 4 in his Lakewood debut! Edgar Duran (.317) had 2 more hits and is 7 for 13 over the last 3 games.

David Buchanan went 5 innings and notched his second win of the year, allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on 7 hits and a walk. Hector Neris had his first shaky outing, giving up 4 runs( 3 earned) on 5 hits in just 1 inning of work, but Bryan Morgado (1-2-3 inning, 2nd hold) and Eric Pettis ( 2 IP, 2 hits, 1 walk) restored order.

HomeSiders square off in Tennessee

Wednesday night in Chattanooga, Jesus Sanchez (for Huntsville) and Will Savage (for Chattanooga) faced each other in a Southern League game, with Savage and the Lookouts prevailing, 3-1. Savage went 6 shut out innings, giving up just 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 6 to pick up his first win of the year. Sanchez threw 5 on the other side, charged with just 1 run on 4 hits and 4 walks, pickin gup 3 Ks and losing his first decision of the year.........In Altoona, Mike Dubee tossed a 1-2-3 8th inning for the Curve in Altoona's 3-2 win over Harrisburg, recording his 3rd "hold" of the season...........Travis d'Arnaud had his 3rd consecutive 2 -hit game for New Hampshire, including a double and an RBI and is 6 for his last 12 after an agonizing start. Anthony Gose was 0 for 5, and is just 3 for his last 24, as the Fisher Cats topped New Briatin, 6-2...........In Reno, Adrian Cardenas had a single and a walk, and scored a run for Sacramento in the River Cat's 14-7 win over the Aces.............. Jason Jaramillo was 1 for 4, and threw out 1 of 3 Toledo baserunners stealing for Indianapolis, as Indy edged the Mud Hens, 4-2.............I have located Jonathan Villar, who was traded in the Roy Oswalt deal right off of Lakewood's roster last summer. Villar is playing at Lancaster in the California League, and is hitting .333 with the Houston affiliate with 3 doubles, a triple, a home run, 12 RBI and 8 steals in 9 attempts in 13 games so far for the JetHawks.

Tuesday's notes

The Brewers offense exploded for 9 runs on 13 hits Tuesday night in Philadelphia and defeated Roy Halladay and the Phillies, 9-0. Ryan Howard had a walk in 3 plate appearances, Carlos Ruiz was 0 for 1 and was hit by a pitch. Mike Zagurski got into the game late, and faced 3 hitters- 1 walk, 1 hit and 1 K. .......In Toronto, the Blue Jays scored 2 in the 9th, and then again in the 10th to take a 6-5 win from the Yankees. Kyle Drabek started for Toronto, and made it through 5.1 innings. Struggling with 4 walks and 6 hits allowed, he was charged with 4 runs altogether......In New York, Michael Bourn had 2 hits and a walk, scored 2 runs and stole a base (8 for 8), inspiring the Astros to a 6-1 win over the Mets. Taylor Buchholz did pitch a 1-2-3 inning for New York........In Kansas City, Lou Marson (.357) had a 2-run double for the Cleveland Indians, beginning a comback, but the Tribe came up short against the Royals, 5-4.

Claws back on winning track

After losing 3 of 4 in Hagerstown, the BlueClaws began their series in Asheville with a 4-3 win on Tuesday. Edgar Duran had 3 hits for the BlueClaws, and Anthony Hewitt and Domingo Santana had 2 hits each. Hewitt had a triple and a single and scored twice, and Santana had a double and a home run. Mario Hollands made it through 5 innings, and gave up just 2 runs, 1 earned, on 6 hits and 3 walks, enough to register his second win of the year. Bryan Morgado (1.2 IP, 1hit,1 walk, 1 K) and Tyler Knigge (1.1 IP, 1 run, 3 hits) each posted a "hold", and Juan Sosa notched the save.

Cubs take rubber game

In Clearwater, the Daytona Cubs edged the Threshers, 4-3. Jonathan Singleton had the only multi-hit game, collecting a single and a double, and driving in a run. Trevor May (0-2, 7.71)was the starter for Clearwater and went 4 pressure filled innings, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. Jordan Ellis had another impressive outing, this time for 2.2 innings, just 2 hit, and 5 strike outs! Ellis in unscored upon in 7.2 innings so far this season. The Threshers are now 8-5, and are a game behind Lakeland for first place.

Red hot Rizz, Cody power R-Phils

The combination of Matt Rizzotti and Cody Overbeck continues to carry the red-hot Reading Phillies to another win, this one a come from behind 8-6 thiumph over Erie. Rizzotti (.404) had a single, 2 doubles, a walk, scored 3 runs and drove one in and Overbeck (.360) had a single, a double, a home run (his 6th) and drove in 4 runs as Reading improved to 9-4. Steve Susdorf (.280) also homered, and it was a big one, a 2-run shot in the 6th inning to tie the game at 4-4, and Freddy Galvis added 2 hits and scored a run. Mike Cisco was the winning pitcher, doing 2.2 innings of work as the Phillies made their comeback, and Justin De Fratus threw the final inning and recorded a save. The first place Phillies, who lead New Britain and New Hampshire both by 1.5 games, will be off today and open a series in Akron Thursday night.

Scranton tops Lehigh Valley

In Allentown, the Scranton Yankees defeated the IronPigs, 5-2. Vance Worley started and took the loss for Lehigh Valley, getting through 5.2 innings, and allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, NO walks and 6 strike outs. Chance Chapman came on and was charged with 3 runs, only 1 earned, on 4 hits and a walk, and he struck out 5. Mike Stutes finished up, getting the final 4 outs. Greg Golson was 1 for 5 and stole a base for Scranton. After the game, Chapman was returned to Reading, and Tyson Brummett moved from Reading to Lehigh Valley. Chapman had replaced Mike Zagurski, who was promoted to the Phillies, and made the appearance Tuesday night, but is now returned to Reading.




In Durham, R.J. Swindel pitched a scoreless inning (1 hit) for the Bulls in their 9-1 win over Charlotte, and over in Oklahoma City, Sergio Escalona did the same (1 walk) for the RedHawks in that team's 6-2 loss to Round Rock.............Out in Reno, Adrian Cardenas was cooled off a bit by the Aces. "A.C." was 0 for 5 (dropping his average to .415) in the River Cat's 13-6 defeat by Reno.............In Chattanooga, Darren Byrd retired the 1 hitter he faced for Huntsville, stranding an inherited baserunner, but the Lookouts won anyway, 4-1.

Z-Man gets the call

Mike Zagurski has been called up to the Phillies to replace J.C. Romero, who is being placed on the 15-day DL. There are now 6 former BlueClaws on the Phillies active roster.

Break up the Indians!

The red hot Cleveland Indians won again Monday night, with a 4 run 10th inning rally to top the Royals, 7-3. Cleveland has now won 12 of their last 14, and Monday it was Carlos Carrasco who gave them a good performance. Carlos went 6.1 innings and was charged with 3 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk (the walk scored) and received no decision..........In Philadelphia, the Brewers scored 3 runs (1 earned) off of Kyle Kendrick in the 12th inning to snatch a 6-3 win over the Phillies. Antonio Bastardo had pitched a scoreless 11th and has still no allowed a run this year. Ryan Howard was 2 for 6, and drove in a run (#15), and Carlos Ruiz had a walk in 5 plate appearances and scored a run.........In Cincinnati, Matt Maloney pitched 3 inning for the Reds in their 9-3 loss to the Pirates. Matt gave up 1 run on 3 hits and a walk, picking up 3 strike outs on the way..........

Moose on the loose!

In Allentown, the IronPigs split a doubleheader with the Yankees, with Scranton taking the opener, 6-4. Greg Golson had a single and scored a run for the Yanks. Mike Schwimer tossed 2 innings for Lehigh Valley, allowing a run on 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 2. In game 2, the Pigs got their split with a 5-3 victory. Andrew Carpenter had a tough start, lasting only 2 innings and giving up 3 runs on 6 hits. Scott Mathieson came in and restored order, going 3 strong innings and allowing only 1 hit and 4 walks, striking out 2 and keeping Lehigh Valley in the game, setting up the come from behind win.......In Reading, the R-Phils got only 5 hits, and made 4 errors, dropping a 5-1 decision to Erie. Austin Hyatt was very good, going 6 and allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walk, striking out 7. B.J. Rosenberg gave up 2 hits in 1.2 innings, and was bailed out by Phillippe Aumont. Aumont got into trouble himself in the 9th inning, and was the victim of poor defense (as the Phils made all their errors in the Sea Wolves 4 run rally), giving up 4 UNearned runs on only 1 hit, before Jacob Diekman came on for the final 2 outs. "Diek" stranded 2 more inherited runners to avoid further damage. One Reading highlight was Tim Kennelly throwing out a runner from right field.............In Clearwater, the Threshers took a 7-4 win from Daytona. Travis Mattair belted another home run, a 3-run job in the 3rd inning, and added another hit to raise his average to .300. Darrin Ruf had 2 singles, a double, a walk, and scored twice to add to the shark attack, and Cesar Hernandez had a single, a double and a walk, scoring a run and driving one in. Jonathan Pettibone went 6, and allowed just 1 UNearned run on 5 hits, NO walks and 3 Ks, to improve to 2-0, 0.53 in his 3 starts so far.

d'Arnaud goes deep

In Chattanooga, Darren Byrd threw a scoreless inning for Huntsville in the Stars 10-7 loss to the Lookouts. Byrd is unscored upon in 6.1 innings of relief so far this season........ Travis d'Arnaud continues his resurgence after a very slow start, getting 2 more hits, including his 1st dinger of the season, knocking in 2 runs for New Hampshire as the Fisher Cats beat New Britain, 7-3. Anthony Gose also contributed a hit and scored a run for New Hampshire.........In Tacoma, Adrian Cardenas (.472) had a single and a double, and drove in 2 runs for Sacramento in their 7-6 win over the Raineirs. Josh Outman made the start for the River Cats, and continues to have 1st inning issues. Josh gave up 4 in the first, and 5 runs overall on 7 hits and 2 walks in 4 innings of work as he continues his comeback attempt...............In Omaha, Zack Segovia gave up a run on 2 walks in his 1 inning of work for Nashville, as the Sounds lost to the Storm Chasers, 8-3...........In Durham, Yohan Flande tossed a scoreless frame for Gwinnett, but the Bulls scored 3 in the 11th on the second home run of the game by Justin Ruggiano for a 4-1 win.......In Louisville, Jason Jaramillo had a double in 5 at bats and drove in 3 runs for Indianapolis in the Indian's 10-4 victory over the Bats.

Overbeck on a roll

The Phillies beat the Marlins, 3-2 on Sunday behind good pitching from Cole Hamels. Cole battled his way through 7 innings, giving up just 2 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 and receiving no decision. Ryan Howard was 1 for 3 with a walk and scored a run, and Carlos Ruiz was 0 for 3, but drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.........In Syracuse, the IronPigs scored 6 runs in the 8th inning to steal a 10-6 win from the Chiefs. Mike Stutes threw the final 2 innings, allowing a run on 3 hits and 2 walks, and striking out 4 to record his 2nd win of the season.............A big day in Reading, as the R-Phils swept a doubleheader from Akron, 5-2 and 5-4. In the first game, Harold Garcia and Cody Overbeck both had 2 hits, including home runs and also drove in 2 runs each. J.C. Ramirez was the winner, going 6.1 inning and recording the win, and Chance Chapman picked up the final 2 outs to notch the save. In game 2, Josh Zeid gave up 4 runs in the first inning, and did not get out of the second, but the Phillies came back in that one, too. Tyson Brummett took over for Zeid, stranded 2 inherited runners and pitched 3.1 innings overall, allowing just 1 hit and 2 walks, striking out 4. Jacob Diekman struck out the side in the 6th inning, and Justin De Fratus worked in and out of trouble for 2 innings and picked up the win when Mike Spidale singled in Derrick Mitchell. It was Spidale's 3rd hit of the day. Mitchell had homered earlier, as did that man again, Cody Overbeck- who hit his 5th home run of the year, and his second of the day. Overall Cody drove in 5 of Reading's 10 runs...........In Clearwater, the Thresher were held to just 5 hits, 2 by Joe Savery, and lost to Daytona, 3-1. Savery drove in the only run for the Threshers, and is now hitting .550. Jarred Cosart was the hard luck loser, going 6 good innings and giving up just 2 runs on 4 hits and a walk, striking out 6. Joe Esposito threw 2 more shut out innings in relief, to remain unscored upon in 2011.

Donald making progress; Baldwin tops Yanks

In Binghamton, the Mets defeated New Hampshire, 4-1. Travis d'Arnaud had 2 hits and scored the Fisher Cats' only run. He also threw out a would-be base stealer. Speaking of base stealers, Anthony Gose had a double in 4 at bats, but did not steal a base! The 3rd HomeSider on the Cats, Bobby Korecky has been put on the disabled list, retroactive to April 10. There is only a 7-day list in the minors, so basically Korecky could play as soon as he is ready now..........Good news for Jason Donald, who completed a 3-game rehab stint with Akron, going 3 for 11. "J.D." then played Thursday and Saturday for Columbus, as his rehab assignment continues.........In Scranton on Sunday, old friend Andy Baldwin started for Rochester and defeated the Yankees, 6-3. Andy went 7, allowing 3 runs on just 4 hits, NO walks, and struck out 8 to improve to 1-1 for the Red Wings. Greg Golson was 0 for 4 for Scranton.............Jason Jaramillo made his debut for the Indianapolis Indians in the 9th inning, then caught for 4 more innings before Louisville defeated the Indians, 6-4 in 13..........In Durham, the Gwinnett Braves overwhelmed the Bulls, 18-7. R.J. Swindel threw 1.2 innings for Durham, allowing a run on 4 hits and a walk............In Tacoma, Adrian Cardenas had 2 hits and 2 walks as the River Cats defeated the home team, 3-1.. Cardenas is now hitting .484!

between the raindrops

Cole Hamels start was rained out on Saturday, but Gavin Floyd went on as scheduled. Gavin threw 6 innings against the Angels in Chicago, and was charged with 6 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks, striking out 3 and absorbing his first loss of the year in the Angel's 7-2 victory............In Atlanta, the Braves took a pair of games against the Mets, but Taylor Buchholz threw a 1-2-3 inning for New York in the nightcap...........In Houston, Michael Bourn had a hit and a walk, stole a base (7 for 7) and scored a run for the Astros in their 5-3 win over San Diego.

Moose powers Threshers to win

Travis Mattair and Sebastian Valle had 3 hits apiece to lead a 12-hit attack for Clearwater in their 9-4 win over Brevard County. Mattair had a single, a double and a home runs, and Valle had 2 singles and a triple, and each drove in 3 runs. "Moose" is now 8 for 15 (.533) in the last 4 games. Welcome back!!! Darin Ruf chipped in with 2 hits and a walk, scoring 2 runs, and Leandro Castro hit his 3rd home run of the young season. Julio Rodriguez picked up his 1st win of the year, going 5.2 innings, and giving up just 2 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 5. Ebelin Lugo threw the final 3.2 innings, also allowing 2 runs (4 hits, 1 walk, 2 Ks) and recording the save, his 1st.

Sanchez, Byrd combine for victory

In the first game of a doubleheader in Huntsville, Alabama, the Huntsville Stars beat the Carolina Mudcats, 8-6. Jesus Sanchez started for the Stars, delayed by a day because of rain, and had a rough start. He allowed 3 runs in the first inning, after getting the first 2 hitters out, and was charged with 6 runs altogether, 4 earned, on 7 hits (including 2 home runs), 4 walks and 2 wild pitches, striking out 5. He was relieved by Darren Byrd, who threw 2 scoreless innings (1 hit, 1 walk, 1K) to record the win.........In Tacoma, Adrian Cardenas was 2 for 4 for Sacramento in the River Cat's 3-0 win over the Rainiers. "A.C." is now hitting .448!!.........In Syracuse, Scott Mathieson threw a 1-2-3 9th inning, striking ut 2 to record his 1st save of the season, as the IronPigs beat the Chiefs, 4-2.

Claws hit road, break out

After scoring just 11 runs on their season opening 7-game home stand, Lakewood took to the road Friday night and registered season high in hits and runs scored, pounding Hagerstown, 8-4. Geancarlo Mendez had 3 hits and a walk, Torre Langley had 3 hits and 2 RBI, and Domingo Santana chipped in with 2 more as Lakewood found 13 hits in their mostly slumbering bats! David Buchanan made his 2nd very good start, going 5.2 innings, allowing 4 runs, just 2 earned, on 4 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4 to record his first win. Tyler Knigge continues to throw strong relief, another 2.1 innings of scoreless ball (2 hits, 1 walk, 4 Ks), and Eric Pettis tossed a 1-2-3 9th to finish it off. Knigge is unscored upon in 3 appearances, a total of 6.1 innings, only 2 hits and 1 walk, with 6 strike outs. Buchanan retired #1 prospect Bryce Harper 3 times, before he reached on a walk by Knigge in the 7th. Weather permitting, Jessie Biddle will go on Saturday night.

affiliate sweep!

In Rochester, excellent relief pitching from Andrew Carpenter and Mike Schwimer helped the IronPigs to a 9-4 come from behind win. Carpenter received credit for win with 3 inning of no-hit ball, just 1 walk allowed, with 2 strike outs. Schwimer put in the final 2 frames, giving up just 2 hits and 1 walk. Both of these guys have an ERA of 0.00!............Matt Rizzotti had 3 hits, including his 8th double and 2nd home run, driving in 2 runs and raising his average to .485, as the Reading Phillies pounded Akron, 9-5. Steve Susdorf (.385) had 2 hits and 2 walks, scoring 3 runs, and Derrick Mitchell, Harold Garcia and Carlos Rivero added 2 hits each. Rivero had a double and a home run and drove in 4. Chris Kissock made the start and it was rocky. In 3 innings, Chris gave up 5 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, and his ERA is up to 7.00. Mike Cisco threw 4 shut out frames in relief to notch the win (2 hits, 2 walks, 1K), and Phillippe Aumont threw the final 2 innings, 6 up and 6 down.................The Threshers rallied for 3 in the 8th and another in the 9th to snatch a win from Brevard County, 4-2. The big hit was a bases clearing, 3-run double from Travis Mattair. After a slow start, "Moose" is up to .250 and climbing. Brian Gump had the only 2 hit game and drove in the insurance run in the 9th. Tyler Cloyd made the spot start for the injured Brody Colvin and made it through 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and a walk, striking out 5. Jordan Ellis picked up the win, with 2 shut out innings in relief.

Padres top Happ; Maloney rebounds

The Padres beat Jay Happ and the Astros Friday night, 4-2. Happ (1-2) was strong for 6 innings, before giving up 3 in the 7th. Overall 4 runs, 7 hits and 2 walk, 3 Ks. Michael Bourn was 2 for 4, stealing his 6th base and scoring a run for Houston. Bourn is 6 for 6 in steals so far.......In Cleveland, Lou Marson (.400) was 1 for 4, with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Indians as the Tribe defeated Baltimore, 8-2. The Indians are now 9-4 on the year!......In Philadelphia, the Marlins came from behind to beat the Phillies, 4-3. Ryan Howard knocked in his 14th run of the year with a sacrifice fly, and Carlos Ruiz was 1 for 4 to raise his average to .341. Antonio Bastardo came on in the 7th inning, retired both hitters he faced and stranding both runners he inherited..............In Cincinnati, Matt Maloney bounced back from a bad outing in his last appearance with 4 shut out innings in relief of Bronson Arroyo. Matt allowed just 4 hits, and picked up 4 Ks. Maloney's effort kept the Reds in the game, but the offense could not get going and Pirates won, 6-1.

Sanchez start pushed back by rain

Friday night in Oklahoma City, Sergio Escalona threw 2.2 innings of relief for the RedHawks allowing just 1 run on 1 hit, while striking out 3. He was awarded a "hold", his 2nd this season, as Oklahoma City beat Albuquerque, 7-4.............In Tacoma, Adrian Cardenas was 1 for 3 for Sacramento, as the River Cats edged the Rainiers, 6-5............In Scranton, Greg Golson was 1 for 2 and scored a run for the Yankees, who beat the Bisons, 5-3. Golson was pinch hit for in the 4th inning, I am not sure why but will look into it......In Durham, R.J. Swindel used just 2 pitches to retire the only hitter he faced in Durham's 8-3 win over Norfolk.................In Binghamton, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats rallied for 2 in the 9th to top the Mets, 2-1. Anthony Gose and Travis d'Arnaud were each 0 for 3 with a walk for the Cats........Jesus Sanchez' scheduled start was rained out in Birmingham Friday and he will pitch in one of the games of Saturday's make up doubleheader.

Notes from Thursday

Bad news for 2 HomeSiders on Thursday, Robinson Tejeda has been placed on the 15-day DL by the Royals with inflammation of his right shoulder. It is retroactive to the 13th, so he would be eligible to return on the 28th. Jason Jaramillo has been optioned to Indianapolis by the Pirates. I am a little surprised by this, but maybe regular action is a good thing for Jaramillo, it could help him stay hot..............In Rochester on Thursday, the IronPigs and Red Wings split 2 games. In the opener, Vance Worley went the mound in the bottom of the 7th a 1-1 tie, and gave up the game winning, walk-off home run to Rochester's Rene Tosoni. Worley ( 1-1, 2.25)ends up with 6 IP, 3 runs, 4 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strike outs. In game 2, the IronPigs scored the tying run in top of the 7th, and won it in the 8th, 5-3. Mike Stutes picked up the win, after he blew the save. Mike went 1.1 innings, and gave up a run on 2 hits and a walk. Mike Zagurski put the finishing touch on it, striking out the side in the bottom of the 8th, to pick up the save!......Greg Golson was 0 for 4 again in Scranton, but the Yankees beat Buffalo Thursday, 6-2. Golson is now 0 for his last 11..............In Gwinnett, Yohan Flande was in the right place at the right time, and took advantage. Flande came into the game in the 5th inning, with Gwinnett leading Charlotte, 2-1. He threw 2.2 innings of scoreless ball, giving up 2 hits and a walk, and was the winning pitcher as the Braves prevailed, 3-1..... Reading dropped the home opener, 5-0, getting just 2 hits against Akron. Tyson Brummett was the loser, entering a scoreless tie in the 8th inning, Brummett allowed 4 hits and a total of 5 runs, only 1 of which was earned. B.J. Rosenberg got the final 4 outs, including striking out the side in a 1-2-3 9th inning for the R-Phils. A single by Freddy Galvis and a double from Matt Rizzotti was all the offense for Reading...........New Hampshire took a 3-2 game in Binghamton. Anthony Gose had a single, a walk and an RBI, but Travis d'Arnaud continues to struggle, going 0 for 4........In Altoona, Mike Dubee threw a scoreless inning to record a hold for the Curve in their 2-0 win over Richmond........In New York, Taylor Buchholz retired 1 hitter and allowed a home to Jonathan Herrera in Colorado's 9-4 win over the Mets.........In Houston, Michael Bourn had hit, stole his 5th base, and drove in the only run of the game as the Astros blanked San Diego, 1-0...............In Washington, Carlos Ruiz hit his 2nd home run of the season, one of 2 hits for him on the day, and scored 2 runs, leading the Phillies to a 4-0 win over the Nationals. O yea, Cliff Lee threw a 3-hit shut out!..............In Viera, the Manatees defeated the Threshers, 9-2 on Thursday. Jiwan James had a double and a home run, and Joe Savery and Travis Mattair had 2 hits each, again. A rough night for Trevor May, 4 IP, 6 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks, and 5 strike outs. Joe Esposito threw 2 scoreless inning of relief. "Espo" has been in 3 games, a total of 6.2 innings so far without allowing a run. Tonight is Brody Colvin's turn, but with Brody on the DL, I think Tyler Cloyd is the likely candidate to make the start, especially if they want use someone already on the roster.........The BlueClaws dropped a 3-0 decision to Greensboro Thursday, splitting that 4-game set before hitting the road for the first time in 2011. Mario Hollands pitched well, but was the hard luck loser. Mario went 6.1 innings, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned, on 6 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5. Hector Neris gave up an UNearned run in his 2.2 innings of relief, fanning 4 Grasshoppers. The bats remain quiet, only singles by Miguel Alvarez, Aaron Altherr, and Edgar Duran.

Wednesday revisited

In Lakewood on a drizzly, cold night, the BlueClaws and Grasshoppers split a pair of games. Greensboro took to opener, 9-2. Ervis Manzanillo, a 19-year old Venezuelan, got his feet wet. In fact, he got soaked. He struggled into the 3rd inning, but was removed after the bases were loaded with nobody out. In all, 2 IP, 7 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, and hopefully, removal of the butterflies. We have had good luck with 19-year Venezuelans here in Lakewood in the past. Back to that later, Bryan Morgado came into the game for Manzanillo, and got out of the inning, allowing 2 of the 3 runners to score. In fairness, he did come in with the bases loaded and nobody out, so he did minimized the damage. In all, Morgado saved Lakewood by throwing 3 innings and only giving up 3 hits. He was charged with 1 run. Chase Johnson finished up and gave up an UNearned run in 2 innings. Johnson struck out 4 hitters, including 3 of the final 4 he faced. Lakewood managed just 4 hits, and scored their runs by stringing 3 of the 4 together in the 3rd inning. A Stephen Batts double, a triple from Anthony Hewitt, and a single by Edgar Duran produced the only scoring for Lakewood. In the second game, a 4-2 Lakewood victory, the BlueClaws found ways to score without getting a lot of hits. They won this game with 3 hits, including a second inning home run from Jim Murphy (his 2nd). A sac fly from Torre Langley, before Geancarlo Mendez stole home, and Anthony Hewitt scored on the ensuing error. Garrett Claypool threw 4 solid innings, giving up just 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 7. The victory went to Juan Sosa, who threw the next 2 shut out frames. Eric Pettis allowed 2 runs, 1 earned, on 2 hits in the 7th...............Our most recent 19-year old Venezuelan, Carlos Monasterios, has been placed on the DL in Albuquerque after just one 4-inning stint last Friday..........Another former 19-year old Venezuelan BlueClaw, Carlos Carrasco made a fine start in Los Angeles Wednesday. In 7 innings of work Carrasco allowed just 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, picking up 5 strike outs. He receives no decision and the Angels win in 12 innings, 4-3..............In Seattle, Kyle Drabek had a difficult start, but battled through 5.2 innings against the Mariners. Kyle held the Mariners to just 2 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks, striking out 5. He threw a total of 114 pitches looked as if he could throw more. No decision for Drabek as the Jays exploded late for an 8-3 win.....In Washington, the Phillies beat the Nationals, 3-2. Ryan Howard picked up his 13th RBI in the 11th game of the year, and Carlos Ruiz had a single and walk, raising his average to .333......In New York, Taylor Buchholz threw a scoreless inning for the Mets, 1 walk, 2 strike outs, but the Rockies won the game, 5-4..........In Houston, Michael Bourn had a walk and scored a run for Houston, in the Cub's 9-5 win over the Astros.............................In Daytona, the Threshers got a win out of the series with a 2-1 decision over the Cubs. It was Daytona's first loss of the season, winning their first 6. With the win, Clearwater improves to 5-2, 1 game behind Daytona. Leandro Castro had 3 hits for Clearwater, and Joe Savery and Travis Mattair each had 2 hits and drove in a run. Go, Moose!! Jonathan Pettibone went 6 excellent innings, giving up just 1 run on 6 hits and 1 walk.............Reading wrapped up their opening road trip with a win in Manchester, beating the Fisher Cats, 4-1, behind strong pitching from Austin Hyatt. Hyatt went 5 innings to record his 2nd win, giving up just 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 3. Chance Chapman (2 IP, 6 straight outs, 2 Ks) and Jacob Diekman (.2 IP 1 hit, 1 K) both recorded "holds", and Phillippe Aumont notched the save, getting 4 outs in a row. Harold Garcia (.323) had 3 hits, including a double and Mike Spidale and Matt Rizzotti drove in a pair of runs each for the R-Phils. Travis d'Arnaud was 1 for 4, and Anthony Gose drove in a run for New Hampshire.................In Scranton, the Buffalo Bisons beat the Yankees 4-0. Greg Golson was 0 for 4 for Scranton and saw his average dip to .304.............In Nashville, Zack Segovia threw a 1-2-3 9th inning for the Sounds in their 6-1 win over Oklahoma City......In Sacramento, Adrian Cardenas had a single and a double and scored 2 runs for the River Cats, who lost to Las Vegas, 6-5. Cardenas average is now up to .455. Josh Outman started the game for Sacramento and threw 58 pitches in just 2 innings. Josh gave up 4 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks and is still struggling with his control. He has not been effective in his 2 starts.

1. major league notes

Michael Bourn had a single, a double, knocked in a run and scored 4 times to lead the Houston Astros to an 11-2 beating of the Cubs........Not so good for Robinson Tejeda Tuesday in Minnesota. Robinson came into the bottom of the 10th inning of a tie game and faced 4 hitters, all of whom reached base (3 hits and a walk) and the game was over before Tejeda could get an out..........The Nationals beat the Phillies in D.C. Tuesday night, 7-4. Ryan Howard did hit his 3rd home run of the season(RBI #12). He also walked and scored another run, and Carlos Ruiz was 1 for 4 for the Phillies. Antonio Bastardo made his first appearance since that outstanding outing last week against the Braves, and walked 2 of the 3 hitters he faced in the game.

2. Long Island native stops Threshers on 1 hit

The Threshers were held to 1 hit on Tuesday, baffled by Daytona's Robert Whitenack. Whitenack, from North Massapequa on Long Island, struck out 12 Threshers, giving up just 1 UNearned run on 1 hit over 6 innings. A trio of relievers finished Clearwater off. Alan Schoenberger got the only hit, a 6th inning triple. Jarred Cosart made the start for Clearwater and went 5 innings. He was charged with 3 runs on 6 hits and a walk, and struck out 3. Ebelin Lugo then allowed 2 runs in his 2 innings, before Jordan Ellis tossed a scoreless 9th............Tim Kennelly's bases loaded walk with 2 outs in the 11th inning gave the Reading Phillies a hard fought 3-2 win over New Hampshire. Matt Rizzotti had 3 more hits, including a double, and is hitting .458! Freddy Galvis added 2 hits, and both Mike Spidale and Steve Susdorf threw out runners on the bases. Anthony Gose had 3 hits for New Hampshire, but Kennelly caught him stealing second in his only attempt. Josh Zeid put in another strong performance, going 6.2 innings, holding the Fisher Cats to 2 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks, picking up 5 Ks. B.J. Rosenberg got out of the 7th, and after getting out of trouble in the 8th, yielded to Justin De Fratus. Justin was outstanding, retiring all 9 hitters he faced, striking out 6 of them to notch the win......Both Lakewood and Lehigh Valley were rained out Tuesday. The IronPigs travel to Rochester Wednesday, the BlueClaws will try to play 2 tonight.

3. everywhere else

In Sacramento on Tuesday night, Adrian Cardenas (.444) had a hit and a walk, and scored a run for the River Cats, but it was not enough, as Las Vegas topped the Cats, 5-3. If my calendar is correct, Wednesday afternoon (3:00, ET if you are near a computer) will be Josh Outman's turn for Sacramento..........In Nashville, Sergio Escalona tossed 2 shut out innings for Oklahoma City in Nashville's 2-1 victory in the nightcap of their doubleheader. Sergio allowed just 1 hit, and struck out 2...........In Rochester, Greg Golson had 2 walks, one of those ignited a 2-run rally for the Yankees in the 3rd inning as they began a comeback from down 3 runs, to winning 5-3...........In Akron, Mike Dubee pitched a scoreless inning for Altoona, walking 1, but striking out the side! Mike gets a "hold" in the Curve's 2-0 win.

Threshers drop first

The Daytona Cubs snapped the Thresher's 4-game winning streak with a 6-5 victory over visiting Clearwater Monday. Julio Rodriguez made the start for Clearwater and only managed to go 3.1 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4. Joe Esposito came on, got out of that jam and worked in and out of trouble for 2.2 innings, without allowing a run to score. Jordan Whatcott, a non-drafted free agent who was signed out of Utah last June, came on and gave up 4 runs in the 7th, before recovering and throwing a scoreless 8th. Joe Savery ( .778, single, double, walk, run scored), Sebastian Valle (single, double, 2 runs, 2 RBI) and Leandro Castro (.474, single, double) continue to lead the offense. Cesar Hernandez, the 20 year old second baseman from Venezuela, is struggling. Hernandez, who played at Williamsport last year, is just 3 for 23 (.130), with 6 strike outs.

Shreve pitches Claws to win

The Lakewood BlueClaws took the opening game of their series from Greensboro, 2-1, behind a strong pitching effort from Colby Shreve. Shreve went 6 innings and allowed just 1 UNearned run on 4 hits and 1 walk, picking up 7 strike outs. He was at his most impressive right at the end of his stint. Greensboro had runners at 2nd and 3rd, with 1 out and BlueClaws leading, 2-1. Shreve seized control, and struck out Marcell Ozuna and Aaron Dudley, both swinging. Tyler Knigge threw 2 perfect innings and Eric Pettis threw a 1-2-3 9th to get the save. Lakewood's offense continues to struggle, but they got just enough to win on Monday. A first inning double by Zack Collier, a ground out by Edgar Duran moving him to 3rd, and a sacrifice fly from Jeremy Barnes got Lakewood on the board in the first frame. A double by Aaron Altherr, and a single from Anthony Hewitt provided the 2nd tally. It was the first hit of the season for both of those guys. Considering they have only scored 5 runs in 4 games, I cannot complain about being 2-2.

Overbeck gets 5 hits!

The Reading Phillies rolled into Manchester, New Hampshire and unloaded on the Fisher Cats. Reading accumulated 18 hits en route to a convincing 13-1 win. Cody Overbeck was the offensive star, going 5 for 5, including a double and his third home run of the year, driving in 3 and scoring 2. Cody is up to .500. Matt Rizzotti (.421) was 3 for 4 and a walk, including his first home run driving in 2 and scoring 4 times himself. Go Rizz!! Derrick Mitchell was 1 for 4, -but it was a grand slam home run, Mike Spidale had 3 hits (and stole a base), raising his average to .313, and Harold Garcia had 2 knocks. Relaxed by the support, J.C. Ramirez threw a strong 7 innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and a walk, Phillippe Aumont finished it off with 2 scoreless inning, only 1 walk, 3 Ks. Neither Anthony Gose or Travis d'Arnaud got a hit for New Hampshire..............In Allentown, Scott Mathieson had some bad luck and gave up 2 runs (only 1 earned) on 4 hits and 2 walks in 1.2 innings against Syracuse. It was a missed save opportunity, and Scott was relieved by Mike Zagurski, who slammed the door. When the Pigs rallied for the win, "Z-man" was awarded the victory!

Colvin update

Brody Colvin was removed early from his start the other day and reports are that he felt some stiffness in his back. While not great news, it is certainly encouraging that it not an arm or shoulder issue. Brody is on the 7-day DL and will miss at least his next start for Clearwater.

Golson, Cardenas stay hot!

Michael Bourn had a double and scored a run for Houston, but the Cubs beat the Astros, 5-4. Mike is hitting just .250 over the first 10 games..........In Chattanooga, Will Savage made his first start for the Lookouts, only lasting 4 innings. Will allowed 5 runs on 7 hits, including 3 home runs, walking 1 and striking out 1, as Chattanooga beat the Tennessee Smokies, 6-5 in a game shortened to 6 innings for an undisclosed reason(?)......In Jacksonville, Darren Byrd came into the 6th inning with 2 outs and got out of the inning after walking a hitter for Huntsville. The Stars rallied for 4 in the top of the 9th to defeat the Suns, 4-1.......In Rochester, Andy Baldwin made his debut for the RedHawks and the got spanked by the Yanks. Andy did not get out of the 4th inning, going just 3.2 innings and giving up 9 runs on 10 hits, including 3 home runs, in Scranton's 11-0 beating of Rochester. 1 of the 3 home runs was hit by Greg Golson (his 2nd), who also had a single, a triple, and a walk, driving in 3 runs and raising his average to a robust .438!........In Charlotte, R. J. Swindel blew a save opportunity, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in 1.1 innings, as the Knights scored 4 times in the final 3 frames to overcome the Bulls, 4-3...........In Sacramento, Adrian Cardenas had a single and a triple, driving in a run for River Cats in their 6-3 loss to Vegas. "A.C." is hitting .467 for Sacramento.

trifecta!

The trifecta of Floyd, Happ & Hamels came in big time Sunday as all 3 former BlueClaws pitched lights out to pick up a win each. So twice through the rotation, the "BlueClaw 5" -Carrasco, Drabek , and the 3 aforementioned - have each recorded a win and look to be on track going forward. Lets start with our ace, Cole Hamels. Cool Cole went 7 superb innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 8 Braves in the Phillie's 3-0 win. Carlos Ruiz was 2 for 3, raising his average to .346, and Ryan Howard did not get a hit, but still managed to drive in a run, his 11th RBI in the first 9 games. The Phillies, by the way, are 7-2..........Moving on to the original golden boy, Gavin Floyd. Gavin went 8 excellent frames, giving up just 1 UNearned run on 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 8 Rays, as the White Sox prevailed over Tampa, 6-1...........Not to be outdone, Jay Happ went 7.2 innings against Florida, allowing 1 run on 4 hits and 4 walks, striking out 5 as Houston won, 7-1. As I look at all 3 stat lines, I am startled at the similarity....Michael Bourn had 2 doubles and a walk, and scored a run for the Astros...........In Detroit, Robinson Tejeda threw a shut out inning for the Royals as Kansas City continues to make their case that they are for real, topping the Tigers, 9-5. The Royals are off to a 6-3 start...........In New York, Taylor Buchholz had a shaky outing, facing 5 hitters and walking 3 of them. No runs scored, but the Mets lost anyway to the Nationals, 7-3...........In Seattle, Lou Marson had a walk and a double and scored a run as the Indians beat the Mariners, 6-2. After an off 2010, Marson is out to show he is back, hitting .500 in the early going for the upstart Indians, who are now 7-2!

Threshers rally for sweep!

The Clearwater Threshers scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 7th to defeat the Dunedin Blue Jays, 5-4 Sunday afternoon and complete then season opening 4-game sweep. Joe Savery was 2 for 3, and is 12 for 15 to start the year (his average is DOWN to .800!), but it was home runs by Leandro Castro (3rd) and Kyle Lafrenz (2nd) that were the big blows. Brody Colvin started and struggled, making it through just 2 inning, and giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits and a walk before being removed. I will try to find out why he came out of the game (injury?). In any event, the bullpen picked up the slack, starting with Tyler Cloyd, who threw the next 4 frames, yielding just 1 run on 4 hits, NO walks, striking out 4. Ebelin Lugo pitched the top of the 7th, and picked up the win when Castro and Lafrenz went deep in the bottom half. Jordan Ellis notched his 2nd "hold" with a scoreless 8th and Derrick Loop recorded the save. D'Arby Myers contributed by throwing out a runner at second base......................In Portland, the Sea Dogs shut out Reading, 2-0, holding the R-Phils to just 5 hits, 2 by Tuffy Gosewisch. Tuffy is off to a hot start, hitting .500 for the first 4 games. After being plunked in the head on Friday, Freddy Galvis retuned to the line-up Sunday, so hopefully all is well on that front. Chris Kissock started and pitched well (you cannot win if your team does not score- more on that point later, Lakewood fans) putting in 6 good innings and giving up 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 2. Tyson Brummett and Jacob Diekman pitched shut out ball over the final 2 innings........Back in Lakewood the BlueClaws dropped a doubleheader to Kannapolis, 2-0 in 16 innings in the opener, and 4-1 in the nightcap. So the BlueClaws have scored a total of 3 runs in their first 31 innings of play, fortunate to get 1 win. Let's look at the pitching, which is where the good news is. David Buchanan was great in his opening appearance, tossing 7 shut out innings, and giving up just 3 hits, NO walks and struck out 4. Juan Sosa (2 IP), Garrett Claypool (3 IP) and Chase Johnson (2 IP) were all great and Hector Neris looked impressive in the 15th, before giving up a long 2-run home run to catcher Michael Blanke to settle the issue. Lakewood had numerous opportunities to score and left 11 men on base, going 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position. In the nightcap, Jessie Biddle made his way through 4.2 innings of work, giving up 2 runs (only 1 earned) on 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 3. Bryan Morgado finished up the final 2.1, allowing 2 UNearned runs on 3 hits, NO walks, and struck out 2. Overall, it was a tough opening series for Lakewood, who will welcome Greensboro to FirstEnergy Park Monday night.........In Allentown Sunday, Drew Carpenter tossed 2 shut out inning for the IronPigs in their 2-0 loss to Syracuse.

around the minors........

The Sacramento River Cats scored 7 runs in the 2nd inning and cruised to an 11-3 win over Tacoma on Sunday. Adrian Cardenas had 2 hits and a walk and drove in 2 runs for Sacramento. "A.C." is hitting .455 after the first series of the season...........In Nashville, Zack Segovia pitched the final 2 innings of the Sounds 4-3, 14 inning loss to New Orleans, giving up the winning run, on 2 hits and 2 walks. Zack also struck out 2.............In Rochester, Greg Golson had a hit and a walk, and scored a run in for Scranton, as the Yankees beat the home team, 7-5................Down in Gwinnett, Yohan Flande came out of the bullpen for the Braves and threw 4 effective innings, allowing just and UNearned run on 2 hits, NO walks, and struck out 2 in the Braves 11 inning, 5-4 win over Durham..........In Manchester, Travis d'Anaud got his first hit of the year, a double and a walk and scored a run for the Fisher Cats in their 5-0 blanking of Trenton. Travis also threw out a runner attempting to steal. Anthony Gose was 1 for 5 for New Hampshire. Also I overlooked Bobby Korecky's appearance in Saturday's game for New Hampshire. Korecky allowed a run on 2 walks, recording 2 outs........

big Sunday for HomeSiders

According to my calendar, Cole Hamels, Gavin Floyd and Jay Happ will all make major league starts this afternoon, while in the minors, Chris Kissock gets the ball for Reading, Brody Colvin will go to the hill for Clearwater, and David Buchanan and Jessie Biddle will throw in the doubleheader in Lakewood.

Chooch slams Braves

Carlos Ruiz hit a pinch hit grand slam home run, and then stayed in the game and doubled in another run in the Phillies 10-2 win over the Braves. Ryan Howard had a single and a walk and drove in his 10th run in the first 8 games, as the Phillies improved to 6-2 on the year.........In Detroit, Robinson Tejeda retired the only hitter he faced, recording a "hold" in the Royal's 3-1 win over the Tigers.............In Pittsburgh, Jason Jaramillo came into the game late and singled in his only at bat in the Pirate's 6-4 loss to Colorado. "J.J." is off to a .357 start in the early going!......In Houston, the Astros woes continued, as they dropped a 7-5 decision to the Marlins. Michael Bourn had a single and a walk, and scored a run as Houston fell to 1-7............In Minnesota, Gio Gonzalez threw 6 shut out innings for Oakland, allowing just 4 hits and 2 walk, striking out 4 in the Athletic's 1-0 win over the Twins. Gio is 2-0, with a 0.62 ERA through his first 2 starts..........In New York, Taylor Buchholz used only 7 pitches to throw a 1-2-3 7th inning to get a "hold" in the Mets' 8-4 win over the Nats.

Savery, Rizz stay hot

Joe Savery continues his early season rampage for the Threshers, picking up 4 more hits Saturday in Clearwater's 4-2 win in Dunedin. Savery is now an unconscious 10 for 12 (that's .833), leading the Threshers to a 3-0 start. Cesar Hernandez added 3 hits and Jiwan James chipped in with 2 hits and a walk. Trevor May started for Clearwater and went 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits and 1 walk, striking out 4 and receiving no decision..........Reading rapped out 17 hits in their 13-5 win over Portland. Outfielder Chris Frey had a single, 2 doubles and a home run, driving in 4 runs out of the lead off spot. Matt Rizzotti had 3 doubles and a walk, and is hitting .455 through 3 games, Cody Overbeck had 3 more hits, including his 2nd dinger, Derrick Mitchell and Fidel Hernandez had 2 hits apiece and Harold Garcia hit his first home run of the year in the first inning, to start a 4-run rally. Mike Cisco pitched the final 4 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 4 to record the save..................In Allentown, Mike Zagurski threw a scoreless 8th inning, and Mike Stutes came on for the 9th and 10th. Stutes was charged with the loss, giving up an UNearned run in the top of the10th on 1 hit and 1 walk. He struck out 4 hitters, as Syracuse prevailed 2-1.

Golson goes deep

In Rochester, Greg Golson had a home run and a walk for Scranton in the Yankees' 12 inning 7-6 loss to the RedHawks..........In Nashville, the Sound beat new Orleans, 8-1. Zack Segovia gave up the run on 2 hits in the 9th inning..........Over in Memphis, Sergio Escalona came into the game for Oklahoma City with his team trailing 3-2 and was knocked around for 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in the RedBirds 6-2 win.........In Jacksonville, Jesus Sanchez made his first start of the year for Huntsville and went 6 good innings, giving up just 2 runs on 2 hit and 3 walks to post the win in the Stars 9-2 win over the Suns.......In Manchester, Anthony Gose was 0 for 4 in the Fisher Cat's 4-1 win over Trenton..........In Erie, Mike Dubee retired all 4 hitters he faced, getting the final 5 outs of the Curve's 6-2 win over the Sea Wolves to notch a save.

Carrasco, Bastardo shine

Carlos Carrasco picked up his first win of 2011 late Friday night in Seattle as the Indians scored 10 runs in the 4th innings and Carrasco cruised to the 12-3 victory. Carlos went 6, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6............At the same time, in Anaheim, Kyle Drabek made is second strong start of the year for Toronto, tossing 6 good frames for the Jays, and giving up just 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits and 4 walks, striking out 5 in the Blue Jays 3-2. He did not receive the win last night, but has posted an impressive 1.38 ERA through his first 2 starts. I know the Phillies have a good rotation, but how bad could it have been with these 2 home grown youngsters?!.........Speaking of the Phillies, the Fightin' ones took an early 3-0 lead last night in Atlanta, but Cliff Lee could not hold it. Unable to get out of the 4th inning, Lee was relieved by Kyle Kendrick, who gave up just 1 hit over 1.2 innings of work. The hit did allow 2 inherited runners to score, but Kyle minimized the damage, doing his job keeping Philadelphia in the game. But the star of the night was Antonio Bastardo. Bastardo came on to open the 6th inning and promptly gave up a single to Chipper Jones, which was hit #2500 for Jones. He then slammed the door on the Braves, striking out the next 6 hitters he faced before leaving the game. Ryan Howard drove in a run with a first inning sacrifice fly, picking up his 9th RBI in the 7th game so far. Carlos Ruiz had 2 hits and scored a run for the Phillies, but the Braves prevailed in the end, 6-3..........Jason Jaramillo made his 3rd start in 7 games for the Pirates so far, a good sign that he will get more playing time this year. He also got the benefit of a 14 inning contest, which afforded him 6 at bats. He got 2 hits and an RBI and was 1 for 2 throwing out runners. The Pirates got the walk-off win, 4-3.......Michael Bourn was 1 for 4 and stole his 2nd base of the year in the Astros' 4-3 loss to the Marlins. Houston has lost 6 of their first 7..........The worse news comes from Phoenix, where Matt Maloney was lit up by the Diamondbacks. Maloney lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up 6 hits, including 3 home runs, and a walk, and all 7 of the base runners scored in Arizona's 13-2 win over Cincinnati.

HomeSiders on both ends

In Gwinnett, Georgia, the Durham Bulls beat the Braves 5-3 in 12 innings. Yohan Flande recorded the final 2 outs for the Braves in the 12th inning after all0wing 2 inherited runners to score the go ahead runs, and R.J. Swindel came in for the Bulls to pick up the save............Carlos Monasterios made his AAA debut for Albuquerque and it was forgettable. "Monte" gave up 4 earned runs (6 altogether) on 9 hits and 4 walks (and a wild pitch) in just 4 innings of work in the Isotopes' 10-6 win over Omaha. Carlos threw 80 pitches, 47 for strikes and struck out 2...........Tacoma topped Sacramento, 3-1, holding the River Cats to just 4 hits, Adrian Cardenas taking an 0 for 4 for Sacramento.......In Manchester, the Fisher Cats came from behind to edge Trenton 8-7. Anthony Gose (1 for 5) and Travis d'Arnaud (0 for 4) did not have much participation, though d'Arnaud did pick off a runner at second base............In Jacksonville, the Huntsville Stars dropped a 5-4 decision to the Suns, but Darren Byrd did throw 2 scoreless inning in relief for the Stars. Byrd allowed just 1 hit, and struck out 4!

Hyatt, Pettibone notch wins.

The Lakewood BlueClaws and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs were both rained out of their games on Friday night, but the Reading Phillies got their first win with a 7-5 win over Portland. Austin Hyatt was the starter and winning pitcher, throwing 5 good inning in which he gave up 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5. Brian Rosenberg allowed a run in 2 innings, and Chance Chapman threw a scoreless frame, before Justin De Fratus allowed 3 runs in the 9th. Matt Rizzotti and Tuffy Gosewisch had 2 hits each for Reading, who got a 3-run home run from Cody Overbeck in the 3rd inning and coasted most of the way. Freddy Galvis was struck in the head in his at bat in the second inning and was removed from the game an inning later, Fidel Hernandez taking over at shortstop.............In Clearwater, Jonathan Singleton, Sebastian Valle and Joe Savery had 2 hits each and Leandro Castro hit a 2-run homer, as the Threshers topped the Dunedin Blue Jays, 3-1. Jonathan Pettibone got the win, throwing 5 shut out innings, giving up just 2 hits, NO walks, and picking up 6 Ks. Joe Esposito (2 IP, 1 hit, 3K) and Jordan Ellis (1 IP, 1 hit, 1K) both threw scoreless relief.

Yo, Adrian!

Adrian Cardenas had 2 singles and a double, and scored 2runs to lead the Sacramento River Cats to a 6-2 win Thursday night in Tacoma. Josh Outman was the starter and threw 90 pitches through 4 innings of work, giving up 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits and 4 walks (too many), striking out 3. A little better control and he may have gotten through 5, to qualify for a win........In Memphis, Sergio Escalona recorded 2 out for Oklahoma City in the RedHawks 8-7 win over the Redbirds and was awarded a "hold". He walked 1 and struck out 1.

Pigs win!!

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are over .500 for the first time in team history, defeating the Scranton Yankees, 7-2 in Allentown. Vance Worley was strong for 6 innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 9! Mike Stutes recorded 4 outs in the game, with 3 Ks, and Scott Mathieson threw the 9th, allowing a run on a hit and a walk. Of the 4 hits Worley allowed, 2 were by Greg Golson, a single and double.......In Gwinnett, the Braves edged the Durham Bulls, 2-1, but R.J. Swindel threw a scoreless inning for Durham.

Dogs edge R-Phils

The Portland Sea Dogs defeated the Reading Phillies 4-3 in Maine Thursday night in the opener for both clubs. Josh Zeid was the starter and losing pitcher, working 5 innings and giving up 4 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5. Tyson Brummett threw 2 scoreless frames, then Jacob Diekman retired 2 and walked 2. Harold Garcia had 2 hits for Reading and Tuffy Gosewisch hit his first home run of the year. Freddy Galvis drove in the other 2 runs......Also in the Eastern League, Mike Dubee came into a tie game in the 8th inning for Altoona and surrendered the winning run in the 9th in Erie's 3-2 win over the Curve. Dubee threw 1.2 innings, giving up the 1 run on 2 hits. He struck out 3 of his 5 outs.......In Manchester, the Trenton Thunder defeated the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 5-1. Anthony Gose was 1 for 3 for New Hampshire and stole 2 bases. Travis d'Anaud was 0 for 4 for the Cats.

Threshers pound Jays, 10-1

Led by Joe Savery's 4, Clearwater put up 15 hits and won their opener 10-1 over the Blue Jays in Dunedin. Jonathan Singleton and Leandro Castro added 3 hits each and Darrin Ruf hit his first home run of the season for the Threshers. Jarred Cosart went 6 strong innings, giving up just 2 hits and 4 walks (1 plunk) , striking out 2 to qualify for the win. Tyler Cloyd surrendered a run in 2 innings of work and Ebelin Lugo threw a perfect 9th. The 2 teams will move over to Clearwater for the Thresher's home opener Friday.