Savage sharp!

Will Savage had another excellent outing for the Chattanooga Lookouts Saturday, going 7 strong innings and allowing only an UNearned run on 5 hits, NO walks, striking out 4 as the Lookouts beat Jackson, 3-2. Will improves to 11-3, 3.51 for the Dodgers' affiliate............In Birmingham, Darren Byrd (3.68) and Jesus Sanchez (5.13) each threw a shut out inning for Huntsville in the Star's 7-1 win over the Barons.............In Zebulon, Quintin Berry (.278) had a hit and a walk, stole his 21st base, scored a run and drove in another to help the Mudcats to a 4-2 thriumph over Jacksonville.

Reading swept

In Manchester, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats swept a doubleheader from Reading by scoring 2 in the bottom of the 7th to steal game 2, 3-2. In the first game, a 2-run home run (#14) by Travis d'Arnaud helped the Cats to a 4-3 win. (Travis (.319) was 2 for 5 and a walk on the day) Bobby Korecky (2.34) threw a 1-2-3 top of the 7th to save it for the Cats, his 10th of the year. Anthony Gose (.253) had a double and a walk, scored a run and drove in another, and stole his 48th base of the year.

For Reading, Mike Spidale (.319) was 2 for 4, and walked twice, scoring 3 of Reading's 5 runs on the day. Freddy Galvis was 3 for 8 and scored the other 2. Each of them stole a base. Matt Rizzotti (.292) had an RBI hit in each game (64 on the year).

J.C. Ramirez (8-11, 4.34) lost the first game, working 6 innings, and allowing all 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7. Tyler Cloyd (3.36) was great in the second game, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits, NO walks and 3 Ks over 5 innings, Jacob Diekman (3.42) threw a scoreless 6th, and then Justin Friend gave up the winning runs and gave the Cats the sweep.

Bourn to Braves; Donald recalled

The fire sale goes on in Houston, Michael Bourn has been traded to the Atlanta Braves for 4 players, and goes from the worst team in the league to the playoff race. Bourn is hitting .303 and went 1 for 4 in his final game with Astros last night, a 6-2 loss in Milwaukee. Jay Happ allowed 5 runs, but only 2 earned, on 10 hits, NO walks in 5 innings of work to fall to 4-13 on the season.

In Philadelphia, Ryan Howard (.254) was 4 for 4, including 2 doubles and his 21st home run and knocked in 3 runs (81 RBI) in the Phillies' 7-4 win over the Pirates. Carlos Ruiz (.265) added a single and a double and also drove in a run (#24). Antonio Bastardo (1.37) struck out the only hitter he faced, giving him his 8th hold, to go with 3 wins and 8 saves (in 8 tries).

With the Indian's trade of Orlando Cabrera, they have recalled Jason Donald to the big club.

Phils activate Polanco,option Brown

Domonic Brown will not lose any at bats after all, he has been optioned back to Lehigh Valley with Placido Polanco's activation off the DL.

Murph hits #21

The Lakewood BlueClaws dropped their 2nd straight game to begin this crucial road trip, 11-5 to the Power in Charleston. Jim Murphy (.277) had 2 hits, including his 21st home run of the year. This leaves big Jim just 1 short of the single season record of 22 set way back in 2001 by Juan Richardson. Domingo Santana (.266) also had 2 hits, including a double, and Cameron Rupp kept up his hot hitting, belting his 3rd dinger of the year in the losing cause.

Lisalberto Bonilla (5 runs, 4 earned in 5 IP), Mario Hollands (2 runs, 1 earned, 1 IP) and Chase Johnson (4 runs, 5 hits, 2 IP) were all hit hard.

Before the big trade was announced, Jonathan Singleton played his final game for Clearwater and had 2 more hits in the Thresher's 2-1 win over Palm Beach. Singleton hit .284 for the Threshers this year, and the HomeSide wishes Jonathan all the luck in the world!!

Trevor May was outstanding for Clearwater, throwing 7.1 innings and allowing just 1 run on only 2 hits and 4 walks, striking out 8 to pick up his 8th win of the year.........Mike Zagurski (2.33) tossed 2 shut out innings for the IronPigs in their 4-3 loss to Pawtucket.


In Zebulon, Quintin Berry (.277) had 2 hits and scored a run for Carolina, helping the Mudcats to a 6-2 win over Jacksonville.........In Omaha, the Storm Chasers beat Albuquerque, 10-1. Robinson Tejeda (3.52) threw a scoreless inning despite allowing 2 hits and a walk (2 Ks helped).......In Reno, Kyle Drabek managed to get a win for Las Vegas, going 6 innings and giving up 5 runs on 10 hits and 2 walks. All 5 runs scored in the 2nd inning, but Kyle settled in and went 4 more frames not allowing anything more. Maybe he is coming around. Kevin Howard (.289) was 1 for 5 with 2 RBI and a run scored for the 51s...................In Durham, Yohan Flande (7-5, 3.64) threw 6.1 shut out innings for Gwinnett, allowing only 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 8 for the Braves in their 5-0 win over the Bulls.................In Louisville, Matt Maloney started for the Bats and went 4 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. He walked 2 and hit a batter, striking out 4 and receiving no decision in the Bats 8-3 win over Rochester.

assignments

The Corpus Christi Hooks have released a press notice stating that Jarred Cosart and Josh Zeid will be assigned to the Texas League team. The pair will join Jonathan Villar on the Hooks roster. Villar was 1 for 4, a double in Friday's 3-2 loss at Midland.


Jonathan Singleton has been assigned originally to the Lancaster JetHawks of the California League, but I would not be surprised to see him join Corpus Christi before the end of the year.

Gavin sharp again

Gavin Floyd followed up 7+ shut out innings last week against Cleveland by throwing 7 innings of 1-run, 3-hit ball as the White Sox beat the Red Sox, 3-1. Floyd walked 2 and struck out 6, recording his 9th win of the year for Chicago. Carlos Carrasco, who lost that game to Gavin last week, had another disaster Friday in Cleveland, bombed for 7 on 7 hits and 3 walks in just 3.1 innings of work, and when the pitch after Melky Cabrera's grand slam went over the head of Bill Butler, Carlos was appropriately ejected, his frustration very much in evidence. Carrasco is now 8-9, 4.67 for the fading Indians. Lou Marson (.237) was 0 for 3 for the Tribe.

In Milwaukee, Michael Bourn's (.304) hitting strerak was snapped at 13 with an 0 for 4 in the Astros' 4-0 loss to the Brewers. Sergio Escalona pitched to 1 hitter and allowed a base hit.

In Philadelphia, the Phillies overwhelmed the Pirates, 10-3 in celebration of their acquisition of Hunter Pence. Domonic Brown, who looks to be the man who will lose at bats in the short run, had a hit, and RBI and scored 2 runs for the Phillies. Ryan Howard had double, an RBI (#78) and also scored a run. Andrew Carpenter gave up the 3 runs on 3 hits in just 1 inning of work, but the outcome was long decided by then.

The win by Floyd was #65 for the HomeSide.

Cosart, Singleton & Zeid traded

The Phillies have reportedly acquired Hunter Pence from the Astros in exchange for Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singleton, Josh Zeid and 1 player to be named later. The trio join Michael Bourn, Jay Happ, Sergio Ecalona, and Jonathan Villar as former BlueClaws in the Houston system.

Hyatt, Cosart victorious

Matt Rizzotti (.291) hit a 2-run home run in the first inning (#19), 1 of his 3 hits on the night, and the Reading Phillies never looked back, topping New Hampshire 6-1 in the opener of their showdown series in Manchester. Rizzotti also had a single, a double, 2 walks, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Mike Spidale (.317) had his 2nd consecutive 3-hit game (2 singles and a triple), and Freddy Galvis (.270) was 3 for 4 including his 8th home run of the year.

Austin Hyatt (10-5, 3.88) was the winner, putting in 6 strong innings, which yielded just 1 UNearned run on 4 hits and 2 walks. Hyatt struck out 6 before Mike Cisco, Jacob Diekman and Josh Zeid all tossed hitless relief. Reading is now 2 games behind the Fisher Cats. J.C. Ramirez will get the ball Friday.

I missed the note earlier this week that red hot Steve Susdorf had been put on the DL with a right knee sprain.

In Clearwater, Jarred Cosart pitched the Threshers to a 3-1 win over Bradenton, throwing 7 shut out innings, allowing just 6 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4 to notch his 9th win of the season. The 3 RBI went to the bottom 3 in the batting order; Cesar Hernandez, Troy Hanzawa, and Brian Gump.

In Springdale, Edgar Garcia (0-1, 3.27) threw 4 innings for the Naturals, surrendering 3 runs on 5 hits and a walk, and suffered the loss in a 5-1 Tulsa victory.........In Tacoma, the Sacramento River Cats took a 5-4 decision from the Rainiers. Adrian Cardenas (.298) had a hit, a walk, and an RBI, and Michael Taylor (.288) had 2 hits and a walk, and 2 RBI for the Cats. Taylor also gunned down 2 runners at home plate to help reserve the victory.............In Buffalo, Greg Golson (.280) had a hit, a walk, an RBI, and stole 2 bases to help Scranton top the Bisons, 6-3............Kevin Howard (.294) came off the DL for Las Vegas, going 0 for 5 in the 51's 8-6 loss in Reno.


In Corpus Christi, Jonathan Villar's hitting streak came to an end at 10, with an 0 for 4 game in the Hook's 7-5 win over San Antonio.

Freak stops Phils; Bourn up to 13

In St. Louis Thursday, Michael Bourn (.306) extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a single, a double, 2 walks, and stolen base #39, which leads the majors. He also scored a run in Houston's 5-3 win over the Cards. Sergio Escalona (2.70) recorded a "hold" (his 4th) with a 1-2-3 (1 K) 8th inning.

In Philadelphia, Tim "The Freak" Lincecum shut down the Phillies, and the Giants took a 4-1 victory, and the series 2 games to 1. It was the first time the Phillies lost back-to-back games at home since early May. Kyle Kendrick (5-5, 3.52) pitched well, keeping the Phillies in the game most of the way, and had some bad luck at the end. He allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks in 6.1 innings of work. Carlos Ruiz (.265) had a double and a walk, and scored the Phillies' only run. Ruiz has been quietly coming on, hitting .333 in July. Michael Stutes (3.11) threw a 1-2-3 frame in the 8th for the Phillies.

Reading, New Hampshire open big series Thursday

In Reading, Mike Spidale (.313) had 3 of Reading's 4 hits, including a home run (his 3rd), but Altoona edged the R-Phils, 3-2. Tyson Brummett (2-5, 3.34) started and was charged with all 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks over 6 innings, and B.J. Rosenberg came out of the pen to throw 2 scoreless frames, (2 HBP, 3 Ks). Mike Dubee threw a 1-2-3 8th inning for Altoona. Reading falls 3 games behind New Hampshire, who split a doubleheader with New Britain. The Rock Cats won the opener, 7-6, and the Fisher Cats won the nightcap, 17-3. Travis d'Arnuad (.318) was 3 for 5 (including a double and home run #13) in the second game, scoring 2 runs and driving in 5. Anthony Gose was 2 for 10, with a triple, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI (and an outfield assist) in the doubleheader. The 2 teams square off tonight in Manchester!!


In Clearwater, Bradenton topped the Threshers, 6-1. Brody Colvin (2-5.3.96) started and went 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks. After a scoreless 6th by Eric Pettis (3.26), Ebelin Lugo gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in 1.1 innings of work. Darin Ruf (.312) had the only 2-hit game and the only RBI (#62) for Clearwater.


In Zebulon, Quintin Berry (.278) was 1 for 3 with a walk, scored a run and threw out a runner at home for Carolina, who lost to Jacksonville, 5-4...............In Corpus Christi, Jonathan Villar extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a double in the Hooks' 12-6 loss to San Antonio........In Louisville, Andy Baldwin threw 5.1 innings of shut out ball for Rochester, allowing 4 hits and 2 walks, but the Bats won, 1-0 in 10 innings............In New Orleans, Jesus Merchan (.269) had a double and scored a run during the Zephyrs' 7-run 3rd-inning rally en route to a 7-3 win over the Cubs........In Oklahoma City, the RedHawks beat Nashville, 6-3. Zack Segovia (3.72) tossed a 1-2-3 9th inning for the Sounds.

Bourn up to 12 straight

In St Louis, Michael Bourn (.304) extended his hitting streak to 12 games with 2 hits for Houston, and then walked and scored a run in the 9th inning game-winning rally. Bourn also had a runner thrown out at home, but Houston catcher Carlos Corporan dropped the throw. Michael has reached base in 10 of his last 20 plate appearances (8 hits, 2 walks), and is hitting .411 (23 for 56) during the streak!

In Philadelphia, Matt Cain was just a bit better than Cole Hamels, and the Giants took a 2-1 victory to even their series with the Phillies at a game each. Hamels (12-6, 2.61) went 7.2 innings, and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and 1 walk, and struck out 6. Cain was just a little better, giving Philadelphia just 1 UNeraned run on 4 hits and 1 walk over 7. Domonic Brown (.251) had 1 of the 4 hits, and Antonio Bastardo (1.38) threw a 1-2-3 9th inning.

In Toronto, Alfredo Simon (2-4) went 5 innings for Baltimore and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7 and losing, 3-0 to Ricky Romero and the Jays.

And a big thumbs up for Ervin Santana, throwing a no-hitter for the Angels against the Indians Wednesday afternoon.

perfect game!

Justin Germano threw the first 9-inning perfect game in the International League since 2003, leading the Columbus Clippers to a 3-0 win over the Chiefs in Syracuse. Jason Donald (.318) had a double in 4 at bats for Columbus.

In Allentown, the IronPigs scored 2 in the 10th on RBI hits by Brandon Moss and Josh Barfield in an 8-7, come-from-behind win over Pawtucket. Joe Savery threw a scoreless inning, and Mike Schwimer (7-1, 1.84) was the winner, despite allowing a run in the top of the 10th frame..........In Clearwater, the Threshers hit 5 home runs, including 2 by Moose Mattair, in their 10-2 pounding of Bradenton. Moose also had a double and drove in 5 runs. Jonathan Singleton (#9), Cesar Henandez (4), and Troy Hanzawa (3) also went deep for Clearwater. Julio Rodriguez went 5 good innings, allowing just 1 UNearned run on 6 hits and 1 walk, striking out 7 to improve to 13-6, 3.03 on the year. Mike McGuire has his 2nd straight good outing, throwing 2 perfect innings.

In Reading, Altoona shut out the R-Phils on 5 hits, 5-0 Tuesday. Joe Esposito was the starter for Reading and gave up all 5 runs on 7 hits over 5 innings. Chris Kissock threw a scoreless inning and Jacob Diekman threw 2 innings (1 walk, 4 Ks). The loss drops Reading 2.5 games behind New Hampshire, who took a 5-4 win in New Britain. Anthony Gose had a hit and 2 walks for the Fisher Cats. Trenton stays 1.5 games back, and moves 1 game ahead of Reading with a 4-3 win in Akron. Only 2 of these 3 will make the playoffs.

After a first inning that featured 2 hits, 2 walks, a wild pitch, and a throwing error, Joe Bisenius settled down, and threw a total of 6 innings, slamming the door on Indianapolis and allowing just 1 more base runner the entire outing en route to a 5-4 win. Joe is now 3-0, with a very nice 1.70 ERA for Charlotte in 8 starts. Jason Jaramillo drove in 1 of those first inning runs for Indianapolis with a sac fly.......In Buffalo, Scranton topped the Bisons, 11-2. Greg Golson (.280) scored 3 runs for the Yankees, and threw out a runner at home..........In Oklahoma City, Zack Segovia (3.80) threw a scoreless inning for Nashville, who scored 2 in the 8, 2 in the 9th and 2 in the 10 for an 11-9 win over the RedHawks...............In Tacoma, Josh Outman (7-1) threw 5 more shut out innings (3 hits, NO walks) for Sacramento in their 6-4 win over the Rainiers. Michael Taylor (.288, .452 over the last 10 games) homered for the 2nd straight day, his 12th of the year........In Corpus Christi, Jonathan Villar had 2 more hits, scoring a run and driving 1 in, to extend his current hitting streak to 9 games. Villar is 14 for 33 (.424) over the 9 games.

Ace in the hole?

Vance Worley pitched a complete game (his first in the majors), allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5 to improve to 7-1, 2.02 on the season. Worley's emergence as the real deal will leave the Phillies with an interesting dilemma when Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton both return to the team! Ryan Howard had a double and home run #20, driving in 2 more for a total of 77. It was 1 of 4 long balls by Philadelphia, who took the opener of the NLCS rematch, 7-2.

The win for Worley was #64 for the HomeSide.

In St. Louis, Michael Bourn (.302) had a single, a double, a walk, stole his 38th base, and scored the Houston's only run in their 3-1 loss to the Cardinals. Bourn is on an 11-game hitting streak, including 6 for his last 14.

Susdorf, Taylor, Valle, & Villar.

Darin Ruf homered for the 3rd straight day (#11) , and Sebastian Valle had 3 hits, including his 4th home run of the season, as the Clearwater Threshers beat Bradenton, 5-4 Monday. Travis Mattair and Cesar Hernandez (2 RBI) added 2 hits each for the Threshers, who got another great effort from Jonathan Pettibone. Pettibone (2.81) went 6 good innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 4. Clearwater is 15-16 in the second half (54-46 overall), trailing first place Tampa by 2 games.............In Reading, RBI by Tim Kennelly and Carlos Rivero in the bottom of the 9th gave the R-Phils a come-from-behind 5-4 win over Altoona, and making a winner of Mike Cisco (6-0, 1.99). Steve Susdorf had 3 more hits (2 doubles), raising his average to .339. Reading has won 7 of their last 10, and at 54-48, are only 1.5 games behind first place New Hampshire, who lost again to New Britain. Anthony Gose had homered in the top of the 13th inning to give the Fisher Cats a 5-3 lead, but Bobby Korecky gave up 3 runs in the bottom half and New Britain stole the victory. In addition to his 10th home run of the year, Gose had a single and a walk, and stole his 47th base of the year. Korecky had pitched scoreless ball in to 10th, 11th and 12th, before letting in the game wining runs in the 13th. Travis d'Arnaud (.316) added 2 hits for New Hampshire.

In Allentown, the IronPigs made it 3 in a row over Columbus with a 4-1 win. Nate Bump (3-6, 5.42) threw 7 shut out innings for Lehigh Valley. Mike Zagurski gave up a home run to Beau Mills in his inning, and Justin DeFratus (looking more comfortable each time out) threw a scoreless 9th to pick up his 2nd save. Jason Donald (.320) was 1 for 4 for the Clippers.


In Frisco, Jonathan Villar stayed hot, with a single, a triple and his 7th home run for Corpus Christi, leading the Hooks to a 9-3 win. Villar has homered in 3 of the last 4 games and is 12 for 28 (.429) during his current 8-game streak!!.............In Sacramento, Michael Taylor (.287) was 3 for 3 with a walk, including a double, his 11th home run and 5 RBI to lead the River Cats to a 10-1 over Reno. Adrian Cardenas (.306) added a double in 3 at bats............. In Omaha, Robinson Tejeda pitched 3 innings for the Storm Chasers and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits in Round Rock's 9-2 win.............In Scranton, the Yankees pounded the Chiefs, 15-1. Greg Golson (.286) had 2 hits and scored a run for the Yankees.

Padres finally beat Phils; Happ's woes continue

The Padres stopped the Phillies, 5-4 Monday, ending a 10-game losing streak to Philadelphia. Domonic Brown had an RBI-triple and scored a run (he also walked), Carlos Ruiz drove in Brown with an single, and Ryan Howard also chipped in with a hit. Mike Stutes threw 2 perfect innings, striking out 2................In St Louis, the Cardinals throttled Jay Happ for 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in just 4.2 innings of work on their way to a 10-5 win. Happ is now 4-12, with an ERA of 6.12! Yikes!! Michael Bourn extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single, scoring a run for the Astros.

Garcia promoted

The combination of the first 4 hitters in the Threshers line-up went 10 for 16, scoring 5 runs and driving in all 6 in a 6-1 win over Fort Myers. Jiwan James (.287, 2 doubles, triple, 2 runs, RBI), Michael Dabbs (3 singles, run, RBI), Jonathan Singleton (.284, 2 singles, run, RBI), and Darin Ruf (.312, single, 3-run HR) supplied most of the support for Trevor May, who won his 7th game of the year by pitching 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 11. Ebelin Lugo tossed 2 scoreless innings of relief for Clearwater.

Last week, the Kansas City Royals promoted Edgar Garcia from High-A Wilmington to AA Northwest Arkansas. In his debut last Monday for the Naturals, Edgar threw 3 clean innings, striking out 6 of his 9 outs to record a save. Then Saturday night, he made his first start against Springfield, and went 4 innings, allowed just 1 earned run (3 overall) on 5 hits and 1 walk, picking up 4 more Ks............Jonathan Villar had 2 more hits and a walk, driving in the lone run for Corpus Christi in their 2-1 loss at Frisco. Villar seems to be finding some comfort level 42 games into his AA career, currently on a 7-game hitting streak where he is 9 for 23 (.391)..........In Kodak, Quintin Berry (.282) led off the game with a home run, his 5th of the season, but the Carolina Mudcats went down again, 8-3 to the Smokies.


In Louisville, Matt Maloney threw 4 good innings in relief for the Bats, and gave up just 1 run (a home run by Lastings Milledge) on only 2 hits, NO walks, and struck out 3. When the Bats rallied for 3 in the bottom of the 9th, Matt (3-1, 3.86) was awarded the victory. Maloney has looked pretty good since reactivating off the DL.


In Las Vegas, Kyle Drabek seemed to make an adjustment on Sunday, going 6 innings for the 51s, allowing 4 runs, but only 1 earned on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6. He received no decision in the Padres' 13-inning, 9-8 win................In Nashville, Zack Segovia threw 2.1 innings of scoreless relief for the Sounds in their 3-1 loss to Iowa. Zack gave up 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 2 hitters..................In Indianapolis, Jason Jaramillo (.287) had 2 hits, including a double, scored a run and drove home another in the Indians' 3-0 win over Rochester.

Hot Bourn knocks 3 times

Michael Bourn (.301) extended his hitting streak to 9 games with a 3 hit effort in the Astros' 10-inning 5-4 loss to the Cubs. Michael is 18 for 43 (.419) over the 9 games. Sergio Escalona (2.84) pitched to 1 hitter, striking him out.

Ryan Howard had 2 hits, including a double, and scored 2 runs, Carlos Ruiz had a double, a walk, and 2 RBI, and Domonic Brown added a hit as the Phillies beat the Padres, 5-3 for Roy Halladay's 12th win. Antonio Bastardo (1.42) threw a 1-2-3 9th, to notch his 8th save in 8 attempts.

Pigs win; Reading edges closer

In Allentown, the IronPigs scored in the bottom of the 10th to take a 4-3 win over the Columbus Clippers. Jason Donald (.331) had a hit, 2 walks, and scored a run for the Clippers. Scott Mathieson started for Lehigh Valley, and threw 4.1 innings, charged with 1 run, 2 hits, 3 walks, 8 Ks. He threw 87 total pitches, 55 strikes. Joe Savery gave up 2 runs on 1 hit and 2 walks in his inning, Mike Zagurski got 4 outs, 3 strike outs, and Mike Schwimer went the final 2.1, striking out 4 to improve to 6-1, 1.75 for Lehigh Valley.

In Reading, RBI hits by Steve Susdorf and Derrick Mitchell gave the R-Phils an early 3-0 lead, and strong pitching by Austin Hyatt (9-5; 6 IP, 1 run, 4 hits, 3 walks, 6 Ks) led Reading to a 3-2 victory. The win makes Reading 53-47, and pulls them to 2.5 games behind New Hampshire, who dropped a 3-2 decision at home to Portland.............In Clearwater, Darin Ruf (.310) hit his 9th home run of the season, and Jiwan James had 2 hits and 2 walks, scored 2 runs and drove in 2 runs, and stole his 20th base. Cesar Hernandez and Troy Hanzawa also had 2 hits each as the Threshers defeated Fort Myers, 8-6. Jarred Cosart won his 8th game of the year, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings. Eric Pettis allowed 2 runs in 2 innings of work, and Juan Sosa threw 2 scoreless frames to notch his first save for the Threshers. Juan had saved 10 with Lakewood before his promotion.


In Sacramento, the River Cats took a 5-4 win to gain a split of their doubleheader with Reno, with Adrian Cardenas (.308) going 3 for 4, including a double and a triple with 2 runs scored. "A.C." was 0 for 3 in the opener. Michael Taylor (.282) had a hit and 2 walks, with an RBI on the day.........In Scranton, Greg Golson (.287) had a triple, a walk, an RBI and scored 2 runs to help the Yankees to a 5-2 win over Syracuse........Jonathan Villar hit his 6th home run for Corpus Christi, also walking twice and stealing a base in the Hooks' 9-5 loss at Frisco. For Jonathan, it was his 3rd home run in the last 6 games, and the steal was his 27th of the year, and 7th since his promotion. Although only hitting .216 since his call-up to AA, Villar appears to be getting more consistent. Let's hope I didn't just jinx him................In Kodak, Quintin Berry (.283) was 2 for 4 for the Mudcats in the Smokies' 6-2 win.............In Huntsville, Darren Byrd (3.77) had a disaster for the Stars. Darren came into the game in the 8th inning with 2 on and 1 out, and promptly allowed a hit and 2 walks, both inherited runners scored and 2 of his 3 runners scored, as Chattanooga scored 4 in the 8th and another in the 9th for a 5-4 win over the Stars.




For long-time Phillies minor league watchers; Jorge Padilla is hitting .350 in 12 games at AAA New Orleans. Padilla will turn 32 in August.

Phillies bomb Padres

On a day when the usually spectacular pitching of the Phillies let them down, the offense responded with 4 home runs and a come from behind, 8-6 win. Chase Utley was 3 for 3, with 2 home runs, and 4 RBI. Chase is 7 for his last 10. Ryan Howard hit his team leading 19th, pinch-hitting to ignite the game-winning, 3 home run 5-run rally in the 7th (RBI #75). Domonic Brown had a double, and Carlos Ruiz added a pinch-hit double.

Utley's first homer, a 3-run jack in the 1st, gave Kyle Kendrick an early 3-0 lead and it looked good for awhile. Kyle threw 5 shut out innings in the heat, before giving up 2 home runs in the 6th to tie the game. Mike Stutes came on, stranded a runner, then threw the 7th and gave up the go-ahead run on 2 hits. The Phillies big inning made Stutes (5-1, 3.38) the winning pitcher. Antonio Bastardo gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in the 8th and saw his ERA go to 1.46.

The win for Stutes is #63 for the HomeSide.

In Chicago, Michael Bourn had a walk and hit, and was thrown out stealing for only the 6th time all year (in 43 attempts) as the Astros lost to the Cubs, 5-1. Sergio Escalona faced 2 hitters, retired 1 of them, and the other got a hit and scored.

Brody Colvin

Colvin has a minor groin strain, this was the reason he was removed form last night's game after just 3 IP.

Threshers collect 18 hits

Darin Ruf (.310) had 3 hits and a walk, driving in his 55th run of the run, and Cesar Hernandez also had did the same, leading the Clearwater Threshers to a 9-0 win over Fort Myers. Sebastian Valle (.320, 2 RBI), Travis Mattair, Troy Hanzawa, Jiwan James (.271, double, RBI and Jeremy Barnes (.269, 2 RBI) all added 2 hits as Clearwater scored 6 in the 1st and never looked back. Brody Colvin started and went just 3 innings (?!) for Clearwater, leading to speculation with the trade deadline looming, but so far, no announcement has been made.

In Reading, Fidel Hernandez and Derrick Mitchell (#16) each hit a 2-run homer to lead the R-Phils to a 5-2 win over Binghamton. Freddy Galvis (.267) had a 3-hit game, driving the 5th run, and Steve Susdorf, (.332, 2 doubles, run) and Tim Kenelley added 2 hits each. B.J. Rosenberg went 5 good innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5 to gain his 4th win of the year. Josh Zeid struck out 5 of the 6 hitters he faced, recording a hold, and Jacob Diekman finished it off with 2 shut out frames to notch his 3rd save. The R-Phils (52-47) stay 3.5 games behind New Hampshire, who took a 2-1 win from Portland. Anthony Gose (.256) had 2 hits and stole his 46th base for the Fisher Cats, Travis d'Arnaud (.320)) drove in 1 of the runs and scored the other for the Cats, and Bobby Korecky threw a scoreless 9th (1 walk, 2 Ks) to get his 9th save of the year.

In Allentown, Jason Donald returned to Lehigh Valley with Columbus and had a double in 5 at bats in the Clippers' 6-3 win over the IronPigs in what could be a playoff preview. Tyson Brummett (1-4) started for Lehigh Valley, going just 4.2 innings, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks.

In Huntsville, Will Savage made another impressive start for Chattanooga, going 6 innings against the Stars, and allowing just 1 run on 4 hits, NO walks, leaving the game with a 2-1 advantage. The Lookouts bullpen blew it, and the Stars stole a 3-2 win, depriving Savage of his 11th win..............In Frisco, Jonathan Villar hit his 5th home run for Corpus Christi, but the Rough Riders pounded the Hooks, 19-4. Altogether, Villar has hit 9 home runs this year in the Houston system...........In Scranton, Greg Golson (.286) had 2 more hits and stole his 8th base of the year, but it was not enough for the Yankees to overcome Syracuse, the Chiefs winning 8-3..............In Indianapolis, Jason Jaramillo (.271) had a hit and a walk, scored a run and drove 1 in in the Indian's 5-4 win over Rochester.........In Sacramento, Michael Taylor (.283) had 2 hits, including a double to help the River Cats to a 4-2 win over Reno..............In Omaha, the Storm Chasers beat Round Rock, 10-4. Robinson Tejeda recorded the final 4 outs, walking 2 and striking out 2 for Omaha..............In Albuquerque, Jesus Merchan had a pinch hit RBI single to drive in the go-ahead run, then scored an insurance tally as the Zephyrs scored 3 in the 8th to take a 12-10 win from the Isotopes.

Hamels, Floyd masterful

In Philadelphia Friday night, Cole Hamels pitched 8 wonderful innings against San Diego to lead the Phillies to a 3-1 win over the Padres. Hamels (12-5, 2.62) allowed just 1 run on 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 10, as the Phillies improved to 62-36 on the year. Carlos Ruiz (.263) had a hit and a walk, scored a run and drove in another.

In Cleveland, in a matchup of HomeSiders, Gavin Floyd went 7.2 innings of 4-hit shut out ball to best Carlos Carrasco and the Indians, 3-0. Gavin walked no one, and struck out 5, to improve to 8-9, 4.11 for the White Sox. Carrasco, who lost to Alfredo Simon last week, went 6.1, and allowed all 3 runs on a 3-run homer to Carlos Quinten. In all, Carlos (now 8-8, 4.25) allowed 6 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 6. Speaking of Simon, he threw 6 shut out innings against the Angels, before yielding 2 runs in the 7th to suffer the loss in a 6-1 Los Angeles win. Alfredo allowed 6 hits and only 1 walk and is now 2-3, 4.08 for Baltimore.........In Chicago, Michael Bourn (.298) had 3 hits, stole 2 bases (for a major league leading 37) , and drove in a run for the Astros, but the Cubs took a 4-2 victory at Wrigley Field.

The wins by Hamels and Floyd give the HomeSide a total of 62 major league victories so far this year.

J-Rod wins 12th

Jonathan Singleton hit a 2-run home run in the 1st inning, his 8th of the year and Julio Rodriguez struck out 10 over 7 strong innings to lead the Threshers to a 2-1 win over Fort Myers Thursday night. Rodriguez is now 12-6, 3.17 for Clearwater on the season.

In Pawtucket, the IronPigs scored 3 in the 8th to steal a 5-4 win for the PawSox. Joe Savery (2-0, 3.60) recorded 4 out for the win, Mike Zagurski (2.36) threw a shut out frame for his 7th hold, and Justin DeFratus threw a 1-2-3 9th to notch his first AAA save!

Reading got pounded, 11-1 by Binghamton. The R-Phils got just 5 hits, 2 by Freddy Galvis. The standing remain status quo, with Trenton falling to Bowie, and Portland topping New Hampshire. Anthony Gose had 2 hits, including a double for the Fisher Cats........Jonathan Villar had a double and a walk for Corpus Christi in the Hooks' 6-0 triumph over Midland.............In Huntsville, the Chattanooga Lookouts scored a 9th inning run off Jesus Sanchez (2-5) to gain a 4-3 win over the Stars..............On the other hand, Zack Segovia (4-3) retired 2 of the 3 hitters he faced and picked up a win when the Nashville Sounds rallied for a 8-7 win over the Cubs in Iowa City.............In Round Rock, the New Orleans Zephyrs beat the Express, 7-3. Jesus Merchan (.267) had 2 hits for New Orleans......In Rochester, the Durham Bulls shelled Andy Baldwin for 10 runs on 8 hits, including 5 home runs, in just 2 innings of work, en route to an 18-3 triumph over the Red Wings...........In Columbus, the Scranton Yaks edged the Clippers, 6-5. Greg Golson (.283) had 2 hits for Scranton, and Jason Donald (.336) had 3 hits and an RBI for Columbus.

In Salt Lake City, Michael Taylor (.278) had 3 hits and a walk, stole a base (#5), scored 2 runs and drove in 2 more, and Adrian Cardenas (.306) had a triple and a home run (his 4th) as the Sacramento River Cats smashed the Bees, 14-1. Josh Outman threw 5 shut out innings and is 6-1 for the River Cats...........In Indianapolis, Joe Bisenius (1.49) threw 6 strong innings for Charlotte, giving up just 1 run on only 3 hits. He walked 5 and struck out 5, and received no decision in the Knights' 5-4 loss.

James, Mitchell get 3 hits each

Jiwan James had 3 more hits Wednesday night, and is 12 for 28 (.429) in his last 7 games, but the Threshers lost a 5-2 game in St Lucie. Rehabbing David Wright had 2 hits and 2 walks in this contest for the Mets. Jonathan Pettibone (8-7, 2.80) threw 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks, and left the game trailing, 3-2. Juan Sosa gave up 2 runs on 2 hits in his inning.

In Manchester, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats salvaged the final game of their series with Reading, holding on for a 4-3 victory and pushing Reading into 3rd place, 3.5 games out of first. Derrick Mitchell (.287) had 3 hits again for Reading, who trailed 4-0 going to the 9th. Mike Spidale walked to start it, and Matt Rizzotti doubled. Carlos Rivero singled in Spidale, and Steve Susdorf doubled in "Riz" and Rivero. At this point, Bobby Korecky came on to pitch for New Hampshire. Bobby allowed an infield single to Mitchell (making him 7 for his last 13) , but retired Tuffy Gosewisch, Fidel Hernandez and Tim Kenelley without allowing the tying run to score. It was the 8th save of the year for Korecky (1.86 ERA) . Anthony Gose was 1 for 5 for New Hampshire, and was thrown out by Tuffy attempting to steal second. Travis d'Arnaud , who was hot coming into the series, was just 2 for 12 in the 3 games. Travis is still hitting .320.


In Akron, the Altoona Curve shut out the Aeros, 5-0. Michael Dubee (2.59) threw the final 2 innings to record his 5th save for Altoona.................In Corpus Christi, Jonathan Villar had a double, 2 walks, and scored 2 runs, helping the Hooks beat the Rockhounds, 5-2.............In Salt Lake City, the Bees had a 4-0 lead over Sacramento going to the 8th inning, when, with 1 out Josh Donaldson, Andy LaRoche, and Michael Taylor (#10) went back-to-back-to-back!!! Bees held on for 4-3 win..........In Indianapolis, Jason Jaramillo came off the DL, playing for the first time since May 27, and had 2 hits and a walk, and drove in 2 runs, but Charlotte came from behind for the 3-2 win. Meanwhile, down in Gwinnett, Matt Maloney came off the DL for Louisville, going 3 shut out innings (3 hits, 1K) for the Bats in his first game action since May 19. Yohan Flande threw 4 innings of relief for the Braves, giving up just 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks, in the Bats' 9-6 win............In Columbus, Scranton posted a 6-1 win over the Clippers. Jason Donald (.326) was 2 for 4, with a double and scored a run for Columbus, and Greg Golson (.279) had a walk, a stolen base, and scored 2 runs for Scranton.

In Houston, Michael Bourn (.294) had 2 more hits for the Astros to help the home team to a 3-2, 11-inning win over Washington, and in the heat in Chicago, Vance Worley went 8 solid innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 to improve to 6-1, 2.02 on the season. O, I almost forgot, he had a double and scored a run in the 3-run, 2nd inning rally. Ryan Howard knocked in his 74th run of the season, and Domonic Brown was on base 3 times, with a hit, and 2 walks, and scored a run in the 9-1 victory. Jimmy Rollins hit a home run from each side of the plate, and drove in 3 runs for the Phillies.

The win by Worley is #60 for the HomeSide. I believe 4 former BlueClaws will start games on the same night in the major leagues for the first time this Friday. Cole Hamels, Alfredo Simon, Gavin Floyd and Carlos Carrasco are all slated to go, with Floyd and Carrasco facing each other.

Moose to Clearwater

The Phillies have promoted Travis Mattair to Clearwater. He has earned it, good luck to "Moose"!!

Happ, Stutes win

Michael Bourn (.294) had 3 hits (2 doubles) and 3 RBI to help lead the Astros to a 7-6 win over Washington. Jay Happ ended a drought that saw him winless since May 14, gaining his 4th win of the season by working 5.2 innings, and allowing 5 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks. Sergio Escalona (2.45) retired the only hitter he faced for Houston...........In Minnesota, Lou Marson (.250) had a single and a walk, and scored a run for the Indians in their 2-1 loss to the Twins............In Chicago, the Phillies rallied for 2 in the 8th and 2 in the 9th, to come from behind and beat the Cubs, 4-2. Domonic Brown had a single, a double and a walk, and Mike Stutes improved to 4-1 on the year with 2 scoreless innings of relief. Antonio Bastardo picked up his 7th save (in 7 attempts), and got his ERA down to 0.99.

The wins by Happ and Stutes make a total of 59 major league wins this year for former Claws!

In Manchester, Tuffy Gosewisch and Terry Evans homered, and Mike Spidale (.314, 2 runs, RBI), Matt Rizzotti (.297, single, double, walk, run scored) and Carlos Rivero (single, double, 2 RBI) all had 2 hits, as the Reading Phillies beat New Hampshire, 10-2. Reading now trails New Hampshire by 2.5 games for first place. J.C. Ramirez pitched great, going 7 strong innings and allowing just 2 UNearned runs on 3 hits and 1 walk to earn his 8th win of the year.

In Corpus Christi, Jonathan Villar had a double and scored a run for the Hooks in their 4-2 win over the Rockhounds................In Colorado Springs, Kyle Drabek threw a complete game (6 innings) for Las Vegas in the 51s' 5-3 loss to the SkySox in the first game of a doubleheader. Kyle gave up 5 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks and cannot seem to find any consistency. The 51s also placed Kevin Howard on the 7-day DL...............In Round Rock, the Express ran over New Orleans, 15-6. Jesus Merchan (.263) had a hit and an RBI for the Zephyrs.

The Yankees have returned Greg Golson to Scranton.

Monday's highlights

In Wrigley Field Monday night, Roy Halladay was overcome by the heat and the Cubs, Halladay only making it through 1 batter in the 5th inning and it was evident he was laboring. Andrew Carpenter came on and threw 2 emergency innings (2 runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, 1 K), and Carlos Ruiz had a hit and a walk, as Chicago took the opener of the series, 6-1.

In Minnesota, Lou Marson belted a double and his first home run of the season, as the Indians beat the Twins, 6-3, to give Cleveland a sweep of the day/night doubleheader.

2 notes jump out at me today, 1-R.J. Swidel was released by the Rays (from Durham) and 2- D'Arby Myers was placed on the DL by the Threshers.

Alan Schoenberger has been promoted to Clearwater, and was in the line up Monday night (0 for 4), in the Thresher's 19-4 loss in St Lucie. Jeremy Barnes had a 2-hit game, Darin Ruf hit his 8th home run of the year, and the best thing I can say about the pitching was Brian Gump threw a scoreless 8th inning. That Gump is a good guy to have!!

Another good guy to have this year is Derrick Mitchell. "Mitch" (.283) had 3 more hits in Manchester last night, and is tied for the team lead with 58 RBI. The Reading Phillies edged the Fisher Cats, 3-2, and pull to within 3.5 games of first place behind the great starting pitching of Austin Hyatt. Hyatt (8-5, 4.23) went a solid 7, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 10 along the way. Josh Zeid picked up his 2nd save with a scoreless 9th, and Freddy Galvis had 2 doubles, and scored 2 runs. For New Hampshire, Travis d'Arnaud (.330) had 2 more hits, driving in both runs, and Anthony Gose had 2 hits and stole 2 bases (total of 45).


In Corpus Christi, Jonathan Villar had 2 hits, including his 4th home run for the Hooks, drove in 2 runs and scored 2, but the Hooks lost to Midland, 15-8...........In Montgomery, the Huntsville Stars beat the Biscuits, 6-2. Both Montgomery runs were scored against Darren Byrd in his inning of work...........In Salt Lake City, Michael Taylor had an RBI-hit and scored a run and Adrian Cardenas (.308) had 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored as the Sacramento River Cats beat the Bees, 14-3.


Finally, Scott Mathieson made the start for the IronPigs and lasted just 2.2 innings, and giving up 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, absorbing the loss in Pawtucket's 4-1 victory. Mike Zagurski threw a scoreless inning for Lehigh Valley.

Kendrick takes rubber game

Less than 24 hours after the Mets hit Cole Hamels around, Kyle Kendrick scattered 6 hits and 3 walks over 7 innings of work, and left the game with a 5-1 advantage. Antonio Bastardo got the final 4 outs and recorded his 6th save, but gave up a run. It was the first run surrendered by Bastardo in his last 19 innings of work. His ERA ballooned to 1.02!! For Kendrick, it was his 5th win, and #57 for HomeSiders in the majors. Maybe I should start counting saves, too. Ryan Howard had an RBI hit in the first inning, his 73rd of the year.

In Pittsburgh, Sergio Escalona got 2 outs and stranded a runner in the 8th inning, keeping the Astros in the game. Houston tied it in the bottom half at 4-4, but lost in 11 innings, 7-5. Michael Bourn (.290) had 1 for 5 for the Astros.

In Syracuse, Tyson Brummett started for Lehigh Valley and was hit hard by the Chiefs, giving up 6 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings of work in the Chiefs' 8-4 win. Joe Savery gave up 2 runs on 5 hits in 1.2 innings and Mike Zagurski retired the only hitter he faced........In Trenton, Reading got 2 hits each from Freddy Galvis (.261, run), Mike Spidale (.316, RBI), and Steve Susdorf (.336, double, run) and got good pitching to post a 4-3 win. over the Thunder. B.J. Rosenberg started and allowed just 1 earned run (2 overall) in 5.1 innings to notch his 3rd win for the R-Phils. Mike Cisco (1.72) got 2 outs, Brad Lidge threw a scoreless inning, Jacob Diekman struck out 4, and allowed 2 hits and a walk, and Justin Friend (1.69) got his 6th save.

In St Lucie, David Wright had 2 hits to help the Mets beat the Threshers, 5-2. Sebastian Valle (.319) had 3 hits for the Threshers, and Brian Gump (4th HR), Troy Hanzawa and Jiwan James (.277, RBI, 18th SB) all had 2 hits in the losing effort. Brody Colvin (2-4) took the loss, giving up 4 runs on 10 hits and 3 walks in 5.1 innings. Juan Sosa (1.2 IP, 1 hit, 2 Ks) and Eric Pettis (1 IP, 1 run, 2 hits, 1 K) finished up.


In Gwinnett, Yohan Flande came into a 2-2 game in the 7th inning and promptly allowed 2 runs and absorbed a loss in the Braves' 4-2 defeat to Norfolk...............In Columbus, Jason Donald (.315) had 2 walks, 2 stolen bases and scored 3 runs to help the Clippers to a 6-4 win over Indianapolis...............In Sacramento, Michael Taylor (.268) had 2 doubles and a walk, scored a run and drove 1 in as the River Cats beat Fresno, 8-7. One of Taylor's doubles was during the 5-run game tying rally in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Alfredo tops Carlos!

The Baltimore Orioles ended their 9 game losing streak behind some great pitching by Alfredo Simon, beating the Indians, 6-5. Simon picked up his 2nd win of the season, outdueling Carlos Carrasco, by throwing 7 strong innings and allowing the Indians just 2 runs on 3 hits and 1 walk, ending a streak of 10 consecutive games where Oriole's starters had allowed 10 hits or more. Alfredo threw just 79 pitches in his 7 frames and left the game with a 3-2 advantage. Carrasco did not pitch badly, going 7 himself and allowing 3 runs on just 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6, to slip to 8-7 on the year. Lou Marson had a walk and scored a run in 2 at bats for Cleveland.

Simon will leave the Orioles today to return to his native DR, where he faces charges stemming from an incident last New Year's Eve, when he discharged his gun into the air during the celebration.

In Houston, Sergio Escalona (2.60) was in the right place at the right time, throwing a 1-2-3 8th inning against Pittsburgh and then picked up the victory when the Astros rallied for 3 runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 6-4 win. Michael Bourn (.291) had 3 hits, including an RBI single in the winning rally, and was caught stealing for just the 5th time in 40 attempts. The win was the 2nd of the year for Escalona, and makes a total of 56 for HomeSiders in the majors.

In New York, the Mets manhandled Cole Hamels en route to an 11-2 beating of the Phillies. Hamels allowed a career high 7 runs on 8 hits and 4 walks in just 4.1 innings of work, to fall to 11-5, 2.71 on the year. Andrew Carpenter tossed a 1-2-3 8th inning for Philadelphia and Carlos Ruiz had a single and scored a run in the Phillies 2-run rally in the 7th inning.......In Toronto, Greg Golson made his 2011 (MLB) debut as a defensive replacement for Andruw Jones in the Yankees' 4-1 win over the Jays.

In Syracuse, the IronPigs took an 8-6 win over the Cheifs, as Erik Kratz (13), Tagg Bozied (10), and Cody Overbeck (3 with LV, 21 overall) all homered for Lehigh Valley. Justin De Fratus allowed 2 runs, 1 earned on 1 hit in 1.1 innings of work, striking out 2, and Mike Schwimer (1.71) notched his 8th save........In Trenton, Shane Victorino had 3 hits in a rehab assignment, helping Reading to a 13-2 thrashing of the Thunder. Matt Rizzotti (.293) smashed his 18th home run of the year, driving in a total of 2 runs (57), and Freddy Galvis (.258, 2 RBI), Carlos Rivero (.273, double, RBI), and Paco Figueroa (.271, RBI) all had 2 hits for the R-Phils. Joe Esposito was the starter and winner for Reading, going 6 strong innings and giving up just 2 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6 to record his 3rd win for Reading (his 5th overall), and Brad Lidge, Derrick Loop and Josh Zeid each threw hitless relief for an inning each. Reading picked up a game on first place New Hampshire, who lost to Binghamton, 2-1, and is now just 5.5 games out. Travis d'Arnaud had 2 more hits for the Fisher Cats, and is 12 for 23 (.522) the last 6 games, to raise his average to .327. Anthony Gose had a walk and stole his 43rd base for New Hampshire.

In Port Charlotte, Julio Rodriguez won his 11th game of the year for Clearwater, throwing 7 solid frames for the Threshers and allowing just 1 run on only 3 hits and 2 walks in Clearwater's 4-1 win over the Stone Crabs. Cesar Hernandez (.261) had 3 hits to lead the shark attack, Jonathan Singleton (.286) had 2 hits and 2 RBI and Brian Gump hit his 3rd home run of the year.

In Rochester, Andy Baldwin threw 6 solid inning for the Red Wings, holding Buffalo to just 1 run on 5 hits and NO walks, to record his 5th win of the year for the Wings in a 4-2 victory..............In Pawtucket, R.J. Swindel (4.15) was not as fortunate, coming into the game during Pawtucket's 7-run 2nd inning to face 4 hitters. He recorded 2 outs, allowing a walk and a hit, and both runners scored as the Sox beat the Bulls, 11-8..............In Columbus, the Clippers defeated Indianapolis, 7-5. Jason Donald (.317) had a hit and a walk, and drove in 2 runs for the Clippers.........In Charlotte, it was Joe Bisenius turn to shine, starting for the Knights and throwing 5 innings of 3-hit shut out ball, walking 1 and striking out 7, receiving no decision in a game won by Louisville 4-2 in 12 innings. "Bis" lowered his ERA to an impressive 1.48 for the White Sox affiliate........In Omaha, Jesus Merchan (.259) had 2 hits and scored 2 runs for New Orleans, but the Zephyrs dropped a 9-5 game to the Storm Chasers...........In Sacramento, Josh Outman made the start for the River Cats, and went 4 innings, allowing 4 UNearned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6 along the way. Adrian Cardenas (.305) and Michael Taylor (.262) had a hit each for Sacramento, but Fresno took the 8-5 victory..........In Zebulon, Quintin Berry (.287) had 2 hits, including a double, and scored a run for Carolina, but the Mudcats dropped another one, 4-3 to Jackson. .......In Montgomery, Darrin Byrd (3.00) picked up his 3rd hold of the year for Huntsville, but the Stars lost to the Biscuits, 5-4 after he came out.


Will Savage is still in Chattanooga, and he won his 10th game of the year Saturday with 6.1 good innings against Mobile. Will allowed just 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks in the Lookout's 5-2 win over the Bay Bears. At 10-3, 3.88 on the year, I am looking for Savage to be moved up to AAA soon.

Worley wins again; Floyd ends drought

Ordinarily, a match up with Justin Verlander is a difficult task, but Friday night in Detroit Gavin Floyd drew just that assignment and prevailed as the White Sox started the post All Star break with an 8-2 victory. Gavin pitched 7.2 innings and made only 1 mistake, which was a home run by Miguel Cabrera. In all, 2 runs, 1 earned, on just 6 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5 to gain his 7th victory of the year, and his first since June 1.

In New York, Vance Worley picked up his 5th win of the season, holding the Mets to just 1 run in 5.1 innings of work as the Phillies took a 7-2 win from the home team. Vance (5-1, 2.15) continues to impress, allowing just 3 hits and 4 walks before coming out with the bases loaded in the 6th inning. Mike Stutes allowed a run in his inning, and Antonio Bastardo (0.79) threw a 1-2-3 9th inning to seal the deal. Carlos Ruiz had 2 hits and a walk, and scored 2 runs, Domonic Brown had a walk and 2 runs scored and Ryan Howard took an 0 for 3 (with a walk and a run scored).

The wins by Worley and Floyd make 54 wins for HomeSiders in the majors this season.

In Houston, the Pirates started off the post break as hot as they finished it, shutting out the Astros, 4-0 and claiming first place in the NL Central. Michael Bourn (.287) had 1 for4 for the Astros, and Sergio Escalona pitched to 1 hitter, and walked him.

HomeSiders Phil and Lynn Hoffman were in attendance in Baltimore Friday to see the Indians edge the Orioles, 6-5. I hope they are sticking around for Saturday night's game, which will feature former BlueClaws Carlos Carrasco for the Indians and Alfredo Simon for the Orioles.


In Allentown, the IronPigs outlasted Syracuse, 7-6. Cody Overbeck (just .238 since his promotion) had 2 hits, including a triple and drove in a run, Joe Savery had a pinch hit RBI single, and Mike Zagurski recorded his 6th "hold", despite allowing a run on 2 hits and a walk in his inning. Lehigh Valley is 55-38, in first place by 3 games ahead of Pawtucket.


In Columbus, Jason Donald (.317) had 3 hits, including a double to help the Clippers to a 4-3, 10-inning win over Indianapolis. There is a video of the double on the front page of milb.com this morning........In Gwinnett, Yohan Flande (6-4, 3.70) threw 2 scoreless innings of relief, and picked up a win when the Braves scored in the bottom of the 11th inning to beat Richmond, 4-3. The Atlanta affiliate has used Flande in all different roles and he manages to post victories wherever they use him................In Omaha, New Orleans defeated the Storm Chasers, 9-2, but Robinson Tejeda threw a 1-2-3 inning of relief for the home team.

In Trenton, the Thunder topped the R-Phils, 3-1. Tyler Cloyd was the hard luck loser, going 6 good innings, and allowing just 3 runs, 2 earned, on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5 in a losing effort. Chris Kissock and Justin Friend each threw a scoreless frame. Reading had just 6 hits, 2 each from Freddy Galvis (.257) and Tuffy Gosewisch (.280), who had the RBI........In Port Charlotte, the Threshers were also beaten, 5-0 by the Stone Crabs. Jiwan James had 2 more hits (he is 5 for his last 9), and Jeremy Barnes had 2 doubles in the losing cause. Jonathan Pettibone started and suffered the loss due to lack of support. "Bone" went 6 innings, and allowed 4 runs, 3 earned, on 6 hits and 1 walk, falling to 8-6, 2.71 on the year. Ebelin Lugo allowed a run on 2 hits in his inning, and newcomer Dustin Cameron tossed a scoreless 8th.

In Erie, P.J. Forbes' Altoona Curve took a 3-1 decision from the Sea Wolves. Michael Dubee notched a "hold", his 8th, with a scoreless 8th inning, striking out 2........In Binghamton, Travis d'Arnaud (.324) was unaffected by the break, and came out as hot as he was going in, picking up 3 hits and 2 RBI Friday night as the Fisher Cats beat the Mets, 4-2. Travis is 10 for his last 19, that's .526 covering the last 5 games. Anthony Gose added a hit, and scored twice for the Cats, and Bobby Korecky (1.67) threw a 1-2-3 9th inning, striking out 2 of the 3 hitters he faced, to record his 7th save...........In Zebulon, Quintin Berry (.283) had 2 hits, including his 4th home run of the year, and drove in 3 runs for the Mudcats, in their 9-6 loss to Jackson. "Q" also stole his 18th base of the year.............In Frisco, Jonathan Villar had 2 hits, including a double, and scored a run for Corpus Christi, as the Hooks rallied for a 9-8 win over the Rough Riders.........In Wilmington, Edgar Garcia came out of the pen in long relief Friday and threw 3.1 innings for the Blue Rocks in their 6-4 loss to Frederick. Edgar allowed only 1 run on 4 hits and a walk, striking out 2 for the Rocks. Garcia has made 7 appearances for Wilmington, working 12 innings and posting a 2.25 ERA, with a save.


In Greenville, excellent pitching from Jessie Biddle (6 IP, 3 hits, 2 walks, 8 Ks) gave Lakewood a 4-0 win and a split of their series with the Drive. After a slow start, Jessie is now 5-6, 3.10 on the year. Travis Mattair had 3 hits, including his 2nd home run, and drove in 3 runs, raising his average to .280 on the season, and Edgar Duran (.263) added 3 hits and scored 2 runs for Lakewood.

Golson called up to Yanks

The Yankees have called up Greg Golson from Scranton, and signed J.C Romero, assigning him to to Scranton.

In Lehigh Valley, the IronPigs resumed play and split a doubleheader with Syracuse. In the first game, Justin De Fratus threw 2 innings in relief, allowing 1 run on 1 hit in the Cheifs' 3-2 win. In Game 2, Scott Mathieson made the start and went 3 innings ( 2 runs, 1 hit, 1 walks, 5 Ks), before yielding to recently promoted Joe Savery. Savery went 2 scoreless innings and picked up the win as the Pigs gained the split with a 5-2 win. Mike Schwimer (1.74) recorded his 7th save for Lehigh in that one. The first place IronPigs are 54-38, leading Pawtucket by 3 games, and Scranton by 5.

In Pawtucket, the Red Sox topped Durham, 3-2. R.J. Swindel threw a scoreless 8th inning for Durham, striking out 2 of the 3 hitters he faced............In Columbus, Jason Donald (.304) had 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 RBI for the Clippers in their 7-4 loss to Indianapolis. The win makes Columbus 54-38 on the year, and they lead their division by a robust 9.5 games over Louisville............Kyle Drabek continues to look lost on the mound. Thursday night in Tucson, Kyle made it through just 3 innings, giving up 6 runs, 5 earned on 6 hits and a walk. Kyle has an 8.24 ERA in 5 starts for Las Vegas, covering just 19.2 innings of work, struggling badly in 3 of the 5. Kevin Howard had 2 more hits for Vegas, scoring a run and raising his average to .330 in the 51s' 13-8 win over the Padres.

In Binghamton, the Fisher Cats and the Mets split 2 games, with New Hampshire taking the opener, 5-3 in 8 innings. Travis d'Arnaud (.317) had 2 hits, scored a run and drove one in, and Anthony Gose had a hit and a walk, and stole his 42nd base of the season. Bobby Korecky (1.73)threw a 1-2-3 bottom of the 8th, striking out 2 and recording his 6th save for New Hampshire. The Mets won the nightcap, 1-0...............In Trenton, Terry Evans had 2 doubles, a home run and drove in 3 for Reading, but the Thunder triumphed, 9-5. Steve Susdorf had 2 more hits, is now hitting .340 and played first base last night. Reading falls to 47-44, 5.5 games behind first place New Hampshire.

In Port Charlotte, the Stone Crabs scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th off Eric Pettis, to take a 5-4 win from Clearwater. Jiwan James had 3 hits for the Threshers, who are now 9-11 in the second half.

I am happy to report that Travis "Moose" Mattair has found his stroke with Lakewood. Moose had 2 more hits last night in Greenville (Claws lost, 5-1), and is 9 for 27 the last 7 games, has his average up to .262, and should be heading back to the Threshers soon if this keeps up.

Chance Chapman has been activated off the DL by Reading, and Zack Segovia has been placed on the DL by Nashville (retro to July 12).

Colvin sharp, Riz belts 17th

Brody Colvin had his best outing of the year Monday night in Clearwater, as the Threshers defeated Jupiter, 4-2. Brody (2-3, 3.82) went 8 solid innings, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk, picking up a season high 9 strike outs. Juan Sosa, promoted from Lakewood over the weekend, made his Clearwater debut and gave up an UNearned run on a hit and 2 walks, recording just 1 out before Jordan Whatcott came on for his 2nd save. Jeremy Barnes and Darin Ruf had 2 hits and an RBI each, leading the shark attack.

The Threshers are 9-9 in the second half, 1 game behind both Tampa and Dunedin, and 48-39 overall.

In Reading, Matt Rizzotti hit a walk off home run, his 17th of the season, in the bottom of the 11th inning Monday to give the R-Phils an exciting 7-6 win over Trenton. "Riz" is hitting .296 and leads all HomeSiders with 55 RBI. Reading used a parade of pitchers starting with B.J. Rosenberg, who gave up 3 runs on 4 hits, striking out 7 in 3 innings. "Rosie" was followed by Chris Kissock (2 scoreless), Brad Lidge (1 scoreless) and Joe Savery (1 scoreless). After Josh Zeid tossed a scoreless 8th, he gave up a 3-run game tying home run to Trenton's Jose Pirela in the 9th, sending the game to extra innings. Jacob Diekman went the 10th and Derrick Loop (1.64) picked up the win when Rizzotti smashed his dinger!

The win gave Reading (47-43) a sweep of their early season nemesis, and pulls the R-Phils to within 1 game of a playoff position, and 5 games of first place New Hampshire, who dropped a 9-5 decision at home to Portland.

In Altoona, Mike Dubee was cruising along, throwing 2 scoreless innings before allowing a game winning, pinch hit 2-run homer to Bowie's Robbie Widlansky. Michael (2-3, 2.82) struck out 6 in his 3 innings of work..............Jonathan Villar has been struggling since his promotion to AA Corpus Christi, but he did hit his 2nd Texas League home run Monday as the Hooks defeated Northwest Arkansas, 5-2...............In Huntsville, the Carolina Mudcats swept a doubleheader from the Stars, 6-2 and 6-2. (Sounds like a tennis score!!) In the second game, Quintin Berry (.285) went 2 for 4, including his 3rd home run of the year for the Mudcats. For the Stars, Jesus Sanchez (5.19)tossed 2 innings in the first game, allowing a run on 1 hits and 1 walk, and in the nightcap, Darrin Byrd (3.05) was charged with 3 UNearned runs in his 1 inning of work.

HomeSiders shine in Phoenix

The future stars game was won by Team USA, 6-4 Sunday night in Chase Ballpark in Phoenix. Sebastian Valle, playing for the "World" Team, had an RBI double, tying the game at 3-3 during the World's big 4-run rally in the top of the 6th inning. Then Jarred Cosart threw a 1-2-3 top of the 8th and was the winning pitcher when the USA rallied for 3 runs in the bottom half.

In all, an excellent showing for the 2 former BlueClaws!!

Earlier, in Philadelphia, Cole Hamels threw 8 stellar frames against the Braves, allowing just 1 run on only 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6, and lowering his ERA to a fabulous 2.32, as the Phillies took the rubber match of their series with Atlanta, 14-1!!. It was the 11th win of the season for Cole, and #52 for HomeSiders in the majors so far this year. Kyle Kendrick mopped up, throwing a scoreless 9th frame. Domonic Brown was 3 for 5, drove in 2 runs and scored 2 more, raising his average to .252, and Ryan Howard (.257) added 2 hits, a walk, 2 runs scored and RBI # 72. Carlos Ruiz (.255) chipped in with a double, a walk, 2 runs scored and an RBI. Raul Ibanez had a 6-RBI for the Fightin' Phils, who enter the All-Star break at 57-34, best in the majors.

The news was not so good in Cleveland, where Carlos Carrasco was roughed up by the Blue Jays in his 2nd straight sub-par performance, after that great stretch through June and early July. Carlos (8-6, 4.28) lasted just 3 innings and was charged with 5 runs on 7 hits and 2 walk, striking out 4 in the Jays' 7-1 win. Lou Marson had a double and a walk for the Tribe.


While Cosart and Valle were showcasing their talents in the desert, their Clearwater teammates, led by Jiwan James' 3 hit performance defeated Jupiter, 5-4. D'Arby Myers (.270) added 2 hits, including a triple and an RBI, and Julio Rodriguez threw 6 good innings to notch his 10th win of the year. Troy Hanzawa is mired in a 4 for 34 mess at the plate, and is hitting just .211 for the season.

In Reading, Steve Susdorf (.345), Derrick Mitchell (.290, 15th HR) and Freddy Galvis had 2 hits apiece for the R-Phils as Reading topped Trenton, 8-5. Joe Esposito (2-1, 4.50) was the starter and winner for Reading, even though he allowed 4 runs over 5 innings. Derrick Loop allowed an UNearned run, striking out 4 in 2 frames, and Jacob Diekman tossed the final 2 (1 walk, 2 Ks) to record his 2nd save. Carlos Rivero was 4 for 4, including 2 doubles and a home run and 2 RBI.


In Syracuse, Tyson Brummett recorded his 1st AAA win of the year, going 5 innings and only allowing 1 run (4 hits, 2 walks) as the IronPigs beat the Chiefs, 5-2. Justin De Fratus allowed a run in the 9th as he continues to get acclimated to AAA also.

In Manchester, Travis d'Arnaud (.314) hit his 12th home run, and added a double and 2 RBI, and Anthony Gose also had 2 hits and a run scored, as the Fisher Cats beat Portland, 5-4. Bobby Korecky (1.80) threw a scoreless 9th inning, and picked up the win, his 3rd for New Hampshire...........In Kodak, Will Savage threw 5 shut out innings for Chattanooga (2 hits, NO walks) to pick up his 9th win of the season in the Lookouts' 6-4 win over the Smokies. I think Will will be promoted pretty soon by the Dodgers...............In New Orleans, Jesus Merchan was 2 for 3 with a walk, and drove in a run for the Zephyrs in their 2-1 win over Iowa............In Albuquerque, the Nashville Sounds beat the Isotopes, 9-5. Zack Segovia threw 2 scoreless innings for Nashville. Zack has allowed just 3 earned runs in his last 13 innings, covering 10 appearances and seems to found his groove.......In Toledo, Jason Donald had a double and his 4th home run, accounting for the Clipper's only run as the Med Hens topped Cloumbus, 4-1.

May, Worley & Pettibone

With the rain around the country cancelling games on Friday everywhere, Saturday was doubleheader day.

In Clearwater, Trevor May threw a 1-hit shut out, striking out 9, as the Threshers beat Jupiter, 2-0 in the opener of their 2 games. Trevor is now 6-5, 3.32 on the year and leads the FSL in strike outs with 123. The runs scored on Darin Ruf's 7th home run of the year, 1 of only 2 hits by Thresher hitters. Darin now has 49 RBI.

In the nightcap, Clearwater wasted another superb effort from Jonathan Pettibone, losing 8-2 on a 7-run outburst by the Hammerheads in the 7th. "Bone" went 6 solid innings, giving up just 1 run on 6 hits and 1 walk, striking out 6 and leaving the game with a 2-1 advantage. Eric Pettis and Ebelin Lugo gave up the lead and much more in the 7th.

Vance Worley does not seem to care where he is pitching, throwing 6 shut out innings in Syracuse, making his start on his regular day. He allowed just 3 hits, NO walks, and improved to 5-2 with Lehigh Valley. Add in his 4-1 with the Phillies, and at 9-3 overall is having a fine season.

Phils edge Braves in opener of showdown series

After nearly a 2-hour rain delay, the big series between the Braves and the Phillies got underway last night and it was worth the wait, with the Phillies taking a 3-2, 10-inning win on Raul Ibanez' walk off homer. Carlos Ruiz had 2 hits (including his 4th home run) and 2 walks, and was also hit by a pitch, reaching base in all 5 at bats. Domonic Brown added 2 hits, raising his steadily improving average to .246. Dom looks more and more comfortable everyday, and appears to have finally relaxed enough to let his talent take over. Ryan Howard added a hit to the Phillie's attack, and the kids, Mike Stutes (2.45) and Antonio Bastardo (0.84) each threw another shut out inning.

In Cleveland, the Blue Jays beat the Indians, 11-7. Lou Marson had 2 hits and a sacrifice, and scored 2 runs for the Tribe.........In Miami, Michael Bourn (.289) added 2 more hits and scored a run for the Astros, but the Marlins took a 6-3 decision. Michael led off the game with his 22nd infield hit, tops in the majors. Sergio Escalona (2.76) threw another scoreless inning for Houston.........In Chicago, Gavin Floyd could not hang onto a 5-1 lead after the first inning, giving up 7 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks in only 3.2 innings of work, as the Twins beat the Sox, 8-5. Gavin falls to 6-9, 4.59 on the year and is in a bad stretch, winless since June 1 covering his last 6 starts.

In Rochester, the IronPigs beat HomeSider Andy Baldwin and the Red Wings, 9-5. Baldwin lasted 5.1 innings and gave up 6 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks, falling to 4-7, 5.55 on the year for the Minnesota affiliate. Justin DeFratus tossed an inning for Lehigh Valley, and gave up an UNearned run, and Mike Schwimer threw 2 more perfect Frames, lowering his ERA to 1.78.........In Columbus, Jason Donald had 2 hits, including his 3rd home run, driving in 2 runs in the Clipper's 8-6 loss to Toledo...............In Oklahoma City, Robinson Tejeda blew his first save in the 9th inning, then gave up the winning run in the 10th, as the Red Hawks beat Omaha, 4-3............In Las Vegas, the Sacramento River Cats pounded the 51s, 11-4. Michael Taylor had a hit and 2 RBI for Sacramento, and Kevin Howard (.329) had 2 hits and drove in a run for Vegas..........In Kodak, Will Savage allowed 2 runs on 4 hits in the first inning last night, and came out of the game for Chattanooga. The game was suspended after 9 innings, tied at 4-4. ...........In Manchester, Antony Gose had double, a walk, and stole his 41st base of the year, and Travis d'Arnaud had a hit and an RBI for New Hampshire, but the Fisher Cats dropped an 8-3 game to Portland.

In Reading, Tyler Cloyd (3-1) pitched the R-Phils to a 6-1 win over Trenton. Tyler allowed just 1 run on 7 hits, NO walks, over 6 innings, and Josh Zeid went 2 scoreless frames, striking out 3. Mike Spidale, Matt Rizzotti, Steve Susdorf, Derrick Mitchell and Tuffy Gosewisch all had 2 hits for Reading.

How about these Claw's hurlers!

Today I have to sing the praises of the BlueClaws starting pitching. This week, in particular the last 3 days, they have been outstanding. On Monday, after Brad Lidge threw an inning in a rehab assignment, Jessie Biddle (4 IP, 1 run 3 hits) and Colby Shreve (3IP, 1 UNearned run, 3 hit) kept the Claws in the game and set up Travis Mattair's walk-off hit in the 9th for a 3-2 win. Biddle is 3-6, with a 3.48 ERA overall, but 2.56 in his last 10 appearances. The 19-year old has endured some growing pains this season, but is progressing nicely and the Phillies have to be pleased with how he is coming along. On Tuesday, Garrett Claypool continued to pitch very well without results. Garrett went 7 innings against Hagerstown, and allowed just 1 run on 2 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 and leaving the game with a 3-1 lead. The Suns rallied to win, 4-3 after Claypool came out, and he could certainly have more than the 3 wins he has been credited with. In fact, with the exception of one game in Greensboro, he has been excellent since moving into the rotation, posting a 3.01 ERA in 86.2 innings of work. He has 100 strike outs and only 31 walks in his 18 games (14 starts). Then, on Wednesday afternoon, in the blazing heat, Lisalberto Bonilla threw 9 shut out innings, allowing just 5 hits, NO walks, and struck out a career high 12 Suns. Bonilla lowered his ERA to 1.49, but has yet to record a victory, as once again the BlueClaws won after he was out of the game (1-0 in 10 innings).

Anyone who knows me knows I always say, "it's all about the pitching!!", and they are proving it again in 2011 in Lakewood. In fact, the parade of good pitchers that have come through Lakewood in the past 5 years has been nothing short of fantastic.

Ryno belts 18th

Ryan Howard had 4 hits, including his 18th home run of the year, and drove in 4 runs (he now has 71) leading the Phillies to a 14-2 win over the Marlins. Domonic Brown added 2 hits and a walk, scoring a run and driving 1 in, and Carlos Ruiz chipped in with a hit and run scored to back Cole Hamels' 10th win of the year. Cole went 8 good innings, allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits, 1 walk, and 5 strike outs. Scott Mathieson threw a scoreless 9th inning to finish.

Make it 51 major league wins for the HomeSide!!

Before the game, the Phillies sent Vance Worley back to Lehigh Valley and called up John Mayberry.

Unfortunatley, Carlos Carrasco was due for an off night, and the Yankees gave it him. After shutting the Bombers down in the Bronx last month, New York jumped all over Carlos last night in Cleveland, scoring 6 runs on 10 hits and 3 walks in just 4 innings in the Yank's 9-2 win. Lou Marson had an RBI hit for the Tribe.

The red hot Pirates (did I say red hot Pirates!?) beat the Astros, 5-1 to improve to 45-41 on the year. Who would've thunk it? Sorry, I digress! Anyway, Michael Bourn (.292) had 2 hits for Houston in the losing effort.

Golson, Cardenas pop 3 hits each!

In Scranton Tuesday, Tyson Brummett, Justin DeFratus and Mike Schwimer combined to defeat the Yankees, 5-2. Brummett started and went 5.2 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits, NO walks, and 5 Ks, before yielding to DeFratus. Justin faced 9 hitters, recorded 7 outs, including 5 Ks, and picked up the victory when the IronPigs rallied for 3 in the 8th. Schwimer (1.85) got his 6th save with a scoreless 9th. Greg Golson (.301) had 3 hits for the Yanks, including a triple and an RBI, and stole 2 bases in a losing effort.

In New Orleans, Omaha scored 5 runs in the 9th inning to steal a 6-5 win over the Zephyrs. Jesus Merchan had an RBI hit and scored a run for New Orleans...........In Nashville, the4 Sounds beat Memphis, 9-8. Zack Segovia tossed a scoreless frame for Nashville, despite giving up 2 hits and a walk...........In Fresno, the Sacramento River Cats scored 3 in the 8th and 3 more in the 9th to tie their game with the Grizzlies, only to lose in 11 innings, 7-6. Adrian Cardenas (.310) had 3 hits for the Cats, and Michael Taylor had a hit and 2 walks. Each scored a run in the great comeback............In Manchester, Anthony Gose and Travis d'Arnaud homered in the same game again (3rd time this season) as the Fisher Cats beat New Britain, 7-2. For Gose, it was his 9th, and for d'Arnaud, his 11th. Anthony also stole his 39th base!!................In Bowie, Joe Savery hit a grand slam home run, his 1st for Reading, and Matt Rizzotti belted his 16th of the yeart as the R-Phils beat the BaySox, 6-2. Joe Esposito got his first win for Reading, and Mike Cisco and Josh Zeid each tossed 2 scoreless innings of relief.

Worley wins again!

Very short on time today, but I do want to mention that Vance Worley continues to impress at the major league level, throwing another 7 shut out innings (only 2 hits) at the Marlins last night to notch his 4th win of the year for the Phillies, while Antonio Bastardo picked up his 5th save.

It was the 50th major league win for HomeSiders this in 2011.

Jays score 7 off Lee!

Sunday in Toronto, the Blue Jays ended Cliff Lee's scoreless inning streak at 34, and topped the Phillies, 7-4. Carlos Ruiz had 2 hits and a walk, scoring a run and driving 1 in, and Ryan Howard and Domonic Brown picked up 1 hit each. Mike Stutes picked up the final 2 outs for Lee.

In Chicago, Rodrigo Lopez silenced the White Sox bats, and the Cubs beat the Sox and Gavin Floyd, 3-1. Gavin went 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 8, and is now 6-8 on the year.

The Athletics have optioned Josh Outman to Sacramento. Josh was 3-3 for the A's before being sent down.

Claws, Threshers break out the bats

The BlueClaws exploded for 10 runs on 18 hits in the finale of their road trip Sunday, topping the Shorebirds, 10-5. Anthony Hewitt had 3 hits, including his 9th home run, Geancarlo Mendez drove in 5 runs, and David Buchanan recorded his 9th win. Everyone in the starting line up had at least 1 hit for Lakewood.

Not to be out done, the Clearwater Threshers pounded out 11 runs on 13 hits to top Lakeland, 11-3. Darin Ruf led the Clearwater attack with 3 hits, and Ruf, Jonathan Singleton, Jeremy Barnes and Cesar Hernandez drove in a pair of runs each. Jonathan Pettibone threw 8 innings, and allowed just 3 UNearned runs on only 5 hits, NO walks, and improved to 8-5, 2.67 for the season. The Threshers are now 4-7 in the second half, 43-37 overall.

In Reading, Tyler Cloyd pitched the R-Phils to a 4-3 win over Richmond. Tyler threw 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits, NO walks and 6 Ks, improving to 2-1 for Reading, and 5-2 overall. He also had a 2-out RBI hit to help then offense!! Matt Rizzotti (.288) had the only multi hit game for Reading, who are now 42-40, 6 games behind first place New Hampshire, which dropped a 5-2 decision to Portland despite the 10th home run of the season for Travis d'Arnaud, who was 3 for 4 for the Fisher Cats.

In Kodak, Quintin Berry (.282) returned to the Mudcats starting line up and pounded 3 hits, including a double, but the Smokies beat Carolina, 6-5 in 10 innings...........In Omaha, Robinson Tejeda threw 2 perfect innings for the Storm Chasers in a 2-0 loss to the Isotopes..........In Iowa City, the Cubs pounded New Orleans, 8-1. The Zephyrs only run scored on a pinch hit RBI double in the 9th inning by Jesus Merchan...............In Columbus, Jason Donald (.298) had a single and a double and scored a run for the Clippers in their 4-2 win over Louisville.

Hamels only HomeSider selected

The All Star rosters have been announced and Cole Hamels is the only HomeSider selected. For Cool Cole, it is his second time receiving the honor.

Bourn smoking hot!!

Neither Josh Outman or Jay Happ got enough support from their teams on Saturday, and both ended up taking losses. In Oakland, the Diamondbacks got to Josh (3-3) for 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in a 4-2 win, and the Red Sox got to Happ (3-10) early and often, starting with 3 in the first inning in a 10-4 decision. Jay gave up a total of 5 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks over 6.2 innings, and saw his ERA balloon to 5.63 for Houston.

The good news out of Houston is Michael Bourn had 4 more hits, extending his hitting streak to 11 games and lifting his average to .297. It is the second time this year Bourn has hit in at least 10 straight games, and over this current streak, he is hitting .404 (19 for 27), including 11 for 22 in the last 6 games!! Today we find out if Michael will be selected for the All-Star game. He sure gets my vote!!

In Toronto, Roy Halladay won in his return to his old home, 5-3, with a complete game effort for his 11th win of the year. Carlos Ruiz had 2 hits and scored a run, and Domonic Brown and Ryan Howard had 1 hit each, Howard's hit driving in his 67th run of the season.


In Salisbury, Travis Mattair belted a grand slam home run, 1 of his 2 hits on the night, to lead the BlueClaws to a 6-2 victory over Delamrva. "Moose" has been slow coming off his injury since joining Lakewood, but now has had 2 hits 3 times in the last 5 games (6 for 18) and looks to be finding his stroke. Geancarlo Mendez also had 2 hits for the Claws, and 19-year old Ervis Manzanillo won his 6th game of the year with a strong 7 inning effort (2 runs, 7 hits, 3 walks, 3 Ks). The BlueClaws are now 5-5 in the second half, 38-40 overall.

In Reading, Steve Susdorf (.329) had 3 hits, including a double and his 6th home run, and Matt Rizzotti also homered (his 15th), driving in 3 run (51 on the year) as the R-Phils topped Richmond, 7-4. J.C. Ramirez won his 7th game with 7 strong innings, and Josh Zeid threw 2 scoreless innings of relief, striking out 4, to pick up his 1st save........In Lehigh Valley, Justin DeFratus recorded his 1st AAA win with 2 scoreless innings of relief in the IronPigs' 1-0 win over Rochester. Mike Schwimer (1.89) notched his 5th save.

In Portland, Travis d'Arnuad (.299) had 2 doubles and his 9th home run of the year, driving in 2 runs, and Anthony Gose also homered for New Hampshire (his 7th), but the Fisher Cats dropped an 8-4 decision to the Sea Dogs. It is the second time this year both former Claws homered in the same game for New Hampshire. Gose also threw out a runner at home...............In Woodbridge, Virginia, Edgar Garcia came into the game for Wilmington to clean up and get the final out for the Blue Rocks, in a 14-1 loss to Potomac............In Round Rock, Texas (in 100 degree heat), Zack Segovia tossed 1.1 innings of scoreless relief for Nashville in the Sounds' 9-7, 12 inning loss to the Express............In Las Vegas, Kevin Howard hit his 2nd home run of the year as the 51s pounded Colorado Springs, 10-2. Howard has hit in 9 straight games, going 15 for 39 (that's .385) over that stretch for the Toronto affiliate.............In Durham, Yohan Flande threw 6 strong innings for Gwinnett, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, NO walks, striking out 7 to improve to 4-4 on the year in the Braves' 4-1 win over the Bulls.

Finally, Mets reliever Taylor Buchholz shoulder is completely healed, but Buchholz is suffering from anxiety and depression, and is home in Pennsylvania. Doctors want him to refrain from baseball activities until his body adjusts to medication. Get well soon, Taylor!!