Zeid, Tuffy debut

In Baltimore Thursday night, Josh Zeid made his major league debut with a 1-2-3 8th inning for Houston in their 6-3 loss to the Orioles. Josh is the 5th HomeSider to make it to the show this year, and #54 overall............The Arizona Diamondbacks have called up Tuffy Gosewisch from AAA-Reno. Tuffy (make him #55) also made his debut last night in Texas, going 1 for 3 for the snakes in their 7-1 loss to the Rangers...........Ethan Martin will make his major league debut tonight for the Phillies against the Braves in Philadelphia.

Villar continues to impress

Make sure you catch the video of Jonathan Villar stealing home out from under the Baltimore Orioles' noses!!

Hanson, Charles, Villalobos!

The blog site is having issues, again this week, but I have found a way to get around some of it................. Congratulations to Nic Hanson and Art Charles, who were named minor league pitcher and player of the week, for week ending July 28................. Alejandro Villalobos had 4 hits last night, and has 7 consecutive hits. I think that may be a team record, and am currently looking through old boxscores to verify this.

Astros trade Veras, call up Zeid.

The Houston Astros have called up Josh Zeid from AAA-Oklahoma City. When he gets in a game he will be the 54th former Claw, and the 5th this year to play a major league game. Josh won 8 games, and saved 8 more for the BlueClaws in 2010................... Big game Monday night for Anthony Gose. Gose had 3 hits, including 2 triples, and knocked in 3 runs for the Bisons in Buffalo's 7-5 win over the Mud Hens in Toledo.

Santana and Ruiz go deep!

Sunday in Detroit, the Tigers completed the sweep of the Phillies, 12-4, extending the current losing streak to 8 straight.  After Jonathan Pettibone struggled through 5 innings (3 runs, 7 hits, 4 walks), Jake Diekman allowed 4 UNearned runs in the Phillies' nightmare bttom of the 5th and was tagged with the loss.  Steve Susdorf, who made a big error, dropping a fly ball during that inning, had his first major league hit, a double, and scored a run.  Darin Ruf had 2 more hits, and Carlos Ruiz was 1 for 4, with each driving in a run.  Phillies limp home, and start a home stand against the champion Giants Tuesday...........In Cleveland, Michael Bourn had a double, a walk, and 2 RBI for the Indians, as they shut out Texas for the 2nd straight day, 6-0...................In Toronto, Jarred Cosart made his 3rd major league start and tossed 6 innings for Houston in their 2-1 loss to the Jays.  Jarred (1-0, 0.86) allowed just 1 run on 4 hits and 5 walks, and got no decision.  Jonathan Villar was 1 for 4 for the Astros and stole his 4th base in just 7 games.

In Lakewood, Art Charles 2-run triple in the bottom of the 9th capped off a 3-run rally to give the BlueClaws a walk off 4-3 win over the Drive and a split of their 4-game set. Chace Numata had 2 hits, and Willie Carmona drove in the other 2 runs, and Charles' hit made a winner of Delvi Francisco, who had tossed a scoreless top of the 9th..........In Fort Myers, Carlos Alonso had 4 hits, and Aaron Altherr knocked in 3 runs to help the Threshers take a 5-4 win from the Miracle.  Severino Gonzalez threw 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 UNearned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk.

In Midland, Domingo Santana hit his 17th home run, and his 3rd in 3 days, to help the Hooks top the Rock Hounds, 5-2. D'Arby Myers (.276) had 2 hits for the Hounds................In Louisville, Randy Ruiz hit his 12th home run, a 3-run shot during Scranton's 5-run 6th, as the RailRiders topped the Bats, 9-3.  Jason Donald had 2 hits and scored a run for Louisville............In Oklahoma City, Jonathan Singleton hit his 4th home run, and Josh Zeid recorded his 13th save of the year, as the RedHawks beat Iowa, 4-3.

Tigers top Phillies again

In Detroit Saturday, the Tigers and Max Scherzer held the Phillies to just 2 hits, 1 a double by Darin Ruf,  and the Tigers pounded Philadelphia, 10-0.  Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus each threw a shut out frame in relief for the Phillies, who dropped their 7th straight on this trip, which wraps up today...........In Toronto, Jonathan Villar had a hit, 2 walks, 2 stolen bases and scored 2 runs to help the Astros to an 8-6 win over the Jays...............In Cleveland, Michael Bourn's lead off home run in the bottom of the 1st inning was all Justin Masterson would neeed in a 1-0 win over the Rangers.  It was the 4th home run this year for Bourn.......In Denver, Milwaukee topped the Rockies, 7-5.  Josh Outman tossed a scoreless inning (1 hit, 1 K) for Colorado...............In Los Angeles, Alfredo Simon threw 1.2 innings of relief, stranding an inherited runner, but then allowing a run on 2 hits inn the next frame of the Reeds' 4-1 loss to the Dodgers.


In Pawtucket, Derrick Mitchell had 3 hits and 2 RBI, and Freddy Galvis, Leandro Castro and Cameron Rupp added 2 hits each in a 10-0 IronPIgs win over the Red Sox.  Rupp hit his 4th home run for Lehigh Valley, driving in a total of 3 runs..........In Reading, Maikel Franco and Anthony Hewitt had 3 hits each to power the Fightin Phils to a 12-3 win over New Britain.  Franco is hitting .382 since being promoted, and .327 combined in 97 games so far in 2013, and is looking more like a lock for the Paul Owens Award this year.

In Midland, Domingo Santana hit his 16th home run, 1 of his 2 hits in the game, and helped Corpus Christi defeat the Rock Hounds, 7-6.  D'Arby Myers was 1 for 4 for Midland...............In Reno, Tuffy Gosewisch' RBI double was all the Aces would need in a 1-0 win over Tacoma.

Down in Florida, Travis d'Arnaud has now played 4 games for the GCL Mets, going 6 for 15 (.400) and knocking in 5 runs.

Drabek news

A quick note about Kyle Drabek, who is on a rehab assignment in the FSL with Dunedin.  In his last 10.2 innings, covering 4 outings, Drabek has allowed NO runs, only 3 hits and 2 walks, and struck out 10.  The Blue Jays are being extra careful with him coming off consecutive Tommy John surgeries.  He  will start tonight in Dunedin against Jupiter, but it may be time to move him up a step.

Phillies land Cuban pitcher

The Phillies have landed 26-year Cuban born pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez to a 6-year, nearly $60 million deal.  He is believed to be "major league ready", although it appear he will make a few minor league appearances first as the Phillies have seemed to slip out of this year's race.

Phils drop 6th straight

Friday night in Detroit, Doug Fister outpitched Cole Hamels in a 2-1 Tigers victory over the reeling Phillies.  Now losers of 6 out of 7 since the break after winning the first one, the Phillies could all of a sudden go into "sell" mode, with no one being safe from trade.  Philadelphia got just 4 hits Friday, 1 each by Darin Ruf and Carlos Ruiz.  Hamels (4-13, 4.09) threw 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs on 46 hts and 3 walks, striking out 6 on the way................In Cleveland, the Indians walked off in the 11th inning on a Ryan Raburn home run, getting past the Rangers, 11-8.  Michael Bourn had a hit and drove in 3 runs for the Tribe........In Toronto, Jonathan Villar was 1 for 5 for the Astros in their 12-6 loss to the Blue Jays.

In Reading Maikel Franco had 3 hits, i9ncluding 2 more home runs, and drove in 5 runs to power the Fightin Phils to a 7-2 win over New Britain. It was the 7th home run Franco has hit since being called up, and #23 altogether for 2013. He also has a total of 77 RBI between Clearwater and Reading.  Kelly Dugan had 2 hits, including his 2nd  AA homer this week!....................In Pawtucket, Cody Asche drove home Leandro Castro (who had 2 hits) with the tying run in the top of the 8th inning, then scored the game winning run on a hit by Josh Fields in the IronPigs exciting, 4-3 come from behind win over the Red Sox.  The win puts Lehigh Valley (53-54) just 4.5 games behind the first place Sox and right in the race for a wild card spot in the International League........................In Lakewood, Willie Carmona and Art Charles had 2 hits each to power the BlueClaws to a 7-6 win over Greenville, with Miguel Nunez winning his teasm leading 8th game of the year.

In Midland, Domingo Santana had a single, a triple, and his 15th home run, driving in 3 runs to help Corpus Christi top the Rock Hounds, 12-6 in the first game of their double dip, then added a nother hit and another RBI in the nightcap, a 2-0 Hooks' win for the sweep.  D'Arby Myers (.274) had 4 hits for Midland on the day, including a triple, with a run scored and an RBI............In Pearl, Travis Mattair had 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 RBI for the Blue Wahoos in their 5-3 win over the Braves...............In Tulsa, Mike Cisco picked up his 3rd win of the season for Arkansas in the Travelers' 4-1 win over the Drillers.

In Louisville, Randy Ruiz (.297) had 3 hits, including a single in the game winning 2-run 10th inning rally to help the RailRiders defeat the Bats, 6-5.   Mike Zagurski picked up his 6th win since joining the Yankees affiliate and is pitching great for them, a 2.19 ERA.  Are we watching this in the Bronx?  Both of these guys have earned another shot at the big team!

In a move I overlooked last week, Greg Golson has been released by the Colorado Rockies, and is once again a free agent.

Surprise! Susdorf #53

The Phillies have placed Domonic Brown on the 7-day DL with a concussion, and called up Steve Susdorf from Lehigh Valley.  Susdorf got into the game Thursday night, batting for Kyle Kendrick and grounding into a double play.  He is the 53rd former Claw to play in the majors, and the 4th to make his debut this year.  The Cardinals defeated Kendrick and the Phillies, 3-1.  Darin Ruf (.292) had a single and a walk in the game, and Antonio Bastardo (2.39) pitched 2 perfect innings, striking out 3 of the 6.  Kendrick (9-7, 3.96) pitched the first 6 frames, and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks.

Bourn slams Seattle

In Seattle Wednesday, Michael Bourn hit a grand slam home run, 1 of his 2 hits on the night, driving in 4 runs and scoring 2 to lead the Indians to a 10-1 win over the Mariners..............In St. Louis, the Cardinals topped the Phillies, 11-3.  Darin Ruf and Carlos Ruiz had a hit each, with Ruf scoring a run and Ruiz getting an RBI.  Justin De Fratus tossed 2 scoreless frames in relief (2 walks, 2 Ks), but Jake Diekman allowed 2 runs on 4 hits in his inning..........In Denver, Josh Outman struck out the only hitter he faced, notching his 7th hold of the year in the Rockies' 2-1 win over the Miami.

Down on the farm, Travis d'Arnaud was 1 for 3 playing for the GCL Mets in his first game since April.

In Rochester, Tyler Cloyd made a good start, throwing 7 solid innings, and allowing just 1 run on 2 hits and 1 walk, but recently promoted Jay Johnson was lit up for 4 runs on a hit and 2 walks, retiring just 1 hitter and the Red Wings rallied for a 6-2 win........In Clearwater, Harold Martinez hit his 2nd home run of the year, and Carlos Alonso got 3 hits and scored a run as the Threshers defeated Jupiter, 5-2.  Steven Inch, who has been great since being promoted, tossed 3.1 scoreless inning in relief of Ethan Stewart to get the win.  Inch is 3-0, 0.63 in 6 games with Clearwater.

In Scranton, Randy Ruiz hit his 12th home run, a 3-run 1st inning shot that propelled the RailRiders to a 4-0 win over Toledo........In Omaha, Quintin Berry hit a home run for the Storm Chasers, who lost an 11-4 decision to Oklahoma City............In Sacramento, Michael Taylor hit his 15th home run for the River Cats in their 5-2 win over Colorado Springs...................In Las Vegas, Tuffy Gosewisch was 3 for 4 , and drove in 2 runs for Reno, but the 51s defeated the Aces, 11-4..............In Pearl, Travis Mattair had a double, 2 single, 2 RBI and scored a run for Pensacola in the Blue Wahoos' 5-2 win over the Braves.................In Frisco, D'Arby Myers had 3 hits and 2 RBI for the Rock Hounds in their 6-0 victory over the RoughRiders.

notes from the DL

Tuesday night in Buffalo, Jay Happ continued his comeback with a 4-inning, 60-pitch outing against Columbus,  Happ allowed a run on 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 3 in the Bisons' 4-1 win over the Clippers.  The Blue Jays say he will need at least 1 more rehab start before being activated and returning to the big team.

Travis d'Arnaud will begin a rehab assignment today with the GCL Mets, playing for the first time since April 17 when he fractured the metatarsil bone in his foot.  New York still hopes to call him up before the end of the season......... Gavin Floyd will not begin to throw for about another 4 weeks, but said over the weekend that he is getting the range of motion back in his injured shoulder. The White Sox hope to get him an appearance or 2 before the end of  this year.

In Syracuse, Jason Donald had 2 hits, including a single during the game winning 4-run 9th inning rally, a walk, an RBI and scored a run for the Bats, as Louisville came from behind to edge the Chiefs, 5-4..........In Rochester, Cody Asche had 3 hits, including 2 home runs (# 11 & 12), Freddy Galvis had 2 hits and 2 RBI and Cameron Rupp smacked his 3rd AAA homer as the IronPigs blasted the Red Wings, 8-1.  Ethan Martin improved to 11-5, 4.35 with 6 shut out innings (2 hits, 3 walks, 6 Ks)...................In Iowa City, Brian Schlitter came into a scoreless game in the top of the 9th, tossed a 1-2-3  frame, and picked up a win when the Cubs walked off in the bottom half.................In Corpus Christi, Adam Buschini (16 for 43 in the last 11 games) had 2 more hits for the Missions in their 11-3 win over the Hooks.

In Binghamton, Jesse Biddle could not get out of the 1st inning, giving up 4 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in the Mets 6-3 win over the Fightin Phils.  Maikel Franco and Kelly Dugan got 2 more hits each, with Franco's AA average climbing to a lofty .379!........In Clearwater, Harold Martinez singled and scored the game winning run in the bottom of the 13th inning to give the Threshers a 3-2 win over Jupiter.  Chris Serratella had hit a 2-out home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to tie it.

In Houston, Jonathan Villar was 3 for 4 in just his second major league game, including 2 doubles and 2 runs scored, as the Astros came from behind to top Oakland, 5-4.  Jarred Cosart started and went 7 solid innings, allowing just 2 runs, 1 earned, on just 7 hits and 3 walks, and recieved no decision.........In St Louis, the Cardinals beat Jonathan Pettibone and the Phillies, 4-1.  J-Bone did not have his best stuff, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in just 5 innings of work.

Villar # 52

On Monday night in Houston, Jonathan Villar became the 52nd former BlueClaw to play in the major leagues, starting at shortstop for the Astros.  Jonathan led off the 3rd inning with his first major league hit, a bunt single, stole second, and then scored a run.  The Astros lost to Oakland, 4-3.   Jarred Cosart, who became #51 2 weeks ago, will start for the Astros tonight............In Seattle, Michael Bourn was 1 for 3 for the Indians, who dropped a 2-1 game to the Mariners.    There are currently 13 former Claws in the majors, and there have been 24 to play at that level so far in 2013.

In Clearwater, Jupiter starter Angel Sanchez started and threw 6 no-hit innings at the Threshers, and the Hammerheads' bullpen finished it off in a 5-0 win.  Severino Gonzalez, making his first start for the Threshers since being called up, pitched well,. allowing just 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 in his 6 innings........In Rome, the Braves slammed the BlueClaws, 10-2.  Jeb Stefan was the victim of some bad play at shortstop by Jonathan Roof, who made 2 errors.  Strefan gave up 8 runs, but only 2 of them were earned..............In Binghamton, Sebastian Valle hit 2 home runs and drove in 3 runs to power Reading to a 5-4 rain-shorteded win ovger the Mets.  Maikel Franco and Anthony Hewitt also had 2 hits each, and Zack Collier hit his 7th home run in the game.


In Sacramento, Michael Taylor hit a grand slam home run (his 14th home run this year), and also had another hit and drove in 5 runs to lead the River Cats to a 10-2 win over Colorado Springs.................In Omaha, Jonathan Singleton had a double, a sacrifice fly, a walk, and scored a run for the RedHawks as Oklahoma City took the opening game of their series, 6-1 over the Storm Chasers.  Quintin Berry was 0 for 3 for Omaha................In Gwinnett, Joe Bisenius started and pitched 6 innings for the Braves, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits and taking the loss in a 7-0 Durham win.  Bisenius in 3-3, 5.83 so far since joining the Braves...............In Frisco, D'Arby Myers had 2 hits, stole his 16th base, and scored a run for the Rock Hounds, as they beat the RoughRiders, 4-1....................In Corpus Christi, Adam Buschini had 2 more hits for San Antonio, and is hitting .368 (14 for 38) over the last 10 games, but the Missions lost to the Hooks, 6-4.

Berry the hottest right now

Yesterday in New York, the Mets'  Matt Harvey dominated the Phillies, he struck out Domonic Brown 4 straight times, and Philadelphia dropped the deciding  game of the series, 5-0.  Antonio Bastardo struck out 2 of the 3 hitters he faced in his inning.  The Phillies head to St Louis to battle the first place Cardinals tomorrow night.

The BlueClaws have made some roster moves.  With Chad Carman coming off the DL, Justin Dalles has been moved up to Reading, and with Chris O'Hare going on the DL, Lino Martinez has been brought back from Williamsport.   In Rome on Sunday, Lakewood got just 3 hits, 2 by Larry Greene, and lost a 3-2 contest to the Braves.  Martinez was the losing pitcher, after Nic Hanson had another good outing: 7 innings, 1 run, 4 hits, 2 walks, 3 Ks..........In Allentown, Freddy Galvis had 2 hits and drove in the deciding run in a 2-1 IronPigs' win over the Clippers.

In Albuquerque, Quintin Berry had 3 hits, including a big 2-out 9th inning hit in the game winning rally,  and 3 RBI for Omaha in their 8-6 win over the Isotopes.  "Q" is 11 for 29 (.379) in the last 9 games...........In San Antonio, the Missions won a 6-3 game from Midland.  D'Arby Myers (.260) had a double and scored a run for the Rock Hounds, and Adam Buschini (.268) had a hit and a run scored for the Missions..........In Buffalo, Anthony Gose had 2 hits and scored 2 runs for the Bisons, but they still lost, 7-6 to Toledo...............In Salt Lake City, Michael Taylor hit his 13th home run for Sacramento, a 3-run shot, in the River Cats' 9-7 loss to the Bees........In Memphis, Josh Zeid struck out the side to get around allowing 3 baserunners, and posted his 12th save of the year for Oklahoma City in the RedHawks' 3-2 win over the Redbirds............In Reno, Tuffy Gosewisch had 2 doubles and scored a run for the Aces, who dropped a 15-8 game to Las Vegas.

In New Orleans, Jesus Sanchez threw a shut out inning for Nashville in their 7-1 win over the Zephyrs.  Sanchez is 3-1, 2.12 in 33 games and 51 innings for the Milwaukee affiliate!

Cosart recalled; Villar to be #52

Jarred Cosart has been recalled by the Astros and will start Tuesday's game for Houston against Oakland.  Jarred was the 51st BlueClaw to play in the majors when he made that great start against Tampa about 2 weeks ago.  The Astros have also called up shortstop Jonathan Villar, who will become #52 when he plays, maybe tonight!

running out to work, more later...............

Hamels falls again

In New York Saturday, the Mets evened their series with the Phillies with a 5-4 win over Cole Hamels.  Cole (4-12) allowed 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks in just 5 innings, and was a victim of a rookie home plate umpire and his inconsistent strike zone.  Domonic Brown, Darin Ruf and Carlos Ruiz combined to go 1 for 13 in the game.......In Denver, Josh Outman tossed a scoreless frame for the Rockies in their 9-3 win over the Cubs.

In Rome, the BlueClaws got past the Braves, 10-9.  Angelo Mora led the attack with 3 hits, including his 2nd home run, and Larry Greene, Willie Carmona, Art Charles and Mitch Walding all had 2 hits each.  Geoff Broussard won for the 4th time, and Delvi Francisco came on for the final out to notch his 6th save.  Lakewood has now won 3 of 4 on the current trip and 10 of the last 13 overall............In a wild one in Bradenton, the Marauders scored 3 in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game, but the Threshers scored in the 11th for a 9-8 win. Aaron Altherr (.281) had 3 hits and drove in 2 runs, and Carlos Alonso and Jiwan James added 2 hits each.  The win went to Jordan Guth, his 2nd since his promotion.........In Portland, Reading managed just 4 hits and with Jim Murphy's 9th inning home run, #19 on the year, avioded the shut out in a 5-1 loss to the Sea Dogs.......In Allentown, a 2-hour rain delay after the first inning limited Carlos Carrasco to just 1 13-pitch shut out inning, and the Clippers went on to a 1-0, 13-innning win over the IronPigs.


In San Antonio, Adam Buschini (.267) had 2 hits and scored a run for the Missions in their 4-2 win over Midland..........In Scranton, Randy Ruiz had 2 more hits, including his 11th home run for the RailRiders in a 2-1 Scranton loss to Louisville.  Jason Donald had 2 hits for the Bats.

Brown powers Phils past Mets

Domonic Brown (.278) started the post-All Star portion of the schedule with 3 hits, including his 24th home run of the year, and drove in 2 runs (that's 69) to pace the Phillies to a 13-8 win in New York.  Darin Ruf had 2 hits, and Carlos Ruiz chipped in with a double as Kyle Kendrick picked up his HomeSide leading 9th win of the year, and the 39th overall this year.  Jake Diekman threw a scoreless 8th, and Justin De Fratus finished it, allowing a 2-run 9th inning home run to David Wright...........In Minnesota, the Twins topped the Indians, 3-2.  Michael Bourn (.293) had 2 hits and drove in both runs for the Tribe.......In Cincinnati, Alfredo Simon (.2.88) got his 4th hold of the season with .2 innings of scoreless relief (1 hit, 1 walk) for the Reds in their 5-3 win over the Pirates.

In Augusta, Willie Carmona's 2-run home run triggered a 3-run 9th inning rally and the BlueClaws stole a 3-2 win from the Green Jackets.  It was the 5th home run for Willie (.309).  Brian Pointer, Larry Greene and Mitch Walding added 2 hits each to the Lakewood cause. Chad Carman, on the DL since April, played his first game in months and had a hit.  Jon Prosinski made his Claws' debut with 5 good innings, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk.  The win went to Chris Burgess, and Delvi Francisco notched his 5th save.............In Portland, Zack Collier homered and Maikel Franco and Kelly Dugan pounded 3 hits each as the Fightin Phils beat the Sea Dogs, 4-3.  David Buchanan won his 6th game with 6 solid frames, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits and NO walks........In Allentown, Freddy Galvis, Cameron Rupp and Tyson Gillies had 2 hits each for the IronPigs, but Columbus took a 7-2 decision from Lehigh Valley.

In Salt Lake City, Michael Taylor (.305) had 3 hits, including his 12th home run, and knocked in 3 runs to help Sacramento to an 18-7 win over the Bees.........In Albuquerque, Quintin Berry had 2 hits for Omaha in their 4-3 loss to the Isotopes. It has been a rough year for "Q" , but he is finding it now, going 9 for 26 (.346)  in the last 9 games..........In Corpus Christi, Domingo Santana got a pinch hit, 2-run double in the bottom of the 6th inning to give the Hooks a come from behind, 3-2 win over Frisco, and a split of their doubleheader.

An interest note in Arkansas, where the Angels are strtching out Mike Cisco with an eye to making him a rotation guy again. (Mike had not started since 2010.)  In his 3rd start last night, Cisco went 4 scoreless innings, NO hits, 1 walk, 3 Ks, throwing 51 pitches.  Mike started 6 times, in 8 appearances for Lakewood in 2008.

Thursday night, in Dunedin, Jay Happ threw 5 shut out innings, allowing just 3 hits, NO walks, and struck out 7. 

Happ on comeback trail

After a 3-inning stint with the GCL Jays, Jay Happ will move his rehab up to the Florida State League, making his next appearance for Dunedin.  He may actually pitch again for Toronto by the end of the year.  The HomeSide wishes him the best of luck!

In Augusta last night, the BlueClaws were held to just 2 hits and dropped an 8-0 game to the Green Jackets.  Angelo Mora and Carlos Tocci had back to back singles in the 8th inning to break up the no-hit bid..........In Portlant,  Sebastian Valle hit 2 home runs and drove in 5 runs, and Maikel Franco had 3 more hits as the Reading Fightin Phils beat the Sea Dogs, 7-5.  Jesse Biddle went 7 solid innings (2 runs, 1 earned, 3 hits, 2 walks) to pick up his 4th win of the year.  Jesse was also the winning pitcher last Sunday in New York in the Future Stars Game..........In Pensacola, Travis Mattair had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, for the Blue Wahoos, who lost a 1-0 decision to Huntsville.

Claws keep it going on road

In Augusta last night, the BlueClaws made it 8 out of 10 when Mitch Walding walked, stole second and then scored on a wild pitch in the 10 inning to give Lakewood a 5-4 win.  Art Charles hit his 9th home run, and Willie Carmona (.313), Jonathan Roof (.381) and Angelo More had 2 hits each.  Ramon Oviedo notched the win with 3 innings of strong relief, and Delvi Francisco threw a 1-2-3 10th (2 Ks) to pick up his 4th save.........In Bradenton, the Marauders beat the Threshers, 9-3.  Severino Gonzalez, Jordan Guth, Dan Carela and Steven Inch (all pitched for Lakewood this year) were the pitchers. Neither Carela nor Inch has allowed an earned run since moving up...................In Reading, Jim Murphy (.294) hit 2 home runs (#17 & 18) and drove in 3 runs (61), and Zack Collier had a single, a double and a triple to lead the Fightin Phils to a 6-5 win over Trenton................In Frisco, Adam Buschini (.259 and climbing) had 2 hits, including a home run (#5) for San Antonio in their 4-3 loss in the opener of their double dip.  Adam added a triple and an RBI in game 2, a 6-4 Missions win.

some roster moves

The Phillies have promoted pitcher Severino Gonzalez to Clearwater, after a very impressive stint with the Claws to stretch him out for starter duty.  Lakewood also places Chris O'Hare on the DL.

Pitchers Lino Martinez and Jon Prosinski have been reassigned from Williamsport to the BlueClaws.

With Gonzalez going to Clearwater, Mario Hollands has been promoted to Reading.

To ease some of the outfield clog at Reading, Jiwan James has been returned to Clearwater.

Not my fault

Welcome Back, HomeSiders.   There has been a problem at the website for the last 10 days and I have been unable to post.

Too much has happened to recall it all, but here are the highlights since my last post.

Jarred Cosart became the 51st former BlueClaw to play in the majors, and his debut with Houston was superb!  Jarred pitched 8+ innings in St Pete, and allowed the Rays no runs on just 2 hits and 2 walks, and picked up a win in the Astros' 2-1 victory.

Jarred is the 12th HomeSider to notch a major league win this year for a total of 38 wins.

Cosart has been optioned back to Oklahoma City so that he can start the AAA All Star Game tonight in Reno, Nevada.  Tuffy Gosewisch will also participate for the PCL.

Ryan Howard will miss 6-8 weeks with inflammation in his left knee.

Cesar Hernandez has been sent from Lehigh Valley to Reading and he is learning to play center field.  This makes the already crowded Reading outfield even more so.....Daniel Carela has been promoted from Lakewood to Clearwater, and has already won a game for the Threshers!

Last Thursday, 3 BlueClaws combined to throw the 4th no-hitter in team history, and the first in 7 years, over the Rome Braves.  Jeb Stefan tossed the first 6 innings, walking 4 and striking out 5 for his 3rd win of the year.  Ramon Oviedo took over and fanned 4 of the 6 hitters he faced, before Chris Burgess got the final 3 outs.  The BlueClaws had a   5-2 home stand, and are in Georgia to face Augusta tonight.

Ruf recalled, Brown an All Satr

An exciting Sunday morning as we learned last night that Domonic Brown has been selected to be a reserve at the Alll Star Game in New York next week.  Congratulations to Dom!!

The Phillies have placed Ryan Howard on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his left knee.  They have called Darin Ruf up from Lehigh Valley.

On Saturday night in Philadelphia, Ruf and Brown got 1 hit each, but the Braves pouned Kyle Kendrick and the Phillies, 13-4.  Kendrick gave up 6 runs on 12 hits and 2 walks in just 5 innings of work to fall to 7-6, 3.90 for the year.  Jake Diekman allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in his inning of work.........In Cleveland, the Tigers ripped Carlos Carrasco for 7 runs, 6 earned on 10 hits and 1 walk on their way to a 9-4 win.  Carlos, who is still not 100%, is having a tough time this year, winless and with an ERA now over 9.  Michael Bourn (.294) had a hit, an RBI and threw out a runner at second base for the Indians.

In Scranton, the RailRiders defeated Lehigh Valley, 4-2.  Steve Susdorf (.321) had 2 hits for the IronPigs, and Randy Ruiz had an RBI hit and scored a run for the RailRiders.  Mikle Zagurski picked up his 2nd save this week with a scoreless 9th for Scranton.............In Trenton, the Thunder beat Reading again, 5-2.  Maikel Franco hit his 5th home run for Reading, and his 21st of the year, while Derrick Mitchell and Zack Collier had 2 hits each for the Fightin Phils. David Buchanan was the starter and losing pitcher for Reading, going 6 innings and allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks...........In Clearwater, Hoby Milner threw 7 shut out innings (4 hits, 3 walks, 3 Ks) to improve to 8-4, as the Threshers shut out Lakeland, 3-0.  Aaron Altherr had 2 hits for Clearwater. ...........In Greensboro, Alejandro Villalobos had 3 hits to lead a 13-hit attack as the BlueClaws beat the Grasshoppers, 10-3.  Brian Pointer, Art Charles and Larry Greene had 2 hits each, Greene hitting his 2nd home run, and newcomer Jonathan Roof hit a 3-run shot to help the Claws break their losing streak.  The win went ot Geoff Broussard with 2.2 innings of scoreless relief, and Delvi Francisco tossed 2 scoreless frames to finish it off. 

In Midland, D'Arby Myers had a double and his 3rd home run of the year, driving in 4 runs for the Rock Hounds, but Midland lost to Arkansas, 8-5 in 10 innings...............In New Orleans, Josh Zeid recorded his 10th save of the season for Oklahoma City in a 6-5 RedHawks win.  Jarred Cosart started for the Hawks, and went 5.1 innings, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks, receiving no decision.

Phils top Braves; Dugan promoted

In Philadelphia Friday night, the Phillies returned home from their trip and picked up a big 5-4 win over the first place Braves.  Ryan Howard and Domonic Brown had a hit each, with Ryan driving in his 43rd run of the year.  Antonio Bastardo threw a 1-2-3 8th inning for his 12th hold.

The Indians have recalled Carlos Carrasco to pitch today against Detroit.

I was in Trenton last night, and was treated to Kelly Dugan's AA debut.  Dugan was promoted earlier in the day from Clearwater.  Kelly was 1 for 4 on the night, as the Thunder scored 8 runs in the first 3 innings en route to an 8-0 win over the Fightin Phils.  Brody Colvin was the victim of the bombing, but Colby Shreve and Hector Neris threw scoreless relief.  Jim Murphy and Maikel Franco had 2 hits each for Reading.

In Clearwater, Chris Serritella's second hit of the game in the bottom of the 11th inning led to the winning run for the Threshers and a 2-1 win over Tampa.  Steven Inch recorded his first win since moving up from Lakewood last week.......In Greensboro, Angelo Mora had 4 hits, and Larry Greene, Carlos Tocci, Chace Numata and Mitch Walding all had 2 hits, but Lakewood dropped a 6-5 decision when the Grasshoppers scored a pair of runs inh the bottom of the 9th.  Jeb Stefan pitched well, going 6  strong innings and allowing just 3 runs, 2 earned, on only 3 hits and NO walks.

In Scranton, Mike Zagurski was in the right place at the right time, picking up his 2nd win since joining the RailRiders, when Scranton scored in the bottom of the 9th to beat Buffalo, 3-2.  Mike is 4-1, 2.87 in AAA this year.............In Colorado Springs, Greg Golson had 2 hits, a walk, stole a base, and drove in 2 runs for the SkySox in their 5-0 win over Reno............In Fresno, Michael Taylor had 2 hits, 2 walks, drove in 2 runs and scored 2 more...o yeah, he stole home also- but the River Cats dropped an 8-7 game to the Grizzlies.

In a move I overlooked last week, the Texas Rangers have dropped Lisalverto Bonilla from AAA-Round Rock to AA-Frisco.

Cosart, Gosewisch AAA Stars

Congratulations are in order for Oklahoma City's Jarred Cosart, who was elected to pitch for the Pacific Coast League in the AAA All Star Game.   The game will be held in Reno, and the Ace's own Tuffy Gosewisch was selected to the roster and will get to play in front of his home fans!  Good luck to both from the HomeSide!  The IronPigs Cody Asche and Cesar Hernandez will play for the International League.

In Pittsburgh on Thursday, Cole Hamels put in a solid 7 innings (2 runs, 1 earned, 5 hits, NO walks) to pick up just his 3rd win of the season in the Phillies' 6-4 win over the Pirates, taking 2 of 3 from the team with the best record in the National League.  Carlos Ruiz was 2 for 3 with 2 RBI and Ryan Howard and Domonic Brown had a hit each, and scored a run each.  Justin De Fratus allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in his inning, and has been a little shaky lately, allowing 6 earned runs on 8 hits in the last 3.1 innings in which he has worked.  The win by Hamels was the 33rd by HomeSiders in the majors this year..........In Denver, the Rockies got by the Dodgers, 9-5.  Josh Outman retired 2 hitters and allowed a hit, which let an inherited runner score in the 6th inning.

In Syracuse, the Chiefs swept a pair from the IronPigs, 7-4 and 6-5.  Cameron Rupp had 2 hits and 2 RBI, and Freddy Galvis hit a home run in the nightcap............In Midland, D'Arby Myers (.274) had a single, a double, a walk, stole his 14th base, and scored a run for the Rock Hounds in their 16-6 pounding of NW Arkansas.................In New Orleans, Jonathan Villar (.283) had a double and 2 walks, and Josh Zeid notched his 9th save with a 1-2-3 9th inning for Oklahoma City in the RedHawks' 2-1 win over the Zephyrs................In Scranton, Randy Ruiz belted his 7th home run (in just 20 games) to help the RailRiders defeat Buffalo, 5-2.  Anthony Gose had 2 hits, stole his 11th base, and scored a run for the Bisons.

Dom gets 3 hits in loss

In Pittsburgh Wednesday, Domonic Brown had 3 hits, including his 22nd home run  of the year, scored 2 runs and drove in 2 more (60), but the Phillies dropped a 6-5 decision to the Pirates.  Jake Diekman struck out all 5 hitters he faced, but also threw a wild pitch which allowed an inherited runner to score.......In Kansas City, Michael Bourn (.301) returned from paternity leave, and got 2 hits, stole his 12th base,  scored a run and drove in another one for the Indians, who wer edged by the Royals by the score of 6-5.......In Cincinnati, the Reds took 11 innings to beat the Gianst, 3-2.  Alfredo Simon pitched to 3 hitters in the 8th, striking out 2 and walking 1...........In Denver, the Dodgers got past the Rockies, 10-8.  Josh Outman retired the only hitter he faced in the 8th inning.

In Allentown, Leandro Castro was 3 for 3 and drove in a run for the IronPigs in a 2-0 win over Syracuse.  Freddy Galvis had the other RBI for Lehigh Valley, who improved to 46-40 on the year..........In Reading, the Fightin Phils managed just 4 hits in a 7-4 loss to Richmond.  Derrick Mitchell had a double and a home run and knocked in 2 for the Phils...........In Clearwtaer, the Threshers got past the Blue Jays, 4-3 in 12 innings.  Kelly Dugan hit his 10th home run  of the year (off Kyle Drabek), and Chris Serritella added 3 hits for Clearwater. 

In Oklahoma City, Jonathan Villar (.281) had a hit, 2 walks, 2 RBI and scored a run for the Red Hawks in their wild 10-9 win over the Isotopes.

Severino sparkles

Tuesday night in Pittsburgh, Jonathan Pettibone and the Phillies snapped the Pirates' winning streak at 9 with a 3-1 win.  Pettibone went 5.2 innings and allowed just 1 run on only 3 hits and 3 walks for his 4th win of the year.  Jake Diekman, Antonio Bastardo and Justin De Fratus each recorded an out and received a hold, with De Fratus getting the biggest one, a strike out of Jody Mercer with the bases loaded and 2 out in the bottom of the 8th.  Ryan Howard was 2 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI, and Domonic Brown also drove in a run, his 58th of the season.  The victory for Pettibone was #32 for the HomeSide this year in the major leagues.

In Lakewood, Severino Gonzalez threw 6 perfect  innings, striking out 9 Shorebirds, and Willie Carmona's 4th home run of the year, a monster shot into the Tiki Bar in right center, provided the difference in a 1-0 Claws victory..........In Reading, Edgar Duran drove in 3 runs, including 2 in the 5-run, 6th inning rally, to help the Fightin Phils to a 7-5 win over Richmond.


In Rochester, Vance Worley won his 5th game for the Red Wings, throwing 5.2 innings as the Wings gained a split of their double dip with Syracuse in a 6-5 win.  Worley (5-3, 3.81) has seemed to find himself and could be ready for a recall if the Twins need him............In Pawtucket, Randy Ruiz went deep again, his 6th in just 18 games for Scranton, and the RailRiders beat the Sox again, 6-5.  With Mark Texiera having surgery, could Randy be the next HomeSider to get the call?..............In Oklahoma City, Josh Zeid tossed a scoreless 9th inning to notch his 8th save of the year in the RedHawks' 4-3 win over the Isotopes...............In Reno, Tuffy Gosewisch (.300) had 3 hits, including 2 doubles,  and scored 2 runs for the Aces in their 9-3 win over Salt Lake..................In Sacramento, Michael Taylor's 9th home run of the year provided the margin of victory for the River Cats as they beat Tucson, 2-0.

Rupp, Hewitt go deep in wins

Rain and travel kept the games to a minimum Monday, but there were a few notes of interest.

In Allentown, Cameron Rupp drove in 3 runs with a home run and a sac fly, and Lendro Castro has 2 hits and scored 2 runs as the IronPigs shut out Toledo, 7-0............In Reading, Anthony Hewitt hit his 9th home run, and David Buchanan pitched into the 9th inning as the Fightin Phils defeated Richmond, 4-1.  Buchanan allowed just 1 run on 5 hits and 3 walks to notch his 5th win of the year and   Mike Nesseth got the last 2 outs to pick up his first save.

In Oklahoma City, Jonathan Singleton had 2 hits, scored a run and drove in another, but the redHawhs dropped a 6-4 game to Albuquerque. Jarred Cosart started for OKC, and went 5 innings, allowing 3 runs, but just 1 earned, on 5 hits and 3 walks, lowering his ERA to 2.98 and receiving no decision. Josh Zeid tossed a 1-2-3 9th inning, striking out 2 of the 3.  I would not be surprised to see all 3 of these guys on the Astros before the year is out.............In Iowa City, Brian Schlitter recorded his 8th save for the Cubs, in their 4-2 win over Memphis. In 30 games combined between AA and AAA, Brian has 10 saves, and a 1.18 ERA in 39 inning pitched this year............In Nashville, Jesus Sanchex (2.09) threw 3 shut out frames, allowing just 1 walk, and striking out 4 for the Sounds, who scored a run in the bottom of the 9th inning to defeat Round Rock, 3-2.

Franco at it again!

In Los Angeles Sunday, the Dodgers topped Kyle Kendrick and the Phillies, 6-1.   Kyle (7-5) went 6 innings and was charged with 4 runs on 10 hits and 1 walk.  Jake Diekman allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk, retiring just 1 hitter, while Ryan Howard, Domonic Brown and Carlos Ruiz combined to go 1 for 10.  The Phillies open a series in Pittsbugh Tuesday against the Pirates, who have won 9 straight...........In Denver, the Giants snapped their 6 game  losing streak, with a 5-2 win over the Rockies.  Josh Outman tossed 2 scoreless frames (3 hits, 2 Ks) for Colorado......In Arlington, the Rangers edged the Reds, 3-2.  Alfredo Simon pitched a scoreless frame for Cincinnati.

Michael Bourn has left the Indians on paternity leave, and I failed to notice the other day that Freddy Galvis has been optioned back to Lehigh Valley.  Speaking of the IronPigs, Ethan Martin won his International League leading 9th game, with 8 shut out innings against Toledo in a 4-0 IronPigs win. Martin, who was acquired by the Phillies from the Dodgers in the Shane Victorino trade, allowed only 2 hits and 3 walks to pick up the win.  Steve Susdorf (.318) had 2 hits and scored 2 runs  for Lehigh Valley.......In New Britain, Maikel Franco had 3 more hits, including his 4 home run since his promotion, and drove in 3 runs to pace the Reading Fightin Phils to an 8-2 win over the Rock Cats.  Brody Colvin (3-1) pitched 8 strong innings, giving up just 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks to get the victory.

In Pawtucket, Randy Ruiz (.339) had 2 hits, including his 5th home run, and drove in 2 runs for the RailRiders, as they topped the Red Sox, 9-6.  Mike Zaguski was the winning pitcher, despite allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 2 innings of work......................In Sacramento, Michael Taylor (.319) was 3 for 3 and drove ina run for the River Cats, as they defeated Reno, 5-3.

elementary, Watson!

In LA Saturday night, the Dodgers walked off with a 4-3 win with a run run off Justin De Fratus in the bottom of the 9th.  Domonic Brown had a single and a triple in the game, and Carlos Ruiz went 0 for 3............In Denver, the Rockies edged the Giants, 2-1.  Josh Outman faced 2 hitters, retiring 1 and walking the other for Colorado.

In Lakewood, Shane Watson pitched his 3rd straight good game, this time throwing 6 shut out innings at West Virginia, and the BlueClaws defeated the Power, 3-0.   In 16 innings in his last 3 games, Shane has allowed just 1 UNearned run on 9 hits, and is now 4-6 on the season.  Angelo Mora and Art Charles both homered to account for the Lakewood runs, and Alejandro Villalobos had the only 2 hit game for the Claws.  Steven Inch completed the shut out and recorded his 9th save.......In Daytona, Hoby Milner won his 7th game of the year as the Threshers topped the Cubs, 3-2.  MIlner allowed just 2 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk in 6.2 solid innings.  Aaron Altherr had a double and 2 RBI and Chris Serritella had 2 hits for Clearwater.



In San Antonio, Adam Buschini (.245 and rising) had 2 hits and scored a run for the Missions in their 5-3 win over Springfield............In Pawtucket, Randy Ruiz (.328) had 2 hits and scored a run for Scranton, as the RailRiders blasted the Red Sox, 12-4.

Phils rout Dodgers

Friday night in Los Angeles, the Phillies exploded for 16 runs on 21 hits against the Dodgers for a 16-1 win!  Delmon Young had 3 hits and knocked in 6 runs for the Phillies, and Domonic Brown had a hit and a walk, and drove in 2 (57) and Carlos Ruiz had a double and a walk, and scored twice.......In Chicago, Michael Bourn (.303) had 3 hits, including an RBI single during the Indian's 4 -run game winning rally in the 9th as the Indians came back for a 9-8 win over the White Sox and a sweep of their doubleheader.  Carlos Carrasco started and was good for the first 5 innings, but then could not get out of the 6th.  In all Carlos posted 5.2 innings and was charged with 6 runs on 10 hits and 2 walks, and was optioned back to Columbus after the game..........In Arlington, the Rangers shut out the Reds, 4-0.  Alfredo Simon tossed 2 scoreless frames (just 1 hit, 2 Ks) for Cincinnati.

In Lakewood, after another 2 and a half hour rain delay, the Power topped the Claws, 8-6.  Red hot Willie Carmona had 3 more hits, and Art Charles added 3 hits of his own, including his 7th home run of the year, and his 1st at home thisn season........In Clearwater, the Threshers wasted another great start by Mario Hollands, dropping a 2-1 game to the Manatees.  Hollands went 7 strong innings, and allowed just 2 runs on 7 hiots, NO walks, and struck out 9, but suffered his 1st loss for the Threshers.   Kelly Dugan (.324) had 2 hits, and the lone run was scored on Brock Stassi's 3rd home run of the year..............In New Britain, Tyson Gillies had 4 hits, including 2 home runs, and Edgar Duran was 3 for 3 including a homer and 3 RBI as the Reading Fightin Phils got past the Rock Cats, 6-5.   Trevor May (6-5) was the starter and losing pitcher for the Cats, throwing 5 innings and allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 1 walk..........In Allentown, the IronPigs swept a pair from Durham, 6-5 and 2-1.  Darin Ruf had 2 hits and 2 RBI in the opener for Lehigh Valley.



In Syracuse, Randy Ruiz (.280) had 2 hits and scored a run for Scranton, as the Rail;Riders defeated the Chiefs, 5-4...............In Nashville, Jonathan Villar had 2 hits, including a single during Oklahoma City's 4-run rally in the top of the 9th as the RedHawks baet the Sounds, 5-1 in the opener of their doubleheader.  Jonathan Singleton also had 2 hits for the Hawks.  Villar (.282) had 2 more hits, including his 8th home run of the year, and drove in 3 more in the second game, a 6-3 win for OKC...........In Sacramento, Tuffy Gosewisch (.291) had a double and 2 RBI for the Reno Aces in their 8-1 win over the River Cats.  Michael Taylor (.315) had 2 hits for Sacramento............In Pensacola, Travis Mattair hit his 11th home runof the year to help the Blue Wahoos to a 7-6 win over Mississippi.

Franco's numbers.......

The Phillies have acquired infielder John McDonald from the Indians for a player to be named (maybe a HomeSider?), or possibly cash.

In LA last night, Jonathan Pettibone shook off an ineffective 1st inning (3 runs, 3 hits and a walk), then pitched 5 scoreless frames, allowing just 1 more hit, and left after 6 with the game tied.  He even got a hit to start the 2-run, game-tying rally in the 5th.    Justin De Fratus was the losing pitcher, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in just .2 innings, as the Dodgers won it, 6-4.  Domonic Brown hit his 21st home run to give the Phillies their first run in the 2nd inning.........In Baltimore, the Orioles topped the Indians, 7-3.  Michael Bourn (.296) had 2 hits for the Tribe.

Maikel Franco had 3 more hits for Reading in their 9-2 win in New Britain.  Since joining the Fightin Phils, Franco has played 8 games, and is 17 for 34. A mere .500!!  He has a double, 2 triples, 3 home runs and 8 RBI.  His combined numbers for this year between Clearwater and Reading: .322, 19 home runs, 60 RBI in just 73 games. Remember he had 57 RBI for Lakewood in the second half last year, hitting .346 after the break. The phrase "coming into his own" comes to my mind.   Austin Wright was solid for 8 innings to pick up his 3rd win, and Jim Murphy (.296)  had 2 hits and 2 more RBI, running his total to 49.  

In Clearwater, excellent pitching from Ethan Stewart- 5 shut out innings, just 2 hits and 1 walk, with 4 strike outs to help the Threshers win the second game of their doubleheader against the Manatees, 2-1.  Carlos Alonso drove home Harold Martinez with the winning run in the bottom of the 8th............In Gwinnett, Joe Bisenius made it 2 good starts for the Braves, throwing 5 innings and scattering 7 hits, allowing just 1 run. He walked 1 and struck out 4 in the Braves' 7-5 win over Buffalo.  Joe is 2-0, 3.09 in his 2 starts for Gwinnett..........In Sacramento, Michael Taylor (.311) hit his 9th home run for the River Cats, who defeated Reno, 7-4.   Tuffy Gosewisch (.292) had 2 doubles and an RBI for the Aces..............In Indianapolis, Vance Worley won his 3rd straight start for Rochester with 6 innings of work against the Indians.  He did allow 4 runs on 10 hits, but just 1 walk in the Red Wings' 8-4 win.  Vance is now 4-3, 3.47 since being sent down.

Future Stars announced

Jesse Biddle and Maikel Franco have both been chosen to play in the "Future Stars " game at Citi Field in New York on the Sunday before the Major League All-Star game.  Congratulations to both of our boys going to the big city!!

Biddle has also been selected for the Eastern League All Star game in New Britain.  Reading second baseman Albert Cartwright and DH Jim Murphy will also go the Connecticut for that event, as well as New Britain's own HomeSider, Trevor May.

Brown hits #20

Tuesday night in San Diego, Domonic Brown hit his 20th home run (his 1st since June 8) and drove in 4 runs to help the Phillies top the Padres, 6-2 behind Kyle Kendrick.  Kendrick won his 7th game of the year with 8 solid innings of work in which he allowede just 2 runs on 7 hits and NO walks, striking out 6.  Antonio Bastardo threw a scoreless 9th, striking out 2.  The win was #31 this year for HomeSiders in the majors.

In Salisbury, 6 different BlueClaws had 2 hits, and the team rallied from a 5-0 deficit to take a 6-5 lead, only to lose it later, 7-6.  Alejandro Villalaobos had 2 hits and 2 RBI, and is 6 for 15 in his last 4 games, playing regularly now that Angelo Mora has gone to Williamsport, and Willie Carmona hit his 3rd home run and continued his hot hitting........In Clearwater, Brock Stassi (.327) had 3 hits, including his 2nd home run, and Kelly Dugan smacked his 9th homer of the season, but the Threshers dropped a 9-3 decision to the Tampa Yankees.

Tuesday night was the Texas League All Star game, and 2 of our boys participated.  D'Arby Myers had a single and scored a run in his only at bat for the South, helping them to a 6-0 win.  Mike Cisco threw an inning for the North, and allowed a run on a home run, but did strike out 2.


In Pensacola, Travis Mattair had 2 hits, including his 9th home run of the year, to help the Blue Wahoos defeat Mississippi, 7-3..............In Oklahoma City, Jarred Cosart (7-4, 3.05) threw a 7-inning complete game in the first half of a doubleheader, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and 1 walk, and was the loser in a 2-0 Omaha win over the RedHawks.  OKC got just 2 hits in the game, 1 of them by Jonathan Singleton.  Jonathan Villar had 2 hits in the second game, as the RedHawks gained a split with a 5-4 win..........In Gwinnett, Anthony Gose had 3 hits and stole his 9th base of the year for the Bisons, but Buffalo lost, 4-3 to the Braves.  Speaking of the Braves, they have signed Joe Bisenius, and assigned him to Gwinnett!   Joe started last Friday night against Syracuse, and pitched 5.2 innings, allowed 4 runs, 3 earned, on 8 hits and picked up a win.  Welcome back to the action, Bis!!

Villalobos get game winner!

Monday night in San Diego,  Cliff Lee took a 3-0 lead into the 9th inning,  but when the first 2 runners reached base, Papelbon was brought in.  He gave up both of those runs and another 1, and Justin De Fratus allowed a run in the 10th and the Padres posted a 4-3 comeback win.  Carlos Ruiz had 3 hits and drove in a run for the Phillies.  Make sure to see a dynamite catch by Domonic Brown in the 7th inning.  At the time, it was 2-0 Phils, with 2 out and 2 on in the inning.

Mike Zagurski has declined assignment and opted for free agency.

The Cleveland Indians have sent Carlos Carrasco back to the Columbus Clippers.  Carlos pitched well last week, but struggled again on Sunday against the Twins.  In Columbus, Cameron Rupp had 2 doubles and drove in 2 runs to help Lehigh Valley top the Clippers, 9-3.

In Salisbury, Alejandro Villalobos doubled home Larry Greene with the winning run with 2 outs in the top of the 9th inning to give the BlueClaws a 3-2 win over Delmarva.  Red hot Willie Carmona had 3 more hits, he is 36 for his last 94 (that's .383) in his last 12 games, and is now hitting .298 for the year.  The Shorebirds got only 3 hits in the game, and both of their runs were unearned as Shane Watson, Danial Carela, Delvi Francisco and Steven Inch all threw well.  Francisco gets his 2nd win and Inch records his 8th save...........In Manchester, Maikel Franco had 3 hits- he is 11 for his frist 21 (.524) since his promotion, but the Fightin Phils dropped a 6-3 game to the Fisher Cats.  Zack Collier hit a home run for Reading.   Speaking of Reading, Anthony Hewitt hit 2 home runs on Sunday and drove in 4 runs, but Reading lost that one also,  by the score of 6-5.

In Buffalo, Anthony Gose had a single, a walk, a stolen base (#8)  and scored the only run for the Bisons in their 7-1 defeat at the hands of Durham.............In Louisville, Jason Donald had 2 hits, including a triple, knocked in a run and scored another to help lead the Bats to a 4-2 win over Rochester.............In Sacramento, the Colorado Springs SkySox beat the River Cats, 5-3.  Greg Golson hit his 5th home run for the Sox, and Michael Taylor (.312) had a hit and a walk, with a run scored  for the Cats.

Stutes to DL

I am running out for work but I did notice 2 items this morning.  Mike Stutes has been placed on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis - no wonder he could not get anybody out the last 2 times he pitched, and the Royals have designated Quintin Berry for assignment.  This is the 2nd time in just over a  month Berry has been had this happen to him.

Cloyd, Wright, Stewart all shelled!....Drabek begins rehab

Big news from Saturday is that the Toronto Blue Jays have sent Kyle Drabek to Dunedin on a rehab assignment.  Kyle is recovering from his 2nd Tommy John operation which he had last June.  He pitched 2.1 innings against Daytona, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits, NO walks (which has been an issue for him) in the Cubs' 2-1 win.

In Philadelphia, Jonathan Pettibone pitched 6 strong innings for the Phillies, allowing the Mets just 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walk, and left the game with a 7-1 lead.  Mike Stutes came on in the 6th, and faced 4 hitters.  The first runner reached base on an error, but 2 hits and a walk later, Stutes was gone without recording an out, and all 4 runners scored.  Justin De Fratus, Jake Diekman, and Antonio Bastardo combined for the next 2 innings, each of the 3 receieving credit for a hold, but when Jonathan Papelbon allowed the Mets to tie it up, Pettibone's win went out the window.  The Phillies won it in the bottom of the 9th on Kevin Frandsen's home run.  Ryan Howard (.282) was 3 for 4, with 2 home runs and 4 RBI.  Ryan has hit 10 homers this year, 4 of them have come off the Mets'  Dillon Gee.  Domonic Brown (.279) had 2 doubles and scored a run for the Phillies, but Carlos Ruiz took an 0 for 4, struggling since his return this week............In Cleveland, the Indians scored 6 runs in the 1st inning and held on for an 8-7 win over the Twins.  Michael Bourn  (.303) had 3 hits and a walk, and drove in 3 runs for Cleveland.

In Columbus, Tyler Cloyd gave up 5 runs in the 1st inning and took the loss in the IronPigs' 6-2 defeat at the hands of the Clippers.  Cloyd settled down and got into the 6th inning without allowing any more, but the damage was done.  Tyler is 1-6 with a 6.79 ERA for Lehigh Valley.  Steve Susdorf (.328) and Troy Hanzawa (.315) had 2 hits each for the Pigs..........In Reading, Anthony Hewitt had 3 hits, including 2 home runs (#6 & 7)  and drove in 4 runs for the Fightin Phils, but they came up a run short, dropping a 6-5 contest to Richmond.  Austin Wright's season of frustration continues.  Wright is 2-4 with an 8.03 ERA (ouch!!).........In Lakeland, Harold Martinez had 3 doubles and scored 3 runs, but the Threshers lost a 13-11 battle to the Flying Tigers.  Ethan Stewart was bombed again, givng up 6 runs on 2 hits and 7 walks in just 2.2 innings of work.

In Louisville, Vance Worley pitched a complete game 2-hitter for the Rochester Red Wings, a 2-1 Wings' win.   Vance (3-3, 3.10 since going down) walked just 1 and struck out 5, allowing just 1 UNearned run...............In Oklahoma City, Jonathan Singleton hit first home run since joining the RedHawks in their 11-2 win over Omaha.....................In Sacramento, Michael Taylor (.306)  had a double and his 8th home run of the year, driving in 5 runs to power the River Cats to a 9-5 win over Colorado Springs........In Reno, Tuffy Gosewisch (.288) had 2 doubles to help the Aces defeat Tacoma,  7-3.

5 hit night for D'Arby!

Friday night in Philadelphia, the Phillies used 4 former BlueClaws in their game against the Mets.  The result was a 4-3 New York victory.  Cole Hamels (2-11)  started and went 6 innings, charged with 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, striking out 5.  Justin De Fratus, Jake Diekman and Mike Stutes each threw a shut out frame.  Ryan Howard and Domonic Brown had 2 hits each for the Phillies, with Brown picking up RBI #50.  Carlos Ruiz added a hit to the losing cause...........In Cleveland,  Michael Bourn (.294) had 2 hits and scored a run to help the Indians to a 5-1 win over the Twins.

In Charleston, the Power evened their series with Lakewood with an 11-7 win.  Willie Carmona and Larry Greene had 2 hits each for the Claws, and Geoff Broussard had his first off night, allowing 6 runs in just 1 inning...........In Reading, Maikel Franco hit his first AA home run (in just his 2nd game) and Jim Murphy belted his 14th, and the Fightin Phils defeated Richmond, 5-3.  David Buchanan recorded his 4th win of the year with 6 solid innings, allowing just 3 runs, 2 earned on 5 hits and 1 walk, striking out 7 and Tyler Knigge got the final 5 outs to pick up his 3rd save..........In Columbus, Steve Susdorf had 2 more hits, including his first home run of the year, raising his average to .323 as the IronPigs took a 4-2 win from the Clippers.  Cesar Hernendez (.300) was 3 for 4 for Lehigh Valley.

In Midland, D'Arby Myers (.278) was 5 for 5, with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI to pace the Rock Hounds to a 10-1 win over San Antonio.................In Montgomery, Travis Mattair had 3 hits, including his 6th home run of the year for Pensacola, to help the Blue Wahoos to a 9-3 win over the Biscuits........In Colorado Springs, Greg Golson was 3 for 4, with 3 stolen bases, scored arun and knocked in another for the SkySox in their 8-3 win over Tacoma.  Jason Jaramillo had 2 hits and 2 RBI for the Rainiers.

Mike Zagurski has been signed by the Yankees and assigned to Scranton, where last night he made his debut and blew a save oppurtunity by allowing 2 runs, just 1 earned in the 9th inning of the RailRiders' 5-4 loss to Norfolk. 

Franco promoted

The Phillies have promoted Maikel Franco from Clearwater to Reading, where he made his AA-debut Thursday night.  Maikel ahd 2 hits, as did Jim Murphy and Sebastian Valle, but the Fightin Phils dropped a 5-2 game to Portland.   Jesse Biddle fell to 3-7 on the year, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits and 5 walks(!)  in 6 innings of work.  Mike Nesseth tossed 2 perfect innings, striking out 3 of the 6 hitters he faced.

In Clearwater, Aaron Altherr's 2 -run home run provided the difference for the Threshers in their 6-4 win over Lakeland.  It was the 8th home run of the year and 43rd RBI for Aaron, who is hitting .301.  Brock Stassi (.315) also had 2 hits for the Threshers........In Charleston, the BlueClaws started their second half with a 9-4 win over the Power. Roman Quinn, Brian Pointer, Art Charles and Willie Carmona all had 2 hits for the Claws.  Jeb Stefan picked up the win in relief, and All Star Delvi Francisco threw another scoreless inning to wrap it up.  Justin Dalles has returned to Lakewood, now that Carlos Ruiz is back to the Phillies and the catchers have all moved back to where they were........In Toledo, Darin Ruf and Steve Susdorf had 2 hits each, as the IronPigs topped the Mud Hens, 3-0.

HomeSide favorite Randy Ruiz has been signed by the Yankees and assigned to Scranton.  In his first 5 games so far, Randy is a smoking 8 for 19 (.421) and has hit 2 home runs.  Welcome back to the scene to my "Homie" from the Bronx!!

In New Orleans, Jarred Cosart threw 6 shut out innings, allowing just 4 hits NO walks, and struck out 8 to lead the Oklahoma City RedHawks to a 4-1 win.  Josh Zeid notched his 5th save, striking out the side in the 9th inning!...........In Iowa City, the Cubs beat Round Rock, 6-4.  Brian Schlitter (1.54) picked up his 5th save for the Cubs..........In Colorado Springs, Greg Golson had 2 hits, including his 4th home runof the year for the SkySox in their wild 12-11 win over Tacoma...........In Midland, D'Arby Myers (.264) had a single, a double and scored a run for the Rock Hounds in their 4-2 win over San Antonio.  Adam Buchini (.235 and climbing) had a triple and scored a run for the Missions.

All Star insanity

So it rained all day on Tuesday, downpouring throughout the afternoon, and the 7:00 PM start of the SAL All Star game was delayed until 9:45, when they finally went on the field and played.  No,  I did not stick around for the game, it rained too hard for the 2 hours I stood around waiting!  Having worked all day in the rain, I had had enough.  11 years of waiting and then they played at  that hour! 

I am glad for everyone who stayed and got to see, but for me, I feel cheated.

Highlights from Monday

Short on time this morning, so as quickly as I can-

Carlos Carrasco threw 7.1 very good innings for the Indians Monday against the Royals, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and 1 walk in an eventual 2-1 win for Kansas City.  Michael Bourn had a double, 2 walks, and made a great catch against the wall while the score was still 0-0.

Domonic Brown had 2 hits, including a walk off single in the bottom of the 9th to give the Phillies a 5-4 win over the Nationals.  Ryan Howard was 3 for 3, including his 8th home run of the season,  with a walk and 2 RBI.  Mike Stutes retired all 6 hitters he faced (his ERA since his call up has shunk to 1.32!) and Antonio Bastardo got the only hitter he was assigned to get, and both picked  up holds.

In Toledo, Leandro Castro hit a 3-run home run, his 7th of the year, but the IronPigs lost to the Mud Hens, 8-6.  Tyler Cloyd took a pounding, allowing 8 runs on 12 hits in just 4.1 innings.

In Clearwater, Kelly Dugan had 3 hits including his 8th home run, and ran his league leading average up to .351, in a 9-2 win over Daytona. The Threshers have won 3 in a row, but still trail Dunedin by 1 game for 1st place with 2 games to go in the first half.  Brock Stassi (.305) had 2 more hits and knocked in 3 runs for Clearwater.

In Pensacola, the Blue Wahoos got just 1 hit, a home run by Travis Mattair (#7), and lost to Mobile, 11-1.

In Scranton, Vance Worley pitched a 7-inning complete game in  the first half of a doubleheader for Rochester, and the Red Wings took an 11-1 decision. Worley scattered 9 hits, and had NO walks, winning for the 2nd time since being sent back down.

In Buffalo, Anthony Gose had 2 hits and a walk, and scored a run for the Bisons in their 5-4 win over Gwinnett.

In Sacramento, Michael Taylor (.307) had 3 hits including his 7th home run, but the River Cats lost to Tacoma, 7-5.  Jason Jaramillo had a hit for the Rainiers, having been released by Houston and signed by Seattle.

Rox top Cole

The Rockies won the rubber game of their series with the Philies, 5-2 on Sunday.  Another wasted effort in support (or NON-support) of Cole Hamels.  Cole again pitched well enough, 7 innings, 3 runs, 6 hits, 2 walks, 7 Ks, but the Phillies offense did not score for him.  In his 15 starts, the Phillies have scored a total of 31 runs while he has been in the games.  If you only get 2 runs a start, it is hard as hell to win.  Ryan Howard had 2 more hits and drove in a run in the "too little, too late" 9th inning rally, and Domonic Brown broke a 2 for 21 funk with a 2nd inning single.................In Cincinnati, Alfredo Simon threw 3 shut out innings in relief of Johnny Cueto, allowing just 2 hits, NO walks, and struck out 6 to record his first save of the season ( to go with 5 wins) in the Reds' 5-1 win over Milwaukee..............In Cleveland, Michael Bourn had a hit and a walk, and scored a run for the Indians in their 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals.  Speaking of the Indians, the Tribe will send Carlos Carrasco against the Royals in Cleveland tonight, looking for his first win of the year!

In Allentown, Carlos Ruiz was 1 for 3 and scored a run for the IronPigs in their 10-inning 5-4 win over Scranton.  Steve Susdorf  (.317) had 2 hits for Lehigh Valley.........In Richmond, Anthony Hewitt had 2 hits, including a 6th inning home run to provide the eventual winning run as the Fightin Phils beat the Flying Squirrels, 5-4.  It was the 5th home run of the year for Hewitt, who is hitting . 262.  Derrick Mitchell and Edgar Duran also had 2 hits each for the Phils.  Austin Wright was the starting, and winning pitcher, completing 6 innings and allowing just 3 runs, 2 earned on just 3 hits and 1 walk........In Hagerstown, the Suns beat Lakewood in the final game of the first half, 9-6.  Carlos Tocci had 3 hits, and Chace Numata and Willie Carmona had 2 hits each.  Carmona is in a 25 for 78 (.325) stretch, where he is hitting the ball very well.


In Iowa City, Quintin Berry had 2 hits, drove in 2 runs, and stole a base for Omaha, in the Storm Chasers' 3-1 win over the Cubs..................In Sacramento, Michael Taylor (.296) had a 2-out, 3-RBI double to help the River Cats defeat Tacoma, 6-3.........In Oklahoma City,  Jonathan Villar (.279) had 3 hits, including 2 home runs, but it could not save the RedHawks from a 9-4 loss to the Express. Jonathan Singleton had 2 doubles in his first game with the RedHawks, joining them earlier in the day........In Pensacola, Travis Mattair kept his good mojo, going 1 for 3 with an RBI single during the Blue Wahoos 4-run 5th inning in a 4-0 win over Mobile............In Corpus Christi, Adam Buchini had 2 hits and a walk, and drove in 2 runs for San Antonio as the Missions defeated the Hooks, 7-2.

Finally, in Tucson, the Reno Aces pounded 20 hits and beat the Padres, 18-7.  Jesus Merchan (.264) had 2 hits for Padres, and even pitched the final inning for Tucson (1 run, 2 hits, 1 walk)!!

2 more Stars

Although there has been no official announcement, I understand that  Delvi Francisco and Yoel Mecias have been named late additions to the SAL All Star Game, giving the Blue Claws 4 players in the event!   Congratulations and good luck to both!!

searching for some good news

In Denver Saturday, the Rockies scored 6 runs off Jonathan Pettibone in the 1st innig enroute to a 10-5 win over the Phillies.  Pettibone (3-3, 4.40) lasted 3 frames, allowing 7 runs altogether (6 earned), on 10 hits and a walk.  Joe Savery, Justin De Fratus and Jake Diekman all tossed scoreless relief.  Ryan Howard had 2 doubles, a walk, an RBI and scored a run in the losing cause, while Domonic Brown and Freddy Galvis were each 0 for 3.  Josh Outman threw a 1-2-3 9th for Colorado.

In other news, the Pirates have designated Mike Zagurski for assignment.  Mike has not been pitching well and could be headed back to the minors or worse. 

In Allentown, Carlos Ruiz was 0 for 2 for the IronPigs in a rehab start against Scranton.  The RailRiders pounded Lehigh Valley, 7-0.  Ruiz will catch again today for the Pigs.................In Richmond, the Fightin Phils scored 3 runs late to steal a 3-1 win from the Flying Squirrels.  David Buchanan pitched 7 strong innings and gave up just 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk to win his 3rd game of the season.  Justin Dalles had a hit for Reading in  his first game since moving up from Lakewood................In Hagerstown, the Suns won both games from the BlueClaws, 3-2 and 9-3 as they continue their fight for the first half title.  In the opener, 19-year old Shane Watson pitched his best game of the season, throwing 5+ shut out innings, giving up just 3 hits and 2 walks.  Willie Carmona hit a home run, his 2nd of the year, and then followed that up with 2 hits in the 2nd game. Gustavo Gonzalez had 3 hits in the second game, and Larry Greene hit a home run, his long awaited first of the year, and drove in all 3 Lakewood runs.

In Dunedin, at the Florida State League All Star Game, the South beat the North, 8-1.  Carlos Alonso had a double for the North, while Maikel Franco (0 for 2), Aaron Altherr (0 for 4) and Logan Moore (0 for 2) all got playing time.

In Oklahoma City, Jarred Cosart won his 6th game of the year in the RedHawks' 6-4 victory over Round Rock.   Cosart (6-3, 3.36) went 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks.  Josh Zeid got the final 2 outs to record his 3rd save..........In Iowa City, Quintin Berry had 2 hits and a walk, and stole a base for Omaha, who dropped an 8-7 game to the home town Cubs.  Brian Schlitter got the final 2 outs, including Berry grounding out for the last out, to notch the save........................In Nashville, New Orleans defeated the Sounds, 6-3.  Jesus Sanchez (2.43) threw a scoreless 9th inning for Nashville................In Pensacola. Travis Mattair had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, and drove in a run for the Blue Wahoos, who lost a 6-2 decision to Mobile.  "Moose" was off to a slow start, but is 8 for 15 in the last 4 games!.........In Midland, D'Arby Myers (.271)  had 2 hits for the Rock Hounds in their 6-2 win over San Antonio.

Galvis lead Phillies back for win!

In Denver Friday, the Phillies rallied from 5 runs down to take an 8-7 win from the Rockies.  Trailing 7-2, Philadelphia scored 3 in the 6th and 3 more in the 7th.  In both rallies, Freddy Galvis had 2-out, 2-run triples, and then scored a run, accounting for all 6 runs!  Domonic Brown had a hit, and Ryan Howard had 2 walks, each of them scoring a run.  Kyle Kendrick started and had an off night, allowing 7 runs on 10 hits and 2 walks in jst 4.1 innings.  Mike Stutes tossed a scoreless 6th inning, and was the winning pitcher, his 2nd victory of the year to go with a stellar 1.59 ERA since his call up.  Both Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus were awarded holds.  Josh Outman also was awarded a hold for Colorado, despir allowing a run on 2 hits.  In Cincinnati, the Reds scored in the bottom of the 10 to take a 4-3 win from the Brewers, and making a winner of Alfredo Simon, who threw a scoreless frame and was in the right place for his 5th win of the season.   The wins for Stutes and Simon run the HomeSide total to 30 major league wins so far this year!


In Hagerstown, Mitch Walding hit a 3-run home run, his 1st of the year, in the top of the 7th inning to give the BlueClaws a 6-5 lead en rout to an 11-6 win over the Suns. Walding had 3 hits and scored 3 times for Lakewood, and Willie Carmona added 3 more hits and knocked in 2 and is 7 for his 14 in the last 4 games.  Art Charles and Alejandro Villalobos added 2 hits each to the Lakewood attack. After Jonathan Musser had a rough start (5 runs on 6 hits in just 3 innings), Jeb Stefan, Luis Paulino and Delvi Francisco threw scoreless relief for the final 6 innings............In Richmond, Derrick Mitchell doubled home the tying run in the 9th inning, and Edgar Duran knocked in the game winner in the 10th, as the Fightin Phils took a 3-1 come from behind win from the Flying Squirrels.  Jesse Biddle allowed a run on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7 over the first 5 innings, and the win went to Mike Nesseth, who tossed the final 2 frames.



In Midland, D'Arby Myers (.269) had 2 hits in each game for the Rock Hounds, who lost a 6-2 game to San Antonio, and then came back for a 3-0 win in the second contest................In Frisco, Domingo Santana hit his 13th home run of the year in the top of the 11th inning to give the Corpus Christi Hooks a 3-2 win over the RoughRiders.................In Norfolk, the Louisville Bats swept a pair from the Tides, 5-3 & 1-0.  In the second game, Jason Donald got the only hit for the Bats, a 6th inning double, and scored the lone run of the game!..........In Oklahoma City, Jonathan Villar had a single and a double and scored a run for the RedHawks in their 11-2 loss to Round Rock..................In Tucson, Tuffy Gosewisch (.292) had 2 hits for Reno in their 6-5 loss to the Padres.  Jesus Merchan (.259) had a hit and a walk, and scored a run for Tucson.

Phillies option Cloyd, recall Diekman

Yesterday, the Phillies optioned Tyler Cloyd back to Lehigh Valley and recalled Jake Diekman.  This means either John Lannan or Carlos Zambrano will make the start when Cloyd's turn comes around again.

In Minnesota,  the Phillies snapped their losing skid with a 3-2,  come from behind win in the finale against the Twins.  Ryan Howard had 3 hits and an RBI, Domonic Brown had a hit and 2 walks, and Freddy Galvis was 1 for 5.  In other news, the Phillies announced that Carlos Ruiz will join the IronPigs and catch for them in a rehab assignment Saturday and Sunday.  The IronPigs defeated Scranton Thursday, 4-2.  Darin Ruf hit his 6th home run, and Cameron Rupp had 2 hits and an RBI, while Steve Susdorf and Leandro Castro chipped in with a hit each.  Zambrano made the start and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks over 5 innings............In Reading, Sebastian Valle had 3 hits and drove in 2 runs to pace the Fightin Phils to a 4-3 win over the BaySox...........In Clearwater, Carlos Alonso had 3 hits, and Maikel Franco belted his 15th home run of the season, but the Threshers dropped a 5-4 decision to the Mets. The loss drops Clearwater to a game back of Dunedin, with 3 games to go in the first half.

In Chicago, the Cubs topped the Reds in 14 innings, 6-5.  Alfredo Simon retired 2 hitters in the 7th inning, notching his 4th hold of the year for Cincinnati.  In Pittsburgh, Mike Zagurski was shelled by the Giants, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits in just 1 inning of work in San Francisco's 10-0 win over the Pirates.

In Frisco, Jonathan Singleton was 3 for 3, with 2 home runs and 3 RBI, and walked twice, to pace the Corpus Christi Hooks to a 7-1 win over the RoughRiders.  Singleton has hit .302 in 15 games between Quad Cities and Corpus Christi, with 5 homers.  The Astros say he will stay with the Hooks for another series or 2 before moving up to AAA-Oklahoma City.  Speaking of the RedHawks, OKC took a 9-8 , extra innings win from the Cubs.  Jonathan Villar had a hit and a walk for the RedHawks, and Josh Zeid allowed a hit and walk in just .2 innings, allowing 2 inherited runners to score, but was still credited with his 5th hold.

In Round Rock, Lisalverto Bonilla tossed scoreless frames in the 9th and 10, but allowed 5 runs (only 2 of which were earned) in the 11th inning as Albuquerque defeated the Express, 9-4............In Nashville, Quintin Berry hit a 2-run home run in the 8th inning to give the Omaha Storm Chasers a 4-2 win over the Sounds.