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.

Threshers win, tied for 1st

On Wednesday in Minnesota, the Twins rallied for 2 runs off Antonio Bastardo in the bottom of the 8th inning and took a 4-3 decision from the Phillies.  Tyler Cloyd started and kept the Phillies in the game with 5 innings of work, letting in just 1 run on 6 hits and 3 walks.  Joe Savery allowed a run on 2 hits in the 6th, but Philadelphia still had a 3-2 advantage.  When Savery gave up a lead off single to Joe Mauer in the 7th, Mike Stutes was called in. Stutes got Ryan Doumit and Josh Willingham, before yielding to Bastardo.  Bastardo retired Justin Morneau on 1 pitch to end the inning, but gave up 3 straight hits on just 6 pitches to start the 8th,  leaving in favor of Justin De Fratus.  Justin got 2 outs before a wild pitch let the game deciding run score in heart breaking fashion.  Ryan Howard, Domonic Brown and Freddy Galvis were a combined 0 for 10 in the game.

In Arlington, Michael Bourn had 2 hits and a walk, and scored a run for the Indians in Cleveland's 5-2 win over the Rangers..........In Clearwater, Hoby Milner was spectacular!  Milner (6-2, 3.36) went 7.2 innings of shut out baseball against St Lucie, allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk, while striking out 7 as the Threshers won an important game, 6-0 over the Mets.  Maikel Franco belted 2 home runs for Clearwater, and now has 47 RBI.  Remember, Franco drove in 57 runs in the second half with the BlueClaws last year.  The Threshers are currently in a tie for 1st place with Dunedin, just half a game ahead of  Brevard County, and a full game in front of Daytona in the final week of the first half!

In Frisco, Sergio Escalona was the winning pitcher for the Corpus Christi Hooks, pitching 3 innings of effective relief  (4 hits, 1 walk, 3 Ks) in the Hooks' 8-5 victory over the RoughRiders.  Domingo Santana had a single and a double and scored 2 runs for Corpus Christi.

hard luck for Hamels, again.

After a nice run to get above the .500 mark, the Phillies have lost 4 in a row, including last night's game in Minnesota, 3-2.  Ryan Howard had 2 hits and an RBI, and Philadelphia wasted another good outing from Cole Hamels.  Hamels went 6 innings and gave up just 2 runs on 7 hits and NO walks, receiving no decision.  Justin De Fratus tossed a scoreless 7th and Antonio Bastardo got the final out of the game, after giving up the game winning hit allowing an inherited runner to score.......The Rockies have recalled Josh Outman, and used him in last night's 8-3 win over Washingtom.  Josh retired 2 hitters, allowed 1 hit, and earned his 4th hold of the year.

With all the catching injuries in the Phillies system, Cameron Rupp has  moved up to Lehigh Valley and will be replaced in Reading by Justin Dalles.  In Allentown, the IronPigs defeated Charlotte 2-1 in the opener of their doubleheader.  Jake Diekman notch his 11th save in the game. Rupp made his AAA debut in the second game, and had an RBI double in the Knights' 8-4 win.  Darin Ruf had 3 hits and  knocked in 2 runs for Lehigh Valley...............In Reading, the BaySox topped the Fightin Phils, 8-4.  Jim Murphy and Tommy Mendonca had 2 hits each for the R-Phils.........In Clearwater, Aaron Altherr hit his 7th home run to tie the game in the 7th inning, but the Threshers lost in 10, 4-2 to St Lucie.  Brock Stassi had 3 hits for the Threshers, and Kelly Dugan had 2 hits and 2 walks.  Dugan's .346 average is tops in the FSL!!  Nick Hernandez started and went 5 innings for Clearwater, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks, Juan Sosa was excellent with 4 shut out frames (just 1 hit and 1 walk with 6 Ks), before Colton Murray gave up the game deciding runs in the 10th.   Sosa had struggled in Reading, but has not allowed a run in 8 innings since being sent back to the Threshers.........In Lakewood, Yoel Mecias won his 4th game with 5 more solid innings in the opener of the Claws doubleheader, a 5-2 victory for Lakewood.  The 19-year old allowed just 1 run on 2 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 to improve to 4-2, 3.71 on the season.  The Claws got just 3 hits in the game, but took advantage of 6 Greensboro errors.  The Grasshoppers came back for a 5-2 win in the nightcap.  Willie Carmona and Larry Greene had 2 hits each in the second game, and Geoff Broussard pitched very well, allowing just 1 run in 4 solid innings of relief.


In Oklahoma City, Jonathan Villar had 2 walks, 2 stolen bases and scored 2 runs to help spark the RedHawks to an 8-5 win over the Iowa Cubs.............In Scranton, the RailRiders won both games from the Bisons, 6-5, and 6-2.  Anthony Gose had 3 hits on the day, stole a base, drove in a run and scored 2  for Buffalo..............In Louisville, Jason Donald had a single, a walk, a stolen base, and scored a run for the Bats in their 8-5 win over the Bulls............In Midland, D'Arby Myers drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning, then singled and scored what turned out to be the winning run in the 5th, as the Rock Hounds beat Frisco, 4-3................In Pearl, Travis Mattair had 2 hits, a walk, and scored 2 runs for Pensacola, and the Blue Wahoos scored 6 runs in the final 2 innings to grab a 7-3 win from the Braves............In San Antonio, Domingo Santana hit his 12th home run, and Jonathan Singleton had 2 hits and 2 RBI as the pair of former Claws led Corpus Chrsiti to a 6-2 win.   Singleton is 5 for 8 in the last 2 games and may be moving on to Okalhoma City before too long.  As for Santana, the 20-year old is having a fine AA season, with a .260 mark, the 12 HR and 36 RBI.  He is 6 for 7 in steals, and this part of his game is there, just waiting to be utilized.

Greg Golson is on the DL for the Colorado Springs SkySox, that is why we haven't heard from him in a few days.

In Rochester, Vance Worley was OK for 5 innings, but never got out of the 6th, allowing 7 runs on 9 hits in the Red Wings' 9-5 loss to the Mud Hens.  (It seems the current adjustment that Worley must make is not coming easy for the 25-year old.  This happens to a lot of players, and the key is to stay positive while the whole world is falling down around you) Hang in there, and keep working hard, Vance!  The HomeSide is still on YOUR side!

Phillies lose 3rd straight

Sunday in Milwaukee, the Brewers made it 3 in a row over the Phillies, pounding Jonathan Pettibone by the score of 9-1.  "J-Bone" lasted 5.1 innings, allowing 6 runs, 4 earned on just 4 hits and 2 walks, and absorbing the loss.  Justin De Fratus tossed a scoerless frame in the 7th.  The Phillies managed just 5 hits, one of them by Ryan Howard (.251) .........In Detroit, the Tigers beat Cleveland, 4-1.  Michael Bourn (.302) had a hit and stole his 9th base of the season for the Indians................In Chicago, the Cubs defeated Pittsburgh, 4-1.  Mike Zagurski got the final 2 outs for the Pirates, strtanding an inherited runner in the process........In Cincinnati, the Cardinals scored 7 runs in the 10th inning to beat the Reds, 11-4.  Alfredo Simon pitched the 7th inning for the Reds, coming in the game with 2 runners on base.  He recorded 3 outs, walking 1 and letting 1 of those 2 runners to score.


In Delmarva, Zack Taylor was 3 for 3 and drove ina run in the second game of a doubleheader, as the BlueClaws won, 2-0 and gained a split of the activities for the day. Taylor is a player who is not getting in enough games for Lakewood, and with the weay their season is going, they should want ebery good bat in the line up. Great pitching in this one from Jeb Stefan (4 innings in a spot start), Luis Paulino (win) and Delvi Francisco (2 scoreless innnings, save #2).  Claws are scheduled for a home game tonight, weather permitting....................In Clearwater, the Threshers swept Dunedin, 2-0 and 3-1.  In the opener, Mario Hollands went all the way, pitching a 4-hit shut out (1 walk, 6 Ks), and Aaron Altherr hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 6th to provide the winning runs.  It was #6 for Aaron, and RBIs 38 & 39.  In the nightcap, Kelly Dugan (.338) had 2 hits, Juan Sosa picked up the victory, and Colton Murray notched his 6th save of the year............In Reading, the Fightin Phils managed just 3 hits and David Buchanan (2-7) was hit hard by Harrisbugh in an 8-2 Senators' win...........In Allentown, the IronPigs got past Charlotte, 3-1.  Jake Diekman picked up his 10th save of the year in that one.

In San Antonio, Adam Buschini had a single and a triple, and scored a run for the Missions in their 7-4 win over Corpus Christi.

In Midland the Frisco RoughRiders beat the Rock Hounds, 4-3.  D'Arby Myers was 0 for 3.  After that hot stretch D'Arby had for a couple of weeks, he is now in a 4 for 37 funk the last 9 games.  Hang in there, D'Arby!

Dom hits #19 in loss; Tigers beat Carrasco

In Milwaukee Saturday night, the Brewers edged the Phillies, 4-3.  Domonic Brown had 2 hits, including his league leading 19th home run and drove in all 3 runs for Philadelphia.  Can you say "all-star"?   Kyle Kendrick took the loss, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 6 to slip to 6-4 on the year.  Mike Stutes pitched the 7th, and gave up a run on 3 hits and a walk.................The Rockies have optioned Josh Outman back to AAA-Colorado Springs....................In Detroit, the Tigers roughed up Carlos Carrasco to the tune of 6 runs on 10 hits in just 4 innings of work en route to a 6-4 win over the Indians.  With an off day in the schedule, Carlos can now drop his appeal and serve his 8-game suspension without missing a start.  Michael Bourn (.303) had a double and scored a run for Cleveland.

In Allentown, Darin Ruf (.258) had 3 hits and drove in 2 runs to help the IronPigs take an 8-5 win over Charlotte.  Leandro Castro (.272) added 2 hits, including a doubel and also knocked in a run.  BJ Rosenberg got the win, going 5 innings and allowing 4 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks, striking out 6 and improving to 2-5 for Lehigh Valley..................In Reading, the Fightin Phils split a pair of games with the Senators.  In the opener, Jesse Biddle allowed the lone run of the game on a 7th inning home run by Harrisburg's Sandy Leon in a 1-0 loss.  Biddle (3-6, 3.030 allowed just 4 hits and a walk, and struck out 7 in the hard luck loss.  Carlos Zambrano pitched 6 solid innings in the nightcap, leading Reading to a 2-1 win and the split. Anthony Hewitt (.274) had 2 hits, including an RBI double and scored the other run for the Phils, and Tyler Knigge tossed a 1-2-3 7th for the save, his 1st of the year.........In Clearwater, the Threshers lost a rain shortened 7-4 contest to Dunedin. Kelly Dugan (.333) had 2 hits and a walk, and scored a run for the Threshers.  Ethan Stewart went the entire 6 innings, and allowed all 7 runs on 9 hits and 5 walks,  "Stew" is still struggling this year with an 0-2 mark and a 7.08 ERA  Ouch!!........The BlueClaws were rained out again in Delmarva, and will try to play 2 today before returning home tomorrow.



On Friday night, Jason Donald came off the DL, and had 3 hits for Louisville, including a double.  It was Donald's first game in over a month.  Then he was 0 for 4 yesterday in the Bats' 6-3 loss to Durham.  the HomeSide is glad to see "JD" back in action!!.................In Scranton, Anthony Gose was 1 for 5, with an RBI and a stolen base for Buffalo, as the Bisons trampled the RailRiders, 10-4............In Tucson, Michael Taylor (.319) had 2 hits, including a double for Sacramento, to help the River Cats beat the Padres, 10-5.................In Pearl, Travis Mattair had a double and a walk, and scored a run for the Blue Wahoos in their 4-1 win over the Braves..................In San Antonio, Domingo Santana hit his 11th home run of the year, 1 of 2 hits on the night for the Hooks as Corpus Christi beat the Missions, 5-1.  Jonathan Singleton was 1 for 4 for the Hooks in his 2nd game with the AA team.


In a move I missed about a week ago, the Cubs promoted Brian Schlitter from AA to AAA-Iowa City.  Since the promotion, Brian has pitched 5 times for the Cubs, a toltal of 7 innings, and allowed just 1 run on 6 hits.  Yesterday, he picked up a save by recording the final out of a 5-4 win over Round Rock.  Lisalverto Bonilla made the start for the Express and was charged with the loss, going 3.1 innings and allowing 5 runs on 8 hits.  I am not sure if the Rangers want Bonilla to be a strater, or if they just needed someone to pitch the second game of a doubleheader yesterday.  I guess we will find out in 5 days.

Tribe recalls Carrasco

The Cleveland Indians have recalled Carlos Carrasco, and he will pitch this afternoon against the Tigers in Detroit.  Best of luck to Carlos from the HomeSide!!

rainy Friday

Friday night in Detroit, the Tigers defeated Cleveland, 7-5.  Michael Bourn (.305) had 2 hits and knocked in a run for the Indians..........In Denver, the Rockies won a wild one, 10-9 over the Padres.  Josh Outman allowed a hit and 2 walks in just .2 innings, and was charged with a blown save, his first of the year, in which he allowed an inherited runner to score...............In Milwaukee, the Phillies had their winning streak ended by the Brewers , who came from down, 4-0 to take a 5-4 walk-off win with a run in the 9th.  Cliff Lee could not hold the 4-0 advantage.  Mike Stutes retired 2 men in the 8th, but an error let a base runner get to 3rd base before Jeremy Horst came on for the final out of the 8th inning.  Horst was the loser, giving up a run  on 3 hits in the 9th.

The elevator ride continues for Troy Hanzawa, as he was brought back to Lehigh Valley.  The IronPigs were in Buffalo, where they split a pair of games with the Bisons.  Buffalo won the opener, 4-3.  Anthony Gose had an RBI double for the Bisons, and Darin Ruf and Steve Susdorf each had a hit and an RBI for the Pigs.  Lehigh Valley bounced back for a 4-0 win in the nightcap............Phillies lefthander John Lannan made a rehab start for the Threshers, and put in 4 frames, allowing just 2 runs, only 1 of which was earned, on 6 hits and 1 walk in Clearwater's 7-1 loss to the Blue Jays.  Lannan's return to the Phillies could see the end of Tyler Cloyd's regular starts in the Phillies rotation, and of Carlos Zambrano proves ready, Jonathan Pettibone could also be bumped.

Jonathan Singleton's return after suspension has stalled in Corpus Christi, where Singleton is just 1 for 10 since arriving from A-ball.  Singleton, Domingo Santana and Midland's D'Arby Myers combined to go 0 for 10 in the Hooks 5-0 win over the Rock Hounds.

Quintin Berry has made a clean start, playing his first game last night in Omaha, and looking like the player we remember.  Berry had a hit and a walk, stole 2 bases and scored a run for the Storm Chasers in a 5-2 loss to Oklahoma City.  Jonathan Villar had 2 hits and 2 RBI for the RedHawks.

Cloyd shines as Phils win 5th in a row

On Thursday in Milwaukee, the Philies made it 5 wins in a row behind a strong effort from Tyler Cloyd, to beat the Brewers, 5-1.  Cloyd went 6.2 shut out innings and gave up just 4 hits and 5 walks en route to the win, his 2nd of the season, before yielding to Justin De Fratus, who finished the 7th.  Antonio Bastardo tossed a scoreless 9th to end the game.  Domonic Brown had 2 more hits and a walk, and is now hitting .289 for the season.  The win by Cloyd was the 28th so far for Homesiders this year.


In Hickory, the BlueClaws were bombed by the Crawdads, 15-4, and have now lost 6 of the last 7.  Justin Dalles (.351) did hit 2 home runs for the Claws, and Art Charles, Josh Ludy and Alejandro Villalobos each had 2 hits in the losing effort...........In Reno, the SkySox topped the Aces by the score of 12-5.  Tuffy Gosewisch (.306) had 3 hits, including 2 doubles and scored 2 runs for Reno...........In Richmond, the New Britain Rock Cats beat the Flying Squirrels, 9-4, behind Trevor May.  May (5-2, 3.92) tossed 6 innings, and allowed just 1 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6 to pick up the victory.......In Gwinnett, Vance Worley's lost season continued.  Vance worked just 3 innings for Rochester in their 11-3 loss to the Braves and gave up 7 runs on 8 hits and a walk, although just 2 of those runs were earned.

Jays option Gose

The Toronto Blue Jays have optioned Anthony Gose back to AAA-Buffalo with the activation of Rajai Davis from the DL.

Cole ends drought, Dom hits # 18

Wednesday afternoon in Philadelphia, Cole Hamels threw 7 strong innings and the Phillies' offense exploded for 5 runs just in time to end the long drought for Cole and give him his 2nd win of the year.   Hamels (2-9) allowed just 1 run on only 4 hits and 1 walk, and strruck out 11 Marlins in the Phillies 6-1 win.  Yes, Domonic Brown hit another home run , his NL leading 18th of the year, to cap the 5-run inning after Ryan Howard had tripled in 2 runs just before.  Freddy Galvis chipped in with a hit and a walk,  Justin De Fratus tossed a 1-2-3 8th, and Mike Stutes pitched a scoreless 9th to sew up the win.  It was win #27 for the HomeSide on the year............In Atlanta, Julio Teheran did  not give the Pirates a base hit until the 8th inning in a 5-0 Braves win over Pittsburgh.  Mike Zagurski threw a 1-2-3 th inning for the Bucs..............In New York, Michael Bourn (.301) was 1 for 4 and scored a run for the Indians, who lost to the Yankees, 6-4............In Cincinnati, the Rockies hit 6 home runs to bomb the Reds, 12-4.  Alfredo Simon allowed 3 runs on 5 hits (1 home run) in 2 innings of work for the Reds.

The South Atlantic Leaguie has announced their All Star selections, and Steven Inch and Chace Numata will represent the home team here on the shore in 2 weeks.  Congratulations to both of them from the HomeSide!!   In the Florida State League, 7 Threshers (5 of them HomeSiders) were honored.  Aaron Altherr, Maikel Franco, Carlos Alonso, Logan Moore, and Gabriel Arias were all named to play in the game in Dunedin, along with Cameron Perkins and Perci Garner.  How is that for a contingent!!

In Hickory, the Crawdads hit 4 home runs in a 12-4 win over Lakewood.  Brian Pointer and Alejandro Villalobos had 2 hits each for the Claws, and Roman Quinn  had a hit and stole his 26th base...........In Jupiter, Kelly Dugan (.338) had 3 of the Threshers' 5 hits, in a 3-2, 10-inning  loss to the Hammerheads.  Kyrell Hudson hit a home run for Clearwater.  Hoby Milner started and threw 7 strong innings , allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and NO walks, striking out 6 and getting no decision........In Altoona, Sebastian Valle had 2 hits, including his 5th home run of the year, and his 3rd in 6 games, but Reading dropped a 7-3 game to the Curve.

The Houston Astros have moved Jonathan Singleton to AA-Corpus Christi to continue his comeback, and Jon went 1 for 4 for the Hooks, an RBI double, who lost to Midland, 3-1.............Lou Marson continues his rehab at Columbus.  Lou had a hit and a walk for the Clippers in their 9-4 loss to Toledo.

2 for the HomeSide!

Tuesday night in Philadelphia, John Mayberry came into the game as a defensive replacement, then hit a game tying home in the bottom of the 10th, and a walk-off grand slam in the 11th to give the Phillies an exciting 7-3 win over the Marlins.  Domonic Brown did not have have a hit, but reached base on an error to begin the winning rally and scored the deciding run.  Ryan Howard and Freddy Galvis each had a hit and a walk, Galvis' hit coming during the big 11th inning.  Jonathan Pettibone started and went 6 good innings, working out of some trouble and allowing just 2 runs (only 1 earned ) on 7 hits and 2 walks.  Antonio Bastardo came on in the 10th, and allowed a run, but was taken off the hook by Mayberry's first home run.  The win went to Mike Stutes, who threw a scoreless 11th and picked up his first win of the season.  Mike becomes the 11th different HomeSider to post a win this year.  Then, in Cincinnati, Josh Outman was in the right place at the right time for the Rockies.  Josh came into the game with 1 out and 2 men on base for the Reds, struck out both hitters he faced to strand the runners, and was awarded the win when Colorado rallied for 2 runs in the 8th for a 5-4 win.  It was win #2 for Outman this year, and runs the HomeSide total to 26 on the season!


In Buffalo, Cody Overbeck had 3 hits, including 2 home runs (#10 & 11), and drove in 3 runs to power the IronPigs to a 4-0 win over the Bisons.  Steve Susdorf (.330) and Darin Ruf (.260) had 2 hits each for Lehigh Valley and   Jake Diekman struck out the side in the 9th inning.  Also of note, with Michael Young returning to the Phillies, and Michael  Martinez being sent back to the IronPigs, the Phillies have reassigned Troy Hanzawa back to Reading.   Troy hit .371 in 11 games with the Pigs, proving he can play at that level...........In Altoona, a big home run by Sebastian Valle, his 2nd this week, and 2 hits each for Derrick Mitchell and Anthony Hewitt led the Fightin Phils to a 6-5 win over the Curve in the completion of the suspended game from last week. In the regualr game, the Curve scored 3 in the bottom of the 9th to gain a split with a 7-6 win.  Hewitt hit a pinch hit 2-run HR in that game.................In Jupiter, the Threshers swept a pair of games against the Hammerheads, 2-1 and 7-3.  Jordan Guth got his first win in his first appearancxe for the Threshers in the opener, after Nick Hernandez posted another excellent outing, allowing just 1 run (8 hits, NO walks) over 6 innings of work.  In the nightcap, Aaron Altherr hit a 3-run bomb (his 5th) and Maikel Franco had 3 more hits and drove in a run (#42) as Clearwater got the sweep.  Brock Stassi (.294) also had a 2-hit game in that one..........In Hickory, the BlueClaws managed just 2 hits and dropped the opener of their road trip to the Crawdads, 4-1..................In Corpus Christi, Domingo Santana had 2 hits and drove in 2 runs to help the Hooks defeat the Rock Hounds, 9-5.  D'Arby Myers had 1 for 4 and scored a run for the Hounds.

Royals claim Berry

Quintin Berry has been claimed on waivers by the Kansas City Royals and is on the AAA-Omaha Storm Chasers roster.  A new team, a new start for Q.  Best of luck from the HomeSide!

In some other Monday action, in Round Rock, the Nashville Sounds scored 2 in the 12th to beat the Express, 7-5.  Lisalverto Bonilla threw 3 perfect innings for Round Rock, retiring all 9 hitters he faced, and striking out 5 of them!.........In Albuquerque, the Oklahoma City RedHawks beat the Isotopes, 8-4.  Jonathan Villar had 2 more hits, an RBI and a run scored  for OKC, and Josh Zeid (2.59, 4 holds) threw 2 scoreless innings- in trouble the whole time, but allowed no runs.

Dom still hot

Another day, another home run for Domonic Brown.  In a hot streak that has seen him hit 9 home runs in the last 10 games, Brown did it again last night, blasting his NL leading 17th bomb in the Phillies' 7-2 win over the Marlins.  It was also another 3-hit game for him, and after hitting .206 for the first 3 weeks of the year, Brown's hot stretch has him at a lofty .291 and is one of the best long stretches any HomeSider has ever had!  He is 15 for his last 31 over the last 8 games, including 8 home runs and 15 RBI over that period!!

Ryan Howard, Freddy Galvis and Kyle Kendrick all added hits (Kendrick's was a triple!), and Kyle threw his 2nd complete game to improve to 6-3, 3.12 on the year.  I would have to say both KK and Brown are front runners to be selected for the All-Star festivities in New York next month!  The victory for Kyle was #23 for Homesiders this year.

At Yankee Stadium, New York beat the Indians, 7-4 despite 3 more hits from Michael Bourn, who is up to .312 and is 5 for his last 9.  Bourn has only played in 34 games because of that hand injury he suffered in April, but he has to be among those being considered for All-Star selction also!..........In Cincinnati, the Reds shut out the Rockies 3-0 behind Bronson Arroyo.  Josh Outman allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, striking out 2 in just .2 innings..............In Atlanta, Mike Zagurski had similar problems for the Pirates, walking 3 of the 6 hitters he faced and allowing a run in his .2 innings of a 7-2 Braves win over Pittsburgh.



On the minor league side, lets start with what I neglected to mention yesterday, the promotion of Jordan Guth from Lakewood to Clearwater on Sunday.  Congratulations to Jordan and continues good luck from all of us here in Lakewood.  The Claws had a travel day Monday and will open a series in Hickory tonight.

In Allentown Monday, Leandro Castro hit a 2-run walk off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to give the IronPigs a 4-3 win over Gwinnett.  Leandro is htting .281, with 6 homers and 28 RBI for Lehigh Valley.

Month of May

Domonic Brown has been named NL player of the month for May.

In addition, the Phllies have announced the minor league player and pitcher of the month.  Yoel Mecias of the BlueClaws is the pitcher of the month, and Kelly Dugan of the Threshers is the player of the month in the system.

Congratulations to all 3 of our boys!!!

In case you missed it

First note of interest from Sunday was Detroit designating Quintin Berry for assignment.  Berry has been struggling in Toledo, but this is because the Tigers need his spot on the 40-man roster.  His future will become clearer in 10 days,  when a decision will  have to be made.

If you have been under a rock, Domonic Brown was 3 for 3 Sunday, with his 16th home run and 4 more RBI!  (NL Player of the month will be announced tomorrow).  Dom's 3-run first inning blast propelled the Phillies to a 7-5 win over the Brewers.  Freddy Galvis had a single, a triple, and an RBI, and Ryan Howard walked and scored, and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.  The win went to Cliff Lee, who went 7.2 innings, and left the game in the 8th with 2 out and 2 on.  Justin De Fratus allowed a hit and a walk before getting the 3rd out, and both of Lee's runners scored.  Then Antonio Bastardo recorded his first save, despite loading the bases with the first 3 hitters, and giving up a run...............In Cleveland, the Rays pounded the Indians, 11-3.  Michael Bourn (.301) had 2 hits for the Tribe.......In San Diego, Anthony Gose had a pinch hit single and scored a run for the Blue Jays in their 3-run, game-winning rally in the top of then 13th as the Jays took a 7-4 game from the Padres.   Gose is 5 for his last 12, and is at .318 ( 7 for 22) since his recall.

In Allentown, the Braves beat the IronPigs, 11-7.  Leandro Castro had 2 doubles, a walk, and an RBI, Darin Ruf had a single, a double, and a  walk, and Troy Hanzawa had a single, a walk, and scored a run.  BJ Rosenberg had a tough outing, allowing 8 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks in just 5.1 innings of work. Brian is 1-5, 5.12 for Lehigh Valley................In Reading, Tommy Mendonca was 5 for 5 and drove in 3 runs to power the Fightin Phils to an 8-1 victory over Akron. Zack Collier had 2 hits and 2 RBI, and Sebastian Valle hit a home run, his 3rd.  David Buchanan pitched 7 strong innings to pick up his 2nd win of the season.  Buchanan allowed just 1 run on 5 hits and 3 walks for the victory.............In Dunedin, Maikel Franco hit a 3-run home run (#11)  in the top of the 6th inning to break a scoreless tie, and the Threshers went on to beat the Buue Jays, 7-0.  Kelly Dugan (.336) had 3 more hits, and Aaron Altherr (.324) added 2 for Clearwater.  Carlos Zambrano pitched 6 shut out  innings (4 hits, 2 walks) trying to prove to the Phillies he is ready for them.



In Reno, Jesus Merchan (.277) had 4 hits, including 2 doubles and drove in 3 runs for Tucson in the Padres' 13-5 win over the Aces.............In North Little Rock, the Corpus Christi Hooks swept a doubleheader from the Travelers, 5-3, and 13-9.  Domingo Santana homered in each game (#9 & 10), and drove in 4 on the day!...............In Columbus, Lou Marson was 0 for 2 with a walk for Columbus as his rehab assignment continues............In Albuquerque, Jonathan Villar (.271) was 2 for 4 for Oklahoma City, in the redHawks' 4-2 loss to the Isotopes.............In Springdale, Adam Buschini had 2 hits including his 3rd home run of the year for San Antonio, but the Mission dropped a 6-5 decision to the Naturals..........In Montgomery, Travis Mattair had 2 walks, and his 6th home run, and scored 3 runs for Pensacola, and the Blue Wahoos roasted the Biscuits, 11-4.

Brew crew wins again

In Philadelphia Saturday, the Brewers topped the Phillies, 4-3.  Tyler Cloyd pitched well, going 7 innings and giving up 3 runs, just 2 earned, on 8 hits and 1 walk, and took the hard luck loss.  Domonic Brown had a hit and stole his 4th base, Ryan Howard was 1 for 3 with a walk, and Freddy Galvis hit a home run, his 4th of the year.  Galvis is just 3 for his last 29.  Antonio Bastardo threw a 1-2-3 9th inning, fanning 2..................In Denver, the Rockies got past the Dodgers, 7-6 in 10 innings.  Josh Outman retired the 2 hitters he faced for Colorado, striking out 1 of them........In San Diego, the Padres edged the Blue Jays, 4-3.  Anthony Gose had 2 hits for Toronto, raising his average to .286.


In Allentown, the IronPigs came out on top of the Braves, 10-9.  Steve Susdorf  (.319) had a single, a triple and a walk, and knocked in 2 runs for Lehigh Valley, and Darin Ruf had a hit and an RBI........In Reading, Edgar Duran had 2 hits and an RBI, and Anthony Hewitt hit his 2nd home run of the year, but the Fightin Phils dropped a 5-3 decision to Akron.  Hector Neris started and went 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks, striking out 5 and falling to 3-2, 4.35 for the year.  Mike Nesseth posted 2 scoreless frames, giving up 3 hits..................In Columbus, Carlos Carrasco had a rough time, giving up 9 runs, 8 of whcih were earned, on 9 hits and 3 walks in just 4 innings of work against Indianaplois.  The Indians won the game, 10-9 in 10 innings..........In Albuquerque, Jonathan Villar had 2 hits, a walk, scored a run and drove in another for the RedHawks as Oklahoma City rallied for 6 in the 9th inning for a 13-10 win over the Isotopes..............In Reno, Tuffy Gosewisch (.296) had a triple and a 2-run home run (#6)  for the Aces, who lost an 8-6 game in 10 innings to the Padres.  Jesus Merchan (.253) led off the 10th inning with a double for Tucson, eventually scoring the winning run.

Brown hits 2 more in losing effort

Friday night in Philadelphia, the Brewers beat Cole Hamels and the Phillies, 8-5.   Domonic Brown hit 2 more home runs (#14 & 15) and drove in 4 of the 5 runs for the Phillies, upping his team leading total to 36 RBI.  Hamels allowed 7 runs (6 earned) on 11 hits in just 5 innings and is now 1-9 on the year.  Mike Stutes threw a 1-2-3 6th inning and Justin De Fratus tossed 2 scoreless innings..........In Denver, the Rockies scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game, only to see the Dodgers win it with a run in the 10th.  Josh Outman threw a scoreless inning for Colorado.............In Pittsburgh, the Reds shut out the Pirates, 6-0 behind Johnny Cuesto.  Mike Zagurski allowed 4 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks in just 1.2 innings of work for the Pirates.

In Davenport, Jonathan Singleton homered for the 3rd time in 3 games for Quad Cities, and is 5 for 11 with 2 doubles and the 3 HR.  The Astros say he will play 3 more game for the Bandits, before moving up to AA-Corpus Christi.  Speaking of Corpus Christi, the Hooks dropped a 5-3 decision to the Arkansas Travelers, with Mike Cisco (2-1, 2.38) pitching a scoreless inning and picking up the win for the Angel's affiliate.  Domingo Santana was 1 for 4 with a walk and an RBI for the Hooks.................In New Britain, Bowie beat the Rock Cats, 7-6.  Trevor May pitched the first 5 innings for the Cats, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks, receiving no decision in the game.....................In Manchester, the Fisher Cats defeated Binghamton, 8-7.  Tyson Brummett threw the final 3 innings, and got his 2nd save of the year, despite allowing 2 runs in the 9th..............In North Little Rock, the Naturals lost to San Antionio, 7-2.  Adam Buschini had a double, 2 walks, and scored a run for the Missions............Out in Tucson, the Padres pounded Fresno, 10-0.  Jesus Merchan (.253) had a double, an RBI and scored a run for the Padres.


In the Phillies' system,  the IronPigs shut out Gwinnett, 2-0.  Troy Hanzawa had another hit, and is 11 for 25 (that's .440) in 8 games since his promotion.  Leandro Castro added a hit and 2 walks, and Jake Diekman recorded his 8th save with a scoreless 9th, even though he gave up 2 hits..........In Reading, Jesse Biddle pitched 7 innings for the Fightin Phils, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, and left the game trailing 3-2.  Brody Colvin allowed 4 runs and did not get out of the 8th inning and the Aeros took a 7-5 victory.  Third baseman Tyler Henson had 3 hits for Reading.......In Dunedin, the Threshers scored 3 in the 9th  and beat the Blue Jays, 7-6.  Kelly Dugan (.322) had 3 hits, including his 6th home run, and Maikel Franco and Aaron Altherr added 2 hits each to the Clearwater attack.  This trio of former Claws is really having a good year for the Threshers!!  Dugan missed the first 20 games and has come off the DL to hit 6 bombs, and knock in 23 runs in 30 games so far, Altherr has 17 doubles, 4 triples and 4 home runs to go with his .322 mark, and Franco (.288) has hit 21 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs and 37 RBI!!........In Lakewood, Carlos Tocci had his first 3-hit game of the year, and Brian Pointer hit his 3rd home run, but the Claws lost to the Power, again, 4-3.  Pointer also made a great catch in right field, and Brian had 2 hits on the night.   Mitch Walding, Chace Numata and Willie Carmona  added 2 hits each in the losing cause.   Shane Watson pitched very well, making 1 mistake which resulted in a 2-run home run by the Power's Stetson Allie.  Allie has hit 3 home runs in the 6 games against us, and has 15 overall.  Delvi Francisco threw 2 more scoreless frames and has dropped his ERA to a very good 2.42!