first off day

So the BlueClaws are off to a 1-3 start after yesterday's 5-1 loss to Lake County in what can only be described as a bitter day. The team has an off day today, they are working out in the afternoon, and will return to battle tomorrow against Hagerstown.

Yesterday, in Altoona, Reading suffered their first defeat of the year, as the Curve rallied late for 2 runs off Will Savage, and salvaged the finale of the series 3-2. Savage, who was a contributor to the 'Claws championship run in '06, gave up 4 straight singles to start the 8th inning. This is deceiving, however, as 3 of the 4 were on ground balls and just happened to find the gaps. Mike Spidale had 2 singles, a double, a walk, and 2 stolen bases to pace the Reading attack, and Greg Golson drove in both runs with a double in the 5th. The R-Phils head for Bowie tonight where Carlos Carrasco makes his first start of 2008.

Last night in Las Vegas, Kevin Howard had a single and a double and drove in both runs for Vegas in their 3-2 loss to Salt Lake City. The 51s are off to a 0-4 start, and will host Colorado Springs tonight.

I have to mention Elizardo Ramirez now. "Easy", was never a BlueClaw, but was on Clearwater and Reading and played with so many of "my boys" I have kind of adopted him (He was the original NAC). For those of you familiar with him, he is in Oklahoma (AAA-Rangers). On Friday night he came out of the bullpen, pitched 3 innings, allowing one run, and absorbed a loss.

I stumbled upon another former 'Claw with the Tucson Sidewinders (AAA-Diamondbacks), Jesus Merchan. Jesus is 3 for 8 (.375) with 3 RBI in 3 games so far.

Origianl BlueClaw Eude Brito pitched a scoreless inning for Columbus against Charlotte Saturday, striking out 2 of the 3 hitters he faced.

Finally, the Phillies gained a split of their series in Cincinnati with a 5-3 win this afternoon. All the Phillies runs came on home runs. Jimmy Rollins led off the game with one, and before the first inning was over, Pat Burrell hit a 2-run shot. Later, Burrell and Geoff Jenkins went back-to-back. It was the 17th time in Pat Burrell's career that he hit 2 home runs in a game. Hey, all those home runs and I didn't say Ryan Howard? The big guy was 1 for 4 today, striking out 3 times. Cole Hamels threw 7 innings, allowing just 1 earned run on 5 hits. He walked 3, struck out 4, and picked up his first win of the season. The Phillies road trip heads to Shea Stadium Tuesday where they take on the Mets in New York's home opener.

I may have some HomeSider correspondents in Lakeland, Florida tonight so we are representing ourselves early this season!!

Check in late tonight for updates.