Slayden continues hot start

With most of our former BlueClaws in Reading and Clearwater, most of our reports will start with those teams. For Friday night, we begin in Altoona with the R-Phils 2-1 victory over the Curve.

Jeremy Slayden continued his hot start with a second inning home run, then doubled and scored what turned out to be the winning run in the 7th. "Slay" is off to a 5 for 9 start, and Reading is 2-0 out of the gate. Brad Harman contributed a double and drove in the game winning run with a single. Javon Moran also had 2 hits.

The entire game was pitched by 'Claws alumni. Josh Outman threw the first 5 innings, giving up 1 run on 7 hits in his first start of the year. Ron "Bear" Hill pitched a scoreless 6th and got the victory. R.J. Swindel threw 2 perfect innings, and Pat Overholt pitched the ninth to pick up the save.

A similar story in Clearwater where the Threshers topped the Blue Jays 4-2 behind Carlos Monasterios. Carlos, who did not get out of the first inning in his first start last year, pitched 6.1 strong innings, giving up just 6 hits and 1 walk. Both runs scored on solo home runs. John Urick, who should probably be at a higher level, had 3 singles and 2 RBI to lead the 10-hit attack. Welinson Baez and Tuffy Gosewisch chipped in 2 hits apiece as Clearwater evened their record at 1-1. Brett Harker relieved Monasterios, recording 5 outs, and Brian Schlitter pitched a scoreless, although shaky, ninth to pick up the save.

The BlueClaws dropped a 6-4 game in Lakewood last night to the Captains, but I could not help but be impressed by Mike Durant. Mike hit a screaming line drive into left-center field in the second inning, driving in Michael Taylor, who had singled. His next at bat resulted in a fly ball to left field that he just got under, or it would have traveled a long way. Making the adjustment in his 3rd at bat, Durant sent one deep into the night and deposited it on the berm in left for a 2-run homer, giving Lakewood the lead. The ball really jumps off this young man's bat, HomeSiders. It appears we are in for a treat watching this guy this year.

For those who have not seen them, here are a few more former 'Claws and where you can find them:

Chris Roberson (2003) Norfolk Tides (AAA-Orioles)
Mike Dubee (2007) Winston-Salem Warthogs (High A-White Sox)
Kevin Howard (2007) Las Vegas 51's (AAA-Dodgers)
Ezequiel Astacio (2002) Louisville Bats (AAA-Reds)

Also on the Louisville roster, Matt Maloney, who was rained out of his start yesterday and should try again today in Syracuse (2:00 start). Gavin Floyd also scheduled today in Detroit for the White Sox (3:35 game time).

The BlueClaws game is 1:00 today, so check in later for updates on the day baseball.