something in the water?

I don't know what these guys had in their water (or lunch), but the pitching was outstanding on Saturday. After Gavin Floyd came within 5 outs of a no-hitter yesterday, Cole Hamels refused to be upstaged. Floyd was the Phillies #1 pick in 2001, Hamels the first pick in 2002. The comparisons were inevitable. So far, Cole has had the better of it. Last night in Philly, Hamels threw 7 1-hit innings to pick up his second win of the season in the Phils 7-1 win. He walked only 2 and struck out 5, lowering is ERA to 0.82 in his first 3 starts this year. Still feeling the glow of his pinch-hit single against the Mets the other night, Cole added a double to his resume for good measure. Ryan Howard hit his 3rd home run of the year, a 2-run shot off Ted Lilly in the fifth inning, and Carlos Ruiz had a single in 4 at bats.

Fabio Castro joined in the pitching party, also 7 innings with only 1 hit, in Reading's 5-2 win over Altoona Saturday. Greg Golson (.343) and Jeremy Slayden (.310) picked up 2 hit apiece for Reading and catcher John Suomi belted a 3-run homer. Ron Hill gave up the runs, facing 5 hitters without recording an out, in his first ineffective outing of the year, and Pat Overholt recorded his 2nd save. Jason Donald returned to the line up for the R-Phils after sitting out 3 games. Carlos Carrasco is Sunday's scheduled starter.

The BlueClaws dropped a 2-1 game in Delmarva, despite good pitching all around. Chance Chapman made his first start for Lakewood and was impressive, throwing 4 frames, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits. Walter Tejeda and Yen-Feng Lin combined for 4 scoreless innings in relief. Joe Rocchio let the winning run score in the 9th on a wild pitch. Catcher Joel Naughton believes the ball was foul tipped, but the umpires ruled otherwise. Naughton had the only 2-hit game for the 'Claws, both doubles. After his second double in the 9th inning, Joel was thrown out at home on a single off the bat of D'Arby Myers by center fielder Matt Angle. Michael Durant provided the BlueClaws run with his 3rd home run of the season. Drew Naylor tries to right the ship Sunday for Lakewood.

In Clearwater last night, the Theshers lost a game in which they had the lead twice. Gus Milner tripled home 2 runs in the opening inning. Gus then scored when the throw to third got away for Lakeland fielders. Clearwater proceeded to load the bases again, but did not put any more runs on the board. Matt Spencer and John Urick had 2 hits each for Clearwater, who fell to 3-7. Edgar Garcia started and could not hold the early 3-0 advantage. Edgar lasted 5 innings, giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits, striking out 5. Dan Brauer blew the save and was charged with his first loss. Brauer did not pitch bad, but in a tight game, a few hits here and there can cost you. Joe Savery goes for Clearwater Sunday.

The IronPigs lost again, they are 0-10 now. Joe Bisenius had a rough outing, facing 5 hitters, walking 3 (1 intentionally), and giving up 1 hit. All 4 scored in Richmond's 5-3 win. J.A. Happ will try to stop the bleeding Sunday.

Last night in Indianapolis, Chris Roberson had a single, a double, a stolen base(his second), and 2 RBI in Norfolk's 4-3 loss. Robey is hitting .286.

Elizardo Ramirez pitched well for Oklahoma last night, throwing 5 innings, and giving up 3 runs on 4 hits in the Red Hawks 5-4 win in Albuquerque. "Easy" improved to 2-1, 3.38 for the year.

Eude Brito's struggles continue. Last night in Charlotte, Brito threw 2.2 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. So far Brito has made 4 appearances, throwing 5.1 innings, allowing 8 earned runs. E-Gads!!

Also having a tough time is Andrew Baldwin. Last night in Colorado Springs, Baldwin got only 2 outs in relief. Although all 5 runs he gave were unearned, he did surrender 3 hits and 3 walks, sustaining the loss the Rainier's 10-7 defeat.

The Phillies placed Shane Victorino on the disabled list Sunday and purchased the contract of Chris Snelling from Lehigh Valley. This prompted the promotion of Mike Spidale from Reading to Lehigh Valley, and the promotion of Jake Blalock from Clearwater to Reading.

Scott Mitchinson will get a start today in Peoria for the Kane County Cougars. The Cougars, an Oakland affiliate, are off to an 8-0 start. They were rained out Saturday and will play 2 today. Mitchinson will go in game 2. Also, it is Mike Dubee's turn to pitch for the Warthogs today in Winston-Salem.