Garcia continues turnaround

Edgar Garcia's strong start to 2008 continued on Saturday night, as Garcia improved to 4-0, 3.50 in his first 6 appearances this season. Edgar, who won only 4 games in 20 starts for Lakewood last year, has been on top of his game early this year. He is only 20 years old and the potential for this kid is very high if he develops some consistency. Saturday, he pitched 6.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits, 3 walks, picking up 8 strike outs in the Thresher's 6-3 win over Brevard County. Brian Schlitter got 5 outs in a row to record his 1st "hold", and Samuel Walls pitched the 9th for his 3rd save. P.J. Antoniato (.290) and Welinson Baez (.238, 16 RBI) had 2 hits each for Clearwater, John Urick had 2 walks and a home run, and Quintin Berry had 3 walks and stole his 9th base in 11 attempts. Off the disabled list, playing for the first time this year, Clay Harris had a hit and an RBI.

On Sunday, the Manatees won, 4-1 as Clearwater got just 6 hits. Andrew Cruse got his first start and looked so much more comfortable than he does relieving. Andrew went 3 innings (building arm strength) and was charged with 1 unearned run on 4 hits, NO walks. Ron Hill, recently returned from Reading, took over and struggled. 3 hits and 2 walks in 2.2 innings and "Bear" was charged with 2 runs. Matt German got 5 outs without allowing a run, and Nate Johnson gave up 1 run in his 1 inning. Clay Harris (2 singles and a walk) and Gus Milner (walk and triple) were the only Threshers on base more than once.

Saturday night in Tacoma, the Tacoma Rainiers were defeated by the Oklahoma RedHawks 6-3, on a 3-run 9th inning by Oklahoma. The starter in the game for Oklahoma was Elizardo Ramirez, who had already won 4 games this year. "Easy" put in another strong effort, going 6.2 innings, charged with 3 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4 and receiving no decision. Ramirez is 4-2, 4.11 for the year. Robinson Tejeda, bullpen experement apparently on hold, will get the start for Oklahoma Monday afternoon. While in Round Rock, Texas, Kevin Howard had a single and a double in the Las Vegas 51s 5-3 win over the Express. Howard is hitting .313 with 20 RBI for the Dodger affiliate.