Monday's Highlights

It is a quicker recap today due to less HomeSiders in action, but this is what I've got.

The Dodgers beat the Rangers 13-7. Greg Golson was 1 for 3, and a walk, also scoring a run for Texas.

The Padres blasted the Diamondbacks, 16-3. Chris Roberson was 0 for 2 for Arizona.

The Nationals topped the Astros, 6-4. Michael Bourn had a double and a walk, scoring a run for Houston.

The Reds defeated the Phillies, 8-4. Cole Hamels started for the Phils, tossing 2.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits (including a home run by Ryan Hanigan), NO walks, striking out 3. He was relieved by Andrew Carpenter, was went the next 2.1 frames. Drew gave up 1 run on 2 hits (home run by Yonder Alonso), NO walks, 2 Ks. Antonio Bastardo was next, 1 inning 1 run, 1 hit, (home run by Daryle Ward, at least I've heard of him!!), NO walks, 2 Ks. Sergio Escolona pitched the 9th, a 1-2-3 inning with 1 strike out.

Ryan Howard was 2 for 3, including his 4th home run of the spring, and Jason Donald was 3 for 4. "JD", who struggled early on, is now 5 for his last 7 and starting to look at home being in the line up everyday. Lou Marson was 1 for 2, that's his first hit this spring, and Tuffy Gosewisch was 0 for 1.

The Phillies are off today, and face the Braves on Wednesday, Kyle Kendrick will get the ball.

In the World Baseball Classic, in Tokyo, Korea edged Japan, 1-0, to capture first place in that pool. Both teams will advance to San Diego for the next round.

In Mexico City, Mexico rebounded from their defeat Sunday with a resounding 14-3 thrashing of South Africa, eliminating the South Africans from the tournament. Cuba and Australia will meet tonight, with the winner assured of a spot in San Diego and loser getting a date with Mexico Wednesday.

In Toronto, Italy eliminated Canada, 6-2, earning a rematch with Venezuela today. The loser goes home, and the winner joins Team USA in the next round in Miami.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th, to defeat the Netherlands, 3-1. The Puerto Ricans have earned a trip to Miami, and the Netherlands have earned a rematch with a revenge-minded Dominican Republic tonight in an elimination game.