Friday's Highlights

Not many highlights in Lakewood on Friday as Kannapolis got out of town with an 8-1 win over the BlueClaws. Jason Knapp had his first bad outing of the season, as the Intimidators roughed him up for 6 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks in just 3 innings. Jacob Diekman came in and saved the bullpen, throwing 5 innings and giving up just 1 run on 2 hits, NO walks, striking out 5 to keep Lakewood in the game, but the offense just could not get the big hit to get back in it. Jeremy Hamilton and newcomer Korby Mintken had 2 hits apiece for the BlueClaws, and Travis D'Arnaud knocked in his team leading 19th run.

Hickory is here to start a 4 game series Saturday, Heitor Correa (0-1) gets the start.

In Daytona, Mike Durant homered for the 2nd straight day, and Clearwater beat the Cubs, 7-2. Drew Naylor went 7 strong innings to get the win, allowing just 1 earned run on 5 hits, NO walks, striking out 6 along the way. Arlon Quiroz had 2 hits, a stolen base, scored 2 runs, and threw out a runner at third base, and Jesus Villegas, in his first game since his promotion this week, had a walk, stole a base and scored a run.

The Threshers have placed Julian Sampson (1-4) on the DL and activated Mike Cisco, who I believe will start tonight.

Mike Spidale (.380) hit a game-winning 2-run homer, 1 of his 2 hits on the night, giving Reading a 3-1 over Altoona. Tyson Brummett was solid for 6.2 innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and 3 walks, striking out 8. Mike Zagurski's rehab assignment had him in the right place at the right time, as he recorded 4 outs and picked up the win when Spidale came through. Sergio Escalona tossed a scoreless 9th to pick up his 9th save.

OK, I need to vent.....Why is Mike Spidale still in Reading?...Surely we can use this man in Lehigh Valley....Lets play Slayden, Spidale and Mayberry everyday in Allentown and watch all 3 flourish!!

Speaking of Lehigh Valley, the IronPigs scored 2 in the 9th to snatch a win from Toledo Friday. Lou Marson had a walk, a double to start the winning rally, and scored twice for the Pigs, and Drew Carpenter went 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks.

In Reno, Chris Roberson (.280) had 2 hits, a walk, and drove in 2 runs as the Aces lost, 9-5 to Fresno. In Portland, Kevin Howard (.247) had a hit, a walk and scored a run in the Beaver's 6-5 walkoff win against Salt Lake. In Las Vegas, the 51s outscored Sacramento, 14-10. Randy Ruiz (.289) was 1 for 4 wait a walk, scored a run and drove in 2 (that's 29 RBI for "Homie"), and Adrian Cardenas walked and scored a run for the River Cats.

In Philadelphia, Cole Hamels recorded his first win of the year, as the Phillies beat the Braves, 10-6. Cool Cole, making his first appearance since April 28, threw 6 innings and gave up just 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7, while throwing 95 pitches. Ryan Howard had a double and scored a run for the Phils. In Oakland last night, Josh Outman threw 101 pitches, but could make it through the 5th inning to qualify for the win in the Athletics 5-3 win over Toronto.

A special thanks to Jay Ballz from Foxsports for stopping by and saying hello before yesterday's game. You can check out Jay's blog by clicking on the link in my links section.