Ryno charges out strong

Ryan Howard blasted a 3-run home run in the first inning, and went on to single and double later, driving in a total of 4 runs in the Phillies 7-3 win over the Astros. Howard is off to a torrid .538 clip (7 for 13) for the first 3 games, leading to the sweep of the opening series. Carlos Ruiz contributed by walking and scoring a run, and Kyle Kendrick pitched the final inning (1 run, 1 hit, 1 walk). Michael Bourn had a walk in 4 plate appearances for the Astros............Lou Marson got his first start of the season Sunday for the Indians, and had a single, a double, a walk, scored a run and drove one in as the Indians beat the White Sox, 7-1 and salvaged a game in their series........Speaking of former BlueClaw catchers, it was also the first game for Jason Jaramillo. "J.J." was 1 for 4 in the Pirate's 5-4 win over the Cubs......Considering the nature of the game between the Angels and Royals Sunday, Robinson Tejeda got an inning of work in and was fortunate to only be charged with 1 run. He gave up 2 hits and a walk, striking out 1 in the Royals 12-9, 13 inning slugfest over the Angels.......Taylor Buchholz tossed a scoreless inning for the Mets in New York's 9-2 win over the Marlins.