Cole Hamels battled his way through 7 innings in Arlington, Texas last night, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 8 en route t an 8-6 win over the Rangers. Cole improved to 8-5, 3.38 on the year. Ryan Howard blasted his 20th home run of the season to give him 67 RBI on the year. The average is low, at .215, but the power numbers are still there for Ryno.
Staying in the Lone Star State, in Houston Michael Bourn had 2 hits and walk and stole his 31st base of the year in the Astros' 11-10 win over the Red Sox. Bourn's average continues to climb, now at .235.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Harris' 3 home runs lead Threshers
Clay Harris belted 3 home runs on Saturday, driving in 6 runs, to back another solid performance by Edgar Garcia as the Threshers beat the Mets, 11-1. Harris has had an injury plagues season, but since becoming healthy has been on fire. He is hitting .342 (on base percentage at .426), with 7 homers and 31 RBI in just 38 games so far. John Urick (.275) added 3 hits and 2 RBI (46) for Clearwater, and Adrian Cardenas (.315) and Fidel Hernandez chipped in with 2 hits each. Michael Taylor picked up a single in 5 at bats and is just 6 for 35 (.171) in his 9 games with the Threshers.
As for Garcia, the 20-year old from the DR was strong for 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits and to improve to 8-2, 3.97 in this breakout season. Edgar was 4-9 in 20 starts for the BlueClaws last year. After Brian Schlitter (2.36) threw a 1-2-3 7th, Alex Concepcion returned to action to throw a scoreless 8th inning. Ron Hill (4.05)continued to struggle, allowing 4 hits and a run in the bottom of the 9th.
In Lakewood, the BlueClaws got contributions up and down the lineup in an 11-2 beating of Delmarva Saturday night. Chance Chapman worked his way out of trouble constantly, aided by 3 double plays. In 7 innings of work, Chapman gave up 9 hits and 2 walks, but no runs, to improve to 5-4, 2.81 on the year. With Tyson Brummett in Reading and Drew Naylor in Clearwater, Chapman, Darren Byrd, and Julian Sampson have stepped up for the 'Claws. Byrd will get the ball Sunday afternoon.
Derrick Mitchell (2 doubles) and Moose Mattair drove in 2 runs each for Lakewood. Mitchell, batting lead off for the first time this year, now has 46 RBI for Lakewood, which is tops on the team with Taylor now in Clearwater. Joel Naughton (great picture of him in this morning's Press) hit his second home run of the year leading off the second inning, and Freddy Galvis had 3 hits and drove in 2 runs.
In Akron, Mike Spidale (.292), Joey Hammond and Jake Blalock (.311) had 3 hits each as Reading topped Akron, 7-2. Jeremy Slayden belted his 9th home run and leads all HomeSiders with 54 RBI in 2008. J.D. Durbin won his 2nd game of the year, going 7 strong innings, allowing 2 runs (just 1 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks to lower his ERA to 2.77. Josh Outman an Pat Overholt threw a scoreless frame each to finish it off.
In Allentown, J.A. Happ pitched another strong game, going 7.2 innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5, receiving a no decision in Lehigh Valley's 2-1 victory. Jason Jaramillo had a hit and a walk to raise his average to a season high .261.
In Rochester, Randy Ruiz (.303) had 3 hits and drove in 2 more runs in the Red Wings' 8-6 triumph over Pawtucket. "Homie" now has 48 RBI. Can you say "September call-up?"
In Sacramento late last night, Jesus Merchan (.319) smacked a triple and drove in 3 runs for Tucson in the Sidewinder's 8-6 win over the River Cats. Jesus has driven in 35 runs in a back up role for the D-Backs affiliate.
On Friday night, Zack Segovia pitched 2 innings in the GCL for the Nationals and picked up a win over the Mets. Look for Zack to be moved up after 1 more outing in Florida.
As for Garcia, the 20-year old from the DR was strong for 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits and to improve to 8-2, 3.97 in this breakout season. Edgar was 4-9 in 20 starts for the BlueClaws last year. After Brian Schlitter (2.36) threw a 1-2-3 7th, Alex Concepcion returned to action to throw a scoreless 8th inning. Ron Hill (4.05)continued to struggle, allowing 4 hits and a run in the bottom of the 9th.
In Lakewood, the BlueClaws got contributions up and down the lineup in an 11-2 beating of Delmarva Saturday night. Chance Chapman worked his way out of trouble constantly, aided by 3 double plays. In 7 innings of work, Chapman gave up 9 hits and 2 walks, but no runs, to improve to 5-4, 2.81 on the year. With Tyson Brummett in Reading and Drew Naylor in Clearwater, Chapman, Darren Byrd, and Julian Sampson have stepped up for the 'Claws. Byrd will get the ball Sunday afternoon.
Derrick Mitchell (2 doubles) and Moose Mattair drove in 2 runs each for Lakewood. Mitchell, batting lead off for the first time this year, now has 46 RBI for Lakewood, which is tops on the team with Taylor now in Clearwater. Joel Naughton (great picture of him in this morning's Press) hit his second home run of the year leading off the second inning, and Freddy Galvis had 3 hits and drove in 2 runs.
In Akron, Mike Spidale (.292), Joey Hammond and Jake Blalock (.311) had 3 hits each as Reading topped Akron, 7-2. Jeremy Slayden belted his 9th home run and leads all HomeSiders with 54 RBI in 2008. J.D. Durbin won his 2nd game of the year, going 7 strong innings, allowing 2 runs (just 1 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks to lower his ERA to 2.77. Josh Outman an Pat Overholt threw a scoreless frame each to finish it off.
In Allentown, J.A. Happ pitched another strong game, going 7.2 innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5, receiving a no decision in Lehigh Valley's 2-1 victory. Jason Jaramillo had a hit and a walk to raise his average to a season high .261.
In Rochester, Randy Ruiz (.303) had 3 hits and drove in 2 more runs in the Red Wings' 8-6 triumph over Pawtucket. "Homie" now has 48 RBI. Can you say "September call-up?"
In Sacramento late last night, Jesus Merchan (.319) smacked a triple and drove in 3 runs for Tucson in the Sidewinder's 8-6 win over the River Cats. Jesus has driven in 35 runs in a back up role for the D-Backs affiliate.
On Friday night, Zack Segovia pitched 2 innings in the GCL for the Nationals and picked up a win over the Mets. Look for Zack to be moved up after 1 more outing in Florida.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Myers to Williamsport
Struggling D'Arby Myers was sent from Lakewood to Williamsport this morning. Myers got the news when the bus returned from Lake County after the BlueClaws lost both ends of a doubleheader in Ohio last night. D'Arby hit .240 for the Crosscutters in 46 games last year, but was hitting just .174 for Lakewood. This opens a spot on the roster, which could be taken up by Matt Rizzotti, who may be able to come off the DL soon. This is just my speculation.
Alex Concepcion was activated from the DL and placed on the Clearwater roster. Alex had taken a line drive off his knee back in May, and hasn't played since then.
Alex Concepcion was activated from the DL and placed on the Clearwater roster. Alex had taken a line drive off his knee back in May, and hasn't played since then.
Reading review
It has not been a good week in the Phillies system, but this morning I will focus on Reading. There is some good news, but the results on the field have not been there. After losing 3 of 4 to Harrisburg this week, the R-Phils moved into Akron last night and Carlos Carassco and Brett Harker (recently promoted from Clearwater) gave up 8 runs each in the Aero's 16-6 win.
We begin on Tuesday, when Jason Donald got Reading off to a fast start with a 2-run homer in the 1st inning. It was Donald's 9th dinger and increased his RBI total to 38. Neil Sellers also homered(#9), Mike Spidale added 2 hits, Lou Marson picked up RBI #37, and Javon Moran stole his 18th base in 19 tries. Tyson Brummett made his second start for Reading, pitching 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6. Joe Bisenius pitched a 1-2-3 7th, before Pat Overholt (2-3, 4.14) pitched the final 2 frames, allowing 3 earned runs and picking up the loss.
On Wednesday, the Phillies got their only win of the series, a 5-3 triumph behind strong pitching from Kip Bouknight. Bouknight went 6.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, getting no decision. Josh Outman came in to relieve him and walked 2 of the 3 men he faced before yielding to Bisenius. "Bis" restored order, throwing the final 2.2 innings to record his second win of the year and lower his ERA to an impressive 2.60. Mike Eylward had a single, a double and 3 RBI, and Jeremy Slayden drove in the other 2 runs, to make it 50 RBI on the year for Slay.
Slayden continued hot on Thursday, going 3 for 3 in the Senator's 6-2 win in the series finale. Fabio Castro suffered his first loss of the year, allowing 4 runs in 5.2 innings. Brad Harman picked up 2 more hits, he has been coming on lately, and the Phillies hit the road for Akron.
Friday's opener in Akron was not one of Carassco's best outings. Only 3 innings, 8 runs (7 earned) on 7 hits and 3 walks, to fall to 5-7, 4.18 for the year. Moran (.276) picked up 2 more hits and Slayden drove in 3 more runs (53 for those who are counting). Harker made his Reading debut and was shell shocked!! 8 earned runs on 10 hits in just 2 innings. Hang in there, Hark, things can only get better!!
In another note from Friday, Randy Ruiz belted his 11th home run of the year for Rochester in the Red Wings 4-2 loss. Randy is batting .298, with 46 RBI for the Minnesota affiliate.
We begin on Tuesday, when Jason Donald got Reading off to a fast start with a 2-run homer in the 1st inning. It was Donald's 9th dinger and increased his RBI total to 38. Neil Sellers also homered(#9), Mike Spidale added 2 hits, Lou Marson picked up RBI #37, and Javon Moran stole his 18th base in 19 tries. Tyson Brummett made his second start for Reading, pitching 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6. Joe Bisenius pitched a 1-2-3 7th, before Pat Overholt (2-3, 4.14) pitched the final 2 frames, allowing 3 earned runs and picking up the loss.
On Wednesday, the Phillies got their only win of the series, a 5-3 triumph behind strong pitching from Kip Bouknight. Bouknight went 6.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, getting no decision. Josh Outman came in to relieve him and walked 2 of the 3 men he faced before yielding to Bisenius. "Bis" restored order, throwing the final 2.2 innings to record his second win of the year and lower his ERA to an impressive 2.60. Mike Eylward had a single, a double and 3 RBI, and Jeremy Slayden drove in the other 2 runs, to make it 50 RBI on the year for Slay.
Slayden continued hot on Thursday, going 3 for 3 in the Senator's 6-2 win in the series finale. Fabio Castro suffered his first loss of the year, allowing 4 runs in 5.2 innings. Brad Harman picked up 2 more hits, he has been coming on lately, and the Phillies hit the road for Akron.
Friday's opener in Akron was not one of Carassco's best outings. Only 3 innings, 8 runs (7 earned) on 7 hits and 3 walks, to fall to 5-7, 4.18 for the year. Moran (.276) picked up 2 more hits and Slayden drove in 3 more runs (53 for those who are counting). Harker made his Reading debut and was shell shocked!! 8 earned runs on 10 hits in just 2 innings. Hang in there, Hark, things can only get better!!
In another note from Friday, Randy Ruiz belted his 11th home run of the year for Rochester in the Red Wings 4-2 loss. Randy is batting .298, with 46 RBI for the Minnesota affiliate.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Future Stars named
For the 3rd year in a row, Phillies #1 prospect Carlos Carassco (pictured pitching last Sunday) has been named to pitch in the future stars game at the Major League All-Star break. This year's game will take place in Yankee Stadium. Also named to the World Team, but unable to participate due to injury is Antonio Bastardo. Named to the USA team were 3 former 'Claws: Lou Marson, Jason Donald and Greg Golson. The 3 USA players will also be under consideration for the USA Oylympic Baseball Team which will compete in China this August. Good Luck to all our boys!!!
Kendrick at his best
I am running out the door to work, but I had to mention Kyle Kendrick, who had his best outing as a major leaguer late last night in Oakland. 8 shut out innings, just 4 hits and a walk in Phillies 4-0 win over the A's. Kendrick is now 7-3, 4.59 for the year and 17-7 for his career in a little over one full season.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tejeda on the move again
The Texas Rangers designated Robinson Tejeda for assignment last week when the team was here at Shea to play the Mets. He did NOT clear waivers and was claimed by Kansas City yesterday. He has not joined the Royals yet and they will have to make room for him on the roster.
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