Newark, Marietta, jump out to early leads

It's no surprise to see the Sugar Bears jump out to an early 2-0 lead on Honolulu. The Sharks haven't been able to stop the Sugar Bear offense at all, and the bats haven't put up enough of a fight to make Newark nervous. Maybe things will change when the series resumes in Honolulu on Tuesday. They better hope for a severe case of jet lag for the Bears because they are in serious trouble. Remember, it was the Sharks who were winless in their season series at home with the Sugar Bears. Maybe they're due though?

Meanwhile, Marietta has taken a huge 2-0 lead over the Morris Divison champs. Mike Mussina took a perfect game into the eighth inning then walked Adam LaRoche. The no-hitter was intact until the ninth inning with one out when A.J. Pierzynski lined a single past Derek Jeter. Mussina did keep the shutout - a one-hitter. Mussina faced only 28 batters and threw 95 pitches in the game. Erik Bedard put up a good fight, but could not match Mussina's domination. Philadelphia now travels to Marietta to try to get back into this series. Marietta has actually been three games worse at home and has lost their only playoff game in Marietta agaisnt D.C., so this may be a good chance for the Animals.