Slappers get slapped

D.C. kept falling to new lows, this time losing 12-0 to the punchless Team Buddah. Joe Blanton pitched seven shutout innings, giving up only five hits to win his first of the year - this despite a 2.40 ERA. Buddah shook up their lineups a day ago after team owner Mike Hornick gave an inspirational locker room speech. Josh Fields, who was 3-5 with 4 RBIs, said the talk gave him the drive to score more runs. "We were all wearing WWBD wristbands" said Fields..."what would Buddah do? Indeed..." Meanwhile, D.C.'s luck could not be any worse as starter Sean Marshall, who was picked up to start in place of injured starter Shawn Hill, was hurt in the first inning. "I don't know what we'll do" said owner Jamie Landsman. "We're running out of possible Shawns." Shawn Chacon and Shawn Camp are eagerly awaiting a phone call. D.C. has now lost seven of their last eight.

Since we're on the topic of lopsided wins, Philly one-upped the Buddahs by shellacking Hillsborough 16-0. Matt Cain pitched 8.2 innings and surrendered only 4 hits, while striking out 7. On the offensive side, Gary Sheffield had 2 homer and 4 RBIs. The Animals scored 11 runs in the final three innings.

Sardine City's Phil Hughes won his first DMBL career victory after holding the Mighty Men to 2 runs and 3 hits in 6.1 innings. B.J. Upton was 4-6 with 3 runs and 2 stolen bases and Raul Ibanez was 3-5 with 3 RBIs.

Moises Alou had 6 RBIS and was 3-6 to lead Vancouver to a 15-6 blowout win over Blue Ridge. Vancouver scored 11 runs in the final two innings, particularly inflicting damage on reliever Trevor Hoffman (2/3 inning, 6 earned runs, 6 hits, 1 walk). Alou now has a 13-game hitting streak, the second longest active streak.

The Rat Pack held on to a 6-5 win over Newark, getting some revenge for the two-game sweep when the Rats last visited Newark. Most of the scoring happened early on in the game - the game was tied at five from the fourth inning on. But in the ninth inning, Placido Polanco led off with a double, then Matt Holliday hit a double to drive Polanco in for the win.