Straphangers break hex

Yesterday was a day for poorly-starting pitchers to redeem themselves.

Sardine City broke their long losing streak yesterday with a 4-2 victory over Blue Ridge. Cole Hamels, who had struggled so far this season, pitched six innings and allowed only one earned run, but did not factor into the decision. B.J. Upton scored the winning run in the eighth after leading off the inning with a double, then advancing on a wild pitch. Team owner Greg Calvosa said they found the cause of their struggles - a Chipper Jones jersey buried in the dirt just outside the dugout in their stadium.

Hillsborough and New Jersey threw out two of their slumping starters against each other, so you'd expect a 2-1 pitcher's duel, right? Tom Gorzelanny pitched a complete game, giving up only one earned run on seven hits and striking out 11. But that wasn't good enough! Justin Verlander pitched a solid 7.2 innings, only giving up one run, and striking out 7. He did not figure into the decision. The Hitmen ended up winning the game in the eighth when Billy Butler hit an RBI-double to take the lead.

Vancouver won their eighth straight game and completed the sweep of Hoboken with an 11-4 win yesterday. Chase Utley was 4-5 and Mike Lowell hit two homers and drove in four to lead the 18-hit onslaught.

Finally, A.J. Burnett pitched a 3-hit shutout of the D.C. Bushslappers to improve to 4-0 on the season. Burnett struck out nine and walked four in the effort. The Pack held their one game lead over the Philadelphia Endzone Animals for the best record in the league.