Kazmir flirts with no-no

Scott Kazmir held the Blue Ridge Bombers hitless for 8 innings in yesterday's 3-1 victory. After retiring the side in order in the 8th, Kazmir looked like he would cruise into the history books. But an errant fastball was crushed in the 9th inning as Jed Lowrie launched one into the stands, breaking the no-hitter and the shutout in one swing. Frank Francisco came in to relieve Kazmir and Blue Ridge did manage one more hit, but that was all they would get. Kazmir did walk three batters, but also struck out 6 and improved to 8-5 on the season.

Vancouver and Carolina were scoreless after nine, so the two headed into extra innings in a 0-0 tie. With one out in the 10th, Troy Tulowitzki grounded one by pitcher Billy Wagner, reaching on an infield hit. Wagner stretched to get the ball, but ended up pulling a muscle, forcing him out of the game. Bengie Molina, the next batter, took Matt Capps deep, breaking the tie, and giving the Cats a 2-0 lead. But the damage caused by Capps was not finished yet. Capps gave up a hit to Vernon Wells, then plunked Dustin Pedroia. That was enough for Capps. But Russ Springer didn't improve the situation, instead bobbling an easy ground ball and scoring Wells. Magglio Ordonez sac flied in another run to make it 4-0. The Fist didn't put up much of a fight in the bottom of the 10th, as the Cats completed the shutout. For the Cats, Tim Hudson pitched 6.1 innings of shutout ball, giving up 5 hits and 4 walks, while Jake Peavy pitched 8 shutout innings, yielding 6 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5.

Arkansas won their 5th straight, a 9-3 rout of Hillsborough. David Wright was 3-5 as the Falcons tallied 15 hits. All but Yadier Molina collected at least one hit, with 6 batters having at least 2. Cliff Lee earned the win, despite walking 5 batters in 6.1 innings.