Logjam in the Morris

After yesterday's games, there are five teams within one game of first place. The first place Mallers opened the door by dropping a 2-0 decision to Marietta. Jason Marquis outdueled Josh Beckett with 7 shutout innings and earning his first win of the season.

The Endzone Animals stayed 1/2 a game out of first - and alone in second place - but lost a 12-inning nailbiter to the Straphangers. Philly held a 5-2 lead in the game after a 5-run 4th inning, but the Sardines came back and scored 3 in the 6th to tie the game up. The game remained scoreless until Ryan Braun singled in the winning run in the 12th.

The Mudcats picked up a game on the Mallers by winning 7-5 against the Cutters. Jeff Francouer's two-run homer in the 7th was the difference in the game. Aramis Ramirez was 3-5 with an RBI as 5 other Mudcats had 2 hits in the game.

Hillsborough also gained a game with their 4-2 defeat of the Ant Slayers. Casey McGehee was 3-3 with 3 RBIs and a home run to lead the Hitmen offense, while Justin Verlander held the Amityville offense in check. Verlander pitched 8 innings, giving up 2 runs and striking out 7 to earn his 3rd win of the year.

Finally, Vancouver rounds out our list of Morris Division contenders. The Fist pounded New Jersey 8-2 yesterday as Kevin Millwood won his first game for Vancouver by pitching 8 innings of 6-hit ball and striking out 7. Michael Bourn and Marlon Byrd each had 3 hits for the Fist.