Carpenter, Aceves blank Vancouver to take 1-0 series lead

The Mallers shut out the Iron Fist yesterday to take a 1-0 series lead. Starter Chris Carpenter had to be removed after a rain delay despite pitching 4 innings of shutout ball. Juan Aceves came in and pitched 4.1 innings, blanking Vancouver on 4 hits. Meanwhile, Zack Greinke, who survived the rain delay, pitched 6 shutout innings, but was lifted in the 7th after giving up a homer to Derrek Lee and a single to Ryan Zimmerman. Ronald Belisario came in and threw gasoline on the fire, giving up 5 more runs, plus the inherited runner from Greinke. Jake Peavy will take the mound in game two for Vancouver against Tommy Hanson.

Meanwhile, Marietta and Newark begin their series in a rematch of last year's World Series. Marietta is sending Joel Pineiro up against Ted Lilly. Newark owns the season series against Marietta with an 8-5 mark, but only 3-3 in Marietta. Marietta is 1-3 against Lilly in the regular season, including a 5-hit complete game shutout in August. Newark won their only game against Pineiro 9-5, also in August. Pineiro was pounded for 6 runs in 2.1 innings, though the game was played in Newark.

Morris Division happenings

Bridgewater held their position atop the Morris Division with a 4-0, 4-hit shutout. Starter Erik Bedard was removed after 2 innings after a 3 hour rain delay (Amityville's starter Hiroki Kuroda also was removed) and the Maller bullpen took over. Juan Aceves pitched 4 of the innings, giving up only 1 hit and striking out 4. The Ant Slayers held the Mallers to only 5 hits, but still gave up 4 runs, including 3 in the 9th.

Blue Ridge won their 4th straight to remain tied with the Mallers - a 4-3 edging of New Jersey. The Bombers only got 4 hits in the game and scored all their runs in the first 2 innings. The Buddahs tried to claw their way back, but ended up one run short. For New Jersey it was their 6th straight loss.

Josh Johnson outduelled Jake Peavy in a 2-1 Sardine City win over Vancouver. Johnson pitched 8 innings and gave up only 3 hits and struck out 7. Peavy pitched 7.2 innings, giving up 3 hits as well and struck out 11. Vancouver dropped their 4th straight and fell 2 games out of the division lead.

Yovani Gallardo held the Sugar Bears to just 2 hits in Carolina's 5-1 win yesterday. Gallardo pitched 8 innings and struck out 9.