Deja vu for Vegas, Buddah

Don't forget that tomorrow there will be a morning doubleheader and then we're off for about a week, resuming games, hopefully, on June 1. Take advantage of the time off to vote for the All-Star Game!

New Jersey and Las Vegas experienced a weird case of deja vu yesterday as both lost two key players to injuries, just as the two have recently returned from DL trips.

Team Buddah lost outfielder Alfonso Soriano in his third game back from injury. Soriano only had 9 at bats before succumbing to another injury. Hey, at least Team Buddah won the game 9-2 as his replacement at DH, Yuniesky Betancourt, went 2-3 with 2 RBIs.

Meanwhile Las Vegas just activated shortstop Jeff Keppinger on May 18th, but he only lasted three games as well. Keppinger went 3-4 in his final game and was replaced by outfielder Ryan Church at shortstop. "I never played shortstop, man!" said a terrified Church "Whose idea was this???" Church's anguish only lasted two innings, but he was still seen shaking in the clubhouse after the game.

Sardine City's Phil Hughes outdueled Vancouver's Chad Billingsley in a 1-0 match. Hughes struck out 11 in seven innings of work, while only giving up three hits. Billingsley, who struck out 9 in 6 innings, lost his first decision of the year. Billingsley got in trouble in the sixth when he gave up a leadoff single to B.J. Upton. After striking out the next batter, Billingsley loaded the bases on two walks. Billingsley struck out the next batter, but Willy Taveras lined a base hit up the middle that scored the games only run. Billingsley then struck out his third batter of the inning, but the damage was done.

Justin Verlander was impressive in a complete game 6-3 victory over the Mudcats yesterday (7 H, 10 K, 1 ER). Nevertheless, the Hired Hitmen have announced that they will be offering many of their players up for trade, including Robinson Cano, Ryan Howrd, Brad Hawpe, C.C. Sabathia, and Verlander. "Some people say it might be a little early to write off this season" said Hitmen owner Brent Campbell, "but the we want to get a head start on next season. The early bird gets the worm."

Rats spank Falcons, Byrnes just misses cycle

The Rat Pack administered the biggest ass-whooping of the preseason so far - a 22-6 pounding of the Golden Falcons. Jeff Keppinger went 6-7 with 3 RBIs and a triple. Jim Thome hit two homers and was 4-5 with 5 RBIs. Joe Mauer was 4-6 with 5 RBIs. The Falcons went through ten pitchers, eight of which gave up at least one earned run, surrendering 25 hits and 12 walks overall.

Dan Haren had an impressive outing and Ryan Howard had two homers to lead the Hitmen to a 7-1 drubbing of the D.C. Bushslappers. Haren struck out 10 and allowed 6 hits and one run in 8 innings of work. Howard had 5 RBIs in the game.

Kenji Johjima had two homers and 7 RBIs in the Plunkers' 10-1 win over Team Buddah. Roy Oswalt pitched a complete game 5-hitter and struck out nine to improve to 3-0.

Jarrod Washburn pitched a 3-hit shutout against the Sardines. Washburn struck out 7. Opponent Dallas Braden wasn't quite so impressive, leaving in the second inning after surrendering seven runs and six hits.

Bombers' outfielder Eric Byrnes was one single shy of hitting for the cycle in a 7-4 win over the Mighty Men. Byrnes doubled to lead off the second inning, then homered in the third. He was walked in the fifth inning, then hit the triple in the seventh inning. With one more chance in the ninth inning, Byrnes popped out to the first base side.