Kendrick finds home with Animals

Philadelphia may have unearthed a hidden gem in acquiring Kyle Kendrick from Vancouver a few weeks ago. Kendrick, starting his second game for the Animals, pitched 7.1 solid innings in a 7-3 victory against the Straphangers to improve to 2-0 in two starts for the Animals. Kendrick had spent all season on the Iron Fist's farm team in Tacoma. With Rich Hill also on the farm team, Vancouver sought to trade one of the two and Philadelphia inquired about Kendrick. Kendrick was later dealt for former Vancouver lefthander Scott Olsen. Philadelphia was hesitant to start Kendrick, initially letting the 23-year old get familiar with the club's philosophy down in AAA Trenton. Kendrick started his first game a week later against Hillsborough and held the Hitmen to 2 runs over 8 innings. Philadelphia opted to skip his next start against the Sugar Bears, hoping to preserve his confidence, and signed lefthander Kason Gabbard to take his spot. But Kendrick was back yesterday, and once again pitched well (7.1 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, BB, 2 K). Kendrick's next scheduled start is Tuesday, once again against the Straphangers.

Poor Scott Kazmir can't catch a break. The lefthander entered yesterday's game with a 4-14 record and 6.91 ERA. It's been a very disappointing year for the highly-touted Kazmir, but things may be looking up. In his last start against Arkansas, Kazmir pitched 6.2 innings of 4-hit ball, surrendering only one run. Yesterday, Kazmir pitched a brilliant game against Hillsborough - 7 IP, 3 hits, 0 runs, 11 K, but the Cutters offense could not score a single run for him. It wasn't until the bottom of the 8th inning until the Cutters scored 3 runs and won the game, but Kazmir had already been pulled in favor of reliever Casey Janssen.

Roger Clemens has undergone quite a revival since returning home to the Falcons. Less than a week after being jettisoned by Newark June 12th after posting a horrific 10.13 ERA in 3 appearances, the Falcons re-signed their favorite son. Since then Clemens has responded with a 3-2 record and 3.09 ERA in 7 appearances, including 35 K in 35 innings. With Clemens and Schilling in the rotation can Pedro be far behind? Although his rehab has had ups and downs, it looks like Pedro won't rejoin the rotation until next season. Clemens has told the press that he may retire after the season and does not intend for "that slacker" to finish his comeback.

Philly's "Secret Weapon" offs Hitmen

Philadelphia unveiled their "secret weapon", newly-acquired Kyle Kendrick, who stifled the Hitmen amidst a 16-2 beatdown. Kendrick had spent the entire season in AAA, mostly with Vancouver's affiliate in Tacoma, but finally got a chance to prove himself when Philly sent down youngster Yovani Gallardo. Chris Young drove in 4 runs and Magglio Ordonez and Mike Lamb each drove in 3 to power the Animals' offense.

Newark's 9-game winning streak came to the end as the Rat Pack evened their series with a 3-2 win yesterday. Tim Lincecum outdueled James Shields to pick up the W. Jim Thome was 3-4 against his former team and Chone Figgins, in his first game off the DL hit a 2-run homer. The Sugar Bear's lead fell back to one game.

Vancouver was crushed by former teammate Prince Fielder, who smashed two home runs and was 3-3 with 4 RBIs. Blue Ridge cruised to an easy 9-2 win.

Hoboken gave Joel Pineiro his final release yesterday - at least until the next injury occurs. Aaron Cook was activated from the disabled list and Pineiro was seen crying as he left the team clubhouse. "I really thought this time they'd change their minds" said a sobbing Pineiro. "They'll be sorry though. They'll call me back!"