Hamels return sparks Sardine City

Vancouver's David Ortiz had a great weekend. He started out by hitting a pair of homers for Vancouver against Carolina on Friday, then followed up that effort with a 3-homer performance on Saturday. Five homers in two games, but they were all solo shots. Ortiz came back on Sunday to hit a two-run homer off Hillsborough's Felix Hernandez. After dropping four in a row to begin the week, Vancouver finished it up by taking three of four over the weekend.

Cole Hamels returned from injury Sunday for Sardine City and quieted any Brandon Claussen fans. Hamels shut down the Sharks, holding them to one run on three hits and two walks in six innings. Claussen will go back to sitting at the far end of the bench. Claussen was decent in his two game audition (1-0, 2.38 ERA), but the club decided they would be better off if they didn't tempt fate.

The Hoboken Cutters six game winning streak came to end Sunday in extra innings against Marietta. It took them 14 innings and eight pitchers, but the Mighty Men battled it out and stopped Hoboken's streak. The Cutters, still reeling from the tight loss, were stunned by New Jersey in their second game Sunday, 14-5.

Speaking of New Jersey, the team could not be any hotter. After winning only one of their first 10 games, the Buddahs have come back to win 6 of their last 7. The Buddahs are led by some very solid pitching, keeping their games close enough to squeak out some victories. Particularly effective has been first round selection Joel Zumaya.

Weekend Roundup

Arkansas' Justin Morneau is at it again. Saturday, Morneau went 3-3 with 7 RBIs in the second game against Marietta and now is leading the league with 18 RBIs. The Falcons also said good-bye to Corey Lidle, who struggled in his start Friday. Lidle complained of a "dead arm" and after pitching coach Bret Saberhagen determined that not only his arm was dead, Lidle was let go. Lidle was upset, citing the fact that Darryl Kile and Mike Darr got to play after they had expired, but perhaps Lidle will get another chance yet.

Hillsborough's Ryan Howard hit a pair of homers on Sunday to take the league lead with 7 homers. Howard, of course, is the reigning Pat Listach Rookie of the Year. Though a platoon guy last year, Howard figures to become a full timer this season after proving last year that he can handle DMBL pitching.

First round pick Joel Zumaya of New Jersey got both wins in Sunday's doubleheader.