Toledo 3, Syracuse 8
The Skychiefs won their 15th game of the season behind another strong outing from Scott Downs who went 7 strong innings. He allowed 2 runs while striking out 5 and walking none. Eric Crozier and John-Ford Griffin powered the offense, each with a two-run home run. Aaron Hill added two more hits, a single and a double, along with 3 runs scored and his 10th error of the season.
The Skychiefs catcher du jour, John Schneider, had a walk in three appearances and gunned down a baserunner in his first AAA appearance since an emergency callup in 2003. Justin Miller and Jason Arnold combined for the final two innings allowing only an unearned run.
New Hampshire 1, Portland 6
Josh Banks was roughed up for the first time in a while. Everything was going smoothly until the 3rd inning when 4 of the first 5 Sea Dogs hit for extra bases resulting in 4 runs. A two run homer later in the 6th inning would be the end of Banks' day. On the plus side, Josue Matos was dominant in relief of Banks. He walked the first batter he faced but then struck out the next 5 in a row. Ryan Houston pitched the ninth striking out 1. The Fisher Cats' only run came on a first inning home run by Kevin Barker.
Lansing 10, Burlington 2
With the weather starting to warm up in nearby Michigan, the Lugnuts bats are heating up in turn. Eric Neilsen was a triple short of the cycle with 3 ribbies and a pair of runs scored. Chip Cannon went 4 for 4 and Curtis Thigpen hit a grand slam in the 5th.
AJ Wideman took the early lead and did his job of throwing strikes. 6 innings with 1 run on 4 hits, 1 walk and 5 K's. Po-Hsuan Keng pitched two scoreless innings in relief.
The Three Stars!
The Third Star: Chip Cannon - 4 hit game
The Second Star: John-Ford Griffin - 2-3, HR, BB, 3 RBI, 2 R.
The First Star: Eric Neilsen - 3-4, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R.
