Sometimes you wonder why things go the way they do, this can be said when North Carolina and Vanderbilt played the first game of the 2011 College World Series at the new stadium, TD Ameritrade. The Diamond Heels left sixteen players on the base path, and that, combined with the fact that Carolina gave up five runs with two outs in the frame, made it so that Vandy would take the game by the final of 7-3. What does all of this mean? Easy enough, North Carolina is now in the loser bracket of the tournament and that means one more loss and Mike Fox’ squad will once again go back to Chapel Hill without the title in hand for the fifth time in six years.

However, while it was not pretty what we saw Saturday afternoon, with just a couple of things going the Heels’ way and they would have won the game, and that means that coach Fox can still put this team in gear to win today against Texas (first pitch set for 2:10 pm EST – televised on ESPN). The Longhorns lost to Florida 8-4 after taking an early lead of 3-0 against the Gators which then vanished in the middle innings. This will be the first time the two programs play each other, as Cole Green (Texas ~ 8-3 3.03) and Kent Emanuel (UNC ~ 8-1 2.55) will face each other with the winner staying for at least another game and the loser going home as the season just ended.

This game, while Texas (49-18) is no pushover, is more about which North Carolina (50-15) will show up. We have seen the Diamond Heels play as good as any team in the nation, beating the best one in the nation, Virginia, and we have seen them playing below par, as they did in the Atlantic Coast Conference post season tournament. The one difference for these two squads seems to be that Texas has been with its back against the wall, having to come out of both the Regional and Super Regional from the loser brackets, while for Carolina this is the first time in the NCAA Tournament that it’s win or go home. One thing that makes you feel somewhat better is what the starting pitcher for the Diamond Heels said of this game…

“I think all year one of our greatest strengths is how we’ve responded to stuff”

And this seems to be true as Carolina did make a great come back in the NCAA’s after having a very bad ACC Tournament. Junior shortstop Michael Levi said this about the game ahead of his team…

“Nobody’s panicking yet,” Michael said. “I think we’re going to continue to play loose, play like we have all season and we’ll be just fine.”

I have to say this, in the end, this team knows how to win and if that is the way they think they will win then who is anyone to tell them differently. I have to say I am looking forward to this game as both of these teams are 27 outs from going home or 27 outs from still being part of the tournament and that alone makes this a special game!

As I told you a couple of days ago, the Diamond Heels are headed to the CWS, making it its fifth trip in six years to Omaha. Yesterday the schedule came out for the first round games, as North Carolina will play against Vanderbilt in the first game of the tournament, Saturday, June 18, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on ESPN/ESPN3.com, and it’s the first of two games on Saturday, with Texas vs Florida being the night time game (starting time of 7 p.m.). Sunday’s pair of games will be Cal vs UVa, the other ACC squad, at 2:00 p.m. EST and Texas A&M vs S. Carolina as the night cap, and the only game to go on the duece and not ESPN.

This is the first year that the College World Series is switched to the TD Ameritrade Park, which is a new park in Ohama, Nebraska. Not sure what that might do to the game themselves, but it should make it for a better fan affair as the park looks a lot nicer than the old one. On the other hand, in this article it talks about how the NCAA is going to be able to control a lot of things there, which I am not too sure I like that! And if you are looking for something to do while we wait for the World Series to begin you can go to the official web site for UNC Athletics and check out the highlights of the Super Regional against Stanford. The World Leader in Sports also has a video about North Carolina heading to the CWS.

In other news for the Diamond Heels is that Colin Moran was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman All-America team, making him the second ever UNC player to get this honor. The first one being Colin Bates. Moran is one run batted in from getting seventy in his first season in Chapel Hill, the only one that has ever done this feat as a frosh is Dustin Ackley.

In something that many, including myself, did not think we would be saying, North Carolina Baseball is headed to the College World Series, and it’s the fifth time ins six years that head coach Mike Fox leads his squad to Omaha. And while it is true that the Diamond Heels have not won it yet, sooner or later the national commentator are going to start saying that UNC and the post season trip to the double elimination tournament go hand in hand. This time the Heels did it by having a great season, a not so good ACC Tournament, running through the Regional and then taking Stanford down in a best of three series, that meant facing mother nature’s rain delay that lasted over three hours. For a good recap of the game you can check out the article by Tar Heel Fan.

Now, this team, which a lot would say isn’t as good as the others that have gone to the baseball’s version of the big dance, has a chance to make its own history in the days to come. It also has a chance to make sure that one of the team’s greatest fans, Earl Passwaters, the father in law of the team’s pitching coach, Scott Forbes, who passed away last week gets to experience some more Carolina baseball from up in the sky. For more on this a must read is Adam Lucas’ article posted on UNC Athletic web page. Very touching, to say the least, including a quote by coach Fox.

As for this old Heel, it’s fun to be to get out of the slump that I have been in as far as real life is concerned and talk about the thing I love, the University of North Carolina! Hopefully, in the days to come, with the Diamond Heels going towards what could be their first title, I have the honor to talk about them some more!

Well, seems like it’s the time of the year, where the hardwoods are dormant, the gridiron is in waiting mode, so it must mean that it’s time for us to give a good look at another program for the Tar Heels, the Diamond Heesl. After a weekend where North Carolina swept top ranked Virginia, the first time that it was done this season, the Atlantic Coast Conference has come out with the schedule for their post season tournament. How the tournament goes will gives up where Carolina will be placed in the NCAA Tournament, the beginning to the road to the College World Series. From what I have read around the internet Carolina is ranked fourth in the ACC Tourney, and will be grouped with UVa once again, along with Miami and Wake Forest. On the other side it’s going to be FSU, as the top team, followed by Georgia Tech, Clemson and NC State.

But, first off let’s talk about the weekend, that head coach Mike Fox’ squad used to dismantle the top team in the nation by taking three out of three from them. Something, I would venture, not many thought would be happening. Hopefully, with a team that does have talent on it, this could be the spark needed going into the next part of the year, the post season. The Heels won the games by the finals of 6-0, 3-2 and 2-1, showing that they can score runs, but can also hold a small lead when needed. While for the upcoming season, one that should be a good one for Carolina baseball, coach Mike Fox has his rotation set, going with two veterans rightis and a freshman lefty. Between Greg Holt (SR), who will start on Thursday, Patrick Johnson (SR), will take to the mound on Friday and Kent Emanuel FR) will hit the rubber on Saturday, UNC is bringing three players that have a combined record of 23-3, with all three starters just having one loss, Johnson having double digit wins (10).

Having said all of that they will face stiff competition in the three game tournament, and the team must work as one in order to make this weekend a positive when it comes to their season. In its history the Tar Heels aren’t that more than average at this tournament, having a 65-61 record, but have claimed it as theirs five times, the last time being in `07, and have played for all the marbles nine times in all. If you support your school, this is the time to stop thinking about the football and basketball team for a while and focus on this group of young men that could really have a great next month if the cards fall in place!

Getting back into the post I do about the former Diamond Heels now at the next level (refering to the ones now in MLB or in AAA), which I call “Heels in the Pros” (MLB). In this edition we are going to look at the games from Saturday, May 7, 2011. As you know from a couple of posts I have done, pitcher Alex White is now in the Majors, while infielder Russ Adams has retired from playing. Here is another article about White and another about his first win in MLB. In the Minor Leagues it’s a battle on the mound as two former Diamond Heels go head to head. But for now, let’s go check out the scores for today in this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) 05/07/11…

First game of the night has the Baltimore Orioles (AL East) playing host to the Tampa Bay Rays (AL East) in a divisional battle. The game is the second of a three game series held at Oriole Park in Camden Yard in front of a crowd of 18,691 (39.3% capacity). For the home squad we have Brian Roberts, who leads off and goes 0 for 3 on the night, walking once. The second baseman is now batting .227 on the season, wiaht a OBP of .278 and a SLG of .367. As far as the game is concerned it was Tampa Bay winning pretty easily, defeating Baltimore 8-2. With the loss the O’s are now 14-18 (7-10 at home) and in last place of the American League East division.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Camden Chat (SB Nation)
Birds Watcher (FanSided)
Oriole Post (Bloguin)

Second game of the night has the Boston Red Sox (AL East) playing host to the Minnesota Twins (AL Central). The game, the second of a four game series, was played in front of a packed house of 37,234 (100.8% capacity) at the historic Fenway Park. For the home squad we have Daniel Bard, who comes in and pitches a full inning, giving up no runs on no hits ad no walks. In all the former Heel threw 14 pitches (8 for strikes) and now has an ERA of 2.70 on the year. As far as the game went it was Boston shutting out Minny 4-0. With the W the Red Sox are now 15-18 (9-9 at home) on the year and in third place in their division.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Over the Monster (SB Nation)
BoSox Injection (FanSided)
Fenway West (Bloguin)
Ted’s Army

The next game, the last from the American League, is the one that has the Cleveland Indians (AL Central) headed west to take on the LA Angels (AL West). This is the second of three, played at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in front of an attendance that numbered 37,684 (83.3% capacity). For the visiting team it’s starting pitcher Alex White, who toed the mound for six full innings (100 pitches) in this one, giving up three runs (all earned) on seven hits (1 HR) and two walks, while striking out six. The effort was good enough to earn the former Tar Heel his first ever Major League win, and now has a 3.75 ERA in two games in the Bigs. As far as the game was concerned, Cleveland won 4-3. With the W the Indians are now 22-10 (9-8 on the road) and keeping a firm hold of the AL Central.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Let’s Go Tribe (SB Nation)
Burning River Baseball (Bloguin)

And we close out with the only game from the National League, which is the one that divisional foes against one another as the Colorado Rockies (NL West) headed to the bay area to take on the San Francisco Giants (NL West). This is the second of a three game series, played in front of a packed house of 41,611 (100.1% capacity) at AT&T Park. For the visiting squad it’s Chris Iannetta, batting eighth in the line-up, going 0 for 3 , with a walk and K. With the day’s game the catcher from UNC is now batting .211, with a OBP of .398 and a SLG of .451. As far as the game went it was another close one, this time with the Giants winning 4-3. With the loss the Rockies slide to 18-13 (11-7 on the road) but still in control of the division.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Purple Row (SB Nation)

International League:

Pitcher Andrew Miller of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston Red Sox), who took on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. The former Tar Heel went 3.1 IP, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on one hit and four walks while striking out three. With that outing the former Heel now has an ERA of 2.45. As far as the game was concerned it was Pawtucket winning 7-6.

Pitcher Adam Warren of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (NY Yankees), who took on the Pawtucket Red Sox. The former North Carolina player went 4.0 IP, allowing 4 runs (2 earned) on seven hits and four walks while getting 2 K’s. With those innings included the former Diamond Heel is now 1-1 on the year, taking his first loss and has an ERA of 3.97. As far as the game was concerned it was Pawtucket winning 7-6.

Pacific Coast League:

Second Baseman Dustin Ackley of the of the Tacoma Rainers (Seattle Mariners), who took on the Las Vegas 51′s. The former Tar Heel went 1 for 4 (double),moving back to lead-off, and is now batting .220 on the season. As far as the game was concerned it was Tacoma winning by one, defeating Las Vegas 4-3.

Shortstop Josh Horton of the Sacramento River Cats (Oakland A’s), who took on the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. The former North Carolina player didn’t play. As far as the game was concerned it was the River Cats winning 4-0.

As I try to catch up with the former Diamond Heels now at the next level, in the posts I call “Heels in the Pros” (MLB), I need to do a special one about this news: former North Carolina infielder and MLB’er Russ Adams (who was now with the NY Mets’ Triple A Buffalo Bisons) has decided to retire from the sport. From ESPN NY it says that the 30 year old played in 286 games with the Toronto Blue Jays from `04 to `09, and now was batting .180 with the Bisons. Adams played second, short stop and third in his college and pro career, was a righty, but batted left, and was a first round pick (14th overall) by Toronto in 2002. More information on his retirement can be found at MLB Trade Rumors. As I do with all the other Tar Heels let me wish all the best to Russ Adams as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Clipped from: www.baseball-reference.com (share this clip)

After a day that had some of the Big League teams taking a day off in this daily post about the former Diamond Heels now at the next level, which I call “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) for May 3, 2011, we will see that today everyone is back to action. However there is one team in Triple A ff on this day and so this means we will check out four games from Major League Baseball as well as four from the Triple A leagues (three from the International League and two from the Pacific Coast League). So, let’s get it goint, with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) for 05/03/11…

The first game of the night is an East vs West match up as the Boston Red Sox (AL East) plays host to the LA Angels (AL West) for the second of a four game series. The game was played at historic Fenway Park in front of a packed house of 37,043 (100.3% capacity). For the home squad it’s reliever Daniel Bard, who for the second day in a row toes the mound, this time for one inning. The former UNC pitcher goes the full inning giving up no runs, no hits, throwing 9 pitches (7 strikes). With the outing the youngster’s ERA has now dropped to 3.29 on the year. As far as the game went it was Boston winning it, beating LA 7-3. With the W the Sox are now one game below .500, 14-15 (8-6 at home) on the year.

Over the Monster (SB Nation)
Fenway West (Bloguing)
Ted’s Army

The next game of the night is the one between the Baltimore Orioles (AL East) and the Kansas City Royals (AL Central). This is the first of a three game series, played at Kauffman Stadium in front of a crowd that numbered 11,986 (31.4% capacity). For the visiting team from the east it would be second baseman Brian Roberts, but he has the day off, and watches his team lose it in extra innings, as Kansas City takes it 6-5 in 10 innings. With the loss the O’s slide to 13-15 (6-7 on the road) for the season.

Camden Chat (SB Nation)
Oriole Post (Bloguin)

The last game on the American League side for the night is the one that pins the Cleveland Indians (AL Central) and the Oakland A’s (AL West) in the first game of a three game series. The game was played in front of 10,135 (28.9% capacity) at Overstock.com Coliseum. For the visiting squad it’s newly called up pitcher, Alex White, who does not see any action in this one. However he does watch his squad take this one 4-1. With the W the Indians are now 20-8 (7-6 on the road) as the season becomes a bit older than one month.

Let’s Go Tribe (SB Nation)

And finally, moving to the National League, and the last game in the Bigs for the night, we have a division clash as the Colorado Rockies (NL West) going to play the Arizona Diamondbacks (NL West). The game is played at Chase Field in front of 18,887 (38.8% capacity). For the visiting team from the mile high city it’s Chris Iannetta. The Rockies’ catcher goes 1 for 3 on the night (single) with a walk and a strike out. After the night’s game Iannetta is now batting .183, with a OBP of .395 and a SLG of .417. As far as the game is concerned it was Arizona squeezing this one out by one run, beating Colorado by the final of 4-3. With the loss the Rockies are now 17-10 (10-4 on the road).

Purple Row (SB Nation)

International League:

Second baseman Russ Adams of the Buffalo Bisons (NY Mets), who took on the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. The former Diamond Heel did not play. As far as the game was concerned it was Lehigh Valley winning by one, defeating Buffalo 3-2.

Pitcher Andrew Miller of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston Red Sox), who took on the Toledo Mud Hens. The former Tar Heel did not see any action. As far as the game was concerned it was Toledo taking it 7-2.

Pacific Coast League:

Second Baseman Dustin Ackley of the of the Tacoma Rainers (Seattle Mariners), who took on the Tucson Padred. The former Tar Heel went 0 for 5 with a pair of strike outs and is now batting .211 on the year. As far as the game was concerned it was Tucson squeezing this one out, defeating Tacoma 5-4.

Shortstop Josh Horton of the Sacramento River Cats (Oakland A’s), who took on the Salt Lake Bees. The former North Carolina player did not play. As far as the game was concerned it was Sacramento shutting out Salt Lake 2-0.

Once again being a bit behind (and hopefully catching up today/tomorrow) here is my (not so) daily post about the former Diamond Heels now in the Pro’s that I call “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) for May 2, 2011. In this one half the teams that have a touch of Carolina Blue in the Bigs are off, but there is plenty of action going on at the Triple A level. So, without any more interruptions, let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) 05/02/11…

First game of the night with a touch of Carolina Blue is the first (of a 4 game series) between the LA Angels (AL West) and the Boston Red Sox (AL East). The game was played in front of 37,017 (100.2% capacity) at the landmark Fenway Park. For the home squad it’s reliever Daniel Bard, who just comes in for 1 out in the game, and getting it down, giving up nothing in the at bat and lowers his ERA to 3.55. As far as the game was concerned it would be Boston winning this one, taking this one by the score of 9 to 5. With the W the BoSox are now 13-15 (7-6 at home) on the season.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Over the Monster (SB Nation)
Ted’s Army

In the other game of the night in MLB with a former Diamond Heel in it is the one that pins the Baltimore Orioles (AL East) and the Chicago White Sox (AL Central) in the last of a four game series. The game was played at the U.S. Cellular Field in front of a crowd that numbered 18,007 (44.3% capacity). For the visiting squad we have second baseman Brian Roberts, who bats lead off and does not have a good one, as he goes 0 for 5. With the performance the tenth year man drops his BA to .250, his OBP is now .298 and his SLB .402. In the end, even if the O’s out hit the Sox 11 to 9 they could not get it done, and lost 6-2. With the loss Baltimore drops to below .500 again, at13-14 (6-6 on the road).

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Camden Chat (SB Nation)
Birds Watcher (FanSided)
Camden Crazies (Bloguin)

International League:

Third baseman Russ Adams of the Buffalo Bisons (NY Mets), who took on the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. The former Diamond Heel went 1 for 1 (home run), scoring once and 2 RBIs (5), now having a batting average of .183. As far as the game was concerned it was Buffalo winning this one, defeating Lehigh Valley 6-4, thanks to the 2 run homer by the former Heel.

Pitcher Andrew Miller of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston Red Sox), who took on the Toledo Mud Hens. The former Tar Heel didn’t pitch in this game. As far as the game was concerned it was Pawtucket taking this one easily, beating Toledo by 9, with the final score being 11-2.

Pitcher Adam Warren of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (NY Yankees), who took on the Gwinnett Braves. The former North Carolina player didn’t play. As far as the game was concerned it was the Yanks taking it 3-1.

Pacific Coast League:

Second Baseman Dustin Ackley of the of the Tacoma Rainers (Seattle Mariners), who took on the Tucson Padres. The former Tar Heel went2 for 5 (double), with an RBI and a run scored, while his batting average is now .250. As far as the game was concerned it was Tacoma doubling up Tucson, winning the game 12-6.

Third Basemand Josh Horton of the Sacramento River Cats (Oakland A’s), who took on the Salt Lake Bees. The former North Carolina player 0 for 2, with an RBI and a strike out, as his BA is now .185. As far as the game was concerned it was Sacramento winning 5-1.

First off let me apologize for once again getting behind on this daily post I call “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) of 05/01 but things out of my control (aka family healthy issues) took over my life for the last forty-eight hours. But to show that I care both about this web site of mine and this daily post I am here now to try to get it back up to speed. (I am hoping that tomorrow I will be caught up with this) In all there were four in the Majors and five in the Minors, with no rain outs or nothing else! So, without further ado, let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) for May 1, 2011…

First game of the night it’s the third of a three games series between division foes as the Detriot Tigers (AL Central) and the Cleveland Indians (AL Central) went at it. The game was playes in front of 14,164 (31.3% capacity) in Progressive Field. For the home squad it’s righty Alex White, who does not see any action in this game. As far as the game was concerned it was the Indians squeezing this one out, defeating the Tigers 5-4. With the W Cleveland is now 19-8 (13-2 at home) for the season.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Let’s Go Tribe (SB Nation)

The next game on the docket has the Seattle Marines (AL West) playing game three of three against the Boston Red Sox (AL East). The game was played at Fenway Park in front of an attendance of 37.079 (100.4% capacity). For the home squad it’s reliever Daniel Bard, who this game he does not see any action. As far as the game was concerned it was Boston winning this one by a single, beating Seattle 3-2. With the W the BoSox are now 12-15 (6-6 at home) on the year.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Over the Monster (SB Nation)
BoSox Injection (FanSided)
Fenway West (Bloguin)
Ted’s Army

The next game, the last from the American League, it’s the Baltimore Orioles going to the windy city to take on the Chicago White Sox in the third (of a four game series). The game was played at U.S. Cellualar Field in front of a crowd that numbered 22,029 (54.2% capacity). For the visiting squad from the east it’s second baseman Brian Roberts, who bats first for the O’s. The 10 year vet goes 1 for 4 on the night (single), scoring a run along with walking and striking once. With the effort Roberts is now batting .262 with an OBP of .310 and a SLG of .421. As far as the game went it was Baltimore winning, taking it 6-4 from Chicago. With the W the O’s are now 13-13 (6-5 on the road).

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Camden Chat (SB Nation)
Birds Watcher (FanSided)

To close out the night it’s the third game of a three game series between the Pittsburgh Pirates (NL Central) and the Colorado Rockies (NL West). The game was played at Coors Field in front of 35,012 (69.4% capacity). For the home squad we have Chris Iannetta, who bats eighth and catches. In this one the former Diamond Heel goes 0 for 2 with two walks and a strike out while scoring once. With the game’s performance the five year player is now batting .175 while having a OBP of .390 and a SLG of .421. As far as the game was concerned it was the Pirates winning this one by the final score of 8 to 4. With the loss Colorado drops to 17-9 (7-6 at home).

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Purple Row (SB Nation)

International League:

Third baseman Russ Adams of the Buffalo Bisons (NY Mets), who took on the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. The former Diamond Heel went 0 for 4, and now has a batting average of .169. As far as the game was concerned it was Lehigh Valley winning 7-2.

Pitcher Andrew Miller of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston Red Sox), who took on the . The former Tar Heel went for 3.0 IP, giving up 3 runs (3 earned) on four hits and 5 walks, plus 4 K’s. The righty took the loss and now is 1-2 with an ERA of 2.42. As far as the game was concerned it was Toledo taking it by one, defeating Pawtucket 4-3.

Pitcher Adam Warren of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (NY Yankees), who took on the Gwinnett Braves. The former North Carolina player went six innings, giving up three runs (all earned), on six hits (2 HRs) and three walks. The righty also had four K’s and no decision, bringing his ERA 3.90 on the season. As far as the game was concerned it was Scranton/WB taking it 6-3 in 10 innings.

Pacific Coast League:

Second Baseman Dustin Ackley of the of the Tacoma Rainers (Seattle Mariners), who took on the Reno Aces. The former Tar Heel went 1 for 4 (single) with two walks and a strike out, while his BA is .212. As far as the game was concerned it was Reno winning a shoot out by the final of 10 to 8.

Third Baseman Josh Horton of the Sacramento River Cats (Oakland A’s), who took on the Las Vegas 51′s. The former North Carolina player went 0 for 4 and his batting average is now 193. As far as the game was concerned it was Las Vegas winning 9-3.

Keeping pace with my daily post (something I plan on doing for the rest of the season) that I call “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) for 04/30/11 here are the results of the games from yesterday, with the exception of the Cleveland Indians, which I did a seperate post welcoming Alex White to the Bigs. But do not worry, there is plenty more coverage to look at with three players from the MLB and five from Triple A to check out. So, without any more interruption, let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (MLB) from the last day of April…

First game of the day has the Boston Red Sox (AL East) playing host to the Seattle Mariners (AL West) for the second of a three game series. The game between the two bottom dwellers was played at Fenway Park in front of a crowd that numbered 37,901 (102.6% capacity). For the home squad we have pitcher Daniel Bard, who does not go to the mound in this one and watches from the bull pen as his team loses the second straight to the Tigers. Detroit shut out Boston 2-0 in this one, and with the loss the BoSox drop to 11-15 (5-6 at home), putting themselves 5 games out of the division lead and 3.5 games out of the Wild Card race.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Over the Monster (SB Nation)
Fenway West (Bloguin)
Ted’s Army

The other game in the American League yesterday that had a touch of Carolina Blue was the one between the Baltimore Orioles (AL East) and the Chicago White Sox (AL Central). The game, the 2nd of a three game series, was played at the U.S. Cellular Field in front of 26,104 (64.3% capacity). For the visiting squad it’s second baseman Brian Roberts, who leads off for his O’s and goes 1 for 4 (double). He also has a walk, a strike out and scores twice. As far as the game went it was Baltimore taking this one, defeating Chicago by the final of 6-2. With the W the Orioles are now 12-13 (5-5 on the road), in 4th place in the AL East and 2 games off of the Wild Care race.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Camden Chat (SB Nation)
Oriole Post (Bloguin)

Finally, from the National League, we have the Colorado Rockies (NL West) playing host to the Pittsburgh Pirates (NL Central). The game played in front of a crowd of 33,684 (66.9% capacity) at Coors Field. For the home squad we have catcher Chris Iannetta, who has a heck of a game for his squad. The 5th year vet went 1 for 3 (HR), with three RBIs and scoring once, while also striking out one time. That is the third homer for the former Diamond Heel and 10th RBI on the season. Thanks to the great showing of the catcher from UNC it was the Rockies winning the game by the score of 4-1. With the win Colorado is now 17-8 (7-5) and in sole ownership of first place in their division.

MLB
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Purple Row (SB Nation)

International League:

Third baseman Russ Adams of the Buffalo Bisons (NY Mets), who took on the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. The former Diamond Heel went 0 for 0 with a walk (came in as a pinch hitter). As far as the game was concerned it was the Iron Pigs winning 6-3.

Pitcher Andrew Miller of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston Red Sox), who took on the Toledo Mud Hens. The former Tar Heel didn’t get any pitches in. As far as the game was concerned it was Toledo by one, with the final score being 4-3.

Pitcher Adam Warren of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (NY Yankees), who took on the Gwinnett Braves. The former North Carolina player didn’t pitch in this one. As far as the game was concerned it was the Braves winning 4-1.

Pacific Coast League:

Second Baseman Dustin Ackley of the of the Tacoma Rainers (Seattle Mariners), who took on the Reno Aces. The former Tar Heel went 0 for 4, with a run scored and a pair of walks. As far as the game was concerned it was Tacoma winning a shout out, with the final being 11-9.

Shortstop Josh Horton of the Sacramento River Cats (Oakland A’s), who took on the Las Vegas 51′s. The former North Carolina player didn’t play in this one. As far as the game was concerned it was Sacramento squeezing one out, with the final score being 5-4.