Defense Lets Patton Down

AAA: Round Rock 8, Iowa 1 - While the big-league Astros cannot handle the meager Cubs, their AAA affiliate did so without much trouble. Zeke Astacio and Phillip Barzilla combined to allow only one run on four hits while striking out ten, and Joe McEwing and Jessie Garcia each had three hits and a home run

AA: Tulsa 5, Corpus Christi 3 - Troy Patton was a victim of poor team defense, as three Hooks errors led to two unearned runs. Patton's line: 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. Chad Reineke, recently moved to the pen from the rotation, pitched well in relief.

High A: Salem 8, Kinston 3 - Jimmy Barthamier pitched great (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) and Lou Santangelo and Billy Hart homered as the Avalanche stretched their divisional lead to two games over Kinston.

Low A: Lexington 4, Greensboro 3 - Another fine start for Brad James (6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K). Tommy Manzella, Eli Iorg and Mitch Einertson all had two hit nights.

Short Season A: It's the All-Star Break in the NYPL.

Rookie: Johnson City 5, Greenville 2 - No newsworthy items from this one.

Zobrist/Talbot Watch: Ben Zobrist grounded out twice, lined out and struck out in an 0-4 night against Roy Halladay. Aubrey Huff had a 3-5 night with a pair of RBI in the Astros' incredibly depressing loss to the Cubbies.