Shairon Martis improved his record to 4-0 on the season with 5 1/3 solid innings against the Diamondbacks on Friday evening, leading his Nationals to a 5-4 win. He allowed nine hits, three runs and two walks, while striking out six, tying his season-high. He left in the sixth frame after giving up three consecutive hits with one out. His offense provided him with early run support, highlighted by solo homeruns of Adam Dunn and Jesus Flores. Martis also got a hit and scored a run. Later on, the bullpen stood ground and was able to hold on to the small advantage for the ninth victory of the season for Washington.
Around the Majors:
- Francisco Cervelli, who played for Italy during the World Baseball Classic, made his season debut for the New York Yankees on Friday. He caught CC Sabathia, who threw a complete game four-hit shutout against the Baltimore Orioles. Cervelli, who had his first taste of the big leagues with a cup of coffee last September, collected his first Major League hit in the game. He is filling in for Jorge Posada and Jose Molina, which both went down this week with hamstring injuries.
- Andruw Jones is currently getting plenty of playing time for the Texas Rangers, as Josh Hamilton is sidelined with an injury. On Friday he started again, reaching base three times in a 6-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. He is batting .340 with an OPS of 1.160, three homeruns and eight RBI in 47 at bats.
- Wladimir Balentien is getting a start for the Seattle Mariners every other day and is batting .341 (OBP .391/SLG .488) with one homerun, eight runs scored and two RBI in 41 at bats over 14 games.
