Durham 7, Norfolk 1 (gm 1). Jeff Niemann worked 5 innings but was pulled after 75 pitches. He did pick up the win allowing only 1 unearned run...Nathan Haynes lead off and went 2-3 with 2 RBI while Joel Guzman hit a home run in his 4th straight game and 11th overall...Reid Brignac was 1-4 with a double and an RBI.

Norfolk 6, Durham 1 (gm 2). Kurt Birkins was used as a spot-starter in the night cap and took the loss after giving up 3 runs in 3 innings...Justin Ruggiano had 1 of the Bulls' 5 hits, drove in a run and stole his 11th base...Joel Guzman was 1-3 and Reid Brignac was 0-3.

Montgomery 4, Chattanooga 2. Jake McGee picked up his 2nd straight win and 5th on the year despite walking 4 and giving up 4 hits in 5 innings. He pitched around most of the trouble holding the Choo-choos scoreless for the first 5 innings. He was pulled in the 6th after allowing the first 2 batters reach base. Jason Cromer came in and allowed both inherited runners to score...Rashad Eldridge and Matt Spring were each 2-4, while Spring added his 4th home run, a solo shot in the 9th.

Vero Beach (off day)

Asheville 9, Columbus 5. Brian Flores was pounded for 7 runs in 4 innings and dropped to 4-2...Greg Sexton was 3-5 with a double and an RBI raising his average to .309...

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• ArmchairGM previews the upcoming draft and Mock's the first 5 picks predicting that the Rays will select Buster Posey. [Armchair GM]
  
• Tampa Bay's Tomorrow wonders if the answer to the right field situation is already in the minors, by the name of Joel Guzman. Guzman has now hit a home run in 4 straight games and has 11 on the season. At 23, Guzman could be on the verge of finally discovering consistent power. [Tampa Bay's Tomorrow]
• Joe Maddon notes that Willy Aybar is swinging the bat well on his rehab assignment. Aybar got the day off yesterday and Maddon wants to see how Aybar's leg responds to a day off and will return to the lineup today for a couple of games and then the team will decide what the next step is. [MLB]