LYNX: LEFTY COMES OUT EARLY IN WIN

It never rains, but it pours: Lynx lefty J.A. Happ left tonight's off-the-schneid 2-0 shutout win in Durham (boxscore, play-by-play) in the fourth inning.

One is left in the dark until the next day when that happens, so it could be nothing. (UPDATE: Looks like the Lynx were playing it safe.)

Happ had just given up a double to Durham's Justin Ruggiato that put runners at second and third base with one out in a scoreless game when he was replaced. John Ennis pitched out of the jam and ended up getting the win in relief, while Brian Sanches turned in a 44-pitch effort to earn his ninth save as the Lynx pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts.

It's the end of a winless skid, but on the other hand the relievers are getting pretty taxed. Just think what state they would be in if manager John Russell was quicker with the hook.

Brennan King, who's been a decent run producer for the Lynx and glove at third base, has injured his thumb and is on the DL. Meantime, you have to wonder what's going on between Chris Coste and the Phillies hierachy. Coste can play third base, but instead of him coming up from Double-A Reading, the Lynx are getting utility infielder Joey Hammond (whose relocation lasted all of 24 hours) and Tim Gradoville, a light-hitting catcher.

To make room, reliever Jason Anderson is headed to Double-A Reading. He's still listed as the probable pitcher for today's 1 p.m. game, however.