LYNX: HAPP MAKES HIS CASE

They do like to make it interesting (boxscore, play-by-play). The Lynx almost wasted a spectacular performance by J.A. Happ (4-5, 4.55 ERA), before beating the Bisons in 11 innings. With the Lynx leading 4-3, Brian Sanches surrendered back to back doubles allowing Buffalo to tie things in the bottom of the ninth. Ottawa scored four in the top of the 11th, but the combination of Kane Davis, Anderson Garcia and an uncharacteristic error by Brennan King allowed three more Buffalo runs in the home half of the 11th before Ben Francisco grounded out to end the game. Pat Gillick and the Phillies must be absolutely salivating at the prospect of J.A. Happ joining the club in September. Whatever Happ did to right his game, we're hopeful that it'll rub off on the rest of the rotation and bullpen; over the last 19 2/3 innings (including today) he's given up 2 runs, and struck out 21. In today's effort, Happ went seven innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 7. Of his 100 pitches, 61 went for strikes. His last two starts have been nothing less than dominant.

In other news, the Phillies picked up Russell Branyan who, coincidentally played for Buffalo last night going "ofer" as a DH, striking out 3 times. No word yet on where Branyan will be assigned, but in order to accomodate him someone will be bumped - at least off the 40 man roster. If he's to be added to the 25 man roster, we'd bet that Chris Roberson's spot may be in jeopardy. A move down to AAA Ottawa would set off a chain reaction that would likely see one of the recent solid AA Reading additions Javon Moran or Matt Padgett returned to Baseballtown. In today's effort, Moran went 4-6 and came within a HR of hitting for the cycle.