Barnstormin’

	Yamel Guevara 1-1, 4.60 ERA		Eric DuBose 2-2, 3.78 ERA

The successful return of Matt LeCroy has alleviated some concerns about the offense. In four games since coming back from a shoulder injury that plagued him all season, LeCroy is 6-for-14 with two homers and five RBIs. He has reached safely in nine of his 17 plate appearances.

“My shoulder is starting to feel a lot better,” LeCroy said. “When you try to play hurt, you end up hurting the team and hurting yourself. I’m just glad I’m able to get in there, especially with (Lance Burkhart) not playing, and offensively help out. Let’s hope I can continue to do it.”

LeCroy had perfect timing. The Barnstormers needed someone to fill the offensive void left by the absence of Burkhart, who is out with a fractured wrist. Once Ian Bladergroen and Juan Francia are activated off the DL, the infield will be in good shape.

There’s still one area where the Barnstormers need improved production: the outfield. Mike Woods is the only outfielder performing at an above-average level. Woods is right in line with his 2007 numbers: hitting .297 with an .837 OPS.

Jutt Hileman hasn’t matched last season’s production. His on-base percentage is .285, which ranks near the bottom of everyday players in the Atlantic League, and is a 74-point drop-off from a year ago. Hileman has always been a free swinger, but his walk total has plummeted this season. He only has 12 bases on balls in 233 plate appearances.

Jarred Ball, who — shockingly — was picked up by the Astros last week, was hitting .190 with a .261 on-base. Greg Blosser, who’s better suited for the DH role, is hitting .171 through 12 games. Recent addition Jordan Herr is not likely to be a regular.

So, clearly, the ideal addition for the Barnstormers remains an outfielder who can rake – a Brian Stavisky type. With Manny Mejia catching and LeCroy at DH, the lineup should be OK everywhere else, even without Burkhart.

Lineups …

(27-35)	(30-32)
Lloyd Turner, 2B	Henry Mateo, SS
Mike Woods, LF	Branden Florence, RF
Danny Gonzalez, SS	Luis Lopez, 3B
Matt LeCroy, 1B	Jesse Hoorelbeke, 1B
Manny Mejia, DH	Ryan Bear, CF
Jutt Hileman, CF	Calvin Pickering, DH
Ivanon Coffie, 3B	Jay Caligiuri, 2B
Kevin Kotch, C	Bobby Darula, LF
Jordan Herr, RF	Shea Harris, C

Scoring summary …

WP: Eric DuBose (3-2)
LP: Yamel Guevara (1-2)
SV: Eddy Ramos (6)

FINAL: Bluefish 5, Barnstormers 2

Stormers 1st: Gonzalez’s single scores Woods.
Lancaster leads 1-0.

Bluefish 3rd: Hoorelbeke’s home run scores Mateo and Florence.
Bridgeport leads 3-1.

Bluefish 5th: Florence scores on passed ball.
Bridgeport leads 4-1.

Stormers 6th: Mejia hits solo home run.
Bridgeport leads 4-2.

Bluefish 7th: Lopez’s sacrifice fly scores Harris.
Bridgeport leads 5-2.

Box score:

RECORD: 27-36

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Eric DuBose

Bridgeport’s crafty lefthander is the epitome of consistency. This was his sixth consecutive quality start and he has pitched at least six innings in every start since opening night. DuBose is 3-2 with a 3.71 ERA and he is invaluable to that staff.

Some notes:

*Yamel Guevara made a spot start in place of D.J. Mattox, who failed to get an out in the 19-4 loss to Camden Tuesday night. Guevara has the stuff to be a starter, but he lacks the command. He’s not economical enough with his pitches. The righthander allowed two hits in four innings, but he walked five and hit a batter. That cost him.

*Manny Mejia belted his fifth home run in 189 at-bats. He had five homers in 328 at-bats with the Road Warriors last season.

*Kevin Kotch has started all four games since being traded to Lancaster from York. The C/1B is 3-for-15 with a home run.

*Jordan Herr went 0-for-3 with a walk in his first pro start.

The bottom line:

The Barnstormers suffered their first series loss since they were swept by Newark on June 10-12. They fell to 12-24 on the road. Good news: They only have 29 true road games left. They play 48 of their final 77 games in Lancaster or York.