Morton, JMac pitch poorly in rehab starts

Bradenton was the lucky team on Monday, getting the day off on an all-around lousy day for the organization.

-- Charlie Morton struggled in his rehab assignment as Indianapolis and the Indians lost to Pawtucket, 9-1. Morton allowed five runs, four earned, in five innings on seven hits and three walks. He struck out three and threw 56 of 88 pitches for strikes. Duke Welker had another poor outing, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks in the 9th. John McDonald started his much anticipated rehab, batting third and playing second. He had one of his better days, making only three outs in three at-bats. Indianapolis had just four hits, all singles. Tony Sanchez struck out all three times up.

-- James McDonald failed to get through the first inning as Altoona suffered its second straight blowout loss, 13-2 to Richmond. McDonald started the game off with two walks and a three-run HR. McDonald gave up another hit and two more walks before being removed. He recorded only two outs, one on a pickoff, and threw just 14 of 33 pitches for strikes. Nate Baker and David Bromberg both struggled in relief. Mel Rojas, Jr., went 3-5 for the Curve.

-- Clay Holmes (pictured) had a solid game as he works his way back from a very bad stretch. West Virginia lost anyway, 3-0 to Greensboro, bringing their seven-game winning streak to an end. Holmes allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits and two walks in five innings. He fanned four. Jason Creasy gave up one unearned run in three innings in relief. The Power had only three hits. Josh Bell went 2-4 with a double and Max Moroff had the other hit.