Fantasy Sports

BY ADAM RONIS

It was going to arrive at some point and it took almost three months before Edinson Volquez had a poor start. He went 4 1/3 innings and allowed six hits, seven runs -- five earned -- walked three and struck out one. He threw 90 pitches; just 47 for strikes. He is 10-3 with a 2.08 ERA. It's the first time he didn't last five innings in a start this season. It's the first time he allowed more than three earned runs all season. Obviously, he was due for a game like this. Three of his last four starts came against the Red Sox, Yankees and Phillies and he was excellent all three. He just didn't have it tonight.

Jay Bruce, who went 0-for-3, has struggled after a scorching start. He is 6-for-43 in the past 11 games.

Scott Rolen went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. He has six homers and 26 RBIs with a .274 average.

Jesse Litsch threw eight innings and allowed three hits, one run, one walk and struck out six in a win over the Reds. He is 8-4 with a 3.82 ERA. He doesn't strike out many, but he doesn't issue many walks. He does get hit and has allowed 14 homers in 96 2/3 innings. He's usuable in AL-only leagues and very deep mixed leagues. Don't pickup in shallow leagues.

Matt Cain showed some sign of consistency with three good starts in a row, but that ended against the Indians. He went five innings and allowed eight hits, four runs, walked two and struck out four. He is 4-6 with a 4.44 ERA.

Cliff Lee pitched like he did to start the season against the Giants. He went eight innings and allowed four hits, one run, one walk and struck out 11. He is 11-1 with a 2.34 ERA. A 90/16 K/BB ratio shows he should be solid the rest of the season. He has allowed just five homers in 103 2 /3 innings. He's also induced a lot of groundballs, so expect him to have a solid season even if his ERA rises.

Joe Borowski picked up his sixth save.

Josh Hamilton returned to the starting lineup, but quickly left after getting in the left hand with a pitch. X-rays were negative and he is day-to-day with a bruised hand.

Milton Bradley returned to the lineup and went 1-for-3.

Michael Bourn went 2-for-4 and stole his 30th base. Still, the lack of power and .238 average hurts.

Lance Berkman went 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI.

If you can start Wandy Rodriguez at home, do it! He has allowed right earned runs in 38 innings with a 35/8 K/BB ratio. He was home against the Rangers and went eight innings, allowing five hits, one run, walked none and struck out nine. He is 3-3 with a 2.58 ERA.

The Yankees-Pirates game was postponed because of rain. The game will be made up on Thursday July 10.