Quad City first baseman Garrett Jones joined some elite company on July 14, tying a Midwest League record when he blasted four home runs in a 16-2 rout of Kane County.

Jones, who popped out to the third baseman in his first at-bat, connected for a homer in each of his next four at-bats. He highlighted a nine-run second-inning with a three-run homer, belted a solo shot in the fourth, cracked a three-run blast in the fifth and led off the eighth with his eighth home run of the season.

The 21-year-old Jones matched the Midwest League record for most homers in a game that was originally set by Clinton's Bobby Smith on June 13, 1959 and then matched by Quad Cities Michael Bishop on June 24, 1978.

Jones became the second player in the minors to hit four home runs in the game. Savannah's Anthony Mongeluzzo established the feat on April 20 of this season. Seattle's Mike Cameron and the Dodgers' Shawn Green are the only two major leaguers to have a four-homer game this season.

Offensive
Suffering through one of their most difficult seasons in franchise history, the Pawtucket Red Sox watched their once silent bats wake up during a seven-game homestand July 11-18.

After dropping the first game to Louisville, 7-1, on July 11, Pawtucket came back the next night and established a franchise record with eight home runs in an 18-4 thumping of the Bats.

Second baseman Angel Santos led the charge, going 5-for-6 with a pair of homers and four RBI while outfielder Jeff Abbott had a two-run homer in both the first and second innings. Catcher Kevin Brown, outfielder Rob Ryan and shortstop James Loften each added homers while outfielder Dernell Stenson belted a grand slam.

The four homers set a season-high for most homers in a contest by one minor-league club, accomplishing the feat for the first time since New Britain of the Double-A Eastern League pounded out eight back on August 19, 2001.

The Red Sox bounced back four games later by scoring 10 runs against the league's best pitching staff in a 10-1 victory over the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Red Barons.

Third baseman Wilton Veras, who was pormoted from Double-A Trenton in the Eastern League on July 16, drove in four runs and Ryan added a three-run homer as Pawtucket reached the double-digit run plateau for only the fifth time this season.

Cycling around
San Antonio outfielder Adrian Myers hit for the cycle and drove in six runs in the Missions' 9-2 victory over Round Rock on July 11.

The 27-year-old completed the cycle by lining an RBI double to right field in the eighth. The Mississippi native became the eighth minor-leaguer this season to accomplish the feat and just the second from the Texas League. Myers is the first player from San Antonio to hit for the cycle since Hiram Bocachica did so against Midland on June 10, 1999.

Minor-league highlights
Calgary (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) outfielder Abraham Nunez hit a leadoff home run in the top of the 10th inning to help the Cannons edge the Edmonton Trappers, 6-5, July 13. Three days later, Nunez hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Cannons over New Orleans, 9-8.

Delmarva (Class A South Atlantic League) first baseman Omar Rogers had three doubles as the Shorebirds reached season-highs with 20 hits and eight doubles in a 12-5 victory over Lakewood on July 15.

Iowa (Triple-A International League) second baseman Bobby Hill hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the 12th inning in a 3-2 victory against Salt Lake on July 13. Hill's third homer of the season gave the Cubs just their fourth win in 10 extra-inning games this season.

Lansing (Class A Midwest League) shortstop Ronny Cedeno hit a game-winning, two-run homer in the top of the 13th inning, giving the Lugnuts a 5-3 victory over Peoria on July 14. Catcher Paul O'Toole collected a one-out single and after second baseman Ryan Theriot flied out to right, Cedeno belted his first home run of the season giving Lansing its seventh extra-inning victory in 11 games this season.

Las Vegas (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) catcher Dave Ross collected four home runs in back-to-back wins on July 16-17 and had six homers in four games July 13-17. Ross, who was optioned from Los Angeles on July 12, had a solo shot in the third inning and snapped a 4-4 tied with a leadoff shot in the ninth during a 5-4 win over Tucson on July 13. On July 16, Ross smacked a two-run homer in the fourth inning and led off the seventh with his eighth homer of the year. The following night, he had a two-run homer in the fourth and crushed a three-run blast with two outs in the ninth. He was the third player in the minors to have multi-homer games on consecutive nights. Ryan Thompson hit two homers on back-to-back nights for Indianapolis of the International League between April 15-16 and recent draft pick Ryan Shealey accomplished the same feat for Casper of the Rookie-level Pioneer League on June 23-24.

New Orleans (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) outfielder Jason Lane recorded a season-high seven RBI with a three-run triple and grand slam in the Zephyrs' 10-0 shutout of Oklahoma on July 11. He homered and drove in five runs five nights later in a 9-8 loss to Calgary. The 25-year-old, who led the Texas League last season in RBI (124) and extra base hits (76), collected a career-high eight RBI on June 6, 2001 for Round Rock. The 6-2, 216-pounder has recorded six RBI twice in his four-year career: June 27, 1999 for Auburn of the Short-Season New York-Penn League and May 10, 2000 for Michigan of the Class A Midwest League.

Oklahoma (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) third baseman Hank Blalock, shortstop Kelly Dransfeldt and first baseman Travis Hafner each smacked a two-run double during a 10-run first inning as the Red Hawks crushed Memphis, 15-5, on July 15.

Portland (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) outfielder Randy Rigsby hit a career-high three home runs in the Sea Dogs' 5-1 victory at New Haven on July 11. Rigsby, who had never hit more than four homers in a season over his five-year career, cracked a solo shot in the second inning, belted a two-run longball in the seventh and smacked a solo homer in the ninth.

Wilmington (Class A Carolina League) third baseman Justin Gemoil and shortstop Alejandro Machado each had four of the Blue Rocks' season-high 22 hits in an 11-2 bombing of Lynchburg on July 15.

Minor-league leaders
(Through July 18)
AVERAGE (Minimum 225 TPA): Brad Hawpe, Salem, .376; ON BASE PERCENTAGE: Brad Hawpe, Salem, .473; SLUGGING PERCENTAGE: Jason Stokes, Kane County, .675; HITS: Joe Thurston, Las Vegas, 133; HOME RUNS: Mike Ryan, Edmonton, 25; RBI: Brad Nelson, Beloit, 91; STOLEN BASES: Wayne Lydon, Columbus, 63; DOUBLES: Brad Nelson, Beloit, 36; TRIPLES: Jose Reyes, Binghamton, 15; RUNS: Lew Ford, New Britain, 83; WALKS: Graham Koonce, Midland, 96; STRIKEOUTS: Jorge Soto, Visalia, 136; ERRORS: Galindo Gomez, Burlington, 34.

BEST ERA (75 IP): Ray Aguilar, Myrtle Beach, 1.08; WORST ERA (75 IP): Mario Ramos, Oklahoma, 8.20; WINS: Joe Roa, Scranton, Ian Ferguson, Wichita and Billy Traber, Buffalo, 14; LOSSES: Yoel Hernandez, Clearwater, 13; SAVES: Juan Padilla, New Britain, 28; COMPLETE GAMES: Rich Fischer, Rancho Cucamonga and Lee Seung, Lakewood, 5; GAMES: Juan Padilla, New Britain, 51; INNINGS PITCHED: Dan Haren, Potomac, 146.2; STRIKEOUTS: Rich Fischer, Arkansas, 145.

BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE/CLUB (Full Season): Akron (Indians), .663 (65-33); Stockton (Reds), .660 (64-33); Lynchburg (Pirates), .656 (63-33); Scranton-WB (Phillies) .639 (62-35).

BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE/CLUB (Short Season): Great Falls, (Dodgers), .742 (23-8); Bluefield (Orioles), .714 (20-8); Gulf Coast Dodgers (Dodgers), .696 (16-7); Gulf Coast League Yankees (Yankees), .680 (17-8).

BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE/ORGANIZATION: Los Angeles Dodgers (.575); Houston Astros (.574); Pittsburgh Pirates (.567).

Top pitching performances
Charleston-SC (Class A South Atlantic League) right-hander Chris Flinn tossed his first career shutout and established a new career-high with 14 strikeouts in an 8-0 victory at Columbia on July 12. Flinn yielded three hits and a walk over nine innings to win for the fourth time in his last five starts and pitch his third straight game without allowing an earned run (22 IP). His streak was eventually snapped on July 17.

Danville (rookie level Appalachian League) right-hander Anthony Lerew retired the first 20 batters he faced and won his fifth straight start to begin the season, striking out a career-high 12 batters in a 2-0 victory over Martinsville on July 11. Lerew carried a no-hit bid into the ninth inning until he surrendered a double with one out. The 19-year-old, who was replaced directly after the hit, issued just a pair of walks in the contest.

El Paso (Double-A Texas League) right-hander Andrew Good recorded his first career shutout during an 11-0 rout of Midland on July 11. Good scattered six hits and fanned six without issuing a walk. In his next outing on July 16, the San Diego native yielded four runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings of work improving to 9-0 with a 2.40 ERA in his last 12 starts as the RockHounds topped Tulsa, 8-4. The 22-year-old Good owned the longest active streak of its kind in the Texas League. He was second to Kirk Saarloos, who was 10-0 in 12 starts for Round Rock from April 13-June 11. The all-time league record for most wins without a loss is held by Ted Thiem, who went 12-0 for Tulsa in 1960.

Huntsville (Double-A Southern League) right-hander's Ben Hendrickson, Doug Dent and Jack Krawczyk combined to throw eight no-hit innings in the Stars' 2-0, 10-inning loss to Mobile on July 14. Hendrickson issued a pair of walks and struck out five, retiring 16 of the final 17 batters he faced over six inngings. Dent hit one of the three batters he faced in the seventh and Krawczyk had a strikeout in a perfect eighth frame. Right-hander Mike Penney entered the scoreless contest in the ninth inning for Huntsville. He gave up a leadoff base hit, ending the no-hit bid, and surrendered back-to-back solo homers to open the 10th and suffer the loss.

Modesto (Class A California League) right-hander Darvin Withers spun his first-ever complete game and struck out a career-high 14 batters to help the A's down San Jose, 3-1, on July 15. The 22-year-old yielded an unearned run and scattered three hits over nine innings, improving to 2-0 with a 0.40 ERA in three starts in the month of July.

Norfolk (Triple-A International League) right-hander Aaron Heilman won his Triple-A debut, tossing eight scoreless innings in the Tides' 4-0 victory at Indianapolis on July 13. Heilman scattered three hits and fanned four batters without issuing a walk to win his debut with Norfolk in just his second season as a pro. Selected 18th overall in 2001 by the Mets, the 23-year-old was 4-4 with a 3.82 ERA in 17 starts with Binghamton of the Double-A Eastern League before being called up.

Rancho Cucamonga (Class A California League) right-hander Rich Fischer threw his fourth nine-inning shutout of the season and recorded his third consecutive start with 10 or more strikeouts in the Quakes' 4-0 victory at San Jose on July 11. Fischer yielded just two hits and struck out 10 to win his third straight start. After allowing a leadoff single in the second inning, the 21-year-old set down 20 straight hitters before a base hit to lead off the ninth inning.

Toledo (Triple-A International League) right-hander Shane Loux pitched a four-hit shutout, the third in his last four starts, in the Mud Hens' 1-0 victory over Richmond on July 12. Loux, who spun back-to-back shutouts between June 23-28, issued a walk and struck out seven batters to win his fourth straight start. The 22-year-old retired 20 of the final 22 hitters to notch his fifth career shutout, fourth complete game of the season and the 11th of his six-year career.

Streaking
Bakersfield (Class A California League) shortstop Jace Brewer, who was tied for first in the league with 113 hits, did not walk in 36 consecutive games June 3-July 17 (41-154, 4 2B, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 4 SB).

Buffalo (Triple-A International League) left-hander Billy Traber won his sixth consecutive start, tossing eight scoreless innings in his Triple-A debut, helping the Bisons shut out Syracuse, 9-0, on July 13. Traber scattered seven hits, issued a walk and fanned four batters to win his seventh straight decision. The 22-year-old retired 16 of the final 20 batters he faced, improving to 9-0 with a 2.22 ERA over his last 11 outings. The 6-5, southpaw was 13-2 with a 2.76 ERA in 18 appearances with Akron of the Double-A Eastern League before being called up to Buffalo in just his second season as a pro.

Edmonton (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) right-hander Scott Randall won his 10th consecutive decision in the Trappers' 10-1 triumph over Portland on July 17. Randall, who tossed six effective innings in a win over Calgary on July 12, scattered six hits, issued a walk and fanned three batters over eight scoreless innings, improving to 10-0 with a 3.71 ERA in 15 starts this season. The 26-year-old began the season with New Britain of the Double-A Eastern League where he went 2-0 with a 3.48 ERA in five starts. He was then promoted to Edmonton and went 8-0 in 10 outings, the longest winning streak in the Pacific Coast League since 1998 when Manny Aybar won 10 straight for Memphis.

Fort Myers (Class A Florida State League) outfielder Josh Rabe had his 67-game streak of reaching base safely by hit or by walk snapped in the Miracle's 1-0 victory over Daytona on July 13. Rabe fell just five games short of tying Florida's Kevin Millar for the longest base-reaching streak over the last seven years. Rabe was promoted to New Britian in the Double-A Eastern League on July 15 and had four hits in 17 at-bats since joining the Rock Cats.

New Orleans (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) right-hander Kirk Saarloos registered his 12th consecutive victory, pitching five innings of scoreless relief. Saarloos allowed two hits and struck out six batters without issuing a walk to improve to 12-0 in his last 15 minor-league outings, dating back to April 13. The 23-year-old, in just his second season as a pro, currently holds the second longest win streak of its kind in the minors this season, second only to Joe Roa, who has recorded 14 straight wins for Scranton-WB of the Triple-A International League.

Pawtucket (Triple-A International League) shortstop Freddy Sanchez reached base safely in his 45th straight game, helping the Red Sox down Scranton-WB, 10-1, on July 17. Sanchez smacked his 24th double of the season in the second inning and singled in the sixth. Sanchez, who had a 27-game hit streak ended on June 24, hit safely in 42 of his last 45 games. His on-base streak ended on July 18 in a 14-inning loss to the Red Barons.

Reading (Double-A Eastern League) left-hander Greg Kubes won his sixth straight start in the Phillies' 1-0 victory over Harrisburg on July 13. Kubes scattered five hits, struck out six and walked three over 6 1/3 innings to improve to 7-0 with a 1.82 ERA in his last nine starts.

San Jose (Class A California League) outfielder Micah Holst did not commit an error in any of his first 71 games. Holst did not commit a misque in any of his 42 games last season for Salem Keizer of the short-season Northwest League.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A International League) right-hander Evan Thomas won his fifth straight start in the Red Barons' 9-1 victory over Rochester on July 14. Thomas retired 15 of the 17 batters he faced, allowing a single and a walk with a strikeout, over six scoreless innings to improve to 5-0 with a 1.20 ERA since June 20.

Toledo (Triple-A International League) right-hander Nate Cornejo recorded his sixth straight win in the Mud Hens' 9-4 victory over Richmond on July 13. Cornejo allowed three runs and six hits with a season-high nine strikeouts and one walk issued over seven innings, improving to 6-0 with a 2.17 ERA in his last seven starts.

Lowlights
Bakersfield (Class A California League) outfielder Josh Hamilton, the first overall selection in the 1999 draft, was placed on the disabled list on July 12 for the fourth time this season and will miss the remainder of the season because of left shoulder injury. Hamilton missed the second half last season as well with a strained quadriceps.

Bluefield (rookie level Appalachian League) left-hander Chris Smith, who was the seventh overall selection by Baltimore in the 2001 draft, allowed six runs, four hits and three walks over one inning in a 14-7 loss against Pulaski July 16 -- his third straight loss.

Brevard County (Class A Florida State League) right-hander Shane Arthurs went 0-9 with a 4.90 ERA in 21 games May 4-July 13 (68 IP, 78 H, 50 R, 37 ER, 35 BB, 38 SO).

Chattanooga (Double-A Southern League) right-hander Josh Hall set a Southern League record with four errors in a game, including three in the first inning, in an 11-4 loss to Tennessee on July 13. The first two batters of the contest hit groundballs back to Hall, who committed a fielding error on both, allowing the runners to reach and eventually score. The fifth batter of the first frame also hit one back to the pitcher with the same result. Hall booted the groundball allowing the runner to reach base and come around to score two batters later. Tennessee scored five runs in the first inning, four were unearned. In the sixth, the 21-year-old committed a throwing error, which allowed the runner to advance to second while an unearned run crossed the plate.

The Frederick Keys (Class A Carolina League) committed three errors in a three-run fourth inning to hand Winston-Salem a 3-0 victory on July 13.

High Desert (Class A California League) left-hander Justin Gordon went 0-6 with a 8.03 ERA in his first 19 games this season (80 2/3 IP, 122 H, 90 R, 72 ER, 39 BB, 46 SO).

Lexington (Class A South Atlantic League) outfielder Charlton Jimerson struck out in 20 consecutive games June 21-July 16, going 11-for-67 with 36 strikeouts.

San Bernardino (Class A California League) left-hander Russ Morgan had his team-record, 10-game win streak snapped in the Stampede's 3-0 loss to Lancaster on July 12. Morgan, who had posted eight straight relief wins with a 2.29 ERA in his last 10 outings, surrendered a run, five hits and struck out four in 3 1/3 innings for the loss in his first start since May 26.

Wilmington (Class A Carolina League) committed a season-high five errors during a 10-6, 10-inning loss to the Hillcats on July 16.