Muckdogs take sixth in a row to grab slender hold on first place

Behind another strong outing by starting pitcher Andrew Moss, the Batavia Muckdogs locked up a 16-win July and their six consecutive victory to move into first place -- by one percentage point -- over Williamsport.

The Muckdogs took down the Jammers, whom they play twice today in Jamestown, 6-1.

Moss went five innings for the Muckdogs (24-16) giving up one run and four hits to the Jamestown Jammers (23-17). Moss struck out six and moves his record to 5-1 with a 3.35 ERA.

Hot-hitting catcher Audry Perez was removed for a pinch runner after smacking a double in the third inning. He did not appear seriously injured, but there is no word on the extent of his injury.

He was replaced by Roberto Espinoza, a Venezuelan picked by the Cardinals in the June 2006 draft. Though Espinoza has four years of minor-league experience, this is his first season in Batavia, joining the team in mid-July. Espinoza picked up his first two hits as a Muckdog as well as drawing walk.

Fifth-rounder Nick Longmire had three hits and an RBI raising his average to .319.

Joey Bergman and Yuner Castillo each had two hits.

Perez and DH Victor Sanchez each had two RBIs.

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