Halladay's perfect game highlights week in NL

Central

Johnny Cueto (5-1, 3.25 ERA) and the Reds continue to pace the NL Central, but the Cardinals have tied them atop the standings. Cincy won 5-of-7 games against the Pirates and Astros to continue setting the pace in the Central. The two teams are currently playing each other, and it is an excellent opportunity for the Reds to establish themselves. The Cardinal won Monday’s matchup, 12-4.

The Cubs won a Memorial Day weekend series against the Cardinals. Even despite Chicago’s losing record, it always helps to beat a rival. Brewers right fielder Corey Hart had a huge week, and now leads the NL with 13 home runs. Casey McGehee is leading the NL with 41 RBIs and Ryan Braun is at the top of several offensive categories. However, pitching woes continue to torture Milwaukee and its fans.

West

If things continue the way they have been, the Rockies will have to change their name to the Colorado Ubaldo Jimenez’s. The Colorado starter is now 10-1 with a 0.78 ERA in 11 starts this season. He’s struck out 70 batters and walked 26 while allowing seven earned runs to this point.

Behind starters Jon Garland (6-2, 2.15 ERA) and Clayton Richard (3.00 ERA) the Padres are now 11 games over .500 and lead the L.A. Dodgers by two games and the Giants by 3.5.

East

Another week, more Philadelphia headlines. If you didn’t hear, starting pitcher Roy Halladay threw a perfect game versus the Marlins Saturday night, in a game the Phillies won, 1-0. The 27-up, 27-down performance was just the 20^th perfect game in Major League history, but it is the second this season, and the third no-hitter of the season.

Despite, Halladay’s perfect evening, the Phillies have slipped into second place behind the Braves. Atlanta won six straight games after Monday’s contest, a 9-3 win of Philadelphia. The Braves have won eight of their last 10.

Weekly Top-5

Philadelphia – The Phills are in second, but the bats are asleep; they’ll wake up soon.

Atlanta – Can’t ignore their hot streak, but they have to make a statement against the Phillies.

San Diego – Looking tougher each week out West.

St. Louis – Lurking behind the Reds; it would scare me if I was in Cincy.

Cincinnati – Pitching staff is making them look like a legitimate contender as each week passes.