Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, May 9, 2007 23 Hill a bright spot for struggling Nationals EAMONN MAHER Staff Writer Despite stringing together six quality starts for the Washington Nationals, Georgetown's Shawn Hill hasn't exactly been rewarded in the win column pitching for Major League Baseball's last-place club. The 26-year-old righthander has posted a 2-3 won-lost record for the 9-23 Nats with an earned-run average of 3.00, emerging as one of the few reliable arms on a young Washington pitching staff that was expected to have growing pains. Number-one starter John Patterson went on the disabled list this week and Hill has had to manage through some soreness as well, although not in SHAWN HILL the reconstructed right elbow that caused him to miss much of the last two seasons. Hill has lasted until at least the sixth inning in all of his last half-dozen starts and has been most effective with his ground ball-inducing sinkerball, walking just 14 batters, striking out 28 and allowing 37 hits through 45 total innings. Hill's start on Sunday at the famed Wrigley Field in Chicago against the Cubs typified how his season has gone so far. He was masterful at times with his pitch control but again received little offensive support and the Cubs took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning after Hill plunked Chicago's Jacque Jones in the leg with the bases loaded. Hill recovered to finish the sixth inning and was pulled after surpassing the 100-pitch mark. The Nationals actually rallied to take a 3-2 lead, only to lose in 10 innings 4-3 to increase their losing streak to five. Afterward, Hill said that a painful left shoulder suffered when sliding back into third base during a game on April 20 was the reason for giving up three walks and hitting two batters on Sunday. He has also experienced tightness in his right forearm that hasn't allowed for full extension in his delivery. "I felt real good out of the gate, but I've started to fly open, mechanically," the six-foot, 185-pounder said on the Nationals' website. "It just fell apart a bit." Hill's next start comes up Friday at home against Florida, the third time he'll face the Marlins this year. The Nationals will visit Toronto to take on the Blue Jays on the weekend of June 15-17. Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary Duane & Ann Campbell With love and best wishes from your children & grandchildren Surprise 50th Birthday OPEN HOUSE for Garry Baker May 12th - 3 - 8 pm Being held at his home. For more info call Karen 905-877-6204 ON SITE AUCTION SALE For Timothy & Janet Swim 279 Maple Avenue, Georgetown, Ont. Saturday, May 12th at 10am Sharp Georgetown Cinemas 3 235 Guelph Street 905-873-1999 15 YRS. EXPERIENCE Custom Blinds, Shutters, Drapery, Bedding & More *Quality Products, *Professional Service & Installation *Room Organizing & Colour Consultations Now Available ·Temporary Redi-Shades ·Fold Away WIndow Cranks Sale consisting of quality antique & household furnishing - ex. walnut dining room set, heintzman piano, Vict. beds & chest of drawers, sofas & occ. chairs, over 50 pcs of good pressed glass plus misc. glass & china, lg. modern coin collection (sells first). Misc. household items, Lawn & garden items, good clean sale. SPIDERMAN 3 (PG) **no passes allowed Nightly at 7:00 & 9:40 pm; Sat & Sun Mats at 2:00 pm Note: Previewing starts at 9am, but there is limited parking on property so please select a close side street. Terms are cash or cheque with proper ID only. DO N COLLING Nightly at 7:20 & 9:30 pm; Sat & Sun Mats at 2:30 pm NEXT (PG) Wed & Thurs 7:15 & 9:15 pm FRACTURE (PG) Wed & Thurs 7:30 & 9:50 pm INVISIBLE (14A) - Starts Friday FIREHOUSE DOG (G) - Starts Friday AU 519-853-4359 · 905-299-4359 130 Mill St. E., Acton CTIONEER Nightly at 7:00 & 9:15 pm; Sat & Sun Mats at 2:15 pm tremblayhomedecor@cogeco.ca Terms are cash or cheque with proper I.D. only. For more complete listing visit www.auctionsfind.com/doncolling Auctioneer - Don Colling 905-877-0117 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Matthews are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Tania Camille to Michael Lawrence Baldwin The wedding to take place September 2007. Fax# 905-877-7895 www.auctionsfind.com/doncolling SHREK THE THIRD - Starts Friday May 18th PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 3 - Starts May 25th Please email comments to: ibtsl@bellnet.ca More Pond Myths Debunked Water in the landscape is a lifestyle more and more people are choosing every day. Check back each week as we dispel some of the common myths surrounding this latest trend in gardening. Myth 3: Maintaining a water garden is a constant headache. Fact: Ecologically-balanced water gardens let Mother Nature do the heavy lifting. Make sure the water garden you install works with Mother Nature, not against her. Look for systems that include mechanical and biological filtration, lots of aquatic plants, fish, active bacteria, and plenty of rocks. No water testing, no chemicals, no clogged up filter screens, no standing water and no mucky bottom that needs constant draining and cleaning. Listen to Suffering from Depression, Grief, Anxiety? Georgetown family counsellor wants to help. 3 weeks to a more joyous you - or don't pay! for more HOPE CONNECTION COUNSELLING SERVICES Stress & Burnout a Specialty www.terragreenhouses.com 905-332-3222 416-577-HOPE (4673) hopeconnection@gmail.com Burlington Waterdown 905-689-1999 905-876-4000 Milton 905-832-6955 Vaughan 7 DAYS A WEEK!