Home Opening Night (Game 1 of 2)
Great expectations totally fulfilled - with the exception of one minor detail, the Bats LOST to the visiting Indianapolis Indians (affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates).
You couldn't ask for better weather (it's quite unusual to attend a game in these parts in April when it's 80+ degrees out), and the matchup (as far as pitching) was outstanding...a wild pitcher's duel with enough ups and downs to keep an average baseball fan in suspense, albeit with a bit of predictability; it became clear after a few innings of play what kind of pitch you were going to see next from either starter.
You could also tell which hitters the pitchers 'read' well and which ones they stuggled with. Defensively, both teams had enough finesse to handle plays, and there were a few riotious acts of baseball insanity (including a dramatic inning-ending 9-4-2 putout at home) so it wasn't an 'ordinary' pitcher's duel.
IND 3 8 0
LOU 0 4 0
The Bats' Travis Wood pitched 6.2 remarkable innings, with 3 consecutive 1-2-3 innings. Also notable: he went 2-2 in 2 plate appearances, best game average of the entire lineup. The Indians' Brad Lincoln had the edge only due to the silenced advantage of his backup offense. The Indians worked like bears to get the 3 runs they had by the end of the game.
Indians RF Brandon Moss' pop fly to short that ended the Indians' 4th induced a rocketing Broken Bat that flew within 5 feet or so of landing in the Club Level right in front of us. A great souvenir to bring home, providing you catch it with your hands and not with your head!!
Travis Wood fans Luke Carlin in the 2nd inning:
Enjoyed the game, weather, and festivities with my buddy Don (who joined us at the Royals game during BIL Tour 2009):
Opening Night at Slugger Field, the promotion was free magnetic schedules and (of course) end-of-the-game fireworks! Here, Indians OF Brian Myrow (who didn't play this evening) enjoys the fireworks with a couple of fellas who, I believe, must be his kids...
A 'W' would have been GREAT, but the best news of all, it really feels like Baseball Season now, I had a fantastic time!!
Official Program
Official Scorecard Cover and Gameday Stats
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