6-27-17
Rangers versus Indians. Tyson Ross went six innings and gave up one run for the Rangers. Steve Clevenger for the Indians did the same. Adrian Beltre homered in the ninth to give the Rangers the lead. In an encouraging development, Matt Bush came in in the bottom of the ninth and got the save.
The Rockies versus the Giants was the MLB free game. It was blacked out, of course. As near as I can figure, most of the entire western US is in my local viewing area. Thankfully, I could still listen to Jon Miller do the radio call. I hope Tim Hagerty understands me cheating on him.
Matt Cain broke three Rockies’ bats in the first. I think that was likely a fluke, though he did go scoreless for six innings before giving up a three-run homer to Mark Reynolds. It was 3-1 until the eighth, when the Giants tied the score. Then it went to extras. Sam Dyson came in for the Giants. I’d wondered where he’d ended up. Buster Posey, his teammate on this year’s WBC team, had spoken to management about him when he’d become available from the Rangers. Dyson pitched well in his inning.
Unfortunately it was after midnight, and I didn’t want to stick around for the end, which turned out to be in the fourteen. Denard Span singled in the winning run. The Rockies’ losing streak continues. The Chihuahuas won their game. Carter Capps pitched an inning without any drama.
6-28-17
The Chihuahuas, Rangers, and Rockies all lost. It was depressing.
6-29-17
Good news, today featured morning baseball between the Rangers and Indians. Unfortunately, it was also Free Tea Day at Mcalisters and there were two different TV shows (Remington Steele and Emma Approved) on that I wanted to see at the same time. There was too much distraction for me to really get into the game until late. By that time, Corey Kluber and the Indians’ offense had effectively ended the game, 5-1 final. Eric Nadel and Matt Hicks at least got in some pleasant chatting, which is usually a bad sign, insofar as being a good game.
Interesting stats after the game. Over the four-game series, the Rangers hit nine home runs, the Indians zero. But, the Rangers were outscored 26-15 over the series. They also lost three of four.
Chihuahuas versus Rivercats. What got into the balls or the water in El Paso this evening? Seven home runs! Unfortunately, the last one broke an 8-8 tie in the top of the ninth to the tune of a three-run homer for the 'Cats. There was some confusion, as the run hit the batter's eye and dropped on the head of the fielder. It was not a Jose Canseco-like out-fielding play however.
It wasn't over yet. In the bottom, the pups loaded the bases with no outs. One run came in on a wild pitch. Another on a sac fly. With the tying run on third and the crowd going wild, the next two batters were a ground out and a liner to the pitcher, respectively. 11-10 Rivercats final, yet somehow, I doubt anyone felt cheated. Two other interesting things came up at the game. One, the Chihuahuas welcomed their two-millionth fan. Said fan had a friendly chat with Tim Hagerty. (Could there be anyother kind of chat with Tim?) Two, Tim mentioned an interesting tidbit during the game; 100 to 125 balls are used in the average Chihuahuas' game.
6-30-17
The bad news was that I was at work until after 3:00 am. The good news was that I had plenty of baseball to keep me entertained while I was waiting on processing. In fact, I probably overdid it trying to keep track of various games. At one point, I was flipping between two games on TV, had the MLB free game going on the Internet, and had a couple of Gamedays going. I’ll try to keep these games in order, even though they were all overlapping.
The MLB free game was the Royals versus the Twins. I’m always game to watch this group of Royals. The team was wearing their gold trim uniforms tonight. Lorenzo Cain, one of fav’s, made a great play in center in the ninth, as the Royals won going away, 8-1. Eric Hosmer, another favorite, hit an excuse-me three-run opposite field home run. Seldom have I seen a player more pleasantly surprised by a homer. I also caught the ninth inning of the other Missouri team, the Cardinals, beating the Nationals by the same 8-1 score on the MLB Network.
I only got to listen to a bit of the Chihuahuas versus the Aces. AJ Pollack was playing for the Aces and hit two home runs, and they are a good team in the PCL. However, the team had two other players just called up to the D-Backs and perhaps it showed, as the pups won 13-4. Carlos Villanueva had two homers himself for the Chihuahuas. However, the best home run was by Aces player, Oswaldo Arcia. As Tim Hagerty’s call put it, “Roy Hobbs is rounding the bases,” as Arcia hit one off the a light stand.
I almost spit up my drink while I was watching the score ticker on TV, and I wasn’t even drinking. The Rangers had a fairly comfortable 7-4 lead late versus White Sox earlier. The final was 8-7 White Sox. Sputtering, I checked the box score. Matt Bush had exploded in the ninth. He gave up three runs and only got one out. He’s done as closer.
The main game I was watching was the Rockies versus the Diamondbacks. This was on the Fox Sports Arizona channel on TV. The broadcast was pretty homer for the D-Backs, but Bob Brenly was still pretty interesting and informative with the color commentary. At least I could finally watch a Rockies’ game.
Jon Gray, up from Albuquerque where I’d heard him last week versus the Chihuahuas on rehab, went six innings with 10 strikeouts and two earned runs for the Rockies. Charlie Blackmon led off the game with a home run. Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story walked and later scored in the third. The team was even playing good defense. The Rockies won 6-3, finally breaking their losing streak.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Baseball Journal June 2017 Part 7
6-25-17
Even with my new terrible work hours, I was still knocked out after that game and woke up late. Thankfully, I got up in time for the rubber match between the Rangers and Yankees. The radio call picked up (late as usual) with Adrian Beltre hitting a two-run homer as part of a three-run first inning. Later in the first after Aaron Judge got on, Eric Nadel commented that, “Napoli looks like a little leaguer next to him.” Mike Napoli, playing first today, is not a small person.
In the second, Joel Pineda, starting for the Yankees, took about 15 minutes to put two runners on and then give up a home run to Shin-Soo Choo. You could hear Yankee fans grumbling. If you were going to do that, couldn’t you have done it quicker? Drew Robinson, a name I didn’t recognize playing second for the Rangers, got his first hit, RBI, and home run all in one swing in the fourth in his first start. He also made a great play in the field earlier. He can reportedly play any position. 7-0 Rangers after four complete.
Then it began. The Yankees scored on a hit by Judge, right after the previous batter struck out, but reached on a wild pitch. Then there was a three-run homer by Gary Sanchez. 7-4 Rangers. In the seventh, the Yankees scored two more times and got the crowd back into it. 7-6 Rangers.
Finally, with two outs in the ninth, Matt Bush was pitching to Aaron Judge. It was kind of a forced move for manager Jeff Bannister to put Bush in and everyone held their breath. After a battle, Judge singled. Gary Sanchez came up next. Bush managed to strike him out to end the game, and perhaps get his closer job back. 7-6 Rangers final. Whew!
Tonight’s Chihuahuas’ game versus the Isotopes started in a rain delay in Albuquerque. (It felt like rain here too.) Thankfully, it was a short delay. Thankfully, because they went back to regular programming and ESPN Radio has been completely unlistenable this week over the NBA (Nothing But A-holes) draft talk. I don’t know who any of these players are that you guys are talking about, since all you’ve talked about for the last six months is Lebron and how much you hate the Warriors.
The coverage started with a very regal chorus performing the national anthem. It was the Santa Fe Opera performing. Very cool. There was also Christmas music playing between innings. Tim Hagerty explained that it was half-way to Christmas night. Santa was in the house, and there were holiday giveaways for the fans in attendance. Tim was still buzzing about last night’s game. He said that there were only a couple of thousand left at the end of the game. The stadium lights went off immediately after the last out, plunging the stadium into darkness, the music started, and the fireworks show began right then. Meanwhile in the Isotopes’ clubhouse, Jon Gray had bought an extravagant spread of steak and shrimp for the team. Needless to say, it got cold waiting for them.
The Chihuahuas managed a steady drip of runs and led 5-0 after four. The comeback for the Isotopes started in the fifth as Dominic Brown tripled in two runs. The crowd went nuts. Brown scored on a sacrifice, and it was 5-3 Chihuahuas after five. In the sixth, Albuquerque took the lead on a home run, 6-5, and piled on more in the seventh, 9-5.
In the bottom of the eighth, Carter Capps came in for the pups and was called for an illegal pitch. Suddenly, we’re playing softball? (That’s the only other place I’ve seen that call.) Rod Barajas was tossed for arguing. After a second call, a wild pitch by Capps hit the ump, and Capps smirked. He was ejected and nearly got into a fight with the umpire. Right after, Isotopes tacked on some more against the new reliever. 12-5 Isotopes was the final in an embarrassing loss.
6-26-17
Chihuahuas versus Rivercats. The ‘Cats are the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, so Tim Hagerty chatted about how bad the Major League team is. He was also stumbling over some of the Rivercats’ player names, which even a professional announcer would have some trouble with. Their roster is like a U.N. meeting. Oh my, goodness gracious! I just read the Albuquerque Journal account of that five and half hour game on Saturday. After the past-midnight fireworks show, there was a scheduled “fun” run, which took place at 1:00 am. There were participants. What exactly is “fun” about a run with a bunch of strangers? Seems like tequila shots would have been more “fun” and appropriate at that hour.
The Chihuahuas got the scoring started in the first by taking advantage of their home field and putting one into the overhanging Peter Piper Pizza Porch. Jabari Blash made a great throw to the plate to keep the Rivercats off the board in the second, but they did tie the score in the fourth with a home run.
And then there were some broadcast issues over the Internet, along with my work commitments. This has not been a good season for KROD’s baseball broadcasting. I missed an interview with PCL President, Branch Rickey. Then I missed Tim recapping the conversation. I think Branch liked the franchise. Tyler Beede pitched eight strong innings for the ‘Cats in a 4-2 win. Tim sounded genuinely disappointed at the end of the game.
Rangers versus Indians. Cole Hamels made his return to the lineup today. Through four innings, he gave up three runs. Unfortunately, he was charged with four runs in the fifth. Amazingly, Cole did not take the loss. The Rangers had been up 9-3 until that point. The final ended up being 15-9 Indians. The Rangers might have had some bullpen issues for this game. Meanwhile, a reeling Rockies team got beat by a crappy Giants team, 9-2. That’s six losses in a row, all to division opponents.
Even with my new terrible work hours, I was still knocked out after that game and woke up late. Thankfully, I got up in time for the rubber match between the Rangers and Yankees. The radio call picked up (late as usual) with Adrian Beltre hitting a two-run homer as part of a three-run first inning. Later in the first after Aaron Judge got on, Eric Nadel commented that, “Napoli looks like a little leaguer next to him.” Mike Napoli, playing first today, is not a small person.
In the second, Joel Pineda, starting for the Yankees, took about 15 minutes to put two runners on and then give up a home run to Shin-Soo Choo. You could hear Yankee fans grumbling. If you were going to do that, couldn’t you have done it quicker? Drew Robinson, a name I didn’t recognize playing second for the Rangers, got his first hit, RBI, and home run all in one swing in the fourth in his first start. He also made a great play in the field earlier. He can reportedly play any position. 7-0 Rangers after four complete.
Then it began. The Yankees scored on a hit by Judge, right after the previous batter struck out, but reached on a wild pitch. Then there was a three-run homer by Gary Sanchez. 7-4 Rangers. In the seventh, the Yankees scored two more times and got the crowd back into it. 7-6 Rangers.
Finally, with two outs in the ninth, Matt Bush was pitching to Aaron Judge. It was kind of a forced move for manager Jeff Bannister to put Bush in and everyone held their breath. After a battle, Judge singled. Gary Sanchez came up next. Bush managed to strike him out to end the game, and perhaps get his closer job back. 7-6 Rangers final. Whew!
Tonight’s Chihuahuas’ game versus the Isotopes started in a rain delay in Albuquerque. (It felt like rain here too.) Thankfully, it was a short delay. Thankfully, because they went back to regular programming and ESPN Radio has been completely unlistenable this week over the NBA (Nothing But A-holes) draft talk. I don’t know who any of these players are that you guys are talking about, since all you’ve talked about for the last six months is Lebron and how much you hate the Warriors.
The coverage started with a very regal chorus performing the national anthem. It was the Santa Fe Opera performing. Very cool. There was also Christmas music playing between innings. Tim Hagerty explained that it was half-way to Christmas night. Santa was in the house, and there were holiday giveaways for the fans in attendance. Tim was still buzzing about last night’s game. He said that there were only a couple of thousand left at the end of the game. The stadium lights went off immediately after the last out, plunging the stadium into darkness, the music started, and the fireworks show began right then. Meanwhile in the Isotopes’ clubhouse, Jon Gray had bought an extravagant spread of steak and shrimp for the team. Needless to say, it got cold waiting for them.
The Chihuahuas managed a steady drip of runs and led 5-0 after four. The comeback for the Isotopes started in the fifth as Dominic Brown tripled in two runs. The crowd went nuts. Brown scored on a sacrifice, and it was 5-3 Chihuahuas after five. In the sixth, Albuquerque took the lead on a home run, 6-5, and piled on more in the seventh, 9-5.
In the bottom of the eighth, Carter Capps came in for the pups and was called for an illegal pitch. Suddenly, we’re playing softball? (That’s the only other place I’ve seen that call.) Rod Barajas was tossed for arguing. After a second call, a wild pitch by Capps hit the ump, and Capps smirked. He was ejected and nearly got into a fight with the umpire. Right after, Isotopes tacked on some more against the new reliever. 12-5 Isotopes was the final in an embarrassing loss.
6-26-17
Chihuahuas versus Rivercats. The ‘Cats are the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, so Tim Hagerty chatted about how bad the Major League team is. He was also stumbling over some of the Rivercats’ player names, which even a professional announcer would have some trouble with. Their roster is like a U.N. meeting. Oh my, goodness gracious! I just read the Albuquerque Journal account of that five and half hour game on Saturday. After the past-midnight fireworks show, there was a scheduled “fun” run, which took place at 1:00 am. There were participants. What exactly is “fun” about a run with a bunch of strangers? Seems like tequila shots would have been more “fun” and appropriate at that hour.
The Chihuahuas got the scoring started in the first by taking advantage of their home field and putting one into the overhanging Peter Piper Pizza Porch. Jabari Blash made a great throw to the plate to keep the Rivercats off the board in the second, but they did tie the score in the fourth with a home run.
And then there were some broadcast issues over the Internet, along with my work commitments. This has not been a good season for KROD’s baseball broadcasting. I missed an interview with PCL President, Branch Rickey. Then I missed Tim recapping the conversation. I think Branch liked the franchise. Tyler Beede pitched eight strong innings for the ‘Cats in a 4-2 win. Tim sounded genuinely disappointed at the end of the game.
Rangers versus Indians. Cole Hamels made his return to the lineup today. Through four innings, he gave up three runs. Unfortunately, he was charged with four runs in the fifth. Amazingly, Cole did not take the loss. The Rangers had been up 9-3 until that point. The final ended up being 15-9 Indians. The Rangers might have had some bullpen issues for this game. Meanwhile, a reeling Rockies team got beat by a crappy Giants team, 9-2. That’s six losses in a row, all to division opponents.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Baseball Journal June 2017 Part 6
6-24-17
Saturday morning baseball between the Rangers and Yankees. Aaron Judge hit a monster home run for the Yankees in the sixth. Rangers’ starter, Austin Bibens-Dirkx, watched the replay of it on the video board. It was the only run he gave up in seven innings of work. The Ranger offense had a good bounce back today as the team won 8-1. They scored on hits, home runs, and even without a hit. It was even a quick game.
The Fox game in the evening was the Red Sox versus the Angels. Ugh. Two teams I could hardly think the less of. Interestingly, AJ Pierzynski was in the booth, calling the game. He must have finally retired. Having watched him do commentary in the post-season and liking it, I was hoping he’d make this transition. Listening to his color commentary was actually made the game watchable for me. Since he’s played against many of players in the game, it’s all relevant chatter. After a player got hit on the toe, AJ contributed his own story about such an injury. His toe was so swelled up, he had to play without a toe on his shoe, while he recovered.
The game wasn’t without its entertainment. In the seventh, with a runner on third, a balk was called on the Red Sox pitcher. The batter had called for time right before that, causing the flinch. Red Sox manager, John Farrell, came out to argue. Unfortunately, you could pretty clearly hear him over the crowd mic, before they shut it off. After the umpires gathered and decided that was the right call, Farrell got into a face-to-face with the crew chief in a good old fashion agreement that, of course, ended in an ejection. It was great.
With the score 6-1 Angels in the ninth, most of the Boston crowd was still there. There were even some Angels fans there, and a Dodgers fan. “I think he’s lost,” said AJ. A bloop double hit the line, a third strike bounced into the crowd, and the bases were loaded to give the end of the game some drama. The Angels finally had to bring in their closer to end it. 6-3 Angels.
Flipping around, I again found something interesting on a Juarez station. It was the US versus Mexico in a football game. No, American football, and it wasn’t a bunch of guys either. I kept wondering why so many of the players had long hair coming out of the back of their helmets. I seriously couldn’t actually tell their gender by how they walked. This was the heretofore unknown international women’s football league. To add to the confusion, the game was in Canada.
I couldn’t watch, but I kept tuning back to it to check the score. It was nil-nil, errr, 0-0 after the first quarter. There were four commentators for the game, including a woman who was a former player. She was pleasant enough looking, but had on eye black, sideways, under one eye for some reason. It was 16-0 US at halftime, 23-0 after three quarters, and 29-0 final. Don’t ask me how the scoring worked. Both teams lined up and shook hands afterward. That’s all I have to say about this.
In Albuquerque, the Chihuahuas were playing the Isotopes. The ‘topes opened it up with two home runs in the third, including one that went out over the hill to straightaway center. Rockies’ starter, Jon Gray, was making a rehab start for the Isotopes. I was kind of rooting for him, since the big league team needs him.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really start paying attention to this game until late. I didn’t even keep track of the score. In the sixth, I caught that an Isotopes player fell down rounding third coming in to score, and had to go back. He didn’t end up scoring. Surely that one run wouldn’t make a difference later, like the next inning when the Chihuahuas scored three runs to tie the score at five all.
A squeeze play by the Isotopes gave them a one-run lead going into the ninth. There was a big crowd there, about 10,000. The game was running long and the fans were waiting for a post-game fireworks show. Sure enough, the Chihuahuas tied it. In the bottom, the bases were loaded with two outs. Inexplicably, the pinch hitter was called back and the Isotopes’ relief pitcher was allowed to hit for himself, which he didn’t do on three, empty-air swings. Tim Hagerty was almost speechless at this turn of events. Isotopes’ manager, Glenallen Hill, just about lost his voice screaming about the move. I have no idea what happened. On to extras.
We were over four hours in, when in the eleventh, Diego Goris hit a leadoff home run for the pups to the cheers of the crowd. The Isotopes tied it in the bottom. I suddenly realized that I’d missed the Rockies game that started an hour after this one, but I was not leaving this game now.
It’s the fourteenth inning. We’re now five hours in. Tim is getting giddy. This game is setting all sorts of records you didn’t want to witness in person. The Isotopes at this point have run out of pitchers to put on the mound. A pitcher was moved into the outfield and Dominic Brown came in from the outfield. If this is who I’m thinking off, he’s an impressive physical specimen. Tim announced that that his fastball was hit 88 mph. Regrettably, without any movement or complimentary pitches, he was putting it on a tee for professional batters. He gave up three runs without getting an out. Another outfielder came in and surrendered a three-run homer, but did get three outs. 13-7 Chihuahuas.
“If you’re still with us, you keep very odd hours,” said Tim, almost like he knew me. The PA made an announcement that this game had set a PCL record with 40 players used in the game. It’s over, right? With two outs, the Isotopes hit a three-run homer. Gasp! The final out came with two runners on, but the game did end. 13-10 Chihuahuas. The remaining fans gave the players an ovation. The fireworks went off immediately. This wasn’t quite as bad as that infamous Braves’ fireworks game, but pretty darn close. It clocked in at five and half hours and finished after 12:30 am.
Saturday morning baseball between the Rangers and Yankees. Aaron Judge hit a monster home run for the Yankees in the sixth. Rangers’ starter, Austin Bibens-Dirkx, watched the replay of it on the video board. It was the only run he gave up in seven innings of work. The Ranger offense had a good bounce back today as the team won 8-1. They scored on hits, home runs, and even without a hit. It was even a quick game.
The Fox game in the evening was the Red Sox versus the Angels. Ugh. Two teams I could hardly think the less of. Interestingly, AJ Pierzynski was in the booth, calling the game. He must have finally retired. Having watched him do commentary in the post-season and liking it, I was hoping he’d make this transition. Listening to his color commentary was actually made the game watchable for me. Since he’s played against many of players in the game, it’s all relevant chatter. After a player got hit on the toe, AJ contributed his own story about such an injury. His toe was so swelled up, he had to play without a toe on his shoe, while he recovered.
The game wasn’t without its entertainment. In the seventh, with a runner on third, a balk was called on the Red Sox pitcher. The batter had called for time right before that, causing the flinch. Red Sox manager, John Farrell, came out to argue. Unfortunately, you could pretty clearly hear him over the crowd mic, before they shut it off. After the umpires gathered and decided that was the right call, Farrell got into a face-to-face with the crew chief in a good old fashion agreement that, of course, ended in an ejection. It was great.
With the score 6-1 Angels in the ninth, most of the Boston crowd was still there. There were even some Angels fans there, and a Dodgers fan. “I think he’s lost,” said AJ. A bloop double hit the line, a third strike bounced into the crowd, and the bases were loaded to give the end of the game some drama. The Angels finally had to bring in their closer to end it. 6-3 Angels.
Flipping around, I again found something interesting on a Juarez station. It was the US versus Mexico in a football game. No, American football, and it wasn’t a bunch of guys either. I kept wondering why so many of the players had long hair coming out of the back of their helmets. I seriously couldn’t actually tell their gender by how they walked. This was the heretofore unknown international women’s football league. To add to the confusion, the game was in Canada.
I couldn’t watch, but I kept tuning back to it to check the score. It was nil-nil, errr, 0-0 after the first quarter. There were four commentators for the game, including a woman who was a former player. She was pleasant enough looking, but had on eye black, sideways, under one eye for some reason. It was 16-0 US at halftime, 23-0 after three quarters, and 29-0 final. Don’t ask me how the scoring worked. Both teams lined up and shook hands afterward. That’s all I have to say about this.
In Albuquerque, the Chihuahuas were playing the Isotopes. The ‘topes opened it up with two home runs in the third, including one that went out over the hill to straightaway center. Rockies’ starter, Jon Gray, was making a rehab start for the Isotopes. I was kind of rooting for him, since the big league team needs him.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really start paying attention to this game until late. I didn’t even keep track of the score. In the sixth, I caught that an Isotopes player fell down rounding third coming in to score, and had to go back. He didn’t end up scoring. Surely that one run wouldn’t make a difference later, like the next inning when the Chihuahuas scored three runs to tie the score at five all.
A squeeze play by the Isotopes gave them a one-run lead going into the ninth. There was a big crowd there, about 10,000. The game was running long and the fans were waiting for a post-game fireworks show. Sure enough, the Chihuahuas tied it. In the bottom, the bases were loaded with two outs. Inexplicably, the pinch hitter was called back and the Isotopes’ relief pitcher was allowed to hit for himself, which he didn’t do on three, empty-air swings. Tim Hagerty was almost speechless at this turn of events. Isotopes’ manager, Glenallen Hill, just about lost his voice screaming about the move. I have no idea what happened. On to extras.
We were over four hours in, when in the eleventh, Diego Goris hit a leadoff home run for the pups to the cheers of the crowd. The Isotopes tied it in the bottom. I suddenly realized that I’d missed the Rockies game that started an hour after this one, but I was not leaving this game now.
It’s the fourteenth inning. We’re now five hours in. Tim is getting giddy. This game is setting all sorts of records you didn’t want to witness in person. The Isotopes at this point have run out of pitchers to put on the mound. A pitcher was moved into the outfield and Dominic Brown came in from the outfield. If this is who I’m thinking off, he’s an impressive physical specimen. Tim announced that that his fastball was hit 88 mph. Regrettably, without any movement or complimentary pitches, he was putting it on a tee for professional batters. He gave up three runs without getting an out. Another outfielder came in and surrendered a three-run homer, but did get three outs. 13-7 Chihuahuas.
“If you’re still with us, you keep very odd hours,” said Tim, almost like he knew me. The PA made an announcement that this game had set a PCL record with 40 players used in the game. It’s over, right? With two outs, the Isotopes hit a three-run homer. Gasp! The final out came with two runners on, but the game did end. 13-10 Chihuahuas. The remaining fans gave the players an ovation. The fireworks went off immediately. This wasn’t quite as bad as that infamous Braves’ fireworks game, but pretty darn close. It clocked in at five and half hours and finished after 12:30 am.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Baseball Journal June 2017 Part 5
6-21-17
No baseball today. I was already depressed, but this just made it worse. The Chihuahuas were off, and I missed the MLB free game, since it was on during the day. Later, I realized I could have seen the Rockies playing the Diamondbacks, but I’d gotten out of the habit of having the TV on at work. That just made me feel worse.
6-22-17
The good thing about being at home all day is that I get to hear all of the day games on the radio, such as today’s Rangers versus Blue Jays contest. The game started well with the Adrian Beltre doubling in Elvis Andrus from first. It was an aggressive, but good send to score him. Mike Napoli hit a two-run homer in the second for a 3-0 Ranger lead. Jose Bautista was thrown out at third to end the top of the third. The Arlington crowd loved it. You could tell every time he came to bat just by the boo’s. In the bottom, Carlos Gomez hit a three-run homer off the word “Fowl” on the foul pole (sponsored by Chik-fil-a). 6-0 Rangers.
Robinson Chirinos clubbed a homer in the fourth. Ranger starter, Martin Perez, lost it a bit in the fifth and four runs scored, all with two outs. 7-4 Rangers. The Rangers actually didn’t score in the bottom as the Blue Jays finally took out their starter, Marcus Stroman, for a reliever. Perez got into more trouble in the sixth, but finished the inning with two strikeouts to end it without damage. In the bottom of the seventh, Gomez did it again with a two-run homer, 9-4 Rangers.
The bottom of the eighth featured an attempted run down of Chirinos between home and third. He was ruled out, but it looked like at first to the broadcasters, that he’d been tagged with the glove, but the ball was in the fielder’s other hand. Upon review, obstruction was called on the fielder and Robinson was awarded home, 10-4 Rangers. Eric Nadel: “You can go years without seeing an obstruction call.” I saw one this year at an Aggie softball game (I’m not going to look it up to link). Beltre sacrificed in Shin-Soo Choo to bring the score to 11-4, which was the final. The Rangers ended up splitting the four-game series with the Blue Jays. Sometimes, they look really good, but they’re a .500 team.
Later, profoundly alone at work, I listened to the Chihuahuas versus the Isotopes in Albuquerque. Jared Weaver, on Major League rehab, started the game for the pups. Tim Hagerty spent quite a bit time going over Weaver’s accomplishments in the MLB. For his first rehab start, it wasn’t that great, as he gave up three runs in three innings. The runs were earned, but the defense behind him really didn’t help. The Chihuahuas ended up losing 8-1. They didn’t bring their hitting shoes today.
6-23-17
Finally, I can see a Rockies’ game today on the MLB free game. Ha, ha, just kidding. Local blackout. At least I got to listen to the radio broadcast. I actually stayed with the Dodgers’ team feed until I couldn’t take Charlie Steiner butchering the call anymore. How does this guy still have a job with the Dodgers? How do you follow Vin Scully with this guy? In spite of how well the Rockies have been doing, I really haven’t been able to listen or watch any of their games. I was surprised by some new, cool bumper music on the Rox’s radio broadcast. Unfortunately, they lost 6-1 to the now first place Dodgers. Why couldn’t I have been listening to these guys when they were winning?
Belatedly, I thought to check in to the Rangers versus the Yankees. This was going to be the first US matchup between Yu Darvish and Masahiro Tanaka. (They had pitched against each other in Japan.) It was 0-0 in the eighth! Incredible! Looking at the box scores, they basically matched each other pitch-for-pitched. In the ninth, the Rangers finally scored the first run, and it was on a wild pitch. In the bottom, Matt Bush gave up a home run to Brett Gardner. (Bleeping Brett Gardner!) In the tenth, Bush gave up three singles, the winning run, and possibly the Rangers’ closer role. That was disappointing.
And the Chihuahuas lost to the Isotopes again, this time badly. (I didn’t bother noting the score.) With that, I’m 0 for 3 for my teams today.
No baseball today. I was already depressed, but this just made it worse. The Chihuahuas were off, and I missed the MLB free game, since it was on during the day. Later, I realized I could have seen the Rockies playing the Diamondbacks, but I’d gotten out of the habit of having the TV on at work. That just made me feel worse.
6-22-17
The good thing about being at home all day is that I get to hear all of the day games on the radio, such as today’s Rangers versus Blue Jays contest. The game started well with the Adrian Beltre doubling in Elvis Andrus from first. It was an aggressive, but good send to score him. Mike Napoli hit a two-run homer in the second for a 3-0 Ranger lead. Jose Bautista was thrown out at third to end the top of the third. The Arlington crowd loved it. You could tell every time he came to bat just by the boo’s. In the bottom, Carlos Gomez hit a three-run homer off the word “Fowl” on the foul pole (sponsored by Chik-fil-a). 6-0 Rangers.
Robinson Chirinos clubbed a homer in the fourth. Ranger starter, Martin Perez, lost it a bit in the fifth and four runs scored, all with two outs. 7-4 Rangers. The Rangers actually didn’t score in the bottom as the Blue Jays finally took out their starter, Marcus Stroman, for a reliever. Perez got into more trouble in the sixth, but finished the inning with two strikeouts to end it without damage. In the bottom of the seventh, Gomez did it again with a two-run homer, 9-4 Rangers.
The bottom of the eighth featured an attempted run down of Chirinos between home and third. He was ruled out, but it looked like at first to the broadcasters, that he’d been tagged with the glove, but the ball was in the fielder’s other hand. Upon review, obstruction was called on the fielder and Robinson was awarded home, 10-4 Rangers. Eric Nadel: “You can go years without seeing an obstruction call.” I saw one this year at an Aggie softball game (I’m not going to look it up to link). Beltre sacrificed in Shin-Soo Choo to bring the score to 11-4, which was the final. The Rangers ended up splitting the four-game series with the Blue Jays. Sometimes, they look really good, but they’re a .500 team.
Later, profoundly alone at work, I listened to the Chihuahuas versus the Isotopes in Albuquerque. Jared Weaver, on Major League rehab, started the game for the pups. Tim Hagerty spent quite a bit time going over Weaver’s accomplishments in the MLB. For his first rehab start, it wasn’t that great, as he gave up three runs in three innings. The runs were earned, but the defense behind him really didn’t help. The Chihuahuas ended up losing 8-1. They didn’t bring their hitting shoes today.
6-23-17
Finally, I can see a Rockies’ game today on the MLB free game. Ha, ha, just kidding. Local blackout. At least I got to listen to the radio broadcast. I actually stayed with the Dodgers’ team feed until I couldn’t take Charlie Steiner butchering the call anymore. How does this guy still have a job with the Dodgers? How do you follow Vin Scully with this guy? In spite of how well the Rockies have been doing, I really haven’t been able to listen or watch any of their games. I was surprised by some new, cool bumper music on the Rox’s radio broadcast. Unfortunately, they lost 6-1 to the now first place Dodgers. Why couldn’t I have been listening to these guys when they were winning?
Belatedly, I thought to check in to the Rangers versus the Yankees. This was going to be the first US matchup between Yu Darvish and Masahiro Tanaka. (They had pitched against each other in Japan.) It was 0-0 in the eighth! Incredible! Looking at the box scores, they basically matched each other pitch-for-pitched. In the ninth, the Rangers finally scored the first run, and it was on a wild pitch. In the bottom, Matt Bush gave up a home run to Brett Gardner. (Bleeping Brett Gardner!) In the tenth, Bush gave up three singles, the winning run, and possibly the Rangers’ closer role. That was disappointing.
And the Chihuahuas lost to the Isotopes again, this time badly. (I didn’t bother noting the score.) With that, I’m 0 for 3 for my teams today.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Baseball Journal June 2017 Part 4
6-18-17
The Rangers lost a very long, listless game to the Mariners, 7-3. Manager Jeff Banister was ejected in the first. He had an emphatic press conference afterward, saying that he wasn’t going to the repeat the offending conversation. It was the most Ranger passion displayed in the entire broadcast.
“It’s 104 degrees in Fresno today,” said Tim Hagerty with some gravity. I think we can beat that here, I thought. Unfortunately, there were technical troubles in the bottom of the first. The broadcast went to commercial for 10 minutes. It came back briefly, and Tim announced that the score was now 2-0 Grizzlies and that the Chihuahuas were changing pitchers. And then another 10 minutes of commercials. The broadcast returned to the Chihuahuas batting with two on. Then more commercials. Tim seemed unaware of the problem. Maybe the station was on auto-pilot, like they do to their MLB broadcasts. Tim came back and switched to a cell phone and explained that the Fresno press booth was having problems.
The Chihuahuas weren’t having any problems. The relief pitcher, in for the injured starter, was putting up zeroes. After back-to-back home runs, the pups took the lead. There was an interesting play in the fifth. With the bases full of Chihuahuas, a dribbler at the plate was picked up by the Grizzlies’ catcher. He stepped on home for the force out, but then airmailed the ball into the outfield, trying to get the double play at first. The ball rolled into the Fresno bullpen, which the umpire ruled in play. Two Chihuahuas’ runs scored. 6-2 El Paso.
The scoring didn’t stop, but the advantage remained the same. In the ninth, with the score 11-5 Chihuahuas, it was quiet enough at the stadium that Tim could hear a Fresno player taking his frustrations out on a bat rack after a bad plate appearance. It ended up being a three-hour, 20-minute game in some extreme heat. I don’t blame the fans for deserting. During the post-game MLB scores, I found out that Nolan Arenado had hit for the cycle, including a walk-off three-run homer to complete the trick.
Meanwhile, the Mexican League All-Star Game was on, as advertised yesterday during their home run derby. The teams were North versus South and was held in the city of Campeche, whose citizens filled the grandstand for the game. The bunting was in red, whte, and green. The various teams’ costumed mascots were there in force. I saw a dog, a wolf (with a mustache), a tiger, a bull, a rabbit, a chicken, a blue devil (?), and the hometown pirate parrot, who was the star of the proceedings. Cheerleaders came out between innings. And there was a midget, who was the bat boy.
The players had ads all over their uniforms. Even the umpires were wearing sponsorship patches. The name on the back of most of the uniforms was “Tecate,” with a “Bud Light” mixed in. You don’t want this in the MLB. Alex Liddi was the only player name I recognized, but I wasn’t sure from where.
The game play was generally pretty good. It was maybe a tick below what you’d see at Chihuahuas’ game. The final was 4-3 North over South. The game took about four hours. All of the scoring took place early unfortunately. It was interesting viewing anyway.
6-19-17
Another violent work schedule change. Jabari Blash and Ryan Schimpf hit back-to-back home runs for the second day in a row, but the Chihuahuas fall in Fresno.
6-20-17
Tim Hagerty reported that today’s game was the hottest start time ever for a Chihuahuas’ game. Fresno’s PA finally overdid it with the sound effects and played one during an at bat. Both managers and the home plate umpire all looked up at the booth in disapproval. It didn’t cut down on the sound effects, but that had to have been embarrassing.
The Rangers lost a very long, listless game to the Mariners, 7-3. Manager Jeff Banister was ejected in the first. He had an emphatic press conference afterward, saying that he wasn’t going to the repeat the offending conversation. It was the most Ranger passion displayed in the entire broadcast.
“It’s 104 degrees in Fresno today,” said Tim Hagerty with some gravity. I think we can beat that here, I thought. Unfortunately, there were technical troubles in the bottom of the first. The broadcast went to commercial for 10 minutes. It came back briefly, and Tim announced that the score was now 2-0 Grizzlies and that the Chihuahuas were changing pitchers. And then another 10 minutes of commercials. The broadcast returned to the Chihuahuas batting with two on. Then more commercials. Tim seemed unaware of the problem. Maybe the station was on auto-pilot, like they do to their MLB broadcasts. Tim came back and switched to a cell phone and explained that the Fresno press booth was having problems.
The Chihuahuas weren’t having any problems. The relief pitcher, in for the injured starter, was putting up zeroes. After back-to-back home runs, the pups took the lead. There was an interesting play in the fifth. With the bases full of Chihuahuas, a dribbler at the plate was picked up by the Grizzlies’ catcher. He stepped on home for the force out, but then airmailed the ball into the outfield, trying to get the double play at first. The ball rolled into the Fresno bullpen, which the umpire ruled in play. Two Chihuahuas’ runs scored. 6-2 El Paso.
The scoring didn’t stop, but the advantage remained the same. In the ninth, with the score 11-5 Chihuahuas, it was quiet enough at the stadium that Tim could hear a Fresno player taking his frustrations out on a bat rack after a bad plate appearance. It ended up being a three-hour, 20-minute game in some extreme heat. I don’t blame the fans for deserting. During the post-game MLB scores, I found out that Nolan Arenado had hit for the cycle, including a walk-off three-run homer to complete the trick.
Meanwhile, the Mexican League All-Star Game was on, as advertised yesterday during their home run derby. The teams were North versus South and was held in the city of Campeche, whose citizens filled the grandstand for the game. The bunting was in red, whte, and green. The various teams’ costumed mascots were there in force. I saw a dog, a wolf (with a mustache), a tiger, a bull, a rabbit, a chicken, a blue devil (?), and the hometown pirate parrot, who was the star of the proceedings. Cheerleaders came out between innings. And there was a midget, who was the bat boy.
The players had ads all over their uniforms. Even the umpires were wearing sponsorship patches. The name on the back of most of the uniforms was “Tecate,” with a “Bud Light” mixed in. You don’t want this in the MLB. Alex Liddi was the only player name I recognized, but I wasn’t sure from where.
The game play was generally pretty good. It was maybe a tick below what you’d see at Chihuahuas’ game. The final was 4-3 North over South. The game took about four hours. All of the scoring took place early unfortunately. It was interesting viewing anyway.
6-19-17
Another violent work schedule change. Jabari Blash and Ryan Schimpf hit back-to-back home runs for the second day in a row, but the Chihuahuas fall in Fresno.
6-20-17
Tim Hagerty reported that today’s game was the hottest start time ever for a Chihuahuas’ game. Fresno’s PA finally overdid it with the sound effects and played one during an at bat. Both managers and the home plate umpire all looked up at the booth in disapproval. It didn’t cut down on the sound effects, but that had to have been embarrassing.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Baseball Journal June 2017 Part 3
6-11-17
Sunday afternoon’s matchup between the Rangers and the Nationals featured Washington ace, Max Scherzer, versus Texas rookie Austin Bibens-Dirkx. Austin, making his second big league start, gave up a leadoff home run and gave up another hit. After that, he got 19 straight outs. Scherzer was also dealing, and he only gave up a single run. In the fifth, when Max left the game, the Nationals’ bullpen gave up four runs on one hit. 5-1 Rangers would be the final, completing a three-game sweep of a much better team. However, “It’s not who you play; it’s when you play them.” The Nationals were continually distracted by this weekend’s odd start times and a team fan event on Saturday. They’re also in the middle of a death march of a schedule.
During the game, Matt Hicks reminisced about living in DC as a child and being a Senator’s fan. He was at their last game and had cried his eyes out over the team leaving town. (I’m not sure if this was the Twins or the Rangers version of the Senators.) After getting a big lead, young Matt was at least happy that they were going to win their last game. Unfortunately, fans prematurely stormed the field in the ninth, looking to take souvenirs. Because of this disruption, the game ended in a forfeit and a loss for the Senators.
There was some major disappointment in the morning. I turned on the TV to see the US Women’s Soccer team play. No, actually I tuned in to see Alex Morgan. She was not there. It turned out later, she was injured. Carli Lloyd only barely put in an appearance, as this was a “friendly.” The US won 1-0 over Norway anyway.
This was part of a Foxsports double-header with the US versus Mexico coming on later. That game wouldn’t actually count for anything either, but it was being held in the ultimate hostile environment in Mexico City. In the Fox pre and post game shows, Fernando Fiore was there and speaking in English.
The Canadian F1 GP was a highly event-filled contest. Unfortunately, I wasn’t taking notes. There were really just two interesting stories. Late in the race, Fernando Alonso’s engine blew and he came to a stop in front of a grandstand. He went up into the crowd, slapping hands, and giving hugs. He tossed his gloves into the crowd. F1 drivers never do this. Fernando’s Indy experience apparently really brightened his outlook towards the fans.
Sir Patrick Stewart came out to conduct the podium interviews, including race winner, Lewis Hamilton. Prompted by Stewart and the crowd, Daniel Ricciardo did his podium ritual of drinking champagne out of this shoe and then threw it into the crowd. He asked Patrick if he’d like a drink. “Sure!” Patrick cheered. Daniel took off his other shoe and obliged him. “I don’t care if I have to drink it from a shoe! I’m having champagne on the podium!”
After the Rangers’ game, Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final, the US versus Mexico soccer match, and the Chihuahuas’ game all came on at the same time. The pups went down 9-0 early and I tuned them out. They lost 11-5. Boo.
The US team scored early, but Mexico answered later in the half. 1-1 ended up being the final. It was a tie in what was meaningless game, since both teams have already qualified for the World Cup (I think, some other tournament?). Typical soccer. I’m glad that I didn’t really bother watching. It was raining there in Mexico City. At the end of the match, debris was also raining down from the stands. The Mexican fans were not happy with this result. Both teams probably had a nervous exit from the stadium. Boo.
In Nashville, the neighborhood around the arena was literally filled with people. There was even a concert on a rooftop playing for them. Incredibly, there was more scoring in the soccer match. Though I haven’t watched much of the Stanley Cup final, for the second time, I saw the Predators have one of their goals waved off in the first period. This time, it was definitely on a bad call (an early whistle) by a ref. In the third period, the Preds weren’t even able to score on a 5 on 3 advantage. The Penguins won on a late goal (that was also questioned by the refs). The final was 2-0 after an empty-netter. Penguins win the championship. Boo.
6-13-17
Today I had a real quandary between choosing games to listen to. With a massive flip in my work schedule, I was at home in the early evening listening to baseball. I started off listening to the Rangers and Astros, but as the signal went bad, I flipped to the Chihuahuas’ game. Tim Hagerty was joined by Steve Kapolwitz from the local El Paso sports talk show. I was sorry I’d missed some of their conversation, as they’re friends and apparently neighbors. They were having a good time and loved talking baseball. Tim, in particular, was displaying a great sense of humor that doesn’t usually come out in his solo broadcasts. They even blew off a commercial break to continue a talk about Cody Decker. (Neither were invited to his upcoming wedding.) I know Kappy has his own show to do, but I hope they can bring him on more and have him do a couple of innings of game call to help save Tim’s voice.
But, I really wanted to find out how that Texas matchup went, so I flipped over a Rangers’ nighttime station. The Rangers won 4-2, an unlikely second win against the Astros and their fifth in a row. I missed Ruggie getting them the lead. Flipping back again, the Chihuahuas were just finishing up a 3-1 win over the Rainiers. There was some drama in the ninth to make it interesting. That was a quick game. It started an hour later than the Rangers’.
6-14-17
During the Ranger’s loss to the Astros, Jared Sandler talked about the MLB draft. To my surprise, Marcel Renteria of the Aggies was mentioned. Well, it wasn’t totally surprising that he was picked, though he came up because he was one of many legacy players chosen in the draft, which did surprise me. Marcel is actually related to a couple of professional ball players. The game was a 13-2 whooping by the Astros. Elvis Andrus wasn’t in the lineup. That didn’t help.
6-17-17
Rangers versus Mariners. After the Rangers started off with a five-run lead, the M’s came back on a three-run homer to bring the score to 5-4. In the sixth, the Rangers unloaded another five runs, including three home runs. That would be a 10-4 Rangers’ win.
Annoyingly, the Fox Saturday game wasn’t the Astros’ game. (It ended up being a blow out win over the Red Sox anyway.) Their game was the Cubs versus the Pirates. Cubs’ pitcher Jake Arrieta hit a two-run homer, but they lost 4-3. John Smoltz was confused during one at bat when there were batters in both batters’ boxes. That was the result one of those new automatic intentional walks.
Not really interested in the game, I started flipping stations and ran into a Mexican baseball league home run hitting contest. Yes, it was just like the MLB, except Chris Berman wasn’t there saying, “Back, back, back!” It was a packed house at the stadium. There were a bunch of costumed team mascots on the field. The guys hitting there could definitely mash. They were using the old-style home run derby rules. They advertised their All-Star game for Sunday, so I’ll have to look for that.
In Fresno, an electric guitar, Jimi Hendrix-inspired National Anthem started the game. Unfortunately, the Chihuahuas seemed to be sleepwalking and lost 6-1. Tim Hagerty got irritated by the constant and weird sound effects by the PA.
Sunday afternoon’s matchup between the Rangers and the Nationals featured Washington ace, Max Scherzer, versus Texas rookie Austin Bibens-Dirkx. Austin, making his second big league start, gave up a leadoff home run and gave up another hit. After that, he got 19 straight outs. Scherzer was also dealing, and he only gave up a single run. In the fifth, when Max left the game, the Nationals’ bullpen gave up four runs on one hit. 5-1 Rangers would be the final, completing a three-game sweep of a much better team. However, “It’s not who you play; it’s when you play them.” The Nationals were continually distracted by this weekend’s odd start times and a team fan event on Saturday. They’re also in the middle of a death march of a schedule.
During the game, Matt Hicks reminisced about living in DC as a child and being a Senator’s fan. He was at their last game and had cried his eyes out over the team leaving town. (I’m not sure if this was the Twins or the Rangers version of the Senators.) After getting a big lead, young Matt was at least happy that they were going to win their last game. Unfortunately, fans prematurely stormed the field in the ninth, looking to take souvenirs. Because of this disruption, the game ended in a forfeit and a loss for the Senators.
There was some major disappointment in the morning. I turned on the TV to see the US Women’s Soccer team play. No, actually I tuned in to see Alex Morgan. She was not there. It turned out later, she was injured. Carli Lloyd only barely put in an appearance, as this was a “friendly.” The US won 1-0 over Norway anyway.
This was part of a Foxsports double-header with the US versus Mexico coming on later. That game wouldn’t actually count for anything either, but it was being held in the ultimate hostile environment in Mexico City. In the Fox pre and post game shows, Fernando Fiore was there and speaking in English.
The Canadian F1 GP was a highly event-filled contest. Unfortunately, I wasn’t taking notes. There were really just two interesting stories. Late in the race, Fernando Alonso’s engine blew and he came to a stop in front of a grandstand. He went up into the crowd, slapping hands, and giving hugs. He tossed his gloves into the crowd. F1 drivers never do this. Fernando’s Indy experience apparently really brightened his outlook towards the fans.
Sir Patrick Stewart came out to conduct the podium interviews, including race winner, Lewis Hamilton. Prompted by Stewart and the crowd, Daniel Ricciardo did his podium ritual of drinking champagne out of this shoe and then threw it into the crowd. He asked Patrick if he’d like a drink. “Sure!” Patrick cheered. Daniel took off his other shoe and obliged him. “I don’t care if I have to drink it from a shoe! I’m having champagne on the podium!”
After the Rangers’ game, Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final, the US versus Mexico soccer match, and the Chihuahuas’ game all came on at the same time. The pups went down 9-0 early and I tuned them out. They lost 11-5. Boo.
The US team scored early, but Mexico answered later in the half. 1-1 ended up being the final. It was a tie in what was meaningless game, since both teams have already qualified for the World Cup (I think, some other tournament?). Typical soccer. I’m glad that I didn’t really bother watching. It was raining there in Mexico City. At the end of the match, debris was also raining down from the stands. The Mexican fans were not happy with this result. Both teams probably had a nervous exit from the stadium. Boo.
In Nashville, the neighborhood around the arena was literally filled with people. There was even a concert on a rooftop playing for them. Incredibly, there was more scoring in the soccer match. Though I haven’t watched much of the Stanley Cup final, for the second time, I saw the Predators have one of their goals waved off in the first period. This time, it was definitely on a bad call (an early whistle) by a ref. In the third period, the Preds weren’t even able to score on a 5 on 3 advantage. The Penguins won on a late goal (that was also questioned by the refs). The final was 2-0 after an empty-netter. Penguins win the championship. Boo.
6-13-17
Today I had a real quandary between choosing games to listen to. With a massive flip in my work schedule, I was at home in the early evening listening to baseball. I started off listening to the Rangers and Astros, but as the signal went bad, I flipped to the Chihuahuas’ game. Tim Hagerty was joined by Steve Kapolwitz from the local El Paso sports talk show. I was sorry I’d missed some of their conversation, as they’re friends and apparently neighbors. They were having a good time and loved talking baseball. Tim, in particular, was displaying a great sense of humor that doesn’t usually come out in his solo broadcasts. They even blew off a commercial break to continue a talk about Cody Decker. (Neither were invited to his upcoming wedding.) I know Kappy has his own show to do, but I hope they can bring him on more and have him do a couple of innings of game call to help save Tim’s voice.
But, I really wanted to find out how that Texas matchup went, so I flipped over a Rangers’ nighttime station. The Rangers won 4-2, an unlikely second win against the Astros and their fifth in a row. I missed Ruggie getting them the lead. Flipping back again, the Chihuahuas were just finishing up a 3-1 win over the Rainiers. There was some drama in the ninth to make it interesting. That was a quick game. It started an hour later than the Rangers’.
6-14-17
During the Ranger’s loss to the Astros, Jared Sandler talked about the MLB draft. To my surprise, Marcel Renteria of the Aggies was mentioned. Well, it wasn’t totally surprising that he was picked, though he came up because he was one of many legacy players chosen in the draft, which did surprise me. Marcel is actually related to a couple of professional ball players. The game was a 13-2 whooping by the Astros. Elvis Andrus wasn’t in the lineup. That didn’t help.
6-17-17
Rangers versus Mariners. After the Rangers started off with a five-run lead, the M’s came back on a three-run homer to bring the score to 5-4. In the sixth, the Rangers unloaded another five runs, including three home runs. That would be a 10-4 Rangers’ win.
Annoyingly, the Fox Saturday game wasn’t the Astros’ game. (It ended up being a blow out win over the Red Sox anyway.) Their game was the Cubs versus the Pirates. Cubs’ pitcher Jake Arrieta hit a two-run homer, but they lost 4-3. John Smoltz was confused during one at bat when there were batters in both batters’ boxes. That was the result one of those new automatic intentional walks.
Not really interested in the game, I started flipping stations and ran into a Mexican baseball league home run hitting contest. Yes, it was just like the MLB, except Chris Berman wasn’t there saying, “Back, back, back!” It was a packed house at the stadium. There were a bunch of costumed team mascots on the field. The guys hitting there could definitely mash. They were using the old-style home run derby rules. They advertised their All-Star game for Sunday, so I’ll have to look for that.
In Fresno, an electric guitar, Jimi Hendrix-inspired National Anthem started the game. Unfortunately, the Chihuahuas seemed to be sleepwalking and lost 6-1. Tim Hagerty got irritated by the constant and weird sound effects by the PA.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Baseball Journal June 2017 Part 2
6-6-17
On the MLB free game, the Astros were leading comfortably against the Royals until Alex Gordon tripped over home plate to tie the score at seven. The Astros had had a six run lead. Mike Moustakas homered in the ninth for a 9-7 win and snapped Houston’s 11-game winning streak. At least Royals fans will have this game to look back on at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, light-hitting infielder, Scooter Gennett, hit four home runs for Cincinnati against St. Louis. His final line was five hits and 10 RBI’s. Four homers in a game is actually a rarer feat than a perfect game.
6-7-17
6-5 win for the Chihuahuas over the Isotopes in Albuquerque. I had to listen through heavy static from a storm in the area, but I was glad I did. The pups were down 5-1 in the seventh, but managed to get the score to 5-4 going into the ninth. The Isotopes loaded the bases in the sixth, seventh, and eighth without scoring. With runners on first and second, there was a clutch single on a full count with two out, that tied the score. A wild pitch brought in a runner from third for the lead. The Isotopes led off the bottom of the ninth with a triple, but closer, Phil Maton, stranded him there for the win. Tim Hagerty called this “The best game of the season.”
6-8-17
Today was a day game for the Chihuahuas versus the Isotopes in Albuquerque. Manager Rod Barajas was hit on the hand by a foul ball while coaching third. Tim Hagerty was immediately concerned as Rod didn’t just laugh it off, since it was a hit by one of his own players. He stayed out for the inning, but went into the dugout and didn’t return for the rest of the game. Albuquerque’s manager, Glenallen Hill, got ejected in between the eighth and ninth, after an ongoing argument, so both managers weren’t involved in the end.
The Isotopes had the lead late, but after a double, River Stevens was down to his final strike for the last out. A disputed check swing gave him new life, and he singled to tie the game. Another single brought in the go-ahead run. The Chihuahuas must be living right, as they won 5-4. Albuquerque’s closer was the second best in the league behind the Chihuahuas’ Phil Maton, so these two comebacks were pretty impressive.
6-9-17
This was migration night at work and the functional end of my main job there. At least the ballgames were interesting. The Rangers beat the Nationals 5-1 (I think) behind seven strong innings by Andrew Cashner. The only blemish was an inexplicable dropped fly ball by Jered Hoying that would have ended the game. No harm done though.
Meanwhile in El Paso, because of all of the confusion at work, I missed most of the Chihuahuas’ game versus the Grizzlies. This was not the game to have missed. The pups were down 4-3 early, but then in the fourth there was an eight-run explosion to give the Chihuahuas a comfortable lead. They had a ten-run lead until the sixth, when the Surfin’ Bears (my nickname for them) put up six runs. Even in the ninth, it wasn’t over as the Grizzlies scored twice and left the tying runs on base. 14-12 Chihuahuas. The fans in attendance got their money’s worth.
6-10-17
It was noon in Washington DC and 10:00 am here for the next game between the Rangers and Nationals. “It’s like watching the game from an airplane,” complained Eric Nadel. The guys are really unhappy with the pressbox at the stadium. I remember watching Cubs’ games where the announcers were making similar comments. Matt Hicks continued his fascination with the Presidents’ Race. They also had an interesting discussion about umpire accuracy and the possibility of an electronic strike zone. Current officiating is judged to be at 88%.
In other words, nothing much was happening. In the fifth, Martin Perez loaded the bases with no outs. There was even an error on a foul pop up. Somehow, he got out of it. In the sixth, Adam Lind hit a two-run homer as part of a three-run inning for the Nats. 3-1 at that point. Jared Sandler mentioned Adam West had died today in an update. I even saw this story on Mexican TV later in the day.
In the ninth, Shin-Soo Choo hit a home run. Nomar Mazara hit a double to drive in a run to tie it. They would have gotten the lead, but for an overturned call. In the bottom, a lead-off double was stranded at third, and we went to extras. In the eleventh, Robinson Chirinos hit a three-run homer just over the wall and a leaping outfielder. Keone Kela locked it down in the bottom, striking out the side. 6-3 Rangers win.
In the Fox pre-game recaps of earlier games, I noticed an interesting contrast. In San Francisco, there was another full house, though the team is crappy. At the Braves’ new stadium, it was barely occupied. Admittedly, their team isn’t all that great either. The featured game was the Yankees against the Orioles. The game was functionally over so quick, if you blinked you missed it. Man-child-giant Aaron Judge blasted a homer in the first with two outs and floodgates opened. I didn’t even write down the final. It was in double digits.
It didn’t go better in El Paso, where the Grizzlies hit six home runs and won the game 9-5. It shouldn’t have been that close, but the Surfin’ Bears committed an inexcusable four errors in the seventh inning, resulting in five Chihuahuas’ runs. It still never felt like their lead was in jeopardy.
On the MLB free game, the Astros were leading comfortably against the Royals until Alex Gordon tripped over home plate to tie the score at seven. The Astros had had a six run lead. Mike Moustakas homered in the ninth for a 9-7 win and snapped Houston’s 11-game winning streak. At least Royals fans will have this game to look back on at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, light-hitting infielder, Scooter Gennett, hit four home runs for Cincinnati against St. Louis. His final line was five hits and 10 RBI’s. Four homers in a game is actually a rarer feat than a perfect game.
6-7-17
6-5 win for the Chihuahuas over the Isotopes in Albuquerque. I had to listen through heavy static from a storm in the area, but I was glad I did. The pups were down 5-1 in the seventh, but managed to get the score to 5-4 going into the ninth. The Isotopes loaded the bases in the sixth, seventh, and eighth without scoring. With runners on first and second, there was a clutch single on a full count with two out, that tied the score. A wild pitch brought in a runner from third for the lead. The Isotopes led off the bottom of the ninth with a triple, but closer, Phil Maton, stranded him there for the win. Tim Hagerty called this “The best game of the season.”
6-8-17
Today was a day game for the Chihuahuas versus the Isotopes in Albuquerque. Manager Rod Barajas was hit on the hand by a foul ball while coaching third. Tim Hagerty was immediately concerned as Rod didn’t just laugh it off, since it was a hit by one of his own players. He stayed out for the inning, but went into the dugout and didn’t return for the rest of the game. Albuquerque’s manager, Glenallen Hill, got ejected in between the eighth and ninth, after an ongoing argument, so both managers weren’t involved in the end.
The Isotopes had the lead late, but after a double, River Stevens was down to his final strike for the last out. A disputed check swing gave him new life, and he singled to tie the game. Another single brought in the go-ahead run. The Chihuahuas must be living right, as they won 5-4. Albuquerque’s closer was the second best in the league behind the Chihuahuas’ Phil Maton, so these two comebacks were pretty impressive.
6-9-17
This was migration night at work and the functional end of my main job there. At least the ballgames were interesting. The Rangers beat the Nationals 5-1 (I think) behind seven strong innings by Andrew Cashner. The only blemish was an inexplicable dropped fly ball by Jered Hoying that would have ended the game. No harm done though.
Meanwhile in El Paso, because of all of the confusion at work, I missed most of the Chihuahuas’ game versus the Grizzlies. This was not the game to have missed. The pups were down 4-3 early, but then in the fourth there was an eight-run explosion to give the Chihuahuas a comfortable lead. They had a ten-run lead until the sixth, when the Surfin’ Bears (my nickname for them) put up six runs. Even in the ninth, it wasn’t over as the Grizzlies scored twice and left the tying runs on base. 14-12 Chihuahuas. The fans in attendance got their money’s worth.
6-10-17
It was noon in Washington DC and 10:00 am here for the next game between the Rangers and Nationals. “It’s like watching the game from an airplane,” complained Eric Nadel. The guys are really unhappy with the pressbox at the stadium. I remember watching Cubs’ games where the announcers were making similar comments. Matt Hicks continued his fascination with the Presidents’ Race. They also had an interesting discussion about umpire accuracy and the possibility of an electronic strike zone. Current officiating is judged to be at 88%.
In other words, nothing much was happening. In the fifth, Martin Perez loaded the bases with no outs. There was even an error on a foul pop up. Somehow, he got out of it. In the sixth, Adam Lind hit a two-run homer as part of a three-run inning for the Nats. 3-1 at that point. Jared Sandler mentioned Adam West had died today in an update. I even saw this story on Mexican TV later in the day.
In the ninth, Shin-Soo Choo hit a home run. Nomar Mazara hit a double to drive in a run to tie it. They would have gotten the lead, but for an overturned call. In the bottom, a lead-off double was stranded at third, and we went to extras. In the eleventh, Robinson Chirinos hit a three-run homer just over the wall and a leaping outfielder. Keone Kela locked it down in the bottom, striking out the side. 6-3 Rangers win.
In the Fox pre-game recaps of earlier games, I noticed an interesting contrast. In San Francisco, there was another full house, though the team is crappy. At the Braves’ new stadium, it was barely occupied. Admittedly, their team isn’t all that great either. The featured game was the Yankees against the Orioles. The game was functionally over so quick, if you blinked you missed it. Man-child-giant Aaron Judge blasted a homer in the first with two outs and floodgates opened. I didn’t even write down the final. It was in double digits.
It didn’t go better in El Paso, where the Grizzlies hit six home runs and won the game 9-5. It shouldn’t have been that close, but the Surfin’ Bears committed an inexcusable four errors in the seventh inning, resulting in five Chihuahuas’ runs. It still never felt like their lead was in jeopardy.
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