In and Out...

It seems like a month has passed since I last made an entry here. As i mentioned in my last post, I didn't see too much of the current home stand due to attending my youngest sister's wedding up in Connecticut. I took an extra day off from my regular job to to attend today's game. Several of my male coworkers also took half a day of to attend also, so it was nice day out for the boys. It was a very nice day for a change, too, with no rain at all in the forecast. I arrived early to make sure he boys had tickets for the game, and then headed for the field. When I made up to the dugouts, the gang was all there. The "gang" today was Izzy, Ben, Justin, Cullen, and Cullen's brother, whose name escapes me at this moment. The last 4 are daytime guys and were here to help us get things rolling. The field was pretty much ready to go, it just needed lined and watered. We got both done rather quickly and then took up our usual spots in the cubby as the game started. The Sens had won the 1st 4 games of this unusual 5 game series, (due to a Sunday double-header) so Erie was looking to salvage at least 1 win. They jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead as the Sens struggled a bit at the plate. One of the stranger things I have ever seen happened around the 3rd or 4th inning. With runners on 1st and 2nd for Erie, their next batter dropped a bunt down the 3rd base line. It rolled right down the chalk line. The Sens hoping it would go foul, followed it down the line, and catcher Luke Montz, tried to help it along by getting down on the ground and trying to blow the ball foul. I didn't put down a real heavy line, but the ball followed the line and came to a stop right on top of the line. Safe all around. Erie was able to add 1 more run to make it 3-0. The Sens were able to climb back in with back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the 4th. It see-sawed back and forth until finally it was tied in the 9th. The game had moved along pretty well until the 8th inning when it came to a screeching halt. The Sens had a chance to win it in the bottom of the 9th, but couldn't push a run across. So we went to the 1th, then the 11th. Finally in the bottom of the 11th, the boys loaded the bases with 2 outs. Mike Daniel hit one in the hole to short and beat the throw with the winning run crossing the plate,giving them a 6-5 win and a 5 game home sweep. This team is starting to make a believer out of me. After the game we went out to check out, what we speculated, was a rather large hole in the pitcher's landing area on the mound. We were right. Our earlier conversation in the cubby was all about clay and repair techniques on the mound and plate. The type of clay we have been using, the gray stuff, leaves a lot to be desired. We used to use a different brand, that was black in color, that was much better to use and stayed together far longer than the gray stuff. Unfortunately, its more expensive, and the field budget doesn't allow for it. So we do the best we can, trying to figure out ways to make the gray stuff work better. Hey, Eastern League! How about negotiating a group agreement with an exclusive supplier to get us what works for less money. Well, its a nice thought and with that I'll take my leave. Until next weekend's home stand, later.