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Well, this game went right for us in just about every way. We scored runs – got great pitching from Ismael Valdes (who I really hope is still here next year – he’s been awesome), and we didn’t screw up late, even after having brought in John Rocker (whose sprint in from the dugout got him to the pitching mound before Valdes was in the dugout, I’ve never seen that happen before). We had home runs from Mike Young, Herbert Perry, & Kevin Mench (just called up again). Cincinatti had some problems with pitching. Their first guy was normally a reliever, and had to come out after just .2 of the first inning with what turned out to be a broken finger. They ended up going through five pitchers (they were on Pitcher #3 in the third inning already!). Hopefully it strains their pen for the rest of the series.
There were some great comical moments, too. Mike Young’s HR that he didn’t know was a home run and slid into third base, then heard the Natural music was one. Arod’s trip and tumble to score in the first inning was great (provided he doesn’t get hurt from it), and the third was Johnny Bench on the TV coverage asking a cameraman for an autograph. That was totally awesome. Was kind of hoping we’d get Griffey & Arod, but Griffey’s hurt again. Also, the stat about 33 gold gloves (all from catchers) being in the house last night was great too. Bench with 10, Pudge with 10, Jim Sundberg with 7, and Bob Boone with 6. Was nice to see my old friend Bob Boone (who won a series ring with the Phillies in 1980 – my home town team

Dave Burba didn’t give up a first inning run at all – quite a departure from the norm. However, just two days later, I can’t say I remember anything else from this game, except two images from the TV coverage. Some fans in the stands with brooms, and some fans doing that stupid Braves “chop” things. That irritates me more than the wave!

Hideki Irabu. Extra Innings. Home Runs. Lost Game. That’s about all that will be remembered about this – despite some good pitching by Rob Bell.

OK, what’s wrong with Chan Ho Park? I can’t BELIEVE he’s this terrible. I figured he’d have some dropoff this year going to the AL for the first time, but I never imagined he’d be this bad. I was outside digging holes in the ground in my back yard, as I’m building a fence, and was listening to the game. More than one use of the hole digging tool was followed by “Stupid ass Rangers!” as the tool got thrust into the ground. It was nice to see Pudge break out big time in his first game back, though.
After I was done digging, I decided I wasn’t going to listen/watch this game anymore – I decided the Texas Rangers team I have on my Xbox was more entertaining than the real one. :)

Well, we keep TRYING to lose games, but this time we managed to find a way to hang on and get a win – saving us from a sweep against the Angels in four games (something that’s never happened ever). I guess that’s something.
However, on a more positive note, some of the good things to come out of this game were Juan Gonzalez finally getting a “good” HR – and by that I mean one with men on base. He jacked a three run home run as part of a big 7 spot inning early on. Was nice to see that.
Also good was the hitting debut of Ryan Ludwick – who went 2-5 with a run scored. He looked good at the plate, especially against Appier – but then again Appier was off. Still, it’s always nice to get a hit in your first at bat, and he got two! Nice debut, although I’m sure it further clouds our already crowded OF position – although I expect we’ll probably release Calvin Murray. He’s fast, but can’t hit. Ludwick is fast, and can hit – or so his rep says he can.

Holy crap what an annoying game. Ismael Valdes finally gets some runs where he can win, and he doesn’t win. Arod and Mike Young barely miss hitting home runs that die right at the base of the wall. We take the lead into the bottom of the ninth, and then Irabu melts down and lets the game get tied with more home runs. We take the lead again in the 10th, and then Irabu blows it again. Needless to say he got dumped on the 3 or 4 fantasy teams I have that he was on. :) Can’t catch a frickin’ break. Well, at least there’s interleague play coming up – sigh.
About the only really positive thing of this game is that Juan Gonzalez finally got his 400th career home run. He’s also not getting very many RBI opportunities batting behind Raffy & Arod – I think he needs to go back to 4th. Oh yeah, and Ryan Ludwick made his major league debut – I always like seeing kids get their debuts.
I’m almost to the point where I’m ready to write off the season. I know it’s still June 6th, but we show no signs of turning it around steadily. Thought we had it figured out a few weeks ago, but then we slid, and haven’t gotten back up since. Unless we turn it around for something like 2 or 3 weeks solid, I think we’re close to being done again before the All-Star Break.