Category: Major Leagues
Tigers vs. Reds Game 2
Cincinnati Reds vs. Detroit Tigers (MLB Inter-League)
Great American Ballpark-Cincinnati, OH: Back at BABP for the day game. It was very hot, so we didn’t even bother trying to find our assigned seats, we just moved around the lower level in the shade. Brian was tired, hot, and cranky, but we were still able to get one photo out of him, but we couldn’t get a smile out of him…
On to the game, as I thought the Tigers might come out swinging as they did in the ninth inning the night before. They were actually off to a two-run lead after a first inning home run by Jeimer Candelario and a fourth inning dinger by Niko Goodrum. Last seasons Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer was keeping the Reds at bay, until the wheels came off in the sixth inning in the form of three runs. Scooter Gennett, Eugenio Suarez, and Adam Duvall all homered for the Reds, to give Cincinnati five runs in the last three innings. Tyler Mahle would start and earn the win for the Reds, as Fulmer took the loos for the Tigs. Final: Reds 5, Tigers 3.
Always fun to be at the ballpark, but the heat and the Tigers getting creamed two days in a row was a bummer. The Reds were just recently in Detroit and were swept in three games, so that was a little payback for the Tigers.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Tigers vs. Reds Game 1
Cincinnati Reds vs. Detroit Tigers (MLB Inter-League)
Great American Ballpark-Cincinnati, OH: Oops… wow I’m way behind on this blog, and didn’t even make an entry in July! Well, here I am catching up on June, when the Tigers were visiting Cincinnati, so it sounded like a great chance for us to catch some games. My dad came down from Michigan to join us for the games, also, which made it a special couple of days.
The National Anthem was cool, as they had a bald eagle from the Cincinnati Zoo do a fly in after the song.
I’m not going to mince words here, this was an ugly game for the Tigers. Just horrible. Hard to watch. Joey Votto hit a grand slam off of Nick Castellano’s glove, to help put the Reds up 9-0. The Tigers made a run in the ninth, scoring five runs to make it look respectable, but too little, too late. Scooter Gennett added two hits for the Reds and Leonys Martin went 3-3 for Detroit.
On the mound, Sal Romano earned the win for Cincinnati, while Matt Boyd struggled and took the loss for the Tigers. Fun to see the Tigers with my family, but rough to watch the re-building Tigers struggle so much. We’d be back the next afternoon to see if they could do better (they didn’t…) Final: Reds 9, Tigers 5.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Cardinals vs. ChiSox Game 2
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago White Sox (NL/AL)
Busch Stadium-St. Louis, MO: We were back at Busch the next morning for a day game, and I honestly couldn’t believe how big the crowd was. There were 38,000 fans the night before, but a day game in the middle of the week drawing 37,000 was amazing. We got to the ballpark as early as we could, and scarfed down some $10 hot dogs before game time. We had nice seats in the outfield’s lower level, which gave us a different view of the game. It was a hot day, but the breeze and cloud cover was our saving grace.
This was another solid game for the home town Cards. Starting pitcher Carlos Martinez blasted his first ever home run to give St. Louis the early lead. Dexter Fowler added to that with a two-run homer of his own in the seventh inning. Martinez pitched a solid 7.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits while striking out five. Bud Norris earned the four-out save with two strike outs. The White Sox came back late in the game to make it interesting, but the Cards held on for the win. Yadi Molina was 2-3 in the game, also. Final: Cardinals 3, White Sox 2.
What a fun day, and again I’m blown away from the love and support for this team here in St. Louis. Despite the cost, these were some fun games to go to, and a must for any baseball fan. St. Louis has some nice areas and fun things to do, so I’ll probably get the kids out this way at some point.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Cardinals vs. ChiSox Game 1
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago White Sox (NL/AL)
Busch Stadium-St. Louis, MO: After a crazy day and long drive, we finally arrived in St. Louis! Busch Stadium is a great place to watch a ballgame, but boy was it expensive. Lucky for us I got really cheap seats off Seat Geek, but every other expense really took it’s toll. We had some pretty decent seats, though, we were up high but in the front row so we had a great view of all of the action, and able to see the beautiful ballpark.
The game itself was a great one. The Cardinals took the lead with a Tommy Pham home run, but later lost the lead. Down 2-1 in the ninth, Matt Carpenter hit a home run to tie the game, then Yadir Molina’s base hit knocked in the winning run for a walk off. Yadi was 2-4 on the day, and I can really see why Cardinal fans love this guy so much. On he mound, Michael Wacha got the start, going five innings, giving up two runs on five hits, and striking out three. Bud Norris would earn he win in relief, pitching one scoreless inning.
A fun game with a great crowd. Over 38,000 in attendance for a weekday game, and we were all treated to a walk off win. We would be back at Busch for a day game the next morning.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Slugger Museum LEGO Exhibit
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory-Louisville, KY: Brian and I started the new year off on a good note, visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to check out some LEGO action. The Big Leagues Little Bricks exhibit has been at the museum for the last year, but this is the first chance we’ve had to check it out. The summer was busy with all sorts or games and activities, and now with Christmas and New Years winding down, it seemed like the perfect time. The first thing on Brian’s agenda was definitely seeing the LEGOS. They had full ballparks such as Wrigley Field, Miller Park, and the Great American Ballpark up in Cincinnati on display, as well as some portraits of some players. Brian was even able to play and make some creations of his own.
Miller Park
After the factory tour (where photos are not allowed), we hung out in the other museum area to see all that was on display there. Since Ken Griffey Jr. is Brian’s favorite player, he wanted to hold his bat and take a few swings. The museum also had a life-size statue of ‘The Kid’ he got his photo with.
I was happy to hold Lou Whitaker’s bat, since he was one of my heroes growing up when he played for the Detroit Tigers.
This was a fun day for Brian and I to spend together. I love seeing all of the other bat exhibits and seeing pieces of history. I really can’t recommend this enough for any baseball fan, and the off-season is a perfect time to check it out and get ready for spring.
All you have to do is look for the big bat…
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
M.I.B. 2017 Year in Review
In the past, I’ve usually posted a ‘Prime 9’ of my favorite moments of the baseball season. This year I decided to do something a little different, since Brian showed me how to make little videos on my iPhone. We did have some very memorable moments, from Brian do some announcing in Bowling Green, to our first games in Nashville and Lexington, local games in Louisville and Cincinnati with Brian and Trevor, and of course Brian’s Little League seasons. I had to make two videos, as apparently YouTube has a 15 minute maximum length. Here is part one:
And part two:
Thank you for all who stopped by for our baseball adventures in 2017, and I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2018. Happy New Year, y’all!
Videos property of Minoring In Baseball
Color Labor Day Red
Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers (National League)
Great American Ballpark-Cincinnati, OH: Oh, Labor Day. When most people are smart enough to take a day off and relax, we decided to head up to the Queen City for some Reds baseball. As usual, we parked in Newport and took the boat over to the ballpark. Since the boat always drops us off at the back of the park (duh, like, it can’t travel down the street and around the corner…), Trevor and I decided to walk around and check out the façade. I took a photo of some of the statues featured out front, such as the greatest catcher ever Johnny Bench and ‘Charlie Hustle’ himself, Pete Rose. The Rose statue is new to the ballpark this season.
I thought we had great seats again, in the bleachers, but the front row which gave us a great view of the field.
The game started a little slow, and the Reds finally took a 1-0 when Joey Votto took a walk in the third inning to drive in a run. Not very exciting, I know, but a run is a run.
Trevor wasn’t happy in the hot sun, so we found some seats with some shade, and a little closer to the action. The Reds scored another run in the 6th, when Eugenio Suarez earned a walk. Yeah, I know. Yawn. But then Tucker Barnhart hit a double that plated two, so business was picking up. The Reds were up 4-0, and I was feeling pretty good about the game.
The Brewers came storming back top of the seventh, however. Homer Bailey got the start for the Reds, and he pitched a solid six innings, giving up three runs and striking out four. A pair of home runs tied the game at four going into the late innings.
Still tied at four bottom nine, it was hero time for Billy Hamilton. He hit his first right-handed home run of the season to set off the fireworks and give the Reds the win! Relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias got the win for Cincy. This was a great way to spend Labor Day, even though I only got a half-hour nap in before working all night. It was worth it for a fun day of baseball with Trevor. FINAL: Reds 5, Brewers 4.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Great American Birthday
Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals (National League)
Great American Ballpark-Cincinnati, OH: I love it that I have a summer birthday. One perk is that it’s a good even split from presents at Christmas. My sister has a birthday on December 29th. It just seemed like Christmas presents simply flowed into birthday presents a few days later. Another perk of a summer birthday is that I can enjoy it at a ballgame. This year the Cincinnati Reds were nice enough to host a day game in celebration, so Brian and I made the short journey to enjoy some Major League Baseball. As usual, we parked over in Newport, KY, and took the boat across the Ohio River to the Great American Ballpark.
It was a super hot day out, but Brian still wanted to play on the kids’ field for a bit. Good gravy, the game hasn’t even started yet and this kid looks so hot and disheveled…
Our seats were amazing, even in the upper deck. We had front row and had a phenomenal view of the game taking place before us, sitting behind home plate. Unfortunately, as northern boys, the sun and heat were not making it comfortable for us, so we had to move down under some shade. At least we had a solid look at Eugenio Suarez’s home run in the second inning. And that was pretty much all the offense the Reds could muster.
Here’s a hit by Scooter!
If Tucker Barnhart is looking at me for a sign on what to throw to Bryce Harper, I have no clue. That guy can hit just about anything…
The game itself wasn’t a great one for the Reds. Scott Feldman started out on the mound, but only lasted one inning. He gave up five runs on five hits, including two home runs. One was a three-run blast by Harper. Well, he’s now on the DL… Asher Wojciechowski (who was just on Louisville last month) came in to throw five solid innings, giving up one run on two hits, while striking out four. And again, the only offense for the Reds was Suarez’s home run. FINAL: Reds 1, Nationals 6.
Despite the score and the heat, this was a great birthday. Lily and Trevor were up visiting Michigan, so I really missed them, but Brian and I had a good time. I definitely want to take in another game here before the season is over, but maybe in September, and maybe a night game so it’s cooler. We’ll be back at the Bats this weekend, but I can’t believe the season is half-way over, and we only have a few more games planned…
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Opening week in Cincy
Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies (National League)
Great American Ballpark-Cincinnati, OH: We’re used to taking my dad to a ballgame for his birthday up in Michigan, but since we’re down here now, we decided to invite him down here for a game (or two, or three). We’re also used to some crummy weather up there, so a little cold and rain certainly didn’t keep us from the ballpark down here. This was his first game in Cincy, also, so it was a special day. Lucky for us the usher we met was also a Tiger fan, so he took good care of us. He was nice enough to take a photo of us together, as well as get my dad a certificate for his birthday and first Reds game.
There wasn’t much of a crowd, but we enjoyed our seats in the front row of the upper level. There was a little rain, but we donned our ponchos and kept dry. There wasn’t much of a crowd, so we could pretty much sit where we wanted. After a few innings on the upper level, we moved below to enjoy the rest of the game from there.
On the mound, Rookie Davis was getting his first Major League start, as he is, well, a rookie. He didn’t pitch horrible, but did give up a couple of home runs, allowing four runs in five innings of work, while striking out four batters. Despite being down a few runs, the Reds bullpen was strong. Cody Reed ended up getting the win, throwing two scoreless innings. Drew Storen earned the save by pitching a scoreless ninth and striking out two.
Cincinnati was lead offensively by Adam Duvall, who went 2-4 with a home run and two RBI’s. Also pitching in were Zach Cozart, going 2-3 with two RBI’s; Eugenio Suarez, going 2-3 with two runs scored; and Billy Hamilton, going 2-5. Pitcher Michael Lorenzen also stepped up to the plate and hit a pinch-hit home run! It was a solid day all around offensively for the Reds. Final: Reds 7, Phillies 2.
Despite the weather that seemed to keep most fans away (and the fact that it was a weekday day game), this was a fun game to watch. I’m not sure when we’ll make it back to Cincy again, lots of minor league and college ball the next couple of months to keep us busy!
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Bats vs. Reds…sort of
Louisville Bats vs. Cincinnati Reds (Exhibition)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: We’re so glad that Bats baseball is slowly creeping back into our lives! On Friday night the Bats (sort of) hosted the Cincinnati Reds for an exhibition game. I say ‘sort of’ for the Bats because in all reality, this was a Red’s Futures team, which probably very few from this roster will be actually seeing time in Louisville this summer. Probably more guys from the Reds roster will be here, but it’s still baseball, and it was still a fun game. We got there as early as we could, to get our Adam Duvall bobble-head and our free Reds hats (we still cheered for our ‘Bats’, though). As the Reds were warming up, we noticed catcher Rob Brantly, who we saw play up in Michigan for the Whitecaps. Since they were old pals, Brian decided to go chat with him a bit.
And here were the starting line-ups for the teams:
The obvious big pop for the night was for Louisville’s own Adam Duvall. He had a nice game, too, going 2-2 with a double.
The game was low scoring, with both runs coming in the first two innings. Rookie Davis started on the bump for the Reds. He pitched three innings, allowing one earned run and three hits with two walks, two strikeouts and a hit batsman. Tyler Mahle started for the Bats/Futures team, hurling five solid innings and allowing one run and seven hits with a walk and three strikeouts over 87 pitches. He gave up his only run in the first inning, when Billy Hamilton scored on a Joey Votto base-hit RBI. The Bats scored their lone run on a Aristides Aquino solo home run. Final: Bats 1, Reds 1.
The game didn’t have a lot of action, but still a fun night with Brian. We have tickets for the Reds game on Thursday, but the weather calls for lots of rain, so I’m doubting we’ll get that game in. The Bats also start this week (officially), so we’ll still try to get a game in somewhere, somehow. I’ll leave off with a pic of Brian and Buddy Bat, who we were both glad to see for the first time in 2017!
Brian with Buddy Bat
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
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