Tagged: Brandon Dixon
Jurassic (Ball)Park
Louisville Bats vs. Toledo Mud Hens (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: Back in Kentucky, this is a game Brian suggested we attend when the schedule first came out. With both of us being a huge fan of the Jurassic Park/World franchise, I could hardly ague with him. The Bats were playing the Mud Hens, and with us being Tiger fans, we sat down the first base side. In fact, we were directly in front of the Mud Hens bullpen, and were able to watch starting pitcher Artie Lewicki warm up. When Lewicki’s arm was ready to go, Toledo pitching coach Jeff Pico gave Brian the ball.
This game was definitely a pitchers’ duel. For the Bats, Robert Stephenson threw six innings, only giving up one run and striking out six. As for Lewicki, he pitched 6.1 innings, giving up just the two runs while racking up eight K’s.
Throughout the night, the Bats were having fun with the Jurassic Night concept, having a dinosaur roam the ballpark, as well as graphics up on the big screen.
Back to the game, Louisville received all of their offense from Mason Williams and Brandon Dixon, both of whom went 2-4 on the night with an RBI.
This was a fun night at the ballpark, with all of the dinosaur things going on and some great baseball. Brian and I ended the night by sitting way up in the right field cheap seats.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Meeting the Bats
Louisville Bats vs. Rochester Red Wings (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: This was such a bitter-sweet game, as it was the last Bats game for us this season. It’s hard to believe the season, and summer, has gone by so quickly, but here we are, ready to say goodbye to Louisville Slugger Field for a while. A good way to send us off, though, is the Bats held their autograph day for their last weekend home series. Brian was excited to meet the players and get his baseball signed. Most of the players were good with the kids, coach Jody Davis was great with the fans, while new-comer Scott Van Slyke skipped over some kids to sign a folder full of cards (look them up on eBay!!!).
It was another warm day, so we made sure to get seats out of the sun. While the weather was warm, the Bats’ bats were hot. Alex Blandino and Brandon Dixon hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning, while Scott Van Slyke hit a RBI single to put Louisville up 3-0. Dixon had a career game for the Bats, going 4-5 with three home runs, a double, and seven RBI’s in the game. He was a big part of the Bats’ seven run fourth inning, chasing top Twins prospect Stephen Gonsalves.
On the mound for Louisville, Rookie Davis earned the win, throwing six innings, giving up five runs on six hits, while striking out four. Evan Mitchell came in to take care of the last three innings, giving up one run and striking out one. FINAL: Bats 13, Red Wings 6.
Again, a fun day, but sad that it’s our last Bats game of the season. Hopefully this isn’t the end of baseball season as a whole for us, though. Brian starts fall ball this week, the Florence Freedom are in the playoffs, and we hope to catch another Reds game this fall. The Bats are also hosting a movie night next month which should be fun. I’ll leave off with a photo of Brian up on the #BatsBoard after the autograph signing. Remember to add me on SnapChat @minorbaseball to follow the live game action.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Lone Wolf
Louisville Bats vs. Buffalo Bisons (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: Last weekend was another first, as this was the inaugural game that I attended alone. Brian was tied up with a friend, Trevor wasn’t feeling well, and Lily was, well, out being Lily. Since there was no one there to entertain me other than the ballplayers, we can get right to the action, or in-action, in the Bats case.
Starting on the mound for Louisville was Cody Reed. He took the loss, going six innings while giving up four runs and striking out five. Leading the way offensively for the Bats was Jesse Winker. He went 2/5 with and RBI. Also helping out were Eric Jagielo and Brandon Dixon, who went 2/4 and 2/3 respectively in the loss. FINAL: Bats 2, Bisons 5.
This was a short entry, but, again, the game wasn’t as much fun without any of my little buddies there. It’s still always great to be at the ballpark, but better when enjoying it with someone!
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Bats double-header Game 2
Louisville Bats vs. Columbus Clippers (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: Brian and I settled in for the second game, and were pleased with this one, also, as we were looking for another Bats victory. To start the game off right, though, we had to get ourselves some ballpark treats. Brian went with some Flavor Ice and I settled for some simple ice cream in a helmet.
Pitching for the Bats in game two was lefty Ismael Guillon. He pitched three and two thirds of an inning, giving up four hits and one run, but never allowing a base on balls. Louisville did most of their damage in the fourth inning. Beau Amaral hit a bases loaded triple, scoring Sebastian Elizalde, Brandon Dixon, and Rob Brantley. The Bats lead 4-1 after the fourth and hung on for the victory. Final(7): Bats 4, Clippers 3.
We can’t forget that the Zooperstars were still on hand to put on a show. We were able to see Peyton Manatee, Nomar GarciaParrott, and Whale Gretzky. Harry Canary sang ‘Take Me Out To The Ballgame’ during the seventh inning stretch, but I wasn’t able to snap a photo of that.
And we ended the day right by hanging out with Buddy Bat! More posts to come in the next couple of weeks.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Bats double-header Game 1
Louisville Bats vs. Columbus Clippers (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: Well, we finally made it back to Slugger Field for some Bats baseball. Usually with us the rain is a pain, but last weekend it actually helped, as Saturday nights game was rained out, so we were able to enjoy a double-header on Sunday. The first game moved by quickly, but we enjoyed it and cheered on our team.
As is with most minor league double-headers, they are a seven inning games, and this one was a pitchers duel. For the Bats, starter Jackson Stephens pitched all seven innings for a complete game shut out. He gave up seven hits, but gave up no walks in his outing. And while we were watching all of the non-offense, Brian was enjoying his free kids meal of a hot dog, nachos, and root beer.
The Zooperstars were also on hand to entertain us. We saw CentiPete Rose, Tommy LaSwordfish, and Tim TeBull during this game.
We finally saw some excitement in the final inning. The Bats had back-to-back singles from Sebastian Elizalde and Tony Renda to open the inning. Then Brandon Dixon came to the plate and hit a walk-off single for a 1-0 Louisville victory! Final (7): Bats 1, Clippers 0.
Between games Brian and I went out to the West Wing to get out of the sun for a while. As Sunday is Kids Club day, they had plenty of activities for them. Brian was lucky enough to interact with some of our veterans, and made a poppy flower that will go on a Memorial Day parade float honoring our fallen heroes!
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Minoring In Baseball 