Monday, June 25, 2012

Tossing 11 Innings for the Win

Yesterday we played the A's, who are in first place. The first time that we played them they run ruled us in game 1. Their game 1 starter is one of the two starters that is still undeated this season. He pitched a good game while we had some struggles on the mound and field. We were missing a few players that would normally be starting for us. We ended up losing 7-2. This past week I extended my running and worked out a little harder. It paid off during my game. I had a no hitter till the 7 inning where I gave up two hits and my only run of the day. After 9 innings the score was tied at 1-1. Their import was throwing really well. I continue to pitch the 10th and 11th innings. Since I had a few quick innings early in the game my pitch count was still low and I felt good. My velo wasn't dropping and I was still keeping the ball down. I knew how much this win meant to us and I was going to do whatever I could to make sure that we won. We ended up scoring in the bottom on the 11th to win the game. I love that in baseball that no matter how old you are when you score a winning run everyone acts like they are 10 years old again. It really is a kids game and that's the way you should play it. That was the most innings I have pitched in my life and I was feeling it in my back today(which is where you want to be sore). I'm going to have a nice long run tomorrow and start preparing for our game this Saturday. I'm excited to get back out there and pick up right where we left off. I continue to thank God for blessing me with the talents that he did and I try to bring glory to him through my playing. God gave us all different passions and skills. Some people are great at singing or drawing. Whatever your passion is go after it with all you got. You will have to make some sacafrices along the way but in the end it will be worth it. Trust in his plan and he will take care of you.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Baseball Superstitions

Baseball players are probably the most superstitious out of any athletes out there. It's just part of the game and it adds some extra fun to it. Some are more routines then superstitions. For example you will never see a player step on the foul line coming in and out of the dugout. For some reason it's just bad luck. Some guys wear the same thing for every game. I wear the same socks, sliders and undershirt every time I pitch. I even have a routine to how I put on my uniform. Right sock left sock right sock left sock then undershirt then pants and finally jersey. Yes I wear two socks for every game. I always put my belt on my pants before putting my pants on. I shave on every game day too. It started in college because we had to and now I just continue to do it. Cleaning my cleats before the game is a part of the routine. I got to chew gum while I pitch. My Dad has left games to go to gas stations to find watermelon gum for me. When I was in college I would leave the locker room at the same time an listen to "I'm a go getta" by lil Wayne as I walked to the field. During my junior year I had a mo hawk for the season. Until I pitched awful against a really bad team. When we got back that night I shaved it off. I think my mom wishes it would have been before Easter, she wasn't real happy when I came home with that hair cut. The reason I wear my pants up is because I pitched bad one game and had to change something up.
I have seen some crazy things over the years. I have seen guys shave all their hair off after a bad series or bleach their hair. I had a second basemen one summer that when the catcher would throw down at the start of the inning he would kiss the ball. I asked him about it one time and he acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. I remember one guy that would wear his girlfriends perfume on his game jersey. He said it helped him play better. I know a person that would eat one red and green sour patch kids and one red and green gummy bear before each game.
Then there are some of the unwritten ones. Have you ever noticed that when a starting pitcher isn't pitching that day that he is relaxed laughing and making jokes with other guys. But when it's his day to pitch he is completely different. This is because he is focused on the game. No one really talks to him before the game. Then if he has a no hitter going. You won't see any player close to him on the bench. You don't want to be the player to jinx it. These are all just for fun. Sometimes when you think something is different that's all you need to get out of the slump your in.
I can't wait to play again tomorrow. I hope everyone has a blessed day, God has given you another day so make the most of it.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Watching the Sweep Slip Away

This past weekend we had a chance to sweep and solidify our second place position. In game one we hit really well, putting up 12 runs in just seven innings. They managed to score two off an error which should have ended the game. Clemens threw really well and once we had the lead we never looked back.
In game 2 we put up 9 runs off their import pitcher who had pitched in AAA at one point in his career. I managed to keep them scoreless till the 8. Due to my pitch count getting near my limit I came out of the game with the 8-1. Every one thought that it would be enough of a lead. They ended up scoring 5 more that inning to make it 8-6. In the top of the 9th they tied the game. With the go ahead run on third. Someone thought the hidden ball play would be a good idea. They umpire called a balk on our pitcher and the winning run got a free pass home. Regardless if the umpire made the right call or not, we still gave up 9 runs in two innings to a pretty weak offensive team. Then second why would you even try to run that play in that situation. It was just a bad call in my opinion. That was the first time this season we hadn't won the second game. I really hate losing but losing like that makes it even worse. If we lose one to nothing and played good that's a lot easier to handle.
We are half way through the season right now. We play the A's this Sunday who are in first place. It's going to be a good day of baseball, since their game one starter is undefeated. It's nice that we are playing at home again. It really doesn't feel like I have been here for two month today. I decided to not cut my hair the whole time that I'm here, which i normally keep pretty short. It's probably the longest it's been in about 7 years and I still got a few months to go here.
I'm excited a the second half of the season. Now I know what each team has to offer. I feel like we are going to have a great second half. There isn't a team in the league that we can't beat. If we stay focused and keep working we can easily make the playoffs.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Ducks Move Into Second Place

This past weekend we spilt against the Wanderers. I was fun playing against my buddy Joe. We have been playing against each other now for 9 years. Friday was fun because we got to play under the lights. There is just something special about it. They strung together some good hits and came out on top on Friday. It was weird on Saturday only having one game to play. Our game was broadcast other the web so my Dad and one of my good friends Mason went over to my sisters to watch it on tv. I pitched pretty good and we won 5-3. I pitched another complete game, my forth one of the year. I gave up three runs had 7 strike outs and two walks. With that win we moved into a tie for second place with the Cubs, but since we swept them we win the tie breaker.
Next Tuesday I will have been here for two months. The time here has flown by. I am really enjoying it here and love learning about different cultures. It funny to see how things are different here. For example they don't put in in cups here when you get a drink and the waiters don't refill your drink. So we have had to learn to ration our drinks while we eat. I have been craving some sweet tea lately. Normally all I drink is water, gatorade, and sweet tea. Maybe my grandmother can send me some. When I was in Vienna this past weekend I found a Mexican store. I was so happy to finally buy hot sauce for the tacos I have been making. I miss going to eat mexican with my Mom on friday nights. That is probably one of the first places I'll eat when I get back.
We are off this weekend so Joe and I might adventure to somewhere with Amber and Mandy. I can't wait for my Sister and her husband to come so we can go to Prague together. It will be here before we know it.