The Tucson Sidewinders beat the visiting Albuquerque Isotopes, 4 to 3, last night in a game that came off like two games separated by a 1 hour 22 minute rain-delay.  At game-start here in NW Tucson we were treated to an exciting display of lightning with booming thunder…and a bit of rain, too.  I think that system moved south during the game to cost the teams a rain delay.  Anyway!  Here’s the good news:  everyone else in the Pacific Southern Division LOST yesterday, so the Winders crept up a notch in the standings!  Current record:  58 and 51 (.534).  We are 5 1/2 games behind Sacramento for Division lead.  Fresno is now two games behind us and Vegas is 5 1/2 behind us.

Greg Smith started the game for Tucson and was really dealing during his time on the mound.  In my opinion the only thing that kept Greg from a dazzling win, really, was the rain delay.  Neither starting pitcher returned after the delay and the game changed character significantly as a result.  In his six full innings of work, Greg allowed no runs on three hits, no walks, and one strikeout.  He also picked off his fifth base-runner for the season.  I should also say that our defense was right on track last night:  the Isotopes made contact with nearly all of Greg’s pitches and our guys managed to keep those knocks from becoming hits.  Alex Romero, in particular, caught a fly ball at the fence that would’ve meant extra bases if he’d missed it.  During Greg’s reign on the mound, the team made 11 ground-out plays and five fly-ball outs.  Well done!

Meanwhile, Albuquerque’s starter was also dealing.  He gave up a solo home run to Alberto Callaspo on the very first pitch in the bottom of the first inning…and that was all.  We went into the rain delay ahead by a single run.

After the rain delay, Brandon Medders came on to pitch for Tucson.  Brandon was thumped in his first inning:  giving up two runs on a walk, a wild pitch (there were actually two WPs - one advanced a runner, the latter scored a run), and three singles.  All that after getting two quick outs to start the seventh!  Brandon was charged with a blown save and Tucson was behind by a run.  Alex tied the game back up with a solo homer in the bottom of the seventh and then Brandon came out and got a quick one-two-three eighth to hold the game tied at two.  In the bottom of the eighth, Chris Carter struck out swinging, but Jamie D’Antona followed with a single and Jeff Salazar hit an RBI double to give Tucson a one-run lead once again.  Our usually unflappable closer, Chad Harville came in to pitch the ninth…and was charged with his fourth blown save of the year as he hit a batsman then allowed two singles; the second of which brought in a fleet-footed Isotope base-runner.  Tied again at three all.  Fortunately, the Snakes were able to get to the new pitcher Albuquerque brought in for the ninth!  Matt Erickson led off with a single, followed by a four-pitch walk to Berto, a sacrifice bunt by Alex, and an intentional walk to Rich Thompson (brought into the game after Robby Hammock was ejected for tossing his batting helmet and gloves to the ground after being called out on strikes in the seventh).  CC so wanted to make something happen with the bases loaded…but he grounded into a force-out at home.  Shoot!  One more chance for Jamie…and he hit a game-winning RBI single!  Chad Harville not only got a blown save, he also got the win!  (Sometimes baseball scoring just doesn’t seem fair.)

Injury Report.  Today’s paper reported that Dana Eveland tossed a bullpen session yesterday…Bill Plummer hopes he might be available to pitch again in August.  As you may recall, Dana has been on the DL since May 12th with a partially torn tendon in his left middle finger.

FINAL GAME OF THE HOMESTAND TONIGHT!!  Catch Enrique Gonzalez and the Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes on TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.  This will be your last chance to catch the Snakes at home before they head East for eight games against American Northern Division teams.  Come on down!

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

Soon after I published my posting on Saturday, my area of town was blasted by a tremendous monsoon downpour…followed by a steady, hard rain that flooded pretty much everything in sight and left me wondering how I’d get to work around low-water crossings.  As it happened the rain was soaking the entire Tucson area and Saturday night’s game was postponed before I had a chance to wander down that way.  For once, I was truly thankful not to have to go to work!  Messy day on the roads - and oh so nice to sit inside and watch the storm bring us much-needed rain!  One of the wonders of this desert that never ceases to amaze me is how we green up in July.  The foothills of the Catalinas are all a brilliant green right now - simply gorgeous!  So different from my birthplace in CA where July is a browning month…  But again I digress!  Let’s talk baseball!

The Sidewinders finally met the Albuquerque Isotopes (Marlins affiliate) in a double-header yesterday at TEP.  The field looked beautiful - thanks to all those nameless folks who worked so hard to make that happen after Saturday’s rain! - and we ended up hosting 9,000-plus fans over both games.  Most came on Library Night free coupons and seemed to have a blast.  I even spotted Curious George on the concourse!  Although seriously dark clouds threatened from the East, Brad assured us they would miss the Park…and he was right!  Not only did we get to watch baseball, but we were treated to a gorgeous sunset and an incredible near-full moonrise…with just a few raindrops to remind us we’re still in our rainy season.  It was a near-perfect evening (though a bit warm and sticky for the day game).  Bliss.

GAME ONE:  Winders 4, Isotopes 7.  Bill Murphy took another loss in his second outing from the rotation as a starter.  All seven Albuquerque runs came in the first three innings, as Bill was just pounded.  In fact, Murph gave up three multiple-run scoring homers, one per inning, that accounted for all the Isotopes’ runs!  Murph’s problems were compounded by a couple of Winder’s errors:  both Alberto Callaspo and Robby Hammock were charged with Es, so that only four of the runs-scored while Murph was on the hill were earned runs charged against him.  In the bottom half of the first two innings, Albuquerque held the Winders runless and it was looking like a blowout (similar to the shellacking that the Braves put on the D-Backs yesterday), until our boys finally began to nibble away at the score in the bottom of the third.  Tucson put up two runs in both the third and the fifth - that was all.  It wasn’t enough, but at least they were out there battling!

GAME TWO:  Winders 6, Isotopes 2.  D.J. Carrasco basically cruised through six innings of work to earn his fifth win of the season in the nightcap of the double-header.  In a very “Daigle-like” first, D.J. gave up two earned runs, but then shut them down while the Winder offense took off.  D.J. gave up those two runs on six hits and one walk.  He tossed eight strikeouts!  Offensive standouts for the Snakes last night:  Jeff Salazar hit his tenth homer of the season.  He also hit a triple and was credited with two RBIs and two runs-scored in his four at-bats.  Robby Hammock also tripled for Tucson (his first this year) and was credited with an RBI and a run-scored in his four at-bats.  Matt Erickson had two hits and two RBIs in three at-bats.  And new guy Jarred Ball (more on him later) hit a double and was credited with an RBI in his first three at-bats since being promoted to Tucson!  The only negative in the game:  we were charged with another three errors.  In the past, an error total like that would’ve meant a loss - this time we were able to work through/around that.  But I hope we’ll clean up that defense some tonight!  After the game fans stuck around for a great fireworks show - and to run the bases!

With the split the Winders’ record now stands at 57 and 51 (.528).  Our Division rivals have been active…Sacramento continues to win, Fresno has been losing a bit.  So the Pacific Southern Division looks like this:  Sacramento in lead;  Tucson 6 1/2 back;  Fresno 8 back;  Vegas 11 1/2 back.

When Can We Get a Backpack?  Because Saturday’s game was cancelled, the planned Sidewinders Kid’s Backpack giveaway was postponed until Sunday, August 12th.  That will be a big weekend!  On Saturday, Aug 11, kids can get a free lunchbox (first 2,000 kids under 12 through the gate with paid admission) - come back on Sunday and get the free backpacks!  Everything you need for the new school year! 

Speaking of the Tarp Crew…  I used to laugh at those TV bloopers showing some of baseball’s finest tarp crews trying to maneuver a huge chunk of treated canvas over the infield grass of some major league park.  I don’t laugh anymore!  Been there, done that…but I haven’t got the tee shirt (in our Park, the Parking Crew wear the shirts that say “Real Men Pull Tarp”).  Around TEP, the Tarp Crew is anyone on staff who is willing and able to help.  So I guess there isn’t, literally, a standing Tarp Crew.  I’ve seen Rick Parr, our GM, out there pulling tarp!  But generally it’s a chore left to the Game Day Staff (which includes the staff of Kids Korner, Ticket Takers, Ushers, Security and Parking Crews) and Pit Crew (our esteemed interns), under the direction of Chuck Heeman, Director of Stadium Operations.  GDS Boss, Debbie Clark, is always out there.  And sometimes our assigned Pima County groundskeepers participate.  It is difficult and nasty work (the tarp is always coated in mud and other unmentionable junk) and it embarrasses me to admit that I’m simply not macho enough to gut it out!  I did give it a shot a couple of times last year, but it requires great bursts of speed while dragging along your section of the tarp…I literally couldn’t keep up.  And when a wind gust gets under the tarp?  Para-sailing comes to mind!  Rumor has it that some years ago Debbie was picked up and thrown into the air, then slammed back to Earth, breaking her arm.  And she’s still out there every time.  Guts!  In any case, our tarp crews have been very busy lately.  Before rainstorms, and after each game, they pull out that nasty old thing and anchor it to the field with sandbags.  If it rains before they have to remove the tarp, then the crew has to get out on the tarp and remove the water before it can be rolled off the field again.  And every morning at Oh-Dark-Thirty volunteers have to show up and get the tarp off the field.  Because, unless it’s raining, you can’t leave the tarp on the field during the day:  the sun would burn the grass to death.  Bottomline:  many thankless, difficult hours go into grounds maintenance during our monsoon season.  Just thought you might like to know…

Danny’s Debut.  Our own (former Winder) Danny Richar debuted for the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.  A pure-bred D-Back Farm Hand until his trade to the Sox organization, Danny looked good in his major league debut.  He had two hits in his first three at-bats!  Scuffled a bit yesterday, but still an impressive start for our former second baseman!

Donnie…and Drugs.  Dang.  After the news reported that Donnie Sadler had been removed from the Winder’s roster last week for personal reasons, his departure was the source of many conversations at the Park.  It was all so mysterious!  One Winder Watcher regular I chatted with nailed the cause on the head…unfortunately.  He speculated that Donnie must’ve tested positive for drugs.  My fan friend was, apparently, correct.  Yesterday’s Arizona Daily Star reported that Donnie has been suspended for 50 games for testing positive for some “drug of abuse” (the identity of which has not been released, though it was apparently NOT a performance-enhancing substance).  Perhaps I’ll sound either hopelessly naive and/or puritanical, but I must say I am just disappointed in, and angry at, Donnie about this.  Not so much as a fan and for baseball reasons (though there is that, as well), but because of what this risky behavior might mean for his family.  I am just crushed for Donnie’s charming wife, with her sweet Texas drawl and kindness, and their active toddler.  Dad will be inactive - and unpaid - for the rest of this season and the beginning of next.  IF he gets his act together, he’ll be a hard sell to any team next Spring when he comes off suspension.  His career down the toilet?  His family stressed?  For what?  Obviously I don’t know.  I hope the D-Backs are in earnest in saying they will help Donnie with his problems and I hope that Donnie earnestly seeks and avails himself of whatever care the team will provide.  We’re all part of a family and I WANT Donnie to succeed.  Not just for baseball, but for his lovely family…and for himself…

Introducing Jarred Ball!  Promoted to fill Donnie’s spot on the roster, Jarred has spent the last couple of years in the D-Backs’ AA teams (first in Tennessee, this year in Mobile) and played his first game in AAA in last night’s nightcap.  Jarred had been hitting .252 for the BayBears this season.  A.J. Hinch (Player Development Guru for the D-Backs) says Jarred is the most tenured guy at the AA level and is excited Ball will get the opportunity to play here.  Jarred will be a reserve player for us, though he can play any of the outfield positions.  Hey, he looked pretty good to me last night!  Welcome, Jarred. 

BayBears Manager, Butler, Recovering from a Stroke.  AA Mobile’s first-year manager, Brett Butler, a former major leaguer whose name I actually recognize from his playing time with the Dodgers (that’s a comment on my own inattentiveness as a youth, not on any player’s abilities or standing in history), is recovering at a Montgomery AL hospital after a mild stroke.  My prayers go out to Brett and his family.  The BayBears will be in good hands during Brett’s recovery:  Matt Williams will pinch-manage until Brett’s back in the saddle.

Don’t miss tonight’s game!  It’s the third game of four between the Winders and Isotopes series and it is also MARGARITA MONDAY:  All evening long, fans can get two-for-one margaritas.  What a perfect way to cool off after a long, hot Monday!  Break the boredom of Mondays with your Winders and two-for-one margaritas.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Tomorrow, July 31, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.  This will be your last chance to catch the Snakes at home before they head out East for eight-games against American Northern Division teams - come on down!

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

The moment I arrived at TEP last night I joined other staff in trying to get the Park ready for play after a storm earlier in the day.  Folks were moving water off the concourse, clearing puddles off the warning track, and putting drying agent on the basepaths.  We were finally ready to host our fans when the gates opened on time.  But then it started to rain.  In earnest.  With lightning, too.  The tarp crew hit the field and it wasn’t too much longer before all the staff looked like wet rats…and the game was called.  Disappointed fans did depart the Park with free loaves of bread, though!  (BTW, we’ve checked:  the bread we’re distributing is not among those Sara Lee products recently recalled.)  Because we don’t see the Express again this year, the game will not be made up.  BUT!  You can still catch fireworks during this homestand…they have been deferred until Sunday. 

Here’s what drives me nuts about the monsoons:  all that rain at TEP…and I didn’t get a drop all day at my home in NW Tucson!

While the Winders were idle, Sacramento won and Fresno and Vegas lost.  So the standings now look like this:  Sacramento leads the Pacific Southern Division; Tucson owns second and is 5 1/2 games behind Sacramento; Fresno is 7 games behind Sacramento; Vegas is 11 1/2 games behind the leader.

Bonds hits 754.  He is now one game away from tying Hank Aaron for the All-Time Home Run Leader title.

Big Deals!  Because I couldn’t follow my Winders last night, I tuned into the D-Backs vs Braves game from Phoenix once I sloshed my way back home.  Fun game!  Some old Winders did some awesome things - Our Yusmeiro Petit didn’t factor in the win as the starting pitcher, but did make a significant contribution at the plate.  And my buddy Edgar Gonzalez pitched two outstanding innings (after Papa Grande blew a rare save) to get the win.  But I also learned the latest on the transaction front:  the D-Backs have traded homeboy Scott Hairston to the Padres for a AAA relief pitcher, Leo Rosales.  Leo has pitched well against the Winders this year as a Beaver - and I’m sure he’ll be just what our bullpen needs.  That is once he gets off the DL.  Yup, just what every team needs:  a pitcher with a broken hand!  Scott’s departure did clear a spot on the D-Back roster, which the management immediately filled with Carlos Quentin.  Q was playing very well for us - and I knew that meant he wasn’t long for a Sidewinders’ uniform.  I’m a little bummed about the D-Backs trading Scott away, though.  I’m speculating the move has little to do with Scott or Q…and everything to do with showing Eric Byrnes the D-Backs are invested in ensuring his future with the organization.  That’s just my own best guess.  His contract negotiations have been the source of much speculation and discussion lately.  BTW, in his return to the Bigs, Q went 0 for 4…and was hit by a pitch.  More news that wasn’t really surprising:  Randy “The Big Unit” Johnson will undergo season-ending back surgery after repeated rehab efforts just weren’t cutting the mustard. 

Danny Goes Big!  Neat news in today’s paper!  Danny Richar, our former second baseman and RBI leader, who was traded to the White Sox organization in June and has been playing for their AAA affiliate, will debut on the major league level with the Chicago White Sox this weekend.  He was hitting .346 in Charlotte before his call up.  Way to go, Danny!  Keep checking those box scores to see how he does on the Big field!

Homestand Highlights!  This is the last long homestand for quite some time as the boys spend a lot of August on the road.  Make plans now to join us at the Park.  You won’t want to miss a minute of the action!  Tickets are available on the Sidewinders website, at 434-1021, or on a walk-up basis at the Ticket Office.  I hope we’ll see you there!

TONIGHT!  Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Marlins Affiliate):  SIDEWINDERS KIDS’ BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:  Be one of the first 2,000 kids (12 and under) through the gate with paid admission to receive a Sidewinders backpack courtesy of the Pima County Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Home Depot.  What a great way to get ready to head back to school - with a new Sidewinders backpack!  And guess what!  Following the game, kids can run the bases!  I think there’ll be free bread, too!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sun, July 29, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  PIMA COUNTY LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM FINALE AND DOLLAR DOG SUNDAY:  All evening long, fans can get hot dogs for just a buck a piece!  It will also be Pima County Library Night at the Park.  Those kids who spent at least the required amount of time reading this summer can pick up a ticket from their local library which will allow four fans to attend the game free (you can upgrade to reserved seating for $3 per person at the Ticket Office).  Tickets are sponsored by Compass Bank.  Following the game, there will be fireworks (deferred from Friday’s rainout) and you better believe it, following the game/fireworks kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 5pm for 6pm first pitch.

Mon, July 30, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  MARGARITA MONDAY:  All evening long, fans can get two-for-one margaritas.  What a perfect way to cool off after a long, hot Monday!  Break the boredom of Mondays with your Winders and two-for-one margaritas.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Tues, July 31, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

Last night’s game between the Sidewinders and visiting Round Rock Express had an eerily familiar - and unpleasant - feel to it as the teams continued the trend begun in the nightcap of the double-header…Tucson couldn’t get a hit to save their souls!  Tucson went into the seventh inning AGAIN before getting their first hit of the evening last night off very impressive Express starter,  Juan Gutierrez.  In his first six innings, Gutierrez allowed one walk (and a wild pitch that advanced our runner to second)…and nothing more.  He had the Winders in knots!  But then came the seventh and he literally collapsed before our (very thankful) eyes!  After Alex Romero grounded out, Carlos Quentin hit a solid double and then scored on an RBI single by Chris Carter.  Robby Hammock walked…Jeff Salazar walked…Mark Johnson walked in the go-ahead run - and loaded the bases!  Unfortunately, Brian Barden was so anxious to do something amazing that he swung at the very first pitch and grounded out to end the inning.  But the Winders were ahead!  Randy Choate tossed a perfect eighth for the Winders and the boys were back in business at the plate.  Round Rock’s bullpen couldn’t reverse the damage or hold the Snakes back any longer:  Matt Erickson (part of a double-switch) hit a single and then walked to second on a balk, Alberto Callaspo took a walk to first, and then Alex hit a bunt that got him to first and Berto to second, but put Matt out at third.  A wild pitch advanced the runners while Q was at the plate…after that the Express decided to intentionally walk Q.  So, bases loaded!  And CC hits a sacrifice fly to score Berto!  Next up:  Robby.  He took a walk to again load the bases.  Up strides Jeff Salazar…and the Express decides to try their luck with another pitcher.  Nice thought, but it sure didn’t work for them - Jeff hit a whopper of a triple that scored three runs!  Rich Thompson then came in to pinch hit for Randy - and struck out.  What an inning!  Jailen Peguero pitched a perfect ninth - besting Randy in one respect:  Randy only struck out one…Jailen struck out two!  The game came off like two separate games:  one dominated by pitching (especially by Round Rock), and one in which the Winders were (finally) alive and hitting.  Tucson beat the Express, 6 to 1!!

I should mention our starting pitcher…Casey Daigle.  Casey has a frightening habit of getting knocked around in the first inning.  In fact, after getting two Express batters to line out to start the game, Casey gave up a home run to Brooks Conrad.  That was the only run of the entire game until the excitement I detailed above, but first there was the homer and my gut feeling of ”Oh no!  Here we go again.”  After that, however, Casey settled down and really duelled with Gutierrez.  In seven innings, Casey allowed only the one run on three hits, one walk, and five strikeouts.  And he earned the win;  his ninth of the season.  Amazingly (given his troubles as a reliever), Casey is 5 and 0 since being converted back to a starter.  It’s getting so I am actually happy to see him on the mound.  (Well, that might be going overboard!  For now let’s just say I’m a somewhat less nervous!)  He’s looking like our starting “ace!”

Is this beautiful or what?  Not only did Tucson WIN, but our rivals in the Pacific Southern Division finally both LOST!!  Tucson improved their record to 56 and 50 (.528) (while I have typed and retyped the correct number, the computer keeps making that a smiley face…the numbers are POINT FIVE TWO EIGHT!) and are five games behind Sacramento for Division lead.  Fresno is now one game behind Tucson and is in third.  Vegas won…they are 5 1/2 behind Tucson.

The Bread Days of Summer Are Upon Us.  Some folks judge these to be the dog days of summer, but at the Sidewinders games, if it’s monsoon season, it must be time for FREE BREAD!  Ah, the sweet smell of thousands of bags of yeasty bread, all waiting to be given to our baseball fans!  For the third consecutive year, the friendly folks at Sara Lee have again dropped off a truckload of 100% whole grain wheat and honey wheat bread to be given to fans as they leave the ballpark.  No limits apply, so I’ve seen families walk out with a loaf of bread for each member of their family, including their pet goldfish!  It’s a fun promotion for the Game Day Staff and the fans…and just another reason to head on out to TEP tonight!

Mild-Mannered Director of Ticket Operations by Day…Mighty Weather Wizard by Night!  If you’ve purchased tickets at the Ticket Office, chances are you didn’t notice the presence of Brad Hudecek there in the background, making sure everything went smoothly for you.  It’s a pretty thankless and invisible job, but Brad does it well…and keeps coming back for more, year after year.  But during monsoon season, Brad takes on a different - more visible - role.  I don’t know if any of you remember an article the Arizona Daily Star did on Brad some years ago, but the storyline goes like this:  Brad is the Sidewinders’ unofficial official (if you know what I mean) weather watcher.  Brad scopes out Doppler radar and weather forecasts and spends hours on the concourse pondering the dark skies, radio at hand with which to summon the Tarp Crew or to relay information to the umpiring crew, and inevitably followed by nervous-looking Sidewinder’s staff.  As clouds suddenly loomed overhead after I got to work and a few raindrops fell before we opened the gates last night (followed by a glorious double rainbow), I asked Brad what was up.  He said the chance of rain would increase all night long…but that he thought we’d get the game in okay.  Doesn’t matter that he then said, “Well, I’m kinda hoping that’s the case,” because he was absolutely correct!  Those storms parted and left us high and, well, dry isn’t totally accurate…I guess I should say “back to muggy and buggy.”  Chalk up another correct prediction to Brad!

Homestand Highlights!  This is the last long homestand for quite some time as the boys spend a lot of August on the road.  Make plans now to join us at the Park.  You won’t want to miss a minute of the action!  Tickets are available on the Sidewinders website, at 434-1021, or on a walk-up basis at the Ticket Office.  I hope we’ll see you there!

Tonight!  Final Game - Winders vs. Round Red Rock Express:  FIREWORKS FRIDAY:  enjoy an incredible fireworks display following the game, sponsored by Sam Levitz Furniture.  It’s also “Buy One, Get One Free” night at the Park - get your tickets from any Wells Fargo Branch office.  And don’t forget!  Following the game and fireworks, kids can run the bases!  Oh yeah!  And did I mention there’ll be free bread?  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sat, July 28, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Marlins Affiliate):  SIDEWINDERS KIDS’ BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:  Be one of the first 2,000 kids (12 and under) through the gate with paid admission to receive a Sidewinders backpack courtesy of the Pima County Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Home Depot.  What a great way to get ready to head back to school - with a new Sidewinders backpack!  And guess what!  Following the game, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sun, July 29, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  PIMA COUNTY LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM FINALE AND DOLLAR DOG SUNDAY:  All evening long, fans can get hot dogs for just a buck a piece!  It will also be Pima County Library Night at the Park.  Those kids who spent at least the required amount of time reading this summer can pick up a ticket from their local library which will allow four fans to attend the game free (you can upgrade to reserved seating for $3 per person at the Ticket Office).  Tickets are sponsored by Compass Bank.  And you better believe it, following the game kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 5pm for 6pm first pitch.

Mon, July 30, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  MARGARITA MONDAY:  All evening long, fans can get two-for-one margaritas.  What a perfect way to cool off after a long, hot Monday!  Break the boredom of Mondays with your Winders and two-for-one margaritas.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Tues, July 31, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

Our monsoon weather gave us a breather, allowing Tucson to complete its scheduled double-header against visiting Round Rock Express (Astros) yesterday.  Tucson won the first and lost the second to fix their record at 55 and 50 (.524).  Both Sacramento and Fresno lost yesterday, so Tucson remains six games behind the River Cats for Division lead and is tied with the Grizzlies for second place.  Vegas won yesterday - they are 11 1/2 behind the lead.

GAME ONE:  Winders 9, Express 1.  Greg Smith made his home debut as a Winder and was very impressive, going six innings and giving up only one run (in the sixth) on six hits, three walks, and four strikeouts.  He earned his first win since putting on a Sidewinder’s uniform - and he showed off a terrific pickoff move that nailed two Express runners who ambled off first base attempting to steal second!  Jailen Peguero pitched the seventh (and final) inning:  giving up no runs on a hit and a walk - he also threw a K.  Our offense was dominant in the first game - in the first inning Alberto Callaspo drew a leadoff walk, Alex Romero flew out to LF, then Carlos Quentin muscled out his second homer of the year to score two.  Not to be outdone, Chris Carter followed Q with a solo home run of his own (his 15th of the season)!  While that was it for the long-ball game, the Winders continued outstanding offensive production with small ball.  Q tallied three hits, three runs, and three RBIs in his four at-bats.  CC had two hits, two runs, and two RBIs in three at-bats.  Jeff Salazar got two RBIs in four at-bats.  And Robby Hammock registered two hits in his four at-bats.  In fact, every starting player - including Greg! - had at least one hit in the game!

GAME TWO:  Winders 0, Express 1 (10 innings).  Twenty minutes later - featuring a slightly different lineup and new pitchers - the second game began.  This one followed an entirely different script - something that always amazes me in a double-header.  Enrique Gonzalez took the start for Tucson and pitched six scoreless innings, though he gave up three hits and four walks.  He was also credited with four strikeouts.  Brandon Medders followed for two innings of relief, as what was supposed to be a seven-inning contest dragged on awaiting a run from either team.  Brandon looked very good - in two scoreless innings he gave up one hit, no walks, and he tossed two strikeouts!  But the scoreboard still showed a whole bunch of zeros (aside from the Visitor’s “hit” column)!  So, Chad Harville came on next.  He was forced to pitch two innings and he gave up the winning (and only) run - in the tenth inning.  His line shows three hits, one earned run, one walk, and no Ks.  He took the loss.  Tucson’s offense can be summed up as follows:  one hit; in the seventh.  Thank you, Carlos.  

Muggy and Buggy!  From a fan’s perspective, game two was muggy and buggy while the first game was actually quite pleasant, with a nice little breeze and mild temperatures.  But the monsoon season has definitely activated all the dormant bugs in town.  I found it hard to track high fly foul balls because there were so many bugs in the air mimicking the flight of a ball! 

Thank You, Pima County.  The Pima County groundskeepers did a wonderful job with their mid-season replugging of the field.  Our outfield grass now looks like grass all the way around…no doubt aided by our recent rains.  It’s always a treat to see the field returned to near Spring Training-like conditions!  Also interesting:  the County installed big signs outside the gates showing TEP belongs to Pima County.  I find I like the County’s seal…but wonder what message they might be sending by installing those signs at this particular time in the Sidewinders’ life in Tucson.  Hum.

Transactions.  Today’s paper reports that Donnie Sadler has been removed from the team’s roster at his request and for personal reasons.  Donnie’s had tough year and hasn’t seen a lot of playing time, but I’m sorry to see him go.  With his departure, Mike Schultz was activated off the DL and should be available to pitch again beginning today.

Homestand Highlights!  This is the last long homestand for quite awhile as the boys spend a lot of August on the road.  Make plans now to join us at the Park.  You won’t want to miss a minute of the action!  Tickets are available on the Sidewinders website, at 434-1021, or on a walk-up basis at the Ticket Office.  I hope we’ll see you there!

TONIGHT, Winders vs. Round Rock Express:  THIRSTY THURSDAY:  enjoy one dollar beverages (including sodas and lemonade!  It’s not just for beer-drinkers, you know!) for the first 2 hours after first pitch.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Fri, July 27, Winders vs. Round Red Rock Express:  FIREWORKS FRIDAY:  enjoy an incredible fireworks display following the game, sponsored by Sam Levitz Furniture.  It’s also “Buy One, Get One Free” night at the Park - get your tickets from any Wells Fargo Branch office.  And don’t forget!  Following the game and fireworks, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sat, July 28, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Marlins Affiliate):  SIDEWINDERS KIDS’ BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:  Be one of the first 2,000 kids (12 and under) through the gate with paid admission to receive a Sidewinders backpack courtesy of the Pima County Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Home Depot.  What a great way to get ready to head back to school - with a new Sidewinders backpack!  And guess what!  Following the game, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sun, July 29, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  PIMA COUNTY LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM FINALE AND DOLLAR DOG SUNDAY:  All evening long, fans can get hot dogs for just a buck a piece!  It will also be Pima County Library Night at the Park.  Those kids who spent at least the required amount of time reading this summer can pick up a ticket from their local library which will allow four fans to attend the game free (you can upgrade to reserved seating for $3 per person at the Ticket Office).  Tickets are sponsored by Compass Bank.  And you better believe it, following the game kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 5pm for 6pm first pitch.

Mon, July 30, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  MARGARITA MONDAY:  All evening long, fans can get two-for-one margaritas.  What a perfect way to cool off after a long, hot Monday!  Break the boredom of Mondays with your Winders and two-for-one margaritas.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Tues, July 31, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

…did we forget to tell you that monsoon season began in your absence?  Well, if we did forget, I’m sure you have it figured out by now!

Last night’s game between the Sidewinders and Round Rock Express was cancelled due to rain.  It was really quite a magnificent storm, actually.  Here in the NW part of town we were treated to the most incredible rainbow at about the time first pitch should’ve been happening!  But I digress…  The teams will try to get in a double-header TODAY to make up the lost game.  They’ll play two seven-inning games, separated by approximately 20 minutes to reset.  Tickets will be good for attendance at both games.  Gates will open at 4pm and the first game is scheduled to begin at 4:30.   I hope to see you there!

While we were watching a rainstorm pound Tucson, our Division rivals continued their winning ways.  Fresno actually beat Nashville (my respect for, and fear of, the Grizzlies continues to rise, even if it appears Nashville is in a mild funk right now) and Sacramento beat Memphis.  Fresno is now six games behind Sacramento and holds second place all to themselves.  Tucson is a half a game behind Fresno.  Of course, we only lost ground because we didn’t play - I’m sure we’ll make up for it tonight!  Vegas lost last night and is now 12 1/2 behind Sacramento. 

Hats Off to Craig Biggio!  I’m a fan of Biggio’s because he’s played hard and well for one team his entire professional career.  I was impressed with his announcement yesterday that he’ll retire at the end of this season so he can go out on a high (he’s surpassed 3,000 hits for his career this year - yes, I’d say that’s a high note!) and leave his fans remembering him as a good player who gave it his all.  I thought it fitting, then, that Craig punctuated his comments by hitting a grand slam last night which effectively gave the Astros a win over my Dodgers. 

Homestand Highlights!  This is the last long homestand for quite some time as the boys spend a lot of August on the road.  Make plans now to join us at the Park.  You won’t want to miss a minute of the action!  Tickets are available on the Sidewinders website, at 434-1021, or on a walk-up basis at the Ticket Office.  I hope we’ll see you there!

TONIGHT - A DOUBLE-HEADER!  Winders vs. Round Rock Express (Astros Affiliate):  FREE MONEY WEDNESDAY…first 2,000 fans through the gates get an envelope containing cash (for real…I’ve seen fans draw a cool one hundred dollar bill!) or certificates for food or other prizes.  Gates will open at 4:00pm and the first game will begin at 4:30.  The Snakes and Express will play two seven-inning games - there will be approximately 20 minutes downtime between games.  Tickets will be good for attendance at both games!

Thur, July 26, Winders vs. Round Rock Express:  THIRSTY THURSDAY:  enjoy one dollar beverages (including sodas and lemonade!  It’s not just for beer-drinkers, you know!) for the first 2 hours after first pitch.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Fri, July 27, Winders Round Red Rock Express:  FIREWORKS FRIDAY:  enjoy an incredible fireworks display following the game, sponsored by Sam Levitz Furniture.  It’s also “Buy One, Get One Free” night at the Park - get your tickets from any Wells Fargo Branch office.  And don’t forget!  Following the game and fireworks, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sat, July 28, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Marlins Affiliate):  SIDEWINDERS KIDS’ BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:  Be one of the first 2,000 kids (12 and under) through the gate with paid admission to receive a Sidewinders backpack courtesy of the Pima County Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Home Depot.  What a great way to get ready to head back to school - with a new Sidewinders backpack!  And guess what!  Following the game, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sun, July 29, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  PIMA COUNTY LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM FINALE AND DOLLAR DOG SUNDAY:  All evening long, fans can get hot dogs for just a buck a piece!  It will also be Pima County Library Night at the Park.  Those kids who spent at least the required amount of time reading this summer can pick up a ticket from their local library which will allow four fans to attend the game free (you can upgrade to reserved seating for $3 per person at the Ticket Office).  Tickets are sponsored by Compass Bank.  And you better believe it, following the game kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 5pm for 6pm first pitch.

Mon, July 30, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  MARGARITA MONDAY:  All evening long, fans can get two-for-one margaritas.  What a perfect way to cool off after a long, hot Monday!  Break the boredom of Mondays with your Winders and two-for-one margaritas.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Tues, July 31, Winders vs. Albuquerque Isotopes:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

The Portland Beavers avoided a series sweep by beating the Sidewinders 10 to 4 in yesterday’s day game at PGE Park.  With the loss, the Winders recorded a seven and seven road trip (not bad, all things considered) and are now at 54 and 49 (.524) for the season.  The River Cats and Grizzlies continue to win, however.  Sacramento is six games ahead of Tucson in the Division race - and Fresno is neck-and-neck with Tucson once again.  At least Vegas is losing again.  They’re five games behind both Tucson and Fresno in our Division.

D.J. Carrasco started for Tucson yesterday and, again, didn’t have his finest stuff working.  His toughest inning was the third, when he gave up three Portland runs on one hit.  One man walked across the plate, as D.J. issued four walks in that inning alone.  In six innings, D.J. gave up five earned runs on five hits and five walks.  He struck out two.  He was also charged with the loss, though neither Brandon Medders nor Jailen Peguero fared much better on the mound in relief.  Brandon gave up two runs (one was earned) on two hits and one walk in his inning of work.  Jailen was uncharacteristically roughed up:  in his inning of relief he gave up a three-run homer on two hits and a walk.  That was the final nail in the Winder’s coffin, for sure.

Our offense struggled against Portland pitching, but the majority of runs-scored came off the long ball.  And there was also a wonderful defensive play by Alex Romero in the first inning that literally robbed Beaver batter Drew Macias of a home run!  Rich Thompson hit his second homer of the year in the third inning to put the Winders on the board for the first time.  In the fourth, Jeff Salazar hit a solid double and later scored on an RBI single by Jamie D’Antona.  Alberto Callaspo went long on Portland starter Tim Stauffer to score a run in the fifth.  And then the team was silent until the ninth when Rich hit his second homer of the game (third on the year)!  Rich Rocks!  That was it for offense.  Tucson did tally eight hits (Jeff and Rich each account for two of those) and a stolen base (Jamie…in the third), but left four men on base.  Even if they’d scored them all, there still would’ve been a deficit.  Neither team was charged with any errors - and Tucson forced Portland to leave six men on base - so our defense did a decent job working around our troubled pitchers.  One must always look for the silver lining in these things…

A Moment of Silence.  Ryan Radtke reported that players and fans at PGE Park observed a moment of silence in memory of Mike Coolbaugh, the AA Tulsa Drillers (Rockies AA Affiliate; Texas League) hitting coach who died Sunday after being hit by a line drive knock while coaching at first base in a game in Arkansas.  Mr. Coolbaugh leaves behind two young sons and a wife who is pregnant with their third child.  This is obviously a tragedy, but it especially reverberates in the small world of minor league baseball where nearly everybody knows you from another team, another time, another place.  Ryan reported that Portland’s Royce Huffman once roomed with Coolbaugh on another team in the minors some years ago.  Royce was playing with a heavy heart last night, I’m sure.  While my prayers go out to the family Coolbaugh left behind, I am also praying for his team’s young batter who struck the ball which hit him.  I cannot imagine the emotional turmoil he, and the team (not to mention the family), must be experiencing.

Injury Report.  Carlos Quentin was a late scratch from the starting lineup last night.  He is still bothered by the left forearm contusion caused by the pitch that hit him the other night.  He is day-to-day.  Donnie Sadler continues to recover from his lower back contusion.  Although he has pinch hit since the injury, he hasn’t made a start since the errant toss made contact with his back.  Mike Schultz, Dana Eveland, and Jeff Bajenaru all remain on the DL.

Homestand Highlights!  The Winders return to TEP tonight to begin an eight-game homestand.  The team will face two opponents they haven’t seen yet this year…and whom they won’t see again after this meeting (we don’t play American Conference teams more than one series a year).  We start with four against the Round Rock Express (Astros), followed by four against the Albuquerque Isotopes (Marlins).  This is the last long homestand for quite some time as the boys spend a lot of August on the road.  You won’t want to miss a minute of the action at TEP!

TONIGHT!  Winders vs. Express:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Fans will get their first chance to see recently called-up starter Greg Smith on the mound for Tucson…and we’ll get another chance to see Chan Ho Park for the opposing team.  We last saw Park when he was playing for the Zephyrs…he’s now part of the Astros organization.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Wed, July 25, Winders vs. Express:  FREE MONEY WEDNESDAY…first 2,000 fans through the gates get an envelope containing cash (for real…I’ve seen fans draw a cool one hundred dollar bill!) or certificates for food or other prizes.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Thur, July 26, Winders vs. Express:  THIRSTY THURSDAY:  enjoy one dollar beverages (including sodas and lemonade!  It’s not just for beer-drinkers, you know!) for the first 2 hours after first pitch.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Fri, July 27, Winders vs. Express:  FIREWORKS FRIDAY:  enjoy an incredible fireworks display following the game, sponsored by Sam Levitz Furniture.  It’s also “Buy One, Get One Free” night at the Park - get your tickets from any Wells Fargo Branch office.  And don’t forget!  Following the game and fireworks, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sat, July 28, Winders vs. Isotopes:  SIDEWINDERS KIDS’ BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:  Be one of the first 2,000 kids (12 and under) through the gate with paid admission to receive a Sidewinders backpack courtesy of the Pima County Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Home Depot.  What a great way to get ready to head back to school - with a new Sidewinders backpack!  And guess what!  Following the game, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sun, July 29, Winders vs. Isotopes:  DOLLAR DOG SUNDAY:  All evening long, fans can get hot dogs for just a buck a piece!  And you better believe it, following the game kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 5pm for 6pm first pitch.

Mon, July 30, Winders vs. Isotopes:  MARGARITA MONDAY:  All evening long, fans can get two-for-one margaritas.  What a perfect way to cool off after a long, hot Monday!  Break the boredom of Mondays with your Winders and two-for-one margaritas.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Tues, July 31, Winders vs. Isotopes:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

The Sidewinders put on a home-run hitting clinic in Portland last night, beating the Beavers 10 to 8 in front of a crowd of 7,124 fans.  The win ups our season record to 54 and 48 (.529), though we remain five games behind Sacramento for the Pacific Southern Division lead.  Fresno remains a single game behind us.  Vegas fell to Tacoma in the completion of their suspended game last night; then won in the complete game that followed.  That win put them five games behind the Winders in the Division.  They are playing a double-header today and have already lost to Tacoma in the first of the two.  Gotta keep an eye on those 51s!

Bill Murphy started for Tucson last night and wasn’t particularly sharp on the mound.  He was pulled during the fourth inning because his pitch count had exceeded that which the staff alloted him in this first full start.  Murph allowed two earned runs on three hits and a walk, though he also struck out four.  Murph also hit three Beavers batters.  Evan MacLane followed Murph in his first official session out of the bullpen.  E-Mac also wasn’t really sharp, but Tucson’s offense gave him the win in the game.  Evan pitched 3 2/3 innings and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk.  He struck out five.  Dustin Glant was next.  In his 2/3 of an inning, Dustin gave up two hits and two walks…three runs came in when Randy Choate relieved Dustin…all charged to Glant.  All of which makes Randy’s line look pretty nice:  he gave up a hit.  Chad Harville closed and earned his 25th save of the season with his perfect work that included two strikeouts.

So, if none of the pitching was very exceptional, how did Tucson win?  Home runs punctuated by hit batsmen!  Our friend in Portland’s centerfield, Yordany Ramirez, actually MISSED one last night.  It was only one, but it was a BIG one!  After Portland pitcher Mike Thompson allowed leadoff singles to Alberto Callaspo and Rich Thompson to start the first, he nailed Carlos Quentin on the left forearm to load the bases.  Chris Carter then walked up and hit a Grand Slam!  Bam - Tucson 4, Portland nada!  Robby Hammock then walked and Jeff Salazar came to bat.  He hit a very long, deep fly…but it was captured by Ramirez (there’s some debate about whether he robbed Jeff of a homer or if he saved the ball from hitting off the fence.  I prefer the “Jeff Had A Homer Stolen” scenario.  For the record, like he did in Saturday’s game, Ramirez hit the fence really hard and held onto the ball.  This time he actually knocked the padding off the wall!)  Of course, Portland answered with a solo homer to start the second…but CC wasn’t done for the evening, and he let loose with a solo homer to start the third!  All Snake scoring credited to Carter thus far, even though the guys made a play at more in the third.  Jeff hit a single then stole second while Mark Johnson was at the plate.  Unfortunately, Jeff was then erased when he was picked off second while Brian Barden was at the plate.  In the bottom of the third, Murph allowed the bases to fill with Beavers after a couple of singles and a hit batter…then he allowed a run to score when he hit the next guy, too.  Not Murph’s finest outing, for sure.  The Winders next scored in the top of the sixth with another leadoff homer, this one credited to Jeff (who may finally be out of the slump he’s been in since returning from the Big Club).  Portland came right back with a run of their own, this one thanks to a Ramirez double, a fielder’s choice, and (sigh) a wild pitch.  More noise from Tucson in the top of the seventh…Rich hit a double then stole third while Matt Erickson was at the plate.  Matt walked and then stole second, but the guys surrounding Matt in the lineup went down on Ks and our runners were stranded on base.  Portland put up a couple of runs in the seventh and the score was now Tucson 6, Portland 5.  But Tucson went on a tear in the eighth.  Jeff was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, followed by a bunt single from MJ, then a sacrifice bunt by Bardo to advance the runners, an RBI single from Jamie D’Antona (in the game late in a double-switch), an RBI single from Berto, then a single from Rich to load the bases.  Matt watched a wild pitch score a run, then hit a sacrifice fly to bring in a run before CC grounded out.  Four additional runs for Tucson!  That happened to be enough, even though the Beavers put up another two-spot in their half of the eighth.  After a blow-out start with Carter’s Slam, it turned into a tightly contested game - though one would argue that scoring on hit batsmen and wild pitches is not really pretty.

By the way, Carlos Quentin came out of the game after the top of the first with a bruise to his left forearm resulting from being hit by that pitch.  That brought Matt into the game and really shifted the original layout on the field, but it all worked okay in the end.  Q is not in today’s starting lineup…so his injury must still be bothering him.  Hope he recovers soon!

Local Boy Looks Good!  I’m sure all of you have heard by now, but…  What a joy for the Duncan family as son, Shelley, CDO and UofA standout, has not only finally reached the Bigs, but has done so rather noisily!  He has hit three homers in two days of play as a new member of the NY Yankees.  Makes it look so easy, doesn’t he?  (Of course, the Yanks were beating up on the Devil Rays, but…)

Today’s game - the final of the four-game series - against the Portland Beavers is underway as I type this.  If you happen to read this now, you can probably still catch the live broadcast over the Internet on the Sidewinder’s website.  If you can’t catch it live, you can hear the broadcast tape-delayed on COOL 1450AM this evening at 6pm.  (D.J. Carrasco took the start for Tucson…and our boys are currently trailing, 3 to 7, through seven innings.  Brandon Medders is on in relief of D.J.  Rich Thompson and Alberto Callaspo have hit homers for the Snakes!)

Homestand Highlights!  The Winders return to TEP tomorrow night to begin an eight-game homestand.  The team will face two opponents they haven’t seen yet this year…and whom they won’t see again after this meeting (we don’t play American Conference teams more than one series a year).  They’ll kick off with four against the Round Rock Express (Astros), followed by four against the Albuquerque Isotopes (Marlins).  This is the last long homestand for quite some time as the boys spend a lot of August on the road.  You won’t want to miss a minute of the action at TEP! 

Tues, July 24, Winders vs. Express:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Wed, July 25, Winders vs. Express:  FREE MONEY WEDNESDAY…first 2,000 fans through the gates get an envelope containing cash (for real…I’ve seen some folks draw a cool one hundred dollar bill!) or certificates for food or other prizes.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Thur, July 26, Winders vs. Express:  THIRSTY THURSDAY:  enjoy one dollar beverages (including sodas and lemonade!) for the first 2 hours after first pitch.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Fri, July 27, Winders vs. Express:  FIREWORKS FRIDAY:  enjoy an incredible fireworks display following the game, sponsored by Sam Levitz Furniture.  It’s also “Buy One, Get One Free” night at the Park - get your tickets from any Wells Fargo Branch office.  And don’t forget!  Following the game and fireworks, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sat, July 28, Winders vs. Isotopes:  SIDEWINDERS KIDS’ BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:  Be one of the first 2,000 kids (12 and under) through the gate with paid admission to receive a Sidewinders backpack courtesy of the Pima County Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Home Depot.  What a great way to get ready to head back to school - with a new Sidewinders backpack!  And don’t forget!  Following the game, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Sun, July 29, Winders vs. Isotopes:  DOLLAR DOG SUNDAY:  All evening long, fans can get hot dogs for just a buck a piece!  And don’t forget!  Following the game, kids can run the bases!  Gates open at 5pm for 6pm first pitch.

Mon, July 30, Winders vs. Isotopes:  MARGARITA MONDAY:  All evening long, fans can get two-for-one margaritas.  What a perfect way to cool off after a long, hot Monday!  Break the boredom of Mondays with your Winders and two-for-one margaritas.  Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

Tues, July 31, Winders vs. Isotopes:  TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!   Gates open at 6pm for 7pm first pitch.

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

Defense was the name of the game as the Winders took their second consecutive win over the Portland Beavers, 3 to 0, last night.  With the win the Winders improve their record to 53 and 48 (.525), but remain five in back of Sacramento because of a River Cat win last night.  Fresno also won yesterday to remain a game behind Tucson.  Vegas and Tacoma’s first game of a double-header was suspended due to rain in the seventh inning, tied 3 to 3.  The second game was postponed.  Wonder what this delay will do to the surging 51s…

Casey Daigle started for Tucson last night…he gave us a fairly scary first inning, but came on strong from there until he was relieved in the seventh inning.  Through six, Casey gave up four hits and three walks…but no runs scored, and he tossed six strikeouts!  He earned a win and dropped his ERA from 6.64 to 6.03.  Well done!  Jailen Peguero pitched two perfect innings following Casey - he added four Ks to the six Casey had already tossed.  Randy Choate earned his third save of the year, giving up no runs on one hit and no walks in the ninth inning.

Although the Sidewinders had ten hits in the game, the Beaver defense prevented them from scoring until the seventh inning.  Yordany Ramirez, mentioned several times in yesterday’s posting, made his mark defensively in CF last night with several exceptional catches.  Anything hit near Ramirez was simply an out.  His most impressive catch came in the first inning:  Chris Carter hit a very deep fly that Ramirez caught and held onto while hitting the fence so hard that a door out there flew open!  Casey also had a line drive turn into an out at the hands of Ramirez.  Portland turned two double-play balls to kill Snake rallies.  But it wasn’t all Portland on defense:  Carlos Quentin made an excellent throw from RF to put out Drew Macias as he tried to reach home in the first.  Q’s play was immediately followed by a super sliding catch in foul territory near 3B by Jamie D’Antona to get Brian Myrow out. 

The game was so well-pitched and defended that it began to look like there would be no scoring at all.  But then came the seventh inning.  After Jeff Salazar flied out, Robby Hammock hit a solo homer (his third of the year), followed by a single from Brain Barden, a walk to Matt Erickson, and a single by Alberto Callaspo to load the bases.  Before Alex Romero could pop out to third, a passed ball scored the Winders’ second run of the game.  Tucson added an insurance run in the ninth when Robby led off the inning with a double, followed by two quick outs before Berto hit an RBI single.  Although Berto then stole second, another oustanding sliding catch by the Beaver’s defense prevented further scoring in the inning.

Today’s game begins in a half an hour!  I hope you’re ready!  It’s the third game in the four-game series and Bill Murphy is scheduled to make his first official start from the rotation for the Snakes.  You can catch that on the Internet or on COOL 1450AM.

Baseball:  The Ultimate Melting Pot.  I know that players on a team don’t all love each other.  They may not even all like each other.  But they do work together for a common goal.  It’s really neat to see such a diverse cross-section of the world pass across the plate.  This struck me last night as I was writing down these names in the Beaver’s lineup:  Huffman, Ciofrone, Ramirez, and Chang.

Join Us on Tuesday, July 24th at TEP!  Mark your calendars now to ensure you’re back with us when the team returns from their All-Star break and a long road trip!  It’ll be a TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!  The Winders will be facing the Round Rock Express (Astros) for the first (and only) time this season - it promises to be an excellent series.  You won’t want to miss it!

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)

Tucson’s 6 to 2 win over the Portland Beavers (Padres Affiliate) last night included something for everyone…unless you insist on seeing home runs during a game!  The ”it’s about time!” win takes the Winders’ season record to 52 and 48 (.520).  We remain five games behind Sacramento for Division lead…Fresno is a game behind us…Vegas is four behind us (they were rained out of their game last night).

The Winders began the game much as they had the night before in Fresno:  with a couple of runs in the first inning on three singles and a sacrifice fly.  Enrique Gonzalez was able to hold that lead and keep Portland off the board through his five innings of work even though he was (to quote Ryan Radtke) “effectively wild.”  Enrique dished up only three hits and tossed five strikeouts…but he walked five.  He never appeared sharp BUT the defense was effective behind him.  And he benefited from some great “caught stealing” moves.  You know that ol’ “step to third, look to first” pickoff move pitchers make occasionally that we all know doesn’t work?  Fans may boo like crazy, but!  Enrique got that to work when Yordany Ramirez, on first, took off with the move to third.  The resulting put-out went like this:  1-6-3-4-6.  For the record, however, Ramirez failed to fall for the trick the next time Tucson tried it out on him.  Anyway, Enrique came out of the game after five innings of work because his pitch count was already at 109.  He left with a two-run lead…but would not figure in the win because his reliever let the game go to a tie.  In fact, Brandon Medders (who came on next) was charged with a blown save…and he earned the win.  Both for the third time this season.  With Brandon on the mound, the game started to get really interesting.  He allowed a single, a walk, and an RBI single before seeing Ramirez at the plate.  One of the pitches tossed to Ramirez was called a strike (having hit his bat), though Ramirez insisted he was hit by the pitch.  Portland Manager Rich Renteria blew a gasket on the call and was ejected from the game.  One suspects he might’ve made a scene to energize both his team and the fans.  It seemed to work, too.  Or rather, the Winders seemed to be effected by it:  an error charged to Matt Erickson allowed a run to score and a wild pitch advanced a runner.  Fortunately the WP didn’t hurt…but the score was tied.  Tucson then had their fun-filled inning in the top of the sixth.  Brian Barden singled, Matt advanced Bardo on a sac fly, an error by the Portland pitcher allowed Rich Thompson to first while Bardo took third, and the Beavers intentionally walked Alberto Callaspo to load the bases (and to get to Alex Romero.  An interesting call.  Alex has been WAY hotter than Berto of late…and yet Portland got it right).  Alex struck out swinging and Carlos Quentin was next at bat.  A WP scored a run and then Q let loose with a two-RBI double.  Portland walked Chris Carter and Brandon struckout to end the inning.  But the Winders now had a 5 to 2 lead!  While Brandon, Bill Murphy, and Chad Harville continued to hold the Beavers run-less (though making it interesting with walks, singles, loaded bases, hit batsmen, etc.) the Snakes made some noise in the top of the eighth when Robby Hammock hit a single (representing the 29th consecutive game in which he’s gotten on base), Bardo hit into a fielder’s choice to reach first, and Matt was hit by a pitch.  Then the scariest moment of the night - Rich was hit in the back of the head with a pitch (PGE Park went dead silent when Rich fell down in a heap and Bill Plummer and Greg Barber went out to check on him)…but got back up and walked to first base to the cheers of the 7,000+ fans at the game in Portland.  That also loaded the bases.  And we didn’t score a run!  Our final run came in the ninth…Q led off with a single, CC flied out, Chad advanced Q with a sac bunt, and good ol’ steady Robby whacked out an RBI double for the Winder’s final run.  Chad earned his 24th save of the year - he’s already into record territory in that category for any Tucson player.  And he just keeps on adding to it!

Game two of the series with Portland will be played tonight at 7:05pm.  You can catch that on COOL 1450AM or on the Internet.  As always, Ryan will kick off with his On Deck Show at 6:50. 

Injury Report.  Carlos Quentin returned to the lineup after sitting out his three-game suspension for the fracas in Colorado.  Donnie Sadler was a late pull from the lineup.  The other night in Fresno he was hit in the lower back by a pick off toss to 2B…his back was giving him enough trouble last night that he sat out.  Donnie is day-to-day. Casey Daigle not only feels better, he’s LOOKING better (or so says Ryan)…most of the swelling and discoloration has worked its way out of his face by now.  Pitchers Mike Schultz (back), Dana Eveland (left finger), and Jeff Bajenaru (right shoulder) all remain on the DL.

What’d He Say?  Thursday night I was reminded of one of the hazards of trying to follow radio-broadcasted baseball games during the monsoon season:  lightning wrecks havoc with radio waves!  Between the crackle and hiss of atmospheric disturbances my cat could occasionally hear me grumble, too, about not being able to hear the play-by-play!  I took some comfort that at least we weren’t trying to play that game in Tucson!  BTW, our temperature yesterday was a “mild” 95 degrees!  Those of you who live in places where that would be categorized as a scorcher need to understand that that temp FINALLY broke our string of days at, or over, 100 degrees.  We’d suffered through 37 consecutive days over that mark.  We’ll take 95 any day!

Join Us on Tuesday, July 24th at TEP!  Mark your calendars now to ensure you’re back with us when the team returns from their All-Star break and a long road trip!  It’ll be a TWO DOLLAR TACO TUESDAY…get a coupon from any local Quik Mart and get into the game for only $2…and then you can get tacos for dinner for just $2, too!  The Winders will be facing the Round Rock Express (Astros) for the first (and only) time this season - it promises to be an excellent series.  You won’t want to miss it!

(Disclaimer - this posting not reviewed/approved by the Sidewinders, Diamondbacks, PCL, MiLB, MLB, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, SK Baseball LLC, or any other baseball official and represents the views and biases of the author alone)