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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)
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