This the last time Aaron and Ariana will be in the same school together. He is headed off to College in September while she remains in High School. This year Aaron had some reservations about playing on the school's baseball team as he would be the only Grade 12 playing. Eventually he decided that the would represent the school one last time. When they announced the tryouts, Ariana mentioned that she might join the team and play with her brother as well. As there is 3 years between the two of them, this is the only time they will ever be on a baseball team together. I honestly did not think she was serious but she did and she made the team...as a SUB.
On Friday, the first game got cancelled because of all the rain that was falling, so today, it was the official first game for the team.
The game was at Keelesdale Park, which is just a few minutes from my work. As the game was scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and the weather was nice, except for the wind, I decided to book a half day off and run some errands before heading down to the Park. Today, Johnson was facing the team from Romero. As I got to the bleachers, I could see Aaron warming up in the bullpen and Ariana, the only girl, in the dugout. She was already upset as she realized that she may not be playing in today's game. That's what SUB's do, Ariana...they are extra players just in case!!!
The game got started right at 2:30 p.m., with Johnson up to bat first. With 2 on base and 1 out, Aaron goes up and walks on ball four...and the bases are loaded. The next batter hits a nice one and brings in 2 runs, and advances Aaron to third. He scores when the next batter hits. Johnson gets 3 runs before the next batter is out at first.
Aaron heads to the mound to pitch against Romero. These are not any of the Romero boys we have seen in the past. They are a lot younger. The first batter hits right to Aaron and he is out at first; the second strikes out on a full count; the third batter is hit with a pitch when the ball bounces off the home plate adn the fourth is thrown 3 straight strikes. A total of 14 pitches for a scoreless inning.
Top of the second and Johnson's first batter hits but is out at first and looses both his cleats while running! The second batter hits a nice one down centerfield and is safe on second; the third hits and is safe on second...and a run is scored; the fourth hits right to the Pitcher, and it seems like everyone got confused. The errors in the infield caused 2 more runs and the batter is safe on third! Aaron goes up and hits but it is caught behind third. The sixth batter hits and is safe and another run is scored. The seventh batter walks and the final batter strikes out.
Bottom of the second and Aaron is back on the mound. The first batter strikes out; the second hits the first pitch and and it lands just behind first base...and the batter is safe on first. The next two batters both strike out, making it another scoreless inning.
Romero sends in a new Pitcher for the top of the third. The first two batters both walk; the third hits and is safe on second...and 2 runs come in. The fourth batter pops up and it's caught at short. The fifth batter is still at the plate when the runner on base tries to steal home and is tagged out. The fifth batter ends up walking. With 2 outs and 1 on base, Aaron goes up and hits one just behind second, and he's safe on first, then steals second. The last batter hits but is out at first, leaving Aaron going to third.
Aaron is still pitching for the bottom of the third. The first batter strikes out; the second gets hit with a pitch, but is eventually picked of at second; the third walks on a full count; and the fourth hits right towards Aaron...and it's another scoreless inning for Romero!
Top of the fourth and Johnson's first batter walks; the second strikes out; the third was also a strike out but the Catcher drops strike three and the batter is safe on first! One of the runners on base steal home and the other one is tagged out at second. The fourth batter is also safe on first as the Catcher drops strike three, again! This young pitcher definitely got his confidence in this inning as his pitching is a lot better this time around. The fifth and sixth batters both walk...and the bases are loaded. The seventh batter strikes out on a full count...leaving the bases loaded!
Aaron is back at center-stage for the final inning (as the time limit is nearing). The first batter strikes out; the second walks; the third hits towards third but the ball is overthrown to second and the batter is safe on first, and the runners is safe at third! The fourth batter hits to first and Johnson's first baseman misses the ball...and 2 runs are finally scored for Romero! The last two batters both strike out, ending the game.
Final score is 10-2 for Johnson...
While walking to the Jeep, I was telling Ariana that I didn't think the game was fair because they let Aaron pitch the entire game and Romero didn't have a chance, except for the error in the last inning. Her response - "well it sucks to be them"!!!
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