Home Turf

There’s something to be said for home field advantage. The last time we played the Marathon Red Raiders, we took an early lead fueled by an out of the park home run by the first batter. But then we fell apart.

Today was our turn for revenge. On our home turf.

Weird that it’s Thursday and this was our first game of the week. After such a long hiatus, it felt great to be back at the ballpark — particularly since it was mostly sunny and a pleasant 60-something degrees. Sweatshirt weather due to the wind. But a nice warm fuzzy feeling each time the sun came out.

While our opponents scored first, we answered quickly and by mid-game we were up 6-2. I have learned, though, that no matter what the sport, no lead is too big. Or guarantees a win.

At the top of the last inning, they tied it up 6-6.

Carter was not a batter tonight, only a courtesy runner for the catcher. So he did see some action and played smart so he did not get any unnecessary outs to lead to a loss.

Motivational huddle before last at bats.

During our last at bat, all we needed was a run in any shape or form and we'd walk away with a revenge win. With some quick outs, it had all the makings of an extra-inning game. But then with a runner on third, we got a hit. Just enough to get the batter safely to first and our runner home for the winning score.

There was much rejoicing.

Seriously. I don't know our record but I know it's not great. To beat an almost-unbeaten team was quite an accomplishment! Maybe we've hit our groove just in time for the playoffs.

Too bad they can't all be played on our home turf! Go Royals!