Cleats on the Ground – WBC (DR v VZ)

When we arrived to this game, we cruised around the stadium to see anything that might have been upgraded. Nothing seemed to have changed which isn’t much of a surprise considering how much the ownership is putting into fielding a winning product. I still have no idea where the so called Bud Selig Plaza, or BS Plaza, is located.

When we heard the anthems begin, we stopped to acknowledge them. We were the only people to stop. They played the anthems of both countries playing and then they played the US national anthem. Not sure what to make of that.

“Tastes” of the world! Fried rice and Egg rolls.  Tacos. Terriyaki bowls. Falafels. Poutine and air hockey. Didn’t catch what Cuba or Italy had available.

The loudest cheer of the night by far was for Bautista getting rung up. The Venezuelan fans didn’t like him for some reason. There was a chant of “O-dor” during his plate appearances.

Padres manager Andy Green had complained the day before of the usage, or lack thereof, of Solarte. So, in apparent response, he was inserted in as a late inning replacement at an unfamiliar position. He proceeded to bobble two balls. He did go 2 for 2 at the plate at least.

At the 3 hour mark and only in the 7th inning. My buddy and I decided to bail since we both had to work in the morning. 14 pitchers and 6 of those were mid inning changes resulted in a 4 hours and 5 minute total game time. I actually made it home before the game ended. We both left somewhat disappointed because after the Puerto Rican fans in game 1 and the U.S. (when they started winning) fans, this games fans just weren’t as fun.

Jerseys/attire: Pirates, WBC USA, A. Young AC/DC, University Nevada-Reno, Junior Seau USC, WBC Italia, Baylor, Chargers, Rockies, Texas Rangers, Sharks, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (MiLB), Warriors, WBC Cuba, North Dakota State, Notre Dame, Nicaragua, Kansas University, Blackhawks, University of Colorado, Tijuana Toros, LA Kings, UCLA, Penn St.

Beers consumed: Go To IPA, Founders All Day IPA, Arrogant Bastard, Bud
Light 25oz (2), 10 Barrel Pub Ale.