The ballpark had an odd feel to it tonight. Although the clear sky revealed a crescent moon it felt like a full moon in CCP during the Pigs crazy antics to lose 2-3 to the Chiefs.
It could have been the cameraman that stalked us for the first 4 innings.
It could have been the dozen people we had to ask politely not to stand directly on top of our pile of K’s signs. (We’re making a box for them tomorrow, problem solved)
It could have been the general malaise by stadium employees. I overheard many folks mention that they felt people were unfriendly tonight. Granted, this has been a long and cold opening home stand.
It could have been home plate umpire, Vic Carapazza, who was horribly biased, more so as the game went on. Cody Ransom was ejected early for arguing balls and strikes as was DeWayne Wise later in the game only to be followed by Huppert in his defense. The play at first in the next inning was blatantly a make up call prompting the Chiefs to argue themselves.
It could have been Cheif’s outfielders Roger Bernadina and Kevin Mench being more interested in joking with us than they were the game.
It could have been the nonexistant wind or the occasional jet taking off with the exaust bathing CCP with the sound of a jumbo jet taking off. (Actually thankful for the lack of wind.. it would have been REALLY cold if it had shown up)
Plus’s
JC Romero fell off of the mound on his first pitch prompting a collective gasp from the crowd and a trainer to sprint to the mound. He was ok and it looked like he just caught his spikes on the grass.Wise hit a monster shot over the trough to score the Ironpig’s first run.
The Pig’s pitchers combined for 11 K’s tonight.
Boo’s
John Mayberry came up with runners on first and second and no outs to ground into a double play on the first pitch.
The Chief’s scored their 2nd run without a hit. A walk, error and wild pitch took credit for it.
A botched double play attempt in that same inning would have prevented those antics from happening. (There was a great play by Andy Tracy at first to tag the runner ending the inning, keeping more runs off of the board)
Pig’s pitchers gave up 9 bases on balls
Relief Pitcher Brian Gordon was put into left field after Huppert was ejected. He must have been mad.. the last time he was ejected late in a game, Andy Tracy ended up pitching the final outs. Gordon ended the game at the plate popping out to the pitcher.
Announced attendance – 6,609
I really thought this would be higher with Dollar Hot Dog night…
Also got word that the sandwiches from the Pizza Stand were of high quality and taste. Bravo concessions… Bravo!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
Indeed, I’ve had good luck with the Pizza stand sandwiches over the years–even before they were toasted.
It was free food night in the club level tonight. Free pork sandwiches were……well, they were free anyway. Perhaps they’ll do better next month. I did buy a Panini which was excellent.
The discussion with my son on the way home went something like: “Son, normally it’s not nice to heckle the umpire, but…”
The discussion with my wife when I got home went something like: “I know Matt’s got PSSAs tomorrow, but there was a pitcher playing left field and if we run out of players maybe we’ll have the chance to play…”
Or was there? I knew that outfielder-turned-pitcher-turned outfielder thing would come in handy.
Hats off to both Wasserman and Zagurski for pitching out of jams recently. Perhaps a little quicker hook for the starters, going forward, as long as we don’t need our bullpen to fill in at other positions. Jury’s still out on Oscar.
I’m still trying to figure out why the radar gun always seems to miss the speed of the pitches from the mound but always seems to catch those 47 mph throws from the catcher back to the pitcher. They need to either get it right or shut it off.
yup, I noticed that too. Once this homestand is over, they need to re-aim that thing.
Was the ump the same one that called “fan interferance” on the andy Tracy hit last year? Because he seemed biased enough… Why do they even keep him around?
I forgot to mention that the stadium did sell out of hot dogs at the Blast Furnace stand mid 6th inning. I know this because the person in line in front of me got the last one.
I thought the attendance would’ve been higher as well. The ‘Pigs game last night was the highest attendance in the International League last night and the ‘Pigs are still 2nd in attendance. Pretty good ! Maybe once school lets out, attendance will be higher.
I can explain the attendance situation.
No one wants to hear hard facts, however.
Another tough game for the IronPigs.
Oh well, maybe someday…