Back to Back...Home Openers

As the title says, Thursday night, I went down to Rancho Cucamonga (well not down, as it's the next city over), but anyways I was in Rancho Cucamonga to see the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Dodgers Single A Affiliate) take on the Inland Empire 66ers (Angels Single A Affiliate). It was a nice little experience (as most minor league games usually are, and opening day regardless of the league added to the overall experience).

The game itself, wasn't anything to write home about. Defensively, it was a poor game (more so on the Quakes, than the 66ers, although the 66ers catcher did air mail a throw into center field allowing a run to score), but the Quakes defensively were worse. The catcher for the Quakes thought it would be fun to drop a good majority of strikeouts and throw to first to complete the out. Luckily he didn't throw it pas the first baseman into right field.

The end result of the game? 66ers won 6-5 in 11 innings, and following, there were fireworks, which was a decent show in of itself. Prior to the game however, former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda was out on the mound as part of the pregame ceremonial first pitch (although he didn't throw a pitch).

That was Thursday night. Friday night I found myself in Anaheim (after driving there of course) to see the Kansas City Royals take on the new look Angels (led by Albert Pujols). First base wasn't the only new look for the Angels. Mark Trumbo continues to make the transition from first to third (as he played third base, and had 2 errors during the game, his first was on his first play at third). The DH position is new as well, with the return of Kendrys Morales (had one hit in his first game in almost two full years), and the catcher position was new as well with Chris Ianetta taking over (acquired via trade with the Rockies, collecting one timely hit in the eighth inning that loaded the bases for Peter Bourjous, whom proceeded to get a hit and put the Angels on top for good).

The end result of the game? The Angels shut out the Royals 5-0, with all 5 runs coming in the eighth inning. Jered Weaver went eight innings, striking out 10, and picked up the win. Scott Downs pitched the ninth inning to finish off the game.

Prior to the game, there was a flyover, a giant flag draped the field, and there was the player introductions down the first base line (Royals) and third base line (Angels).

As of right now, that's it for my sports week, although that might change either today or tomorrow. Either way, these are the first two games I've gone to, with many more to come this season.