Went to the see our River Cats play the Iowa Cubs Wednesday night. Was a double-header due to Tuesday's game being rained out.  Each game was 7 innings instead of 9.

Warning: Lots of pics!

Vince Mazzaro started the 1st game and, except for the 3rd inning when he couldn't seem to find the plate, pitched very well.  Jay Marshall pitched an excellent 7th for the save.

Barton and Patterson each had HRs.  Barton's was a monster shot to RF.  The offense was reasonably aggressive, which I liked to see, but no other scoring other than the HRs.

Munson got hurt behind the plate early in game one, looked like a foul tip grazed his ear or something, but not sure.  Recker switched from DH to C and they lost the DH for the rest of the game, forcing the pitcher (Mazzaro) to bat.  Mazzaro seemed to be having a good time and loving the opportunity, and I took special attention for this photo opportunity.  Recker caught the 2nd game as well, and I have not heard if Munson's injury was serious or not.

I counted something like 9 players that have had significant time on the A's.  This was kind of cool, and the River Cats are doing well, then I realized that all we've done is put together a good AAAA team.  Suddenly it didn't seem as impressive.

James Simmons pitched Game 2 and pitched well, but the offense was non-existent, so he took the loss.  The Cubs' starting pitcher in Game 2 (Hart?) looked very good, IMHO.

River Cats won Game 1 by a score of 3-1.  Lost Game 2 by 2-0.

Now, for the pics...

1. Munson not happy about his called strike three.

2. After Barton's MONSTER home run!!!

3. After Patterson's 2-run home run.

4. Mazzaro taking a strike.

5. Mazzaro smiling after his K.

6. Mazzaro pitching.

7. The Run Down.  Patterson, Barton, and some Cubs scrub.

8. Former A's prospect Richie Robnett getting the called third strike.

9. The Mazzaro bunt attempt.

10. View of the Iowa state capitol building beyond centerfield.

11. Removal and dejection.

12. Exciting play, but Cunningham was still out.

13.  More Mazzaro pitching.

14. Mazzaro pitching... again.

15. Jay Marshall wrapping it up in the 7th for the save.

16. When all else fails, call for the "Rally Yak".

17. Steee-rike Three!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

18. James Simmons pitching in Game 2.

Ok, there it is.  Hope you enjoyed it.