It took 12 tries but they finally did it. The IronPigs beat the Richmond Braves tonight 3-1. Starting pitcher Ron Chiavacci had his curve working all ways for 6 solid innings. With 2 outs, the Braves mounted a threat in the 9th but the last batter flied out to center to strand two runners on base and give the fans who had sat through a cold night of baseball a chance to cheer history. It was the first win ever for the IronPigs, and it happened at home in Coca-Cola Park. I had tix for the Sixers last home game and gave my 'Pigs tix to friends. Hope they enjoyed the game. I meanwhile ended up (circumstances) catching both the Sixers and the 'Pigs on TV.
As for the Sixers, they lost a heartbreaker to the Cavs on a reviewed call made with less than a second on the clock. After a look at the replay, the referees deemed that a foul had indeed been committed and the Cavs got 2 free throws. They made both and won 91-90. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard were courtside, which brings a miscall from yesterday's game to mind. Mark DeRosa hit what was called a home run to left. Pat Burrell protested. Replay showed that it was a foul ball. The umps conferred and let the call stand. Charlie Manual protested and got tossed for his efforts.
It seems just silly that baseball does not have instant replay for foul/fair boundary calls for home runs. The NBA uses instant replay for shots in the last seconds of games. Tonight was the first time I saw it used to determine a judgement call. I think that's where instant replay should not be used, in the NBA or MLB. But for determining if a shot was made before the quarter or game ends or if a ball is fair or foul, instant replay makes all the sense in the world. A couple of years ago the Phillies were essentially knocked out of the play-offs when they lost a crucial game in Washington. Chase Utley hit what was clearly a home run but the umpires ruled it foul. La Rosa's foul homer yesterday also changed the outcome of the game.
Go, 'Pigs!
