Entering the ballpark last night we immediately learned that Champ, the resident greeter at the clubhouse store, had been found and was back. Spooked by Friday night's postgame fireworks, he had bolted into the night but was spotted yesterday and restored to his owner, who took him off to the vet's for a check-up and a microchip.
Kyle Kendrick was on the mound last night for the IronPigs. Members of area fire companies, police departments, and EMT's were honored before the game.Kyle Kendrick went a solid seven, giving up two runs on four hits, walking one and striking out four. Colin Balestar of the Chiefs did not fare so well. The 'Pigs got to him for three in the third and another three in the fourth, which included back-to-back triples by Jason Donald and Mike Cervenak. John Mayberry later upped the score with a solo homer. The 'Pigs tacked on another four runs in the 8th on several walks, two hit batsmen, and just one base hit in the 11-4 win.
Stars of the game: KK and Jason Donald. Donald, who was 0 for 5 in Monday's game, was on base four times, with a triple, a double, and two walks. He scored three times and knocked in one. This is the Jason Donald we've been waiting to see. Same for Kendrick.
It was again deep-freeze weather but the wind was less of a force. Early in the game some guys in my row had commented on my winter garb; several innings later all four were sharing what they called a 'man blanket.' Snort.
