Game #1 & Game #2 Results

The first game of the day was at 8:30 am.  We left the hotel at 6:30 am with the plan to be in the batting cage at 7:00 am.  Construction continues on the renovations to Steinbrenner Field.  They turned on the lights at 5:00 am so the workers could get some work done before the sun started to bake.  The workers are removing the metal roof decking and replacing.

The field looks awesome.  A photo from behind the  plate reveals the beauty of the field and the day that is about to commence.

Our first game was versus Yankees 2.  The Buccos started Dan Hoover on the bump.  He pitched six strong innings allowing no runs.  The offense was lead by many of the new rookies, along with the usual contributors.  We played excellent defense, making the plays necessary to secure a win.  I ended up with two hits.  A single back through the middle and a double into the left center field gap.  I also through out a Yankee attempting to stretch a single into the right center field gap into a double.  Then two innings later I threw out a runner attempting to score from second base on a solid single to right field.  The day earned me two Stargell Stars.  The team earned another star for each win.  Not a bad day, collecting 4 stars.  Thanks Joe Billedeaux for supplying the stars.

When the dust settled, we disposed of the Yankees 2 Team 8 - 0.

Excellent fields, the grounds crew does a fantastic job getting into game shape

Game #1 - Line up card

Game #2 was versus the Dodgers, a tournament new comer.  We knew little about this team, other than what Mike Labanowski provided.  Mike played with many of the players over the years.

The Dodgers took a 1 run lead in the second.  We tied the score in the bottom of the inning.  We took a 1 run lead in the third inning.  The Dodgers tied it up at 2 in the fourth.  Then took a 1 run lead in the fifth.  We tied the score in the bottom of the fifth.  In the sixth, David Miller battled for a 14 pitch at bat, resulting in a walk.  He promptly moved to third, when during his steal attempt the throw to first base eluded the first basemen.  He scored on a solid hit to right center by David Gibbon, who was also the winning pitcher.  Pitching 6 strong innings.  Lestert Beard came in to record the save.  Today we got timely 2 out hitting from every position in the line-up.  I hit into a fielders choice, which tied the score and walked.  I was doubled up, when stealing second base, the ball was popped up to first base.  Before I could find the ball (was 3/4 the way to second), I was easily doubled up attempting to return to the base.

So day one is complete, with 2 wins under our belts.  We start all over again tomorrow, as today's success does not mean anything to tomorrow's games.

Stadium prior to the Dodgers game

Game #2 - Line up card

The Pirate Team did what we always do, taking over the locker room, until we were kicked out at 5:30 pm.  We even added the "Raise the Jolly Roger" flag to the locker room.  After going 2 & 0 to start the tournament, we have bragging rights for today.  The Mets had a great day today, also going 2 & 0.  They play the Yankees 1 & Yankees 2 on Friday.  The Pirates have the Twins and Yankees 1 on Friday.  The goal is to end up as the number 1 or number 2 seed.  We have our eyes on #1 and more Stargell Stars.

Spanky holding court - he still has his eye patch from 2016 (Thanks to D'arcy Jonik)

Taking over the locker room - Raise the Jolly Roger!!

Team just chilling.  When the 4 rookies found they did not have cool Yankee chairs, like the rest of the Pirates Team.  The did what good Pirates do.  "We take what we want, when we want"  Famous quote from Spanky.