04/04/12
Cardinals 4- Marlins 1
What's up Redbirds!
I really appreciate the fact that you all won last night, because today would be a horrible day if you hadn't. It is a good day, because I am not anxiously awaiting tomorrow's redemption, I am trying to calculate the odds of a team going 162-0. Apparently, its five quindecillion to one (5000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 to 1). Well, there's nothing stopping a girl from dreaming about the impossible. (Although, technically, there is a chance-- a very, very miniscule, near-zero chance-- but a chance all the same.)
Mike Matheny endured an ice cold water-dousing after his first managerial win. I was wondering why the team seemed extra focused last night-- turns out everyone wanted to get Matheny's big first 'W' out the way.
It looks like the team enjoys playing for Mike.
AGGRESSIVE BASE RUNNING
All spring, there was talk about how Matheny wanted the team to run more, specifically, he wanted the team to steal more bases. It occurred to me last night that he just wants the guys to strive for the extra-base, period-- go as far as you can on each hit. Twice in the first inning, Cardinal players slid into second on fairly close plays. Ballsy.
To cap off an inning of aggressive running, Yadier Molina ran to first base on a groundout to second. Perhaps he thinks it's still the post season. He never usually runs that hard on groundouts. I LOVED seeing that effort.
THERE'S A CRUISE SHIP IN LITTLE HAVANA
One of the EPSN announcers said that Marlins Park's window style makes it look like cruise ship docked in the middle of Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. This makes sense-- Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria wants to have the feel of the beach and ocean at the ballpark.
Let me say one thing about those Miamians-- they had me mentally exhausted before the first pitch was ever thrown! Now, St. Louis has clydesdales pulling a Budweiser wagon, leading the parade of Cardinals and Cardinals hall-of-famers around the ballpark, but it isn't nearly the level of sight and sensory that Miami fans were treated to last night.
I mean, the Miami players were escorted by Brazilian dancers! The guy who is famous for singing "Feliz Navidad" sang the National Anthem. It was very slow, but singers don't usually start singing the Star- Spangled banner at a good clip until June, so I forgive him. Muhammad Ali made a (very slow, awkward and depressing) trek in a cart to deliver the ceremonial first pitch. I enjoyed watching the Marlins players gather around him for a snapshot.
In addition to all the Opening Day hoopla, there were people hanging upside down by their ankles, dancing and pouring champagne. I am serious.
Also, besides the much derided home run contraption beyond center field and the much discussed fish tanks behind home plate, Marlins Park also has a pool located at Clevelander bar out in left field.
OH MY LOHSE!
7.1 IP, 2H, 1ER, 3K
Kyle Lohse...you said that after pitching on the World Series stage, handling an Opening Day start is nothing. You were right, if your poise last night amidst the Miami madness is any indication. Your performance last night had everyone saying "Carpenter, who?". It was beautiful watching you no- hit the Marlins for 7 innings. Dominating. There were a few well-struck balls, but that's what defenders are for, right?
HAPPY FLIGHT!
The first "happy flight" of the season was from Miami to Milwaukee last night! Hopefully it was the first of many!
For the uninitiated: "Happy Flight!" was the Cardinals war-cry during the months of September and October last season. It originated with short stop Rafael Furcal as a reference to the games you win on travel days-- leading to a happy plane ride to your new location!
Love ya'll! Please win this series against Milwaukee. They are sure to raise their "2011 Division Champions" flag next to their "2008 Wild Card" flag sometime this weekend.
'Til Later
'Til Later
HAPPY FLIGHT METER: 1/1
*Yes, this jingle from the Chevrolet ads that ran last night on ESPN, featuring Detroit Tigers' Prince Fielder and Justin Verlander in a modern day reprise of the Detroit automaker's game-changing 1974 commercials, is just as catchy now as then... so, what better way to label a post about the (state-side) return of America's game?
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