The Intentional Walk Off

Zack Parker was nothing short of brilliant tonight. A 2 hit shutout for the Barnstormers was exactly what the team needed. I went in believing that regardless of how many runs he gave up, he would have to go at least 7 tonight. The bullpen is an absolute mess. The seven game losing streak coming into tonight did not help either. Zack answered the bell, and you cannot ask for more than that. He pitched like he knew he had to go deep into the game, not trying to fool hitters, but trying to get them to make contact and produce outs. This is when I believe he is at his best. He does not have a blazing fastball or a knee buckling curve, but his pitches are solid, and are more than good enough to make hitters miss and make them err when they actually do hit the ball.

There was a good feeling in the stadium tonight, although the crowd did seem to be quite sparse. I suppose that is understandable, considering the losing streak and the fact that it was a Monday night, not a Friday or Saturday. Throughout the game, Zack showed emotion, and he had many opportunities to do so, whether it be the line drive out to Blade, the strike ‘em out / throw ‘em out double play, or the superb catch by Jarred Ball in right field that appeared headed for no man’s land.

The Frosty chant almost died tonight. I was almost happy. But then the batter got two strikes, and it reared its Cool, Ice Creamy head once again. My favorite was when there was a runner on first with one out and the K Man up. Everyone began to chant “Frosty…Frosty…” My response? Who cares about a Frosty when you can have a double play to end the inning. Maybe I care too much. Maybe I just don’t like Wendy’s frozen desserts. Or maybe we need a chant for double plays….Hmmm….

All told, tonight was a great game to watch. It had exciting defense, including an awfully executed attempt at what would have been the play of the year between Lloyd Turner and Danny Gonzalez on a ground ball to Turner in the early innings. It had some pop, with Stavisky hitting another Tent Poke to right field…I feel like there should be a better name for home runs to that short right field…can the readers help me out with that? Most of all, it had a dominant performance by a true ace.  In honor of his performance, here is a photo courtesy of Stormin’ edited by yours truly.