Inside the Freezer

Game 106, July 29, Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Gwinnett Braves 5, Durham Bulls 0
Season: 59-47; Home Stand: 4-4
Wrap, Box, Examiner, Herald-Sun, Indy Week

Mike Potter over at Examiner.com has the best lead:

Anyone looking for relief from this oppressive heat might want to curl up beside the Durham Bulls’ bats.

You will find them just out of the freezer and they are cold, cold, cold. The top four hitters in the lineup last night went 2 for 16 with a walk. The player with the two hits (Steven Vogt) was playing in his first AAA game. Of course, a few days ago none except Dan Johnson were among the leadoff crew.

And then Andy Sonnanstine is quoted in the same Examiner article:

“I was pretty good,” Sonnanstine said. “I was happy with how deep I went. If you took back that fifth inning it would have been a great outing. I’ve always been trying to get as far into a game with the fewest amount of pitches, getting them out three or less. I’ve always tried to do that. The main thing I need to do is get innings under my belt.”

Really? If the 5th was bad, what about the 6th? Double, single, sac fly to the warning track scored a run, two outs to the warning track. Didn't look all that good to me. But an important talent in a professional ballplayer is the ability to put mistakes behind you (mistakes like throwing the ball over DJ's head and giving up the home run in the 5th).

So the Bulls are back into a tie with Gwinnett and Charlotte is coming to town. Game time temperature should be just a bit below 100°. Think I'll go spend some time with the bats. But this time maybe take them out of the freezer a couple of hours before the game.

A good time to update this chart.

click on chart for larger image