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DAY 196
Saturday October 13th
Cleveland, OH
I was right – it was an inning too far; evidenced by the fact that I didn't wake up until after nine thirty this morning.
Once I was able to focus, I put on the TV, which informed me that the game didn't last much longer than me last night. Colorado scored in the top of the eleventh from a bases loaded walk, and held on to take the game. That means they take a two game lead back to their own stadium. Today is a rest day for them, and I'm staying in Cleveland for game two of the Cleveland v Boston series.
The problem with staying in Cleveland for evening matches is that you have to find something to do during the day. There's not a lot in Cleveland , and this is my third visit of the summer. I had toyed with the idea of going to the zoo, but as I'm so late getting started I revise my plans. I wander off in search of |
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breakfast but, before leaving, check the list that I made before leaving on my trip. This reminds me that Cleveland is the birthplace of rock and roll, and I have the address of the building where it allegedly started. Coincidentally, it is in the same street as my hotel, so I check it out on my way to breakfast.
Back in the fifties, 1375 Euclid Avenue was the headquarters of WJW radio, and Alan Freed was working as a disc jockey for them when he supposedly became the first person to use the phrase "rock and roll". The building has been completely restyled in the last few years, but it is still owned by an entertainment concern, and is holding theatre workshops as I pass.
On my way back from breakfast, I call in at the Indians club shop, and manage to acquire a couple of tickets for the big screen showing of tonight's game. They are free, so it gives me the choice of watching outside or inside depending on the weather.
I spend the afternoon tidying up the car, and listening on the internet to England beat France in the semi-final of the Rugby Union World Cup. I also try to book a hotel for my return to Cleveland next week, but find that my usual hotel is full, as are all the other city centre hotels. It seems Boston is moving to Cleveland en masse. I have to settle for a hotel by the airport, which will mean having to drive in and find somewhere to park.
Around 6.30 I wander into the centre for some dinner, and then head for the ballpark. I arrive in good time for the 8.20 start. The game is a good one, with much ebb and flow. Cleveland goes ahead in the first with a Martinez double, but in the third Ramirez draws a bases loaded walk , again, and a Lowell hit scores two to put the Sox ahead 3-1.
Next inning, though, Cleveland puts two on base, and a home run from Jhonny (yes, that's how you spell it!) Peralta gives them a 4-3 lead. The lead is extended with a Sizemore homer in the fifth, but back to back homers give Boston a 6-5 lead. Cleveland scrambles an equalising run in the sixth, and then the bullpens take some sort of control.
Although exciting, the game is one of the slowest I have witnessed and, by the time the game reaches the end of the ninth it is 12.45. The temperature has dropped, and I decide to hurry back to the hotel to watch the extra innings. In the top of the eleventh Cleveland put in Trot Nixon as a pinch hitter. Nixon is a former Boston player, and he breaks the tie with a hit to right. This opens the floodgates, and the Boston bullpen falls apart. A couple more hits make it 10-6, and then a three run homer from Guttierez seals Boston's fate. Cleveland wins 13-6, and the series returns to Cleveland level. After 5 hours and 14 minutes, those who stayed in the stadium deserve medals. |
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