Day 156

 

The Rockies win. The Rockies win. Oh how nice it feels to say that.

Thursday night at Minute Maid Park was the breakout I’ve been hoping to see. Homeruns all over the place and the Rockies were the offense juggernaut so many, including myself, know they can be.

I’ve worn all different types of outfits this season in hopes of finding the right combination. This game was not anything I wore though. Sitting with Kylie of Blake Street Blogger fame, we had a secret weapon- the lucky pj pants.

There was one mystery about them. They refused to be taken in a picture correctly. For whatever reason, the camera which would pick up every other color perfectly, would not take a picture of the purple pants. They came out blue every time.

 

It had to be the pants I told Kylie. They wouldn’t come out in camera purple like a vampire doesn’t show up in a mirror. Magic.

How nice it was to see one Mr. Garrett Atkins taking the plate. I like to say I called it when I said homerun here Garrett, left field. Not once but twice he would oblige. Sitting in the front row of the stadium watching Garrett run the bases, I couldn’t help but yell, “It had to turn sometime.”

 

     Garret Atkins by Tom Walsh

Back to back Brad Hawpe-Atkins solo homeruns. It was beautiful to see. After talking to a Rockies insider very close to the team, I found out Atkins had been on the trading block the entire winter but nobody was interested. It hurt to hear because I am a big fan, but it’s the game I suppose.

Outside of the hitting, the pitching was just as impressive. Finally I saw confidence and an outing worthy of applause.

 

     Jason Hammel by Tom Walsh

Jason Hammels shut down the Astros and the 17 game hitting streak by Miguel Tejada came to an end.

Kylie, Ozzy and I decided we would just take the seats no one had been sitting in while we were standing during batting practice. If those people didn’t want them we would gladly take them. First row field level for $7, you wouldn’t hear any gripes from me.

 

Kylie is more than happy to smile for the camera but I apparently tend to be more serious. I don’t think we were winning by too much at that point, so maybe I was just focused.

 

Kylie was cool enough to make sure she got me the free food at the juice box she had offered when I told everyone I would be wandering around the country.

 

After commenting on how I never “really” smile in pictures Kylie took the retake with my free grub. Ok maybe I need to smile more.

Smiles all around. The Rockies were winning and handily. Just then I turned around and there were new people sitting behind me. One was wearing a “happy” shirt. Could this be? Could I be meeting a “happy youngster” groupy in real life. I asked this gentleman where he got his shirt and I would find out not only was he a fan of happy but also a snagger himself.

Lonestar from the MLBlogging community himself, had a very productive night at the ballpark. Happy may have some competition. This was the second time I had met two bloggers in the same park in the same night. It’s awesome to meet people within the blogging community.

I was happy to meet Kylie and I hope she keeps the lucky pj’s rocking until we are in first place. If they keep up, she needs to take them to college with her when she leaves for Colorado. The Rockies fan base would be happy to get that luck in the mix.

Ozzy and I had a great time and the Rockies took one to keep the sweep from happening. Hopefully this can keep up into St Louis. With a quick detour I hope to catch at least two games of that series. Wish me luck. Houston was good to me and it’s time to move on.