Fresh off a come from behind win due to Joe Koshansky’s pinch hit home run on Monday afternoon at Albuquerque, the Nashville Sounds continue their dramatic ways to pull out victories out of their own hats.
Yesterday, the Sounds left their Albuquerque Hotel at 4:00AM in the morning to head to the airport for the return flight home. The team got to the airport at 4:25AM only the find themselves as the only people who were at the airport. We were scheduled to fly home at 6:10AM and to my surprise, there were no attendants present at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter. We already got our airline tickets, but we needed to check our bags in and get a boarding pass to get on the plane.
We finally saw an apologetic airline ticket counter agent make it to work. I certainly understand that dragging yourself to work at 4:30AM in the morning is not an easy task by any means. Still, when there are early flights that have to depart, then someone knows that he/she needs to be at the counter. We got our bags checked and made it to the security. There was a new security system where i also had to remove my belt (which I never had to do before) and to go into a booth and raise my arms to above my head. Still, whatever the people at the airport need to do to ensure our safety, I am all for it. Anyway, everything went smoothly as planned and I was able to proceed to the boarding gate. We flew to our connection city to Houston, Texas, where we had a two hour layover. I had a nice breakfast platter at the airport to keep my stomach happy. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, a biscount, home fries and an orange juice. Normally, I am a “Special K” cereal eater in the morning, but since we don’t get served meals on the plane (only drinks and a snack), the meal was a welcome sight for my stomach.
At 11L35AM, we hopped on our plane for the ride to Nashville. I was surprised and aghast to discover that some of the seats were wet because there was a leakage in the air conditioning system. Someway and somehow, the flight crew got everyone seated, but some had to have towels to pllug up the leaky parts of the plane. Fortunately, I didn’t have to do this.
The plane was temporarily delayed for a few minutes due to some maintenance and paperwork that had to be done. Still, we were on our way. Due to the air conditioning system, we had to fly in a plane with no A/C. The flight lasted 90 minutes and we finally were able to make it back to Nashville by 1:45PM.
We were scheduled to play the Tacoma Rainiers at 7:05PM last night. Tacoma took a “red eye” flight the night before since they had an 11:30AM game the previous morning. The Rainiers somehow got into Nashville by 8AM yesterday. It was so nice to see Tacoma Manager Daren Brown, who was with me while I broadcast in San Antonio as the Mariners were the parent club of San Antonio’s AA club during most of the 2000s decade. Brown was our manager in 2006 and just like he was back then, he is one of the most classiest and approachable gentlemen in this game. I interviewed him for a pre-game chat (which you can listen to on the Sounds’ website). The Mariners made a coaching change and had the Rainiers’ hitting coach Alonzo Powell promoted to the parent club. Seattle had lots of expectations since they made some off-season moves that looked to improve their ballclub, but they have struggled. It’s a shame that this series will be the only time we play Tacoma since I’ve always enjoyed chatting baseball with Daren Brown. I always wish him the best in his career since he is a hard worker and again, he is such a super nice guy!
The Sounds scored early in the ballgame when Ray Olmedo hit his first homer of the season. Joe Koshansky and Erick Almonte had hits in the first inning as well and Nashville had a 2-0 lead. Koshansky and Almonte have really put things together at the plate and both have drastically cut down on their strikeouts. A lot of credit also goes to Hitting Coach Sandy Guerrero, who is a patient man when it comes to helping players.
The Sounds trailed in the game, but came back to tie the game at 3-3. Then in the 10th inning. Johnny Raburn walked with one out and advanced to second on a groundout. Centerfielder Norris Hopper, who was back in the leadoff slot, singled to center field. It looked like the throw from center would nail Raburn at the plate, but Tacoma’s catcher never touched Raburn. Johnny didn’t touch home plate at first either, but he got back to the plate and was ruled safe. The Sounds had a 4-3 victory that sent the Sounds’ faithful home and happy! This Sounds team continues to show how resilient they really are. Now they play an 11:05 game this morning, so this will be a test for both teams, especially since they had long airline flights yesterday.
On a side note, I want to congratulate outfielder Adam Stern for his promotion to the major leagues. Stern has hit well despite missing three weeks due to an injury. He got the callup after the game on Monday in Albuquerque when it was learned that Brewers’ centerfielder Carlos Gomez was placed on the Disabled List due to an injury. How long that Stern is with the big club remains to be seen. Knowing Adam, I know he will take advantage of this opportunity and I wish him the very best.
Pitcher Chris Capuano has joined the Sounds after having a great start at Class A Brevard County. He will start on Thursday against Tacoma. Capuano has had two “Tommy John Surgeries” on his left elbow and I wish him the best. I admire his determination and perseverance.
Only time will tell as to what Capuano and Stern do. Anyway, it’s nice to be home again. Today’s game is on internet only at www.nashvillesounds.com before every home game and a certain amount of road games will be on 104.5 The Zone. Thank you as always for tuning in. If you don’t have plans today, come on out to the ballpark. I promise I won’t tell your bosses that you are playing hooky, but this 2010 Sounds Team is certainly fun to watch and broadcast. I continue to look for the best out of them because they ALWAYS play hard and look to ALWAYS play the game right! Keep up the great work, fellows!
- Posted on May 12, 2010 at 8:03 am
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