I just got back from Game 3. Whenever you hear someone say something like, "Well, it's 20 degrees, with mixed rain and hail, but nobody here seems to mind one bit," remember that it's said by someone sitting safely in his warm studio. I sure as hell minded.
I would have minded a lot more if they had lost, though. As it was, sitting through an interminable 7th Inning, with multiple songs, multiple base runners, and no runs, was more than enough, thank you.
One thing mercifully missing from this game was the relentless noise from the speakers that makes conversation at regular season games require walkie-talkies between neighboring seats. There was enough of it all right, including the terminally insulting, "Get Loud!!!" accompanied by some indeterminate music with a tremendous bass backbeat. But the music in-between every pitch was missing, as was a fair amount of the player theme music. I can't help but think some of it was a result of the National Television Audience, announced to great enthusiasm at the beginning of the contest.
The fans were funny, as always, booing Barry Bonds on the MLB season highlight reel, and the upper deck trying to start a Wave in the 9th. (A Wave! At a baseball game! In the 21st Century! Next thing you know, they'll be bringing back wooden outfield fences and bleachers, and passing out parasols to the ladies during hot summer days.) I did think the fireworks (rockets, red glare, bombs bursting, &c) during the national anthem was in dubious taste, though.
As for the game, despite the win, the Rockies could easily have lost this game, and lost it in the first inning. Before the D-Backs' home run, they had been hitting Fogg hard, driving the ball all over the park, only right at guys. The Rockies got three double plays in the first three innings, which means Arizona had men all over the bases, too.
For the first time, Holliday, despite his home run, showed visible frustration when he popped out and left men on. Guys, you're facing the best pitching day in and day out every game. Enjoy now, because it's only going to get worse.
It was only win 20 in 21 games for the Rockies, and suddenly, the World Series looks like it may be headed to Colorado. Truly, we are in the End TImes.
