Tied up so Far
The Dodgers are heading to Philadelphia tied up. The series is now 1-1.
Last night's game was actually a great game to watch except that the Phillies won that one.
The World Series Trophy was on display just outside the Stadium.
Batting practice was well underway. It was nice to see that a couple of Phillies were out on the field talking to some of the Dodgers.
The Phillies coach Manuel took a ride back to the clubhouse from the bullpen
Then the Phillies came out and took batting practice.
Clayton Kershaw, our starting picture came out to the field to warm up. He looked so young.
and vulnerable
Matty Kemp also ran out on the field
Andre was in good spiriits
There was a group of Marines and Navy sailors walking across the field but Matty just kept on working out
a quiet, soul searching moment for Matt
Russell came out with all his equipment to throw the ball and warm up
Clayton and Russell walked together across the field to the dugout
It was exciting to see the entire Dodger organization iintroduced. Here are the coaches
Manny
Matt
By the time Billy Ray Cyrus sang the National Anthem, we Dodger fans were beside ourselves with excitement. While the Marines and Navy were unfurling the huge flag, we noticed that someone had fallen and was under the flag. Weird.
Our relief pitchers walked to the bullpen
The game did not end the way I would have liked it to but it was a great game to watch. Our downfall was the two 3 run homeruns that Kershaw and Sherrill allowed after walking a couple of players. Once Clayton lost the strike zone, he didn't find it again. The homerun that Sherrill allowed was unusual for him.
The Dodgers fought back with homeruns by Loney and Manny but it was a losing battle.
Loney running in after hitting his homerun. This is only the second he has hit in Dodger Stadium this year.
Here is Manny running in after his homerun.
Belisario, one of our best relief pitchers
The Dodgers kept coming back but to no avail. The Phillies were in constant discussion.
I wonder if they're talking about me??
Oh, boy, my back needs stretching
Yikes, how long will they talk
And how many pictures is that Cat taking of me anyway? Andre always seems to spot me in the crowd.
Might as well blow some bubbles
or look for that darn penny. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack
Maybe I'll adjust my do
or look at the neat signs around Dodger Stadium.
Here's Andre signaling two away
Here is left field ibanez. A couple of fans were heckling him. He got them back by hitting one of those homeruns.
One thing about the Dodgers is that every day is a new day. Losses are put behind them and they come roaring back. Often they win with two out or in the final inning. We have learned not to leave until the game is over.
The second game was a day game. Everyone who reads my blog knows how much I dislike the day games.
I had already heard that after the drenching with rain we had early in the week, we were going to have very hot weather.
I was sick anyway with an upper respiratory infection, so I knew I would be miserable in the heat. I came prepared with a couple of bottles of water and Linda gifted me with another one.
While I was standing in front of my seat, I felt something under my Dodger teeshirt. I thought maybe it was a thread or something but realized it was moving. I reached under my shirt and pulled something out and threw it to the ground. I realized it was a bee. What a way to start my day!!
Uh oh, I wonder if the guys were wondering what was going on with me!!
It looks like they were deeply engrossed in something else.
I really worried about the heat on the field
Russell looked hot when he came out with his equipment
I guess the relief pitchers always wear their jackets even in 85 degree weather
I hoped that Vicente Padilla would be able to tolerate the heat. He did pitch for Texas so I know he was used to ugly weather. Oh and thank you Texas for Padilla.
Russell
Another picture of Russell, especially for Rosie
The Backstreet Boys sang the National Anthem, not the run of the mill version either.
Ronnie Belliard, our second baseman
About this time, the heat was unbearable. I couldn't sit in my regular seat so I found a seat in the shade. The only problem was that the couple in front of me blocked my view. The guy had a wide brimmed hat. The girl had a large Dodger scarf that she held up a waved which totally blocked my view. I couldn't take many pictures and those I took had parts of the guy's hat and the scarf so I just deleted those.
I wonder whether any of you out there have ever had doubts about the profession that you have chosen. I know that although I have spent a large part of my life doing what I do, I sometimes wonder if it is my life's calling. As most of you know, I am an ER nurse. It is not an easy life. There are a lot of stesses involved as with any other profession.
Something that happened at the game let me know that this is what I was meant to do.
I was watching the game when I noticed two men bringing an older gentleman up the aisle, one on either side. But the older man was actually being half carried. Instinct made me jump to my feet and run to his side. I directed them to lie the man down since I figured that he was dehydrated. Someone was throwing water on his face and I yelled at him to stop it. What if he aspirated the water. A cold towel would have been better. I checked for a pulse and found one so I knew he was okay, He responded when I spoke to him. In fact, he said, "What's the score?" I laughed very relieved. I stayed with him until the paramedics were at his side. They took him directly to the hospital. As they left, the man's son looked at me and said quietly, "Thank you." It brought tears to my eyes. When I went to my seat, a fan told me that I did a great job. My usher Ernie told me it was great that I sat up in the shade so that I was there to help the man. I was overwhelmed but felt really good. I will never question my choice of careers since I think that God chose for me since he has put me in several circumstances where my knowledge has helped others.
By that time, the score was about to change from 1-0 (Padilla had allowed a solo homerun) to 1-1, then 2-1 with an Ethier walk which brought Russell home.
By that time I was worried about my guys and the Phillies on the field. Matt was looking hot.
Manny was checking out his nails
But he looked hot as well
Russell looked hot and a bit dirty as well.
The Dodgers still played their heart out. They never give up.
Russell took his cap off while waiting on third base
Eventually there were subsitutions to get the guys off the field. Here is Juan Castro.
And Juan Pierre who already was feeling the heat.
Andre was left in to make the magnificent catch which would end the ninth inning for the Phillies.
The Phillies were out in the field praying for a victory.
I don't know why Manuel used 5 relief pitchers. None of them had the results he wanted. And why did he take ex Dodger Pedro Martinez out when he did. He was doing a masterful job pitching. The Dodger batters were waiting for their chance when Martinez was retired for the night.
It was definitely a pitchers game.
The Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla received a standing ovation when he left the game, the first of his career. This game he pitched also was probably the most important game he ever pitched. I again thank Texas for him.
When our closer Jonathan Broxton or Big Boy came out, the door was ready to be slammed shut.
Throughout the season, the Dodgers have always had fun playing baseball. They have not dwelled on losses, playing each day as a new challenge.
And above all:
Sunday the Dodgers and Phillies play in Philadelphia. Kuroda-san will make his first start after being out with a bulging C spine. He looks ready. They say he plays as though he has ice water running through his veins. The Phillies fans have the reputation for being ruthless but the ones I know are devoted, wonderful fans. Please be kind to my guys.
Thanks for stopping by. What an exciting series this has been so far.
Much, MUCH better than game 1. Hope they continue the pulse in Philly.
--Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
http://mtrredstatebluestate.com
Report any abuse or spam
Cat. Talk about Universal things. Had you not moved into the shade, that man's troubles may have never caught your attention. A pat on the back to you Cat. In my 26yrs as a Police Officer I relied on ER nurses ... alot. In fact, I wouldn't be here today if not for people like you. It was great to get the game and the win. But, in the end. This is just how we entertain ourselves. You chose the right thing Cat. Or ... maybe more aptly.. it chose you : )
Buz - http://buzblog.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
It's good that this series is tied 1-1, rather than the Phillies 2-0 because that's asking for trouble not winning a game and then a must win in Philly. Great photos by the way. It's not as warm in the Northeast region, I'll tell you that.
Matthew Tang
http://matt7.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
Great story, Cat. Of course you were meant to be an ER nurse. You sprang into action at the very moment when you were questioning your career choice. Talk about destiny! And you were rewarded for your efforts when the Dodgers won the game. So glad you were feeling well enough to even go, although I know nothing would have kept you away.
- http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
I was wondering too why they took out Martinez...looks like that probably cost us the game right there. But what a great series this has been so far!
Loved the story....my best friend is a critical care nurse and I teach at a school with special ed kids that have drug and violent behavior issues...we both question our professions everyday too. Especially when I get something thrown at me...LOL But at the end of the day, you just know you are doing the right thing. Kudos to you for helping that man!
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
Thanks for the story; I have not read your blog much so didn't realize you were an ER nurse.
Go Dodgers!
http://behindblueyes.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
I don't think it is a coincidence that the four teams left are all near the top in comeback wins this season.
http://bronx-awesome.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
Cat - life does work in very strange ways. That man's family will be forever grateful to you.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
I was going to get all philosophical on you, but I think no matter what you did as a profession you would have felt compelled to help, cause thats the type of person you sound as if you are....great story by the way...and a great couple of games...looking forward to game 3 here's hoping it's as exciting as 1 and 2...
~peter
Outside the Phillies Looking In
http://devilabrit.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
Cat: Sorry I have not commented much lately. School is getting to me. It has been an exciting series so far. I watched the first game. I watched the second game, too, but I changed to the Yankee pregame in the 8th inning. I can't believe I missed Andre's walk! Oh, well. Cat, you are amazing. The way you helped that man, you are just amazing. I think you were meant to do what you do. And you were meant to be the gretaest Dodger fan as well. I love how Andre always finds you. I wonder what he is thinking as he sees your camara pointed at him.
My little brother now likes the Dodgers, too. He watched the games with me. He likes Furcal, because Raffy is on one of his teams in his baseball video game. And he likes Broxton. He thinks it is funny that he is so big. So thanks yo your blog, I became a Dodger fan, and I created another one! But the Yanks are our #1 :)
-Virginia
http://southernbelle.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
Cat, I'm watching the Dodgers right now and they're down 6-0 in Philly. I'm doing a little dance hoping they pull out of it and take the lead. But if it doesn't work, don't panic. They can do this! Btw, I wish you could go to see the Yanks in Anaheim. I'm thinking about going on Tuesday. It would be fun if you were there.
- http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
Oh Cat- what a tough game it was for your guys last night! Scott and I were "talking" during the game and we were both pulling for the Dodgers! Good luck - your guys can do it!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
Wow CAT,
Friday's game (GAME 2) was exciting. Sorry I couldn't find you, but we arrived to the game during 4th inning. Traffic was horrible. I was 30 miles away and we left at noon and it still took us that long to get to Dodger Stadium and find parking. It was just terrible. Since must of us SoCal were stuck in that horrible traffic the Dodgers decided to give us a long, long, long 8th inning and it was a great one.
We did go down after the game but you were not there. Hey but we met Danny Davito in the parking lot. Took a picture with him. Never realized how short he really is. Also we've seen when the Phillies were being escorted out in their bus.
Report any abuse or spam
Cat, great pictures as usual. OMG, I can't believe you had a bee under your shirt! I hope you didn't cause as much commotion as my sister surely would have - she has a rather irrational dislike of any kind of insect, and would probably have run screaming! Was surprised to see Kuroda struggle so much last night - I guess the long layoff had him a bit rusty. On paper, Blanton and Wolf look pretty evenly matched tonight. Should be another good game.
Sue
Rants, Raves, and Random Thoughts
Report any abuse or spam
Cat- Congrats to YOU! The latest Leader's List has come out - with a twist! It covers the whole regular season from 4/4-10/4 and your #46!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
Hey Cat-
Congrats to the Dodgers on making it to the NLCS!
http://adriangonzalez23.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
So, so sorry about the loss tonight. It was a killer. The Dodgers looked like they had it wrapped up, but there's still tomorrow. Good luck!
- http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
Oh Cat! I wasn't able to stay up to see the last 2 innings (have to teach today) but I was so disappointed to see that the Dodgers had lost the game! Good luck to them tonight!!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
I so hope for a win tonight. Please at least make it a series huh Cat?
Buz - http://buzblog.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
Just me again to say I'm sorry about tonight. I know you're sad but I also know how much you love your team, win or lose.
- http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
Oh Cat, I just saw the score - I am so sorry! Believe me - I know just how you feel. Your guys had a great season - remember all the great times you had at the ball park!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
CAT,
It was a great season for our BOYS IN BLUE, but the ending was NOT what we wanted. Just seeing their faces last night was just very heart breaking. Hope they dust the loss off, pick up and try again next year.
Thanks again for sharing your game pictures with all of us. The pictures were wonderful. I really enjoyed meeting you at one of the games. Next year....we should be BACK screaming and cheering loud for our BOYS!
*
Rosie
Report any abuse or spam