It was my first ever game that I've attended that is NOT Triple A or Major League level. My first impression about Single-A?
College baseball, but without the atmosphere.
The majority of the players there were college-age kids and sure played like them. Nobody's perfect. There are some hotshots, some kids that'd never sniff the majors. And who could forget the occasional rehabbing MLB player (hint: there was one in tonight's game)?
I really enjoyed the game, even though it was sweltering hot. I enjoyed it so much that I'm thinking about doing a mini-tour of minor league baseball next summer. I would probably pick a "bus league" and try to touch each ballpark in that league.
Of course I'll bring my camera along.
Anyway, here are the photos between the Cougars and the Kernels!
 |
| An official Midwest League baseball sits in the grass before the game between the Cougars and the Kernels. |
 |
| Cougars starter Scott Baker delivers against the Kernels during the first inning. |
 |
| Kernels starter Jose Berrios pitches against the Cougars during the second inning. |
 |
| The Cougars' Trevor Gretzky runs to first after hitting a single to left field against the Kernels during the third inning. |
 |
| The Cougars' Jeimer Candelario rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Kernels during the third inning. |
 |
| The Cougars' Jeimer Candelario celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run against the Kernels during the third inning. |
 |
| The Cougars' Carlos Escobar celebrates his two-run home run with Jose Dore against the Kernels during the fourth inning. |
 |
| The Cougars' Jeimer Candelario hits against the Kernels during the fifth inning. |
 |
| Cougars left fielder Trevor Gretzky lunges for the ball as shortstop Brad Zapenas gets out of the way against the Kernels during the fifth inning. |
 |
| Cougars "piggy-back" starter Jose Arias pitches against the Kernels during the seventh inning. |
 |
| The Cougars' Reggie Golden hits against the Kernels during the eighth inning. |
 |
| Cougars first baseman Willson Contreras steps on first base for the out and dodges the Kernels' Jeremias Pineda during the eighth inning. |
 |
| Cougars shortstop Brad Zapenas turns a double play at second base beside the Kernels' Jorge Polanco during the eighth inning. |
 |
| Cougars reliever Stephen Perakslis pitches against the Kernels during the eighth inning. |
 |
| The Cougars' Brad Zapenas runs the bases against the Kernels during the ninth inning. |
 |
| Cougars outfielders (L to R) Trevor Gretzky, Jose Dore and Reggie Golden celebrate their 9-1 victory over the Kernels. |