My sister asked me if I had a good time at the game and if it was a good game. The game itself wasn’t the most exciting that I’ve witnessed this year, but I had a great time. Yesterday was the first time in a couple years that I was actually pursuing a story, and officially interviewing staff.

Since I discovered Billy Gardner Jr and Dan Radison were hired to manage and coach (respectfully) the Sky Carp, I thought there was a story there. The two men have over 45 years of coaching/managing experience. As some of you probably know, outsiders have been the popular hire in professional baseball the past few years. It’s great that people with experience outside the game are given chances, but not at the expense of people that know what the hell they are doing. This isn’t just a baseball or sports thing either.

This was the first time I had press credentials at the new ballpark in Beloit, so figuring out the lay of the land behind the scenes was interesting to say the least. With my creds in hand, I made my way to the press box/media room. It’s probably what one would expect of a newer minor league ballpark. Years ago, I was stuffed into a closet outside the Snappers locker room. If you ever saw it you wouldn’t confuse it with a clubhouse, rather you’d think municipal swimming pool locker room. I got to eavesdrop on a pregame, entertainment staff meeting. I also enjoyed some watermelon and bottled water.

Sixty minutes before first pitch, I was escorted to Gardner’s office by the very accommodating media relations guy, Josh. Billy immediately put me at ease, and the information was great. Our conversation off the record was more enjoyable-it’s what I’ve missed most about being on the field before a game.

Photo: the 57-year-old Billy Gardner, son of former ML player and manager Billy Sr. (95 years old). Jr. has been managing for over 24 seasons and has won two championships along the way.

My interview with Rad was abbreviated and the content was a little less than I expected. Rad is 72-years young and has phenomenal recall for the players in his mental black book. He’s very passionate about the game and protective of the young men in his charge. The two men have been tasked with nurturing this particular group of young talent. Rad takes more of a big picture approach and predicted great things in the second half of the season.

The Sky Carps haven’t played especially well since my last visit to ABC stadium last month and the Marlins better prospects have slumped tremendously. I think Radison believes battling through the early difficulties will benefit the team in the long run. Miami’s #3 prospect and 2022, 1st round pick, Jacob Barry’s average had plummeted to .183 and he was 0-4 with two unproductive strikeouts. The only other relevant, ranked prospect who saw action in the game was second baseman, Yiddi Cappe (#7). The 20-year-old Cuban was 1-4, was caught stealing at a pivotal moment and a crucial error.

Kansas City’s two highest ranked prospects, third baseman, Cayden Wallace (#4) and DH, Gavin Cross (#1) didn’t fare any better going a combined 1-8 with an RBI and run scored.

That being said, the River Bandits got off to a great start, scoring 2 runs and sending 8 batters to the plate in the top of the 1st off Beloit starter, Gabe Bierman. He settled down a bit in the next two innings, but allowed a third run before exiting in the 4th.

Quad Cities starter, William Fleming scattered 3 hits in four shutout innings. In his last start, he threw 4 innings of no-hit ball. In both cases Cruz Noriega relieved him, but this time Noriega gave up a game-tying, 3-run homer to left fielder, Tanner Allen.

The biggest play of the game didn’t involve any scoring or any player directly. With one out in the bottom of the second inning, a pitched ball struck home plate ump, Juan Gomez in the knee. He eventually finished the inning, but left the game after the inning. It was pretty scary and I’m glad I didn’t capture it on film. His partner, Daniel Bytheway moved behind the plate the following inning and was the only umpire on the field for the last 7 innings.

The aforementioned Bytheway, the hero of the game. My Dad is rolling over in Doug Harvey’s grave as I type this.

The Bandits scored the winning run in the top of the 7th after a walk, wild pitch and RBI single from #9 hitter, Shervyen Newton (his second of the day). Reliever Wander Arias shut down the Carp for the final two innings, earning his 4th save on the season.

Bandits 4-Sky Carp 3. 2,166 fans enjoyed a Father’s Day at the ballpark on a beautiful day. I got my interviews and hopefully, I’ll write an incredible story that will be published in a major publication for which I’ll probably earn a leg lamp ( a major prize).

I just like this picture: Herard Gonzalez-yes he made the catch.