Have you ever attended a baseball game when the team promised a prized giveaway? Yesterday afternoon’s tilt between the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins) and Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins) was supposed to be Halfway to Halloween. Editor’s note: This had no influence on my attending or not. Furthermore, I didn’t dress for the part.

This was either the worst thought out idea or the worst promoted theme day in minor league history. Nobody was wearing a costume and there were no between-inning games.

Luckily for me, the Sky Carp scheduled a rare Saturday afternoon game that I was able to take advantage of. Unbeknownst to me, the city held a very successful Farmer’s Market downtown. Man, there were a lot of people enjoying the great weather. Usually, the city is dead on a Sunday afternoon, save for big events at Beloit College.

Since the Kernels boasted a 19-11 record heading into Saturday’s fifth game of the series, I did a little digging into their relative success. Sometimes in Hi-A ball, teams do well because players live up to promise and in other instances, the roster is stacked with more veteran players and are peaking at the level.

Of the Twins top 30 prospects, 9 were on the Kernels roster and most were playing well. Also, of the top 30, six were listed as shortstop and five are playing in Cedar Rapids.

De Andrade was one of the shortstops playing out of position (3b) on the day and was 1-4 with a double and a run scored. The Twins #4 rated prospect (and SS), Kaelen Culpepper led off and Dh’ed going 0-3. Actual shortstop and #7 prospect, Brandon Winokur went 1-4 with an RBI and run scored. He did not acquit himself very well in the field, being charged with one error only.

The Kernels also placed two hitters among the top 7 in the Midwest League and the number one base-stealer. However, Beloit countered with 4 of the top 7 base-stealers in the league. The Kernels took the first two games of the series, but the Sky Carp responded with consecutive victories.

I’ve already detailed the specifics of ABC Supply Stadium in the past, so I won’t dwell on the specifics. However, one aspect of the park that didn’t seem to be well thought out is the lack of seating in the shade. Most of the people sitting in the bowl, moved to the concourse behind home plate where there’s a little shade. Second, the left field videoboard is the only place in the park that has the score, lineup, B/S, H/R/E count.

Fortunately for the Sky Carp, Cedar Rapids’ starter, Jeremy Lee pitched to the back of his baseball card. He entered play with a 2-1 record and 8.16 ERA. In 4.1 innings he allowed 4 earned runs on 7 hits and was aided by successive 5-4-3 double plays.

Beloit starter, Jake Brooks pitched through six difficult innings. He only allowed four hits and a walk, but hit two batters, and balked another runner to third. In an era of feeble starts, it was heartening to see a guy go six. Pitchers at this level should have to work through difficulties, especially those they create for themselves.

The visitors scored single runs in the second, third and fifth innings. The Sky Carp countered with one in the second and four in the bottom of the fifth to take a 4-3 lead (one they wouldn’t relinquish-spoiler alert). The home team tacked on 3 in the 7th and their 8th run in the bottom of the 8th inning. As is often the case in a 15-hit, 8 run barrage, contributions came from every spot in the lineup including catcher Ryan Ignoffo. The MWL RBI leader contributed with his league-leading 33rd RBI in the 7th. Earlier in the week, the Eastern Illinois product drove in 8 runs in a game with two grand slams. That will instantly boost one’s RBI totals.

After staking the team to a 4-3 lead, he was removed after six innings and replaced with 25-year-old, 6’8 reliever, Brandon Wood. While he surrendered two runs in the 8th inning, he did hold on for the 3-inning save. His fastball also hit 96-98 mph consistently, but got swinging strikes with his off-speed stuff (4 strikeouts).

Despite the fact that halfway to Halloween didn’t happen and there weren’t any home runs, it was a wonderful afternoon of minor league ball. 3,150 fans enjoyed beautiful weather in the company of family and friends.

In a future post, I’ll discuss the team’s other marketing flop, Poopsie, the mascot. Snappy is rolling over in Ozzie the Cougar’s grave.

Editor’s note: Beloit 8 Cedar Rapids 5