Road Show, Game 1 Recap

I find it difficult to capture in words or pictures the intensity of playing on this field, in this stadium, in front of these crowds.  Our boys have never played in anything like it.  The game yesterday was far from our best ability, but an incredibly gutsy overcoming of huge nerves to pull out the win.  I am immeasurably proud of the effort the boys gave yesterday.  With this win - in their first game, keeping their streak alive - they have honored themselves, their coaches, their team, their town, and the many, many, many wonderful people in Napa who have made a contribution to making this trip possible.  

Offensively, play of the game is Joe Canepa's home run.  Game changer in the way it settled us down and reminded all of us - the boys, and the fans - of the fact that we didn't get here by accident.  The close tie for second is between Jake's rip to right in the fourth which touched off our run, and Gabriel's break for home to cap the fourth inning with 6 for Napa. Both were big emotional lifts, and Jake's smile from first was priceless, as was the surprise from Arizona when Gabe crossed the plate.

Defensive play of the game, for me, was Dahlen's grab of the short chop and amazing throw to first for the out in the 5th.  It was an outrageously off-balance, chaotic, and perfectly placed throw.  Close second is the 8-2 Gabriel laser rope from center to stop the run scoring at the plate in the 4th.  Dahlen took a hard it from the runner - which left a solid bruise - but never flinched at the play.  

What a team.

Go Napa!