Postgame Thoughts (July 18, 2011)

Wisconsin 9, South Bend 3
Boxscore | Game Story

• Really nice moment from the fans after the base hit by Zach Walters, the first hit of the game for South Bend with a round of applause for Brooks all in the top of the 7th.
• I think it took most of their energy.  It was really hot today.
• Hall was 90-91 (according to the stadium radar gun) and looked good today.  Six strikeouts matches his single game high as a professional.
• Hopkins with the bat and the glove today.  Nice diving play to the line in the highlights. Plus, the two homers and the four RBI.
• This is going sound weird, one of those coincidences, but Hopkins has six homers after his two today. Four of those homers have been in three starts by Brooks Hall.
• When Hopkins homers, Hall is 2-1.
• There was an odd play in the seventh inning.
• There were runners at first and second with no outs. Mike Brownstein sends a slow grounder to short.  The flip to second looked in time. The throw to first was late.
• The runner at second was ruled safe.  Brownstein  was ruled out.
• The score was still 4-1 at the time. South Bend brings the infield in and Walker promptly singles through the drawn in infield to drive in both runners for a 6-1 lead.
• Jason Rogers would have two more home runs this season.  However, the wall was eight feet high all the way around the stadium.  He hit a pair of doubles that hit the top tier of wall signs in this series.
• Its all in where you hit the ball, I guess.  Just ask a Chad Stang after you see where his homer went in the highlights.
• Another outfield assist for Franklin Romero.  That makes nine for him and 35 for the Rattlers.
• The Rattlers are on the road…starting…at 5:24pm today.
• Check @CMehring to see when we pull in to the hotel.
• The Lugnuts REALLY wanted a day game for the first game of the series against the Rattlers.
• The Noon temperature in Lansing on Wednesday is 89 with a heat index of 95.
• The 6pm temperature in Lansing on Wednesday is 91 with a heat index of 99.
• Plus, Cooley Law School Stadium is one of those ballparks with the field below street level.  It’s going to be hot in Michigan.
• And that is the last thing I will say about the weather…until after the game on Wednesday.
• This isn’t going to be an easy trip.  Lansing is a playoff team. Great Lakes just missed and is playing well. Clinton has improved their record.
• Off day tomorrow.  But, I’ll update the blog with…something….sometime.
• Enjoy the Brewers game tonight.