Last year was the first opening day I missed since I started going in 2009. Before that I always took the day off and either went to a bar to watch as many games as possible at once or had friends over to watch the Pirates. It truly should be a national holiday.
Fortunately we were able to get tickets for th
is year’s opener against the Cubs. Lindsey’s sister’s husband, Adam, (at some point, I can just say my brother-in-law and you will all know who I mean, right?) was going and wanted to know if we wanted tickets.
We got down there around 11:00, but we heard on the radio that the North Shore lots were already full. Luckily we were able to find parking at Station Square, where we drank a few beers before taking the Gateway Clipper over to the game.
Our seats were pretty good. We were right below the Budweiser Bow Tie bar, which Ryan said he and his friends were going to at some point and that we should meet up. Unfortunately when we went up there, the section of the bar that is able to see the game was being used for a private function. I thought it was stupid to stay there and watch the game on a television.
As you have probably heard, the game was awesome. Neil Walker hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the tenth. Liriano pitched a pretty damn good game and we got to see Clint Hurdle challenge a call and have it overturned. That is a great way to start the season.
I thought for sure that Pedro was going to blast one in the bottom of the ninth. Then in the top of the tenth when Bonifacio was picked off, I asked myself “is it possible for both teams to just never score?” I knew it would be low scoring, but it was looking like no one could get a man home.
Then Walker crushed one deep to right field. As soon as it was hit, you could tell that it was gone. It was such an exciting game and a great time!
I look forward to going to a bunch of games this year. Any time someone wants to go, give me a call and I will do my best to get down there for a game!
