I think one of the best things about these weekends, outside of the obvious baseball games, is that I am continually adapting and looking to improve my adventures. My adaptability and willingness to explore and investigate makes these adventures something special.
Being able to get off work early and make my way down to San Manuel at my leisure was really great. Whenever I work until 6pm, I find myself rushing to the park, forgetting stuff, and not really soaking the experience up as much as I can. I got off work early, went home, took a nap, got cleaned up, and leisurely drove to Downtown San Bernardino for the game. I got to the park early so I could get an Albert Pujols blanket, so after getting inside, I caught up on some reading from my book, and chatted with some friends on the phone.
I was surprised at the Lake Elsinore Storm's roster for the game. Pitcher Chase Kelly and Outfielder Carlos Quentin were both down on Major League rehab assignments, and they both started the game. I was surprised to see Major Leaguers playing at the Minor League park I have become accustomed to. I know that it is the business of the game to move players down for rehabbing, but it was surprising just to see it here in San Bernardino.
Lake Elsinore jumped out an early 5-2 lead and ended up holding on for a 5-4 win. The 66ers brought the winning run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, but couldn't convert in the clutch. The Storm continue their hold on second place in the division and, with the win on Sunday, expanded their lead over the 66ers. The two teams will play many times over the season, so hopefully we can make up some ground.
I was eager to head back to Anaheim on Sunday to put my refinements into play when it comes to biking and activities. For starters, I decided that I would catch the later train going back to San Bernardino so I would have some more time to explore the area by checking out the various restaurants, coffee shops, and bars in and-around the Big A. As it turned out, the relaxed ideology I had made things more enjoyable and worked out all in the end.
Maybe it is because I'm getting into better shape, but the six-mile ride from Anaheim Canyon to Orange was easy. Once getting into Orange, I went to the bagel shop, got some food, and read up on the scouting report of the Texas Rangers. After that, I went into a few of the antique shops in Downtown Orange looking for some vintage California license plates for my father. I found one, but I also ended up just browsing at all the antiques. I'm really a history buff, so recalling all those stories was really fascinating to me.
As for the game, karma got the better of us Angels fans. Last time, we beat up on the Mets and took great pride in it. This game, however, the Rangers took the Angels out behind the woodshed. Texas scored seemingly at will and Yu Darvish was effective as the Rangers beat up on the Angels 14-3.
What was the worst part about that game was that it eclipsed the four hour mark. I was glad that I had decided to catch the late train because I barely had enough time to get something to eat at the Ruby's Diner by the train station before catching the train back to San Bernardino. I know I said I had wanted to go to the Tilted Kilt bar, but I didn't really have time to explore because of the length of the game. Hopefully when I go back in two weeks, the game will be a little more normal in time giving me the opportunity to scout out and visit the watering holes afterwards.
This is my chore for the next two weeks: find a way to incorporate a trip to the beach and the Angels game. It is feasible for me to bike the trail past the ballpark for 15 miles to Huntington Beach, which is very doable. If I take the earlier train, figuring it will take me a little more than an hour to get to the beach, I could spend some time lying on the beach, which I enjoyed very much last weekend. However, I would like to only have to bike that trail one way and find a non-cycling way to get from the beach up to the Big A. I have some time to figure this logistical conundrum out before the next game.
Well, if you can believe it, we have had five straight weekends of baseball. I planned to start this season with a bang, and I certainly have had my fair share of experiences. However, I'm taking this upcoming weekend off to go home to Oregon and see some friends and family. I have been looking forward to this for some time, and an off-weekend never hurt anyone.
When I get back, we make our way back to the college campus for my last college game of the year. This time, however, there is a rooting interest. The UCLA Bruins are hosting my very own Oregon Ducks in Westwood. Yeah, I'm definitely not going to miss that.
On the following Sunday, the Halos entertain Tampa Bay.
I'll try and throw out an update on Friday of my baseball musings, so I will talk to all of you then.
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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