I went to the game last night with Gaslamp Baller jodes0405, since my regular game companion Jonny Dub is out of the country. She was constantly trying to entertain me with crazy stories, songs and theatrical soliloquies. At one point she tried to impress me by starting the wave. It was all too much. She even tried to convince me that Tony Gwynn was a few rows in front of us and that he often would sit in the upper deck disguised as a fan to eat in peace. I finally had to put a stop this madness and told her to just be herself and not try to fill Jonny Dub's shoes. We got along much better after that.
Kyle Blanks, who is 3/4's ogre started the scoring in the second inning with a monster two run double. Anthony Bass pitched his ass off, only allowing one run. The Padres kept the lead the majority of the game. The numerous Cubs fans were quiet. All was right in the world.
The ballpark and concourses were actually packed with fans. Apparently it was a result of unused ticket night and a Groupon deal. Jon and I usually make a point of going on Tuesday nights in an effort to avoid such crowds. I warned Jodes that with this many people in the park, I was bound to be recognized and stopped by fans to discuss Padres prospects, etc. I apologized in advance.
You can imagine my disbelief when she was the first to be recognized by Friarhood Steve while I had my head down tweeting (something hilarious no doubt). He showed us his recent discounted purchases, like a large faced pimp Padres watch. I told him I wouldn't be able to pull off a watch that size on account of my slender feminine wrists and forearms.
After getting a slice of pizza, Jodes and I decided to abandon our seats in section 300 and instead found standing room only area along the third base line. It was then that we witnessed Chad Qualls completely F the team in the A by giving up an Alfonso Soriano 3 run homer.
The Padres put the tying runs on base in the last two inning but failed miserably trying to actually bring them home. The Cubs piled on in the 9th.
I found solace in chatting with Pad Squadders Loxie, Becci and Elizabeth in the final moments of the game, while Jodes intently watched the Padres through her fingers as she covered her face. Becci surprised me by telling me it was her last game on the Pad Squad after 7 years of service. I was saddened by the news. She raved about her time working for the Padres and even told a story about how Jeff Moorad once gave her a commemorative coin upon their meeting. I told her that I liked that idea and would hand out Gaslamp Ball commemorative coins next season when I met new people. They'd be overjoyed until upon closer inspection they saw it was just a Chuck E. Cheese token, but by that point I'd be long gone.
Tough loss last night for Bass. Maybe we win one today. Last chance!
Go Padres!