Scranton Yankees vs. Syracuse Chiefs: Monday 8/31

So I am pretty much insane and made the 2 hour roadtrip on Monday to Syracuse, NY to see the SWB Yankees play again. Getting home at 12:30AM from Scranton, then working 7-3 to head to another game is something I wouldn't recommend doing. Makes for a very long drive home the following day. But since this was the Yankees last time in Syracuse, I couldn't help myself in seeing my final minor league game of the year. Was a fun time all around and despite going to the game by myself, I ran into a handful of people to talk baseball with, many of which had ties to the Capital Region.

My new dilemma is that I just found out my Saturday class was cancelled, being it is Labor Day weekend. After hearing how nice the stadium is in Rochester, I really want to make the trip out there to see the Yankees play (they are there Friday and Saturday). I wish I could think of a cheap way to head out that way. I think it is about 3-4 hours from my house, and I am not sure if I can afford another trip or manage that drive coming home from a 7pm start. Any suggestions?

As for the game, it was close up until the very end. The Yankees were able to take the lead in the 8th inning and ended up winning the game by a score of 6-4. Here are some of the highlights of the game:

• Kei Igawa started for Scranton. While he didn't perform terribly, I can also say it wasn't one of his best starts of the season either. In 6.1, he gave up 3ER on 11 hits, striking out 4 and walking 2. I guess I should try to be nicer to Igawa as it is the Yankees fault for signing him to that ridiculous contract. It is however his fault for being unable to handle pitching in the major leagues. While he has broken a minor league club record for career wins, his season this far hasn't been anything close to impressive.

• Michael Dunn received his first win of the season. He pitched an impressive 7th inning (2/3 of an inning), coming in with the bases loaded and only 1 out after Igawa had really struggled. He had Bynum 3-1, but was able to get him to fly out to first base. With two outs, he struck out Kory Casto and was able to escape the jam, which pretty much saved the game for Scranton. Keep an eye out for Dunn, as he was just called up to the Yankees on Tuesday and has been quite impressive in his 12 appearances and is a big lefty that could help the team down the road.

• Cervelli had a great game. He not only went 3-4 with 2RBI, but he also made an impressive throw to second base, in which he caught Norris Hopper stealing. A big star in the book for him there. He's another guy that was called up the following day to the big leagues.
  

• Must note the incredible season that Kevin Russo has been having this season. In 84 games he is hitting .337 with 110 hits and 28 RBI's. He might not be pounding the ball out the park, but he has been a consistent hitter for the team.

• For those of you who didn't know this, the Syracuse Chiefs broke grounds this season hiring the first female trainer in the history of the International League. Her name is Beth Jarrett and she is only the second female to make it to the AAA level.

Other notes: Shelley Duncan was named MVP of the International League and Austin Jackson the Rookie of the Year. Having seen them both play over a half-dozen times this year (and looking a the stats), they were both deserving of this honor. Congrats to them.

Some pictures from the game:

• Cervelli, who nearly killed me before the game, as he missed a ball that Igawa had thrown to him.

• Look at how wide of a stance Shelley has. It must work, given the fact he has 29 HR's and 92 RBI's this season.

• My lovely scorecard. I try to keep one for all the games I go to, but I typically give up around the 7th inning. I lasted til about the 8th this time.
  

• Ah, Mark Melancon. Since the BP is on the field, the pitchers stand in front of the guy warming up to make sure nobody gets creamed with a ball.

• Kei Igawa, the all time winner for Scranton. What a man.
• Other photos: