October 11, 2007 Recap: NLCS Game 1 - Rockies 5, Diamondbacks 1

Several days ago I decided to take my daughter to the baseball game. These were not the two teams nobody expected to see in the season 2007, as it was NLCS Recap Rockies v. Diamondbacks. Probably, one should ask why did I take my daughter with me, as baseball is traditionally the game for strong men, and the vast majority of spectators are male. Yet, I believe, this event is really meaningful as attending a baseball game allows not only to get children acquainted with our traditions, but also to share with my daughter the most unforgettable events.

So, as I have already mentioned, this was the game between Rockies (Colorado) and Diamondbacks (Arizona). This game was really interesting, as it was the very Thursday night, when Jeff Francis outpitched Brandon Webb, as he pitched 6 2/3 strong innings, Brad Hawpe got the big hit, reached base 3 times and drove in 2 runs as Colorado cruised to a 5-1 win over the Diamondbacks, winning the NL championship series opener that was interrupted when the angry fans that were frustrated by the umpire's disputed interference call started to threw water bottles and objects onto the baseball field.

As I remember, the game was exciting and the spectators liked it from the very beginning to the very end. The moment when fans starter to throw objects couldn't spoil the game, as soon after some objects landed near the Rockies' players, umpires pulled the teams off the baseball field in the bottom of the 7th inning. The delay lasted about eight minutes, and after that umpire crew chief Tim McClelland said to Hurdle to have Francis throw a pitch and finally "fight through it". After he did, the Rockies' team escaped a jam and their bullpen did the rest.

Every time I attend a baseball game with my daughter I ask myself a question, and every time this question remains without an answer. Probably, there are other world countries, where people go crazy about baseball like in America; however, I have a doubt that the very meaning and predestination of any other world country can be so clearly and visibly seen in its sport games. America, like no other country, has much in common with baseball game. Probably, that's why I like to take my daughter with me, - the first pitch, the first spun, the first victory, - these are national rites and ceremonies of initiation.

This baseball game has shown us the rebellious spirit of America and its people. The game made all spectators to sit breathless and to watch every moment of it, while trying to guess, who will get a victory. It allowed the nervousness and excitement to mount for the first NLCS baseball game in Rockies' history. This was a high-energy day, the day full of emotions, as it made all Rockies' fans to sit with bated breath and to pray for Rockies' victory. And they got a victory, as Rockies' didn't want to disappoint us. This time Colorado team won by bunching singles against the Diamondbacks ace, and it was the first time during this season when Rockies gained a victory with no extra-base hit.

As I remember, the night was really hot, - both in the air, as it was about 93 degrees outside, and on the baseball field, as the players were fighting against each other in a desperate passionate struggle with the only aim to win the game. Down 5-1, Diamondbacks put runners at first and second without any outs in the 7^th. Augie Ojeda then bounced to Garrett Atkins, the third baseman, who threw to Kaz Matusi, the second baseman.

The events were moving fast. Justin Upton ran from the first base, slid over the second and rolled his right shoulder into Kaz Matsui's leg, knocking the infielder down. Larry Vanover, the second baseman, called Upton out for interference, resulting in a double play. The spectators watched the game with interest, and the fans were shouting aloud, trying to cheer their favorite teams up.

Many people decided to attend that game as it was announced that about 48,000 seats were sold, although thousands of tickets were still available at the midweek. However, this was the game nobody wanted to miss, as Rockies (Colorado) and Diamondbacks (Arizona) met for the nineteenth time this season. Rockies's team has gained a victory over Diamondbacks eleven times, and this game was no exception to the rule. It was the first time when two NL West teams finally met in NLCS, and I thought my daughter couldn't miss her chance to watch the game. This baseball game with Rockies's victory extended Rockies's winning streak on the road to 9 games dating back to the regular session. It was really amazing.

This game was really a meaningful moment for us, as it allowed us to feel the moments of victory. This game allowed my daughter to understand that baseball is the most interesting, the most American game, as this game reflects all our feelings, desires, inclinations, successes and failures, and, probably, the very American spirit. The baseball game is everything we have, and when the game is over, and our favorite baseball team wins, the heart fills with joy, and we come back to our daily lives; however, awaiting for the next game or the next baseball season.

This game between Rockies (Colorado) and Diamondbacks (Arizona) allowed me to share the most unforgettable moments with my daughter; it allowed us to become closer, and to feel the same feelings, - the feeling of pride for the favorite baseball team, the feeling of rivalry and victory... the spirit of America.