It Doesn't Get Much Better Than An Extra Inning Walk-Off Home Run

The quick dip in the lake cured our heat stroke in the morning. After an outside shower, we were off to Dallas. We headed to the Ballpark In Arlington for the 7:05 first pitch between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels. We were excited to see a couple of rival teams and we had heard excellent reviews about the ballpark. The night before, the Rangers won on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning. The game we saw was exceeded that.

We took our time through eastern Texas, taking many highways and side streets. We stopped in the small town of Center, Texas to get coffee, lunch, and work on the blog. Here is Wolf working hard. 

Wolf enjoying his lunch while Peter puts in some quality work. We both had the turkey, bacon, and ham club sandwich. Very delicious and filling. Everything is bigger in Texas. 

The war memorial in front of city hall in downtown Center. We thought this centrally located building was the reason the town was called "Center."

We left Center and made our way further west/northwest to Dallas continuing on highways 96 to 84 to 287. We were only 45 minutes outside of Dallas when we arrived in Corsicana. A city that many people pass through going north on I45, is home to the Russell Stover's Chocolate Factory. We saw it on the side of the road and had to stop.

We decided to get two scoops of ice cream. The lady told us to "Not go braggin' to our friends about to size of the scoops." Everything is bigger in Texas. The store, which is connected to the factory has the best chocolate prices in the world. Peter found a box of 18 premium candies for $2.16. If only it wasn't 104 degrees...

It was stop and go on the Interstate as rush hour traffic combined with ballpark traffic. This combination mixed with hours in the car made the moment that we put the car in park a stress relever. Now to tailgate. 

We parked at the Sheraton Hotel situated next The Ballpark In Arlington, Cowboys Stadium, and a Six Flags. 

After some catch, coors lights, and a wardrobe change for Peter, we were off. 

Peter on the outskirts of the stadium moments after we purchased our tickets. We headed to the game during the bottom of the first inning, hoping we could scalp some cheap tickets. The first scalper we found (which turned out to be the only scalper on the walk) had only two single tickets left. Each had a face value of $44 and after some bargaining, he was set on $40 for the pair. We knew this was his last chance and he knew it was ours. We wanted the pair for $20, but he laughed at that. Finally we agreed to flip a coin for it. It was going to be $30 or $40. Coin tosses hadn't failed us once on our trip. Peter called heads in the air. It landed with Washington's face up and we got the $88 pair for $30. Amazing.

We were in the stadium. The concourse en route to our seats. See if you can find Peter. More to come on a "Where's Peter?" post. 

Snapped a couple pictures from the left field bleachers. 

We arrived at our seats. At each game, we improved our seats around the third inning. There was no need to improve from ten rows up on the first base line.

We arrived at the park in the top of the second inning. The score was already 2-2. Definitely a foreshadowing of the offensive showcase which ensued.

Panorama shot of the stadium from our seats.

Peace Plane.

The only thing that wasn't perfect was the weather. In the ninth inning, it finally dropped below 90 degrees.

The Angels young superstar, Mike Trout, went 4-4 this game. He is always a threat to steal. Here is an unsuccessful pickoff attempt.

A picture of us. Peter sporting his Hell's Angels look, while Wolf was wearing his patented Kenji Johjima shirt. He had to support the Mariners at a game between division foes.

We grew hungry and headed to the concession stands for some Nolan Ryan Hot Dogs.

The sun was setting in Arlington but the excitement was just beginning.

Texas was down by four runs heading in to the bottom of the eighth inning. We said goodbye to the fans below us and behind us who thought the lead was insurmountable. 

A three-run home run on a 3-2 count by back-up catcher Geovany Soto in the bottom of the eighth gave Texas hope. They were down by one run. The score was 11-10.

Blown save specialist, Ernesto Friei, took the hill in the bottom of the ninth with a one run lead. We knew what was going to happen. He recorded two quick outs. On their last out, Texas summoned some magic. Ian Kinsler walked, then stole second. Adrian Beltre followed with a single to left. The game was tied 11-11 heading in to extra innings. WOW. 

The Rangers held the Angels in the top of the tenth. It was the Rangers turn to continue the momentum. The remaining fans and us were on our feet. The first two batters walked, and a fielder's choice gave way to runners on first and second with one out.

Then we witnessed a move we had never seen before. The Angels brought their right fielder in to play second base. They now had five infielders (one was a lefty) and two outfielders. The only play was to home.

It didn't matter as the next batter, Leonys Martin, hit an opposite field, three-run home run. BOOM!

The players piled on him as he crossed home plate. An epic ending to an incredible game. The final score was a football like 14-11. What a game.

We left the ballpark in amazement and took a picture of the mammoth that is Cowboys Stadium. The game time was four hours and thirty minutes but we felt more awake than before the game. 

Texas Chamber Of Commerce - "Deep In The Heart Of Texas"