What a Weekend!

By: Spenser Smith

Hey fans, Spenser here. Sorry about the blogging hiatus last week--lots going on with the six-game road trip to Bend and Yakima, plus Fourth of July weekend back here at home!

The Bend series clearly didn't go the way we wanted, but the boys bounced back to take two of three from the Pippins in Yakima, including a 5-3 win in 11 innings in their very first matchup on June 30. Yakima County Stadium is looking great by the way; I remember when the Northwest League's Yakima Bears played there, when the walls were blue and that big, black netting still hung from the poles on the third base side. But the Pippins' staff did an incredible job of giving that park a revitalization, and the new colors of "Legends" green, Pippin green and baby blue bring a fresh new feel to the formerly vacant venue.

After the short drive home, we took on those same Pippins in another three-game set at Borleske because, you know, they liked us so much after that first series! We proceeded to take two of three from them again, and at this writing we are waiting for a hopeful series sweep of Cowlitz.

You know those warm summer days when it's nice to take a dip in the pool, sip a lemonade on the porch and enjoy America's national pastime on the radio? Well folks, those days are officially here. After a rough start, the Sweets have become just as hot as the parking lot pavement at Borleske Stadium, winning four straight games, and six of their last eight. And much of it is thanks to you, the fans! Because of you, they have someone to cheer them on at home games, and even occasionally on the road. Because of you, they have nice places to stay for home-cooked meals and a home away from home. And because of you, the Walla Walla Sweets are still the biggest summer entertainment draw in the valley!

So tonight we look to Cody Carroll, the right-hander from Elliston, Montana, for dominance on the mound as we aim for the sweep of the Black Bears. His parents, Dave and Lisa, have stated their appreciation for the hospitality that the organization has shown and we are certainly happy to have him as a part of the Sweets family this summer. I've also heard positive feedback from other players' parents and relatives, and I won't list them all because there have been so many!

The fun continues as we move deeper into July, and our boys of summer have less than two weeks to go before the WCL All-Star game in Klamath Falls. Thank you all for the kind words about the broadcasts--it is my job to let you know how your boys are doing on the field, and I can't think of a better way to spend summer afternoons and evenings across the northwest than to describe the action of a sport that I have loved since childhood.

More next week. Go Sweets!