Easy going at the ballpark

Chillicothe 6, Richmond 4

The very second game of the Chillicothe Paints' first Prospect League season resulted in another victory, and pretty much like the first game of the season, this one was an easy going for the home team. The atmosphere was laid back, cool, and casual. The game was entertaining to watch, and the rythym and pace to it was really good. It's just a tad little adjustment period for Paints fans who just need to get to know the new guys in the Paints uniforms. I am yet to speak with one of them, but I am sure to do just that later on as the season progresses.

The scoreboard would indicate that the game featured plenty of offensive plays and some defensive mistakes, but hey, these kids have already shown that they're willing to play hard for their respective teams. They'll do whatever they can to improve as players. I appreciate the respect that these kids have for the game of baseball. Of course, I myself am just a kid watching the game and taking notes of what I saw. It's somewhat of an odd experience watching players who you know are around your age range, but it's nothing that I can't get used to. In fact, I already have adjusted to that aspect of this year's club.

Let's start with the pitching performance from the Chillicothe Paints. Stephen Shackleford made the start for the Paints. Shackleford, of Savannah College, went 3 1/3 innings deep in his start, giving up two runs on six hits while walking four batters, beaning two batters and throwing a wild pitch. Blake Mascarello put in 3 and 2/3 innings of work, giving up two runs on four hits while also giving up a walk and beaning a batter. He recorded three strikeouts. Sidearm pitcher Krist Linster went one inning giving up just one hit. Chadd Steinborn finished the game on the mound for the Paints, pitching the ninth inning and striking out a batter.

Now for the offense, second baseman Tim Krofcheck, of Toledo University, got an RBI off a sacrifice fly. Shortstop Ben Allen got a base hit off a bunt and got a stolen base. Designated Hitters Cory Maguire got an RBi off a sacrifice fly. Left Fielder Andy Brouse had an infield base hit. Third baseman Kyle Gendron did commit the only error for the Paints in this game, but he made good off the bat, driving in two runs on a single. First baseman Matt Abro had an infield base hit. Right Fielder Eian Banks had a 2-RBI base hit in the third inning and hit a double in the sixth inning. Catcher Brandon White, of Akron University, had a base hit and a stolen base.

The Richmond Riverrats put up a good fight in this easy going game, though. They did have a 2-0 lead early in the game before giving up that lead later in a big 5-run rally made by the Paints in the third inning. Usually when you lose to a team the first time, you become more prepared when you face them the second time because you start getting ideas on how the other team will play and therefore you'll get ready to play them when that next game comes around. One player on the Riverrats who has already caught my eye is outfielder Caleb King, who is part of Olivet Nazarene University. King is off to a good start for Richmond, and his style of play is interesting.

A good tip of the cap goes to the Richmond baseball fans, who will be returning to the V.A. from now on. It seems pretty likely that Paints fans and Riverrats fans will get to enjoy themselves again in the same ballpark and in the same baseball league. Two former Frontier League members who have established great connections in their communities have been reunited in a college wooden bat league. Past games between these two markets have resulted in a heavy rivalry, but nowadays, it's simply for the fun of baseball. At least, that's the way I see it because I really enjoy having Richmond fans come over. I always enjoy the company of fans who are as enthusiastic about the game of baseball as I am.

The Paints now hit the road for a brief two game road trip to Lorain, Ohio to meet the Northcoast Knights.