Don't Worry Be Happy

Rihchmond 7, Chillicothe 2

I figured that the title was appropiate for this article, because all is well with the Chillicothe Paints, as far as I'm concerned. This last regular season game against the Richmond River Rats would have been a great game to win because after all, Chillicothe and Richmond are still pretty much rivals when it comes to baseball, but there's nothing to worry about when you look at this score. You can consider this as a game that the Paints just took it easy. If anything, the team is just getting tuned up for a series that's extra important coming up next week.

While this game didn't matter in the grand scheme of things, since the Paints will be the Prospect League Championship Series starting Monday night, it's okay to note that the Paints weren't nearly as focused on this game as they were in other games. Rex Ingham made the start for the Paints in this game, and I should note that he was experimenting with his pitching approach here. He would give up 6 runs on 7 hits allowed. Rex was a bit wild here, throwing a few wild pitches and beaning a couple batters along the way, but still, take note that this was just a "Take It Easy" game for him and the other players. Ingham struck out two batters.

Mark Williams would put in two innings of work coming from the bullpen. He gave up three hits and a run while walking a batter and striking out a batter. Crist Linster would only give up a walk in his one inning of work. The funny thing about Linster is that, well, he's been experimenting with his approach on the mound, but out of concern that the other team might read this report, I'll just leave it as simple as that. Linster's been experimenting, but I won't say exactly what he's doing.

For the offense, the lineup didn't feature Ben Allen, Andy Brouse, and Andrew Marshall. All three of these guys had an off night, as in they rested. Second baseman Tim krofcheck, batting leadoff, had a single. DH Eian Banks went deep for a two-run homerun in the fourth inning. Right fielder Zach Frentsos had two singles. Left fielder Brandon White had a single. Center fielder Steven Mirizzi had a single.

I believe it's understandable why the Paints would play how they played this game. Some players need rest, and they need to get ready for a much more important game coming up against the Quincy Gems on Monday night. The team is getting geared up for the Prospect League Championship Series, and I really don't believe that this is the beginning of bad habits being formed. I just think the Paints were taking the high road for this game and were just playing it safe.

Folks, don't worry. Be happy. The Paints organization will have another shot to raise up a championship flag over V.A. Memorial Stadium, and you can follow the last steps of their quest on Monday night for Game 1 of the PLCS against the Quincy Gems, and from there on, we'll find out what happens.

See you at the ballpark.