BELOIT - GAME RECAP

We arrived in Beloit and found out some good news - Friday's game had been suspended and was to be completed from the 3rd inning on, followed by tonight's regularly scheduled game, a 7-inning affair. A doubleheader between the Michigan Battle Cats and the Beloit Snappers!

The first game was picked up in the 3rd at 0-0 and continued that way until the 9th, both pitchers cruising. It seemed like both teams wanted to get things done as soon as possible because they were swinging at everything. Finally, in the top of the 9th, Michigan got a man to third with one out, and the Beloit pitcher, who had struck out 11 up to then, let go with a wild pitch. Suddenly it was 1-0 and of course, Michigan closed the game easily in the 9th. I didn't pay attention closely to this game, but it was actually an excellent battle between two young pitchers that was ended on one small mistake.

The second game turned out to be more of the same. Michigan starter Chad Qualls was dominating, giving up only 3 hits and striking out 8 over 7 innings. Beloit starter Ben Hendrickson was also strong, going the whole 7 innings, scattering 5 hits and striking out 10, but he wasn't perfect, giving up two runs, including a 7th-inning homer. Final score: Michigan 3, Beloit 0, in an amazing 1:28.

The Snappers were shutout twice, but thankfully there were fireworks after the game to keep the fans happy.  Overall, these two games were excellent minor league games, with quality pitching and good pace, something that is hard to come by in the majors. As such, they get an 8/10.