This game wasn't even supposed to be played, but when the Padres and A's passed on a last minute opening at Eastmonte Park in Altamonte, the game was on. The Tigers faced elimination from the playoff race with a loss, and were a little tight. The OR's on the other hand, long out of the championship hunt, were loose and relaxed, and this night, that made all the difference.

Mike Grenci went the distance on the mound, scattering 7 hits, and a couple of walks. This park is cozy, probably cozier than Blue Jacket, and the outside part of the plate was where Mike lived all night, with the occasional fastball in to keep them honest.

Craig Feeney was the offensive star, hitting the only home run of the night in his first AB, then singles in each of his next two, while scoring 3 runs. Tim Nowe continued his remarkable pace in a shortened campaign, with 2 more hits in 2 AB's with a couple of walks. Rob Davis added a 2 run double and 2 hits, Rick "Wheels" Piotrowski tripled and had 2 hits, and Johnny Kovalick drove all the way down from Port Orange and collected 3 hits, making the drive worthwhile.

It actually was a fun game, not just because we won, but enjoying a good ballgame with great guys on a hot summer night is about as All-American as it gets, Throw in the fact that we played well, didn't gripe, and everybody contributed in ways big and small, and it was a reminder to me particularly, why this game can be so fun.

Congratulations to the Tigers, who are having a great season, on their steady improvment. While our joy may have come at their short-term expense, I'm confident in saying this will be a team to reckon with in the near future and for years to come.

To the Old Reds, thank you for an interesting, confounding season. There can be no doubt that we are going to have to make a few additions and changes to be competitive, but all of you are invited back, please let me know if you have another plan in mind, the sooner the better. I've enjoyed the time getting to know the new guys, and spending time with old friends. I still maintain that with a few tweeks, we can play with the better teams in the league on any given Sunday.

Have a great off season, I will be in touch soon!