Day 17 - Springfield

Start: Galesburg, IL
Stop: Springfield, MO – Hammons Field – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers AA minor league) at Springfield Cardinals (Cardinals AA minor league)
Finish: Rolla, MO

Today we woke up around 9 to leave Galesburg at 10. We had to drive 7 hours before the 7 o clock game in Springfield, MO. After stopping at a Wendy’s for lunch, we stopped at our hotel in Rolla on the way to drop off our stuff and check in. Then we drove the last 1 ½ hours to Hammons Field in lovely Springfield. We were there before the gates opened, so we got out our gloves and ball and started throwing the ball around in the empty part of the parking lot. A photographer from the local newspaper came over and asked if he could take pictures of us throwing the ball around. He said he likes taking pictures of the fans having fun before the game.

After we finished throwing it around, Grandpa B showed up, we got our tickets and headed inside. The stadium was really nice for a AA stadium. We were there to see the Rangers AA team play the Cardinals AA team. When we got in the stadium, we found out that Tommy Hunter was pitching for the Rangers farm team. Hunter is the best pitching prospect on the team, so we were very excited. The game started off really nicely for Hunter, as he struck out the side in the first inning. He ended up striking out 8 in 6 innings, which was great. The game was great for the Rangers team, as they won 5-1. We had a great time with Grandpa B, and seeing all the great Rangers prospects was great fun. We’re almost home, whoo hoo!

Result: RoughRiders win 5-1
Record: 7-7