It's been a fun summer for DJ, he loved playing 'ball, especially when he is gets to be Catcher or Pitcher. But out on the field is not nearly as much fun and it wouldn't be unusual to see him chewing his glove or playing in the dirt. And what kid doesn't love to bat? So it must seem like an eternity that they have to hang out in the dug-out for, waiting for a turn to bat, only to strike out. Not all of them, but typically that is what happens to DJ.
Well not this game.
Bottom of the 4th inning and the score is 1-1. Bases are loaded and the Red Sox have 2 outs. SO DJ goes up to bat and I am thinking well this is probably the end of the game. It was as it happens but not for the reason I was expecting.
The pitcher fired a few balls at him and by the time Coach Tim got to the mound DJ had 2 strikes against him. All the bases were loaded. Next pitch, he clipped the ball and turns to me and says 'I hit it Mum'. So I tell him to do it again, only harder this time. Well, he did. He hit the ball, not too hard, but good enough. The kids start running we are all shouting "Run Dylan, run!"
Next thing we see a kid with the ball heading for 1st base and I wasn't sure if Dylan was safe or not.
Meantime, Oliver ran from 3rd to Home Plate. I think we all held our breath for a few seconds longer than usual and then a huge cheer went up. He was safe and Oliver was home. 2 runs in the bottom of the 4th. They won the game. Apparently it is called a 'walk-off single'. Whatever the term, it was the best moment of the whole Rookie season!!
The funniest part was that DJ thought that the Red Sox had lost the game. Imagine his surprise when he realized they won :) The kids were ecstatic. It was only the second game they have won all season. Way to go Rookie Red Sox.
Just look at those smiles . . . I wish Xander had stepped into the picture too. He was a great support to the team, especially with all the mini practice sessions before and after the games.
This is the morning after picture - wearing his 'Victory shirt'!
