http://www.sbnation.com/users/cloistermaximus Posts made by cloistermaximus on SB Nation http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2007/8/8/22323/30146 cloistermaximus Wed, 08 Aug 2007 06:23:23 -0000 <p>Just got back from a 4-3 win that the Redbirds posted over the Portland Beavers. &nbsp;The highlight of the game was a 3 run bomb by Rick Ankiel. &nbsp;</p><p>It was a very nice moment. &nbsp;The game was tied 1-1 and the redbirds got a leadoff basehit by their relief pitcher (don't know the guys name.. he was a sidearmer/submariner). &nbsp;Shumaker got a basehit and Ryan grounded into a force out putting runners at 1st and 3rd with one out. &nbsp;The Beavers took out their starting pitcher and brought in a lefthander with a weird leg kick delivery to face Ankeil. &nbsp;Rick hits the first pitch on a Pujols-esque line drive home run into the visitors bullpen. &nbsp;Put the redbirds ahead 4-1.</p><p>Falkenberg tried to blow the game by loading up the bases and giving up a 2 run seeing eye single, but buckled down and got out of it with a K. &nbsp;</p><p>My other impressions were:</p><p>Espisito may be a terrible hitter, but he is a good defender.. He has a good arm and it didn't look like runners even wanted to try to run on him. &nbsp;Ryan has good speed, although his 2 stolen bases in the game were gifts (The first was on a failed pickoff attempt where the 1st basemen bobbled the ball allowing Ryan to get to the 2nd, and the second was veeeeery close at 3rd). &nbsp;Tag Bozied has tremendous power--in his first at bat he hit this monster blast that just went foul, but he hit the crap out of it (maybe 500 feet.. no joke).</p><p>The Ankiel bomb was nice, but he also struck out 3 times on what seemed to be off speed pitches (the stadium gun was broken so I can't confirm)</p>