Checking out Principal Park

Last night was a beautiful evening to be outdoors. Linda and I had talked about checking out an I-Cubs baseball game and decided it was time. The Cubbies have been enjoying a prolonged win streak and it was a Fireworks Friday.

We got parked along the street about an ninety minutes before game time, enough time to talk up to Court Avenue and get a bite to eat. She'd never been to Buzzard Billy's, a fun Cajun spot very convenient to where we'd parked. We split a Big Fat Chicken Quesadilla and enjoyed the decor and clientele.

As we approached the ballpark, we enjoyed the music of a small band in Cubs attire; not quite dixieland but of that general flavor. It made the few minutes buying tickets slip by quickly.

We found our seats near the Cubs bullpen and got to see the pitcher warm up. Soon the players were taking the field and they did something I'd not seen before: a guest Little League team from a local community were "Anthem Buddies" and took the field alongside their corresponding position player for the National Anthem. I have to think that was a seriously memorable thing for the kids.

The game got started and the guest Fresno Grizzlies were retired quickly and quietly in the top of the first; being good hosts, the Cubbies followed suit. Fresno scored two in the second and the Cubs responded with a run of their own. The Cubs scored in the fourth and fifth to take the lead and held on for a 4-3 win, sweeping their second consecutive series.

The B-Bops Burger Race included the traditional face-plant, this time by Yellow. Blue squeaked by White in the final feet of the race. White has yet to win this year.

After the game, the fireworks display was as good as many of today's Fourth of July shows. There were never any gaps where something wasn't in the air. One of the amusing / disturbing aspects of the display was that the slight breeze was blowing in and the explosions were just a little closer than usual. Also, the grounds crew was kept busy scurrying across the field, putting out smoldering embers that were landing in the outfield. It was quite a show. A nice capper for the evening.