This past weekend, we were set to play in Florence. I was excited to go, mostly because it wasn't that long of a journey. We are coming down to the wire in the season, and although it is certain we will make the playoffs, we are trying to hold onto the number 1 spot. Anzio is right behind us, and going into the weekend we were up 5 games. It also instills some meaning into the games ahead, and motivates the team to play through the crazy heat.
The first game was a disaster right off the bat. We continued to beat ourselves throughout the whole game, making errors and bad decisions both in the field and at the plate. After a terrible weekend at the plate last week, I was determined to have a good week. In the first game, I ended up going 3 for 5 with a triple and an rbi. We ended up losing 9-5. I wasn't mad, however. I felt the team needed a lose like that. Up until that point, we had won 14 straight games. Every team needs to come back down to earth sometime, and I'm just happy it wasn't in the playoffs.
For the second game, both teams were pumped. Luis and there pitcher (who was cuban) dueled early in the game. Luis dominated, which is usually the case. After one time through the lineup, we were able to start to put together good at bats against there pitcher. The game was tight, and going into the ninth we were up 5-3. We brought in Paul to close it out. Unfortunately, he let up a game tying double with two outs. In the tenth, Claudio got on with one out. I then hit a single to right field, moving Claudio over to third. After a strike out, the next hitter (Perry) hit a fly ball to center. The center-fielder dropped it, allowing Claudio to score. Paul would get another chance, and this time succeeded. With runners on first and second and two outs, he threw a fastball that trickled away to my left. I got a good jump on the ball, and I was able to throw the runner out at third for the final out. I finished the game 3-5 again, making me 6 for 10 with a double and a triple.
I was happy with the results of the second game, and also content with my performance at the plate. After the games, it was time to go out. Our friend Lucy, who we met in our Italian class, came to Florence to check out the city. She met some people, and brought them to the night game. After the game was over, I met up with them and we headed into the center. There was an American girl, an Irish girl, and an Australian guy. We headed over to the hostel, dropped off my stuff, and headed out to the disco. Thanks to Vanna's guidance, we picked a spot called Space Electronic. Downstairs was karaoke, and upstairs was a discoteca. It was great to be out and meeting new people.
The next day, I took everybody around the center of Florence. I felt like I was a tour guide, and I think I did a pretty good job. I learned a lot about the different cultures just from talking to the people we met. We even watched a Gaelic Football match in the Irish pub. The girl's hometown was in the championship. It was my first time seeing the sport, and it was actually quite exciting. Her home town won, so we headed to get some dinner then out to the bar. If you get a chance, check out either Gaelic Football or Australian football. Pretty interesting sports, and very exciting.
It was a great weekend overall, and the summer months have been fun. Next week, we play at home against Modena. They are very important games, and I'm looking forward to facing the best pitcher in the league. My roommate and I were also invited to Berlin by a girl we met in Munich. I am really looking forward to this weekends games and travels. I don't know where we will end up, but no matter what, it promises to be a great experience. I hope everybody had a great weekend, and I'll talk to everybody soon.
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