Another night game in Scottsdale, fun times. I only stayed for warm ups and the first 2 innings because I wanted to spend a Friday night with my beautiful wife. She definitely deserved a date night.

That said, most of the pictures are of Joe Martinez and opposing pitcher Mike Leake.

Diamond Notes:

* You’ve heard of “K-ville” but what about “K”-Mart (cheese, I know but it works). Joe Martinez was a freaking beast tonight. 7K’s in 4IP, 3H, ER, BB. His fastball was popping the glove, and the breaking stuff was on target. Another great outing.

* Mike Leake is going to be good, very good. I had the privilege of watching the the CWS run ASU had last year and have been a big fan of Mike. In 4IP he gives up 1 hit and an unearned run. His AFL ERA is a miniscule 1.72 for a starter in a hitter’s paradise.

* Once again, I miss Turpen and Edlefsen’s outing. I was hoping Banister/Milacki would have them throw yesterday but another wrench in the works I guess. Dan came in and had a scoreless inning with 2 K’s. Steve actually gave up the tying run, but ended up with the W as the Scorpions put up 7 more runs in the 7th and 8th.

* Posey and Neal were in the game, DH and LF respectively.

I like that Buster has been getting more rest from catching lately, it has been a long season and he’s been playing non stop since he got drafted for the most part.

Thomas went 1-3 with a triple, 2RBI, 2R, BB.

* I was talking before the game and I really like how that home bullpen shoots. If I had a better lens it would even be more awesome, but I do with what I got. The color in the day is a great popping bright tone because of the stadium green paint behind the rubber. At night however, shadows come down from Salty’s Pavilion and the crappy stadium lights cast this “Matrix-esque” green noir look to everything. I like it. Check out some here.

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR FULL GALLERY or here