Cardinals Reds Game 1 Batting Practice

After leaving Louisville, we headed straight to Cincinnati.  We had a little spare time to check into our hotel before we headed to the ballpark.  We arrived with 5 minutes to spare.  The Reds offer a special ticket to watch both teams take batting practice for $22.  Since we never get to see the Cardinals take bp in St. Louis, I figured it was a good deal. 

Until the gates opened for everyone, we were confined to the right and centerfield bleachers.  My wife and I stayed close to centerfield while my son stayed in right.  Tyler O'Neill is getting some fielding practice here.

Dylan Carlson is waiting his turn.  Shortly after this picture he tossed up a ball to my wife.

We received 2 others besides the Carlson toss up.  My son got a toss up from a Reds pithcer.  The third ball landed in the battter's eye during the Reds BP.  A member of the grounds crew tossed it to my son.  We were never really close to any of the home runs, but it was still fun.  Only downside was it was hot for the 2 hours we watched.

After BP we hit up the concession stand.  Behind our seats in the right field bleachers was stand that offered a $25 deal that included 5 hot dogs, unlimited chips, peanuts, and soda.  That was a great investment for the 3 of us.  

Our seats were next to the Cardinals bullpen down the right field line.  Pretty good view of the bullpen and the field.  I failed to get any pictures of Adam Wainwright while he was warming up, but did get Jordan Hicks before he entered the game in the 6th inning.

A big difference between the bullpen at Great American Ballpark and Busch Stadium is the net over the top.  At Busch the relievers toss up quite a few balls, but the net makes it impossible in Cincy.  As for the game it did not turn out well for Cardinals fans.  Wainwright gave up 2 home runs and took the loss in a 9-5 final.  We did get to see Paul Goldschmidt hit a home run.  A big thumbs up for the fireworks show after the game.  They looked great going off over the Ohio River.  

Next post will highlight our second day at the ballpark.