The Louisville Slugger Field welcomed past, present and future Grenadiers to enjoy America’s favorite past time on July 20.
The IU Southeast Alumni Association hosted the third annual Night at the Louisville Bats. Tickets for the event cost $5 and included admission into the game, a voucher for a free hot dog, soda, popcorn and a T-shirt.
The Alumni Association sold out tickets for the event, totaling in approximately 300 tickets.
“We always have a block of 300 tickets, and every year we come close to or sell out,” John Watkins, newly elected board president of the Alumni Association, said.
The Bats hosted the Pawtucket Red Sox in their series opener. The Grenadier guests of honor watched from just behind third base as the two teams faced off in their first of three-game series.
IU Southeast helped kick off the ball game with Chancellor Sandra Patterson-Randles throwing the ceremonial first pitch while the IUS cheerleaders cheered her on.
The cheerleaders also entertained the crowd before the game and between innings. Gus the Grenadier joined in on the fun by participating in a race against Buddy the Bat around the bases between the third and fourth. Gus also joined Buddy in entertaining the crowd by dancing on top of the dugout.
Despite the IUS crowd cheering the Bats on, they fell to the Red Sox 9-1. The Red Sox opened the game strong scoring three runs in the top of the first. The Sox continued by scoring two runs in the third inning and four more in the fifth.
The Bats struggled to make an appearance on the scoreboard until the bottom of the seventh when a pitching change led to their first and only score. Josh Judy replaced Carlos Fisher on the mound.
Felix Perez sent a sacrifice fly ball into left field bringing Willie Harris in for the Bats only run.
For fans who stayed until the end of the ninth inning, fireworks followed the ballgame.
The Bats went on to drop the series to the Red Sox 9-1, 4-0 and 9-3.
The IUS Alumni Association is also looking to add a few new activities to their fall schedule, including a Day at the Downs and a wine tasting.
“What we try to do is just build different ways that we can connect the alumni and that lets them come back,” Jerry Wayne, vice chancellor of the Alumni and Community Relations.
By HANNA WOODS
Sports Editor
hrwoods@umail.iu.edu
