I suppose that the fact that our Tides have lost five straight games is not news. However, it does bear some comment. It’s clear that the losses of Ishikawa, Valencia, Navarro, Pridie, and Schoop out of the lineup were too much to absorb. Plus, Canzler’s bat simultaneously has cooled off in the past week or so. All-in-all, this talent drain has left us with only two players in the lineup, Hoes and Wood, batting anywhere near .300 (.296 and .295, respectively). I have to say that I have been very impressed with Wood. I like what I’ve been seeing on defense and at the plate as well. He’s had some clutch hits and will be a versatile infielder for us.

Stinson was lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree yesterday. He only went 3.2 innings, giving up six earned runs before being pulled. This included a five-run second inning in which the RailRiders batted around. Meanwhile, SWB held the Tides to two hits.

Now, because the baseball news today is kind of depressing, I’ll post another food commentary. A couple of posts ago, I said I’d report back about the Hits at the Park restaurant. I have eaten there twice in the last week or two, and I have to say that it is vastly improved over the last few years. They are advertising that they have both a buffet and an a la carte menu available. That’s partly true. While the buffet is being sold, the a la carte menu is not available. Later in the game, the buffet is taken up, and the a la carte menu is offered. The buffet has been decent. The selection always includes ballpark staples such as hot dogs and chicken tenders. The tenders are quite good, and they have all of the fixin’s for a good chili dog. There are three salads, a starch of some kind (often mashed potatoes), some steamed vegetables, and several entrees. The entrees include a vegetarian and/or seafood selection, a chicken dish, and at least one red meat. These are each served with a complementary side dish, in addition to the others mentioned before. I recommend going on a night when you can get Cajun meatloaf.

The dessert offerings were acceptable. Mostly they appeared to be formerly frozen cakes, and the ones I tasted were fine. They are sold in addition to the buffet price.

So, if you’re looking for something a little different, or a nice way to get out of the weather, the restaurant is a good option this year.

Back to baseball…

Tonight, the Tides are at home again, and Jurrjens will get the start. I think we’ll win this one. SWB is sending Brett Marshall to the mound, and he has not had a great year. The Tides website reports that his ERA is currently 6.11. It’ll be a great night to head to Harbor Park! – RR