The temperature hit the mid-50s today as we took in a Twins game and some Little League.

I've been watching bits of most of the games on television, and we've now made a couple games in person this year. I'm still not sure I can name more than a handful of Twins players, though. I do like going to the games, digging the energy and freedom to watch whatever you want, but sometimes do miss the commentary. I haven't broken down to listen to the broadcast during the game, because that seems like it breaks the vibe. We can go in the clubhouse and they're playing the broadcast there, presumably for those who aren't looking at the windows, so I get what it could be like. We did grab some food and eat inside instead of juggling at our seats, so we got some live views out the window with a slightly delayed commentary, so I've had the experience.

I've gone off course.

Our seats are in the shade, and today was one of the days where we were playfully envious of those in seats in the sun. We've sat in those seats on occasion, and during the summer it's much better in the shady seats. Today may have been different, though. We survived.

The game was a bit of a pitcher's battle, and neither the Twins or Mariners did a lot with the hits and walks they did get. The Twins smacked the ball around a lot, but couldn't get the base runners all the way around. The game held a Twins lead from the fourth to the ninth inning. The Mariners tool advantage of a bunch of hits and misses by the Twins to pull off a win with three runs in the ninth, which is par for the course.

After, we made our way through the early rush hour traffic, trying to slip by all of the construction, to get boyo before his Little League game. We got him from the after-school play thing he still leverages, even though we're home every day after he's done. We made it home with a few minutes to try to let him snarf a little something before the game. Mom threw something across the stove while I helped him dress. He slurped down some noodles while I made some hot cacao to keep me warm in the stands, and we headed out for the pre-game warmup.

There were a lot more hits and so many "stolen bases" on passed balls, wild pitches, and other overthrows. They're still banking on the fact that not as many 10s can throw accurately and fast as you might hope. Chances go down with each out, but there's a high likelihood that everyone is going to advance after reaching bases. Far too often that includes racing home as the catcher scrambles for a ball and then either watches as the third-base runner slides into home (they almost always slide) because the pitcher is still on the mound, or the catcher overthrows the pitcher, or the pitcher just doesn't have the ball in time or place to make the tag, or maybe they can't hold onto it in the inevitable collision when it's that close.

I get this is their second year of being able to make such plays, and it's my hope that these things drive home the necessity to actually develop the throwing and catching skills. They are tremendously better than in years past, for sure. Having watched the 12s do their practices, I'm confident that those that stick with it will improve dramatically. This is probably the year that many flip that switch.

Even though there were disappointing outcomes, with both of our teams losing at the end, it's always a great day when you get to watch a little baseball. And nothing hinges on just one game until the very end of the season, so losses don't bother me.