Hawks manager Mark Johnson had been waiting for a game like last night – quality starting pitching, a sound defense, some clutch hits, and no base-running blunders.  In the end, it put a stop to a seven-game road losing streak (first road win since June 18), thanks to a 4-0 victory over first-place Yakima

(Click Here for Sunday Night’s Game Notes)

Tayler Scott was nearly unhittable, tossing six shutout innings – working at a cheetah’s pace (make a pitch, get the ball back, quickly throw another pitch) that truly seemed to frustrate the Bears.  Hayden Simpson worked out of trouble in all three innings, pitching like the veteran player he is.

The Hawks smacked a season-high six doubles, while recording 12 hits – their highest road total of the season. It was their first shutout win in nearly 100 games, dating back to September 2, 2010.

It was a glad-sad trip to Yakima for me personally, as I always love the people here in the “Palm Springs of Washington”. The staff at the Best Western Ahtanum Inn (team hotel) is always top notch (we even brought a ball and hat for their front desk manager), while K.L. Wombacher and Mike McMurray are some of the nicest front office folks you’ll meet in the business.  The turkey meatball sandwich I had for dinner was one of the best meals I’ve ever had (and I have had some great pregame meals in Yakima over the years).  However, you can see why the team needs to leave the town – Yakima (and adjacent Union Gap) is completing run down, with the County Stadium surface showing tons of wear and tear.

It also marked the final road trip to Yakima for my family – and especially my son, P.J. (the one I talk about all the time on the broadcast), who loves the swimming pool at the hotel.  So, what did I do this morning – spent four hours in and around the pool with him (from playing ball, to cannonballs, to diving for toys).  It was fun.  I will definitely be looking forward to a dip in the pool tonight after the game – as with temperatures between 103-107 (which means the radio booth will be 120-130), I’ll need to definitely cool off.