I was unable to see any of today's game, due to my being gainfully employed in a position that does not lend itself to watching baseball. The beginning of the contest was during my lunch break, so in between grading math quizzes and putting together a lesson on the many inventions and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin, I checked the box score long enough to infer that Zach McAllister must have a family reunion in Columbus coming up, and is looking for a cheap way to get there. After dismissing my students, I had 15 minutes before a staff meeting started, which gave me just enough time to see that John Axford must be a McAllister cousin.
I slyly checked checked the score during the meeting when I could.
The first check told me that David Murphy had prolonged the proceedings with a home run off Joe Nathan. Obviously I was enthused, but (not wanting to blow my cover), I didn't let on.
My second check told me that Josh Tomlin had taken the mound, an unusual step for the next day's starter. I was concerned about what this might mean for tomorrow's game, but I didn't let on.
My third check told me that Alex Avila had put Detroit ahead in the top of the 13th, and Justin Sellers had somehow entered the game. Of course I was distressed, but I did not let on.
My fourth check read "With Ryan Raburn batting, Asdrubal Cabrera scores on a balk."
I let on.
I can't say exactly what the sounds that came out of me was, though I believe it sounded vaguely French. In any event, I was forced to explain why I felt such particular enthusiasm for the school's planned response to children bringing unhealthy snacks with them to class.
What can I say, I believe in a balanced diet...