"Bang, zoom, straight to the moon!"

Kent hit a ball Jackie Gleason would be proud of. "Bang, zoom, straight to the moon!"

Jeff Kent hit a game tying homer in the 7th inning to left center field that tied the score at 1 to 1. It was quite a dinger. Carlos Lee in left field didn't even turn to look. The ball went high in the air and slammed into a steel beam near the glass back wall. It then bounced back towards the outfielder Lee. It was only then that he turned to pick up the ball. The entire Houston crowd was in a collective gasp. "Whoe!?!" Like I said, it was quite a dinger.

Unfortunately, Kent's home run was not the only on hit this evening. Eric Munson lead off the scoring for the Astros with a home run in the third inning. Then, in Houston's part of the 7th inning, Carlos Lee hit his own rocket shot to left field to reclaim the lead for the Astros.

That was all the scoring done this evening. The Astros squeaked through with a 2 to 1 win.

Of note, Lowe left the game in the middle of the 5th inning.

It was unclear why he was removed, but he was visibly upset as he stalked off the field and he threw his glove the length of the dugout after he got there.

DJ Houlton pitched well in his 2 innings, but ultimately took the loss as he gave up the tee shot to Carlos Lee. Beimel and Roberto pitched well in their inning of work.

Oh well. You can't win them all. At least I can look fondly back at Jeff Kent's home run. "Whoe!?!"

Photo Link: Honeymooners.net:

Do You Want to Buy Bonds 715th Home Run Ball?

With all the hoopla surrounding the home run record, apparently the owners of his 715th home run ball believe that now is the best time to sell. On eBay, right now, you can bid on the ball that surpassed the great Babe Ruth. Sports Collectors Daily reports that the minimum reserve amount is $375,000.00. Considering it sold last year for $222,000.00, that's not a bad profit. Of course, I have my doubts it will sell at all.

Symbolic Collection Vice President Rovert Rios doesn't believe the lingering resentment toward Bonds will matter.

"With no indictments, no suspensions, and seemingly no movement by Major League Baseball against Barry Bonds, I believe this ball is one of the penultimate sports collectibles available today for market appreciation," Rios said in a news release.

"Last year, there was a swirl of allegations that had kept many bidders from jumping into the competition for the ball. I believe when the dust settles, Bonds will rightfully be judged as the greatest home run hitter of all time.

Has the dust settled yet? I'm figure he will receive the Alex Popov treatment.

Hat Tip: SCD:
eBay Listing: Bonds 715th Ball:

Michael Vick Animal Awareness Day

A special thanks to Lion in Oil for pointing out an upcoming promotion for the Long Beach Armada, or shall I say the Long Beach Armada of Los Angeles of California of the United States of North America including Barrow, Alaska. This coming Sunday, July 29, 2007, fans can bring "man's best friend" with them to the game. It will be "Michael Vick Animal Awareness Day." Doggies of all shapes and sizes are welcome to watch America's greatest game.

On top of that, you can trade a Michael Vick t-shirt or jersey for admission to the game.

Reminiscent of the infamous Disco Demolition over 25 years ago (without the attendant stampede and chaos), the Armada will destroy all Michael Vick jerseys in protest to the inhumane treatment of animals.

Since we are on the topic of dogs I want to give Rob from 6-4-2 a hearty thanks for being so attentive and loving to his friend, Foley. As Orel in the comments section said, "that's one lucky dog."

I have had my own stress recently concerning the well-being of my furry friend, Miko. This past weekend I had the vet check out a out-of-place lump on her belly that had me worried. Fortunately, it turned out to be a non-cancerous growth.
Dog Day Link:
Hat Tip: Lion in Oil: