Baseball Road Trip - Dodger Stadium

The LA road trip continued with a trip to Dodger Stadium, but before the 7:00 p.m. game we did some very LA tourist things.

FRIENDS Fountain

We drove over to Downtown Disney to get a little Disney flavor.

Then drove to Burbank to take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, which was a lot of fun, probably more so for me since I knew and was familiar with a lot more of the TV shows and movies than Lukas was, but he still enjoyed plenty -- was on the set of All American, took photos on the sets of Friends and Big Bang Theory, saw a lot of DC Super Hero stuff, held an Oscar.

We still had a few hours before the parking lot at Dodger Stadium opened, so we went to the Griffith Observatory to see the Hollywood sing, and take photos overlooking LA.

Then it was off to Dodger Stadium. We once again got tickets there, although they didn't have the hard copy stubs which was a bummer, just the digital ones. We were plenty early so we watched the Pirates take batting practice, walked around the whole stadium, saw the plaque that is in RF where Kirk Gibson hit his famous HR in the '88 World Series (UGH!!!). Dodger stadium treated us to everything you've heard about Southern California fans. They tried to get the wave started every inning, and succeeded a few times. Numerous beach balls being bounced around the stands. Fans showing up late and leaving early. The full Dodger experience.

Knocking on Penny's Door on the Big
Bank Theory Set

Dodger stadium is definitely showing its age of 60 years, not a great looking ballpark. Faded seats, rusty arm rails, small aisles. But it was still enjoyable. We sat in section 35, which is the 3rd of the 4 decks down the LF line. Not a lot of tickets to choose from compared to the Angel game. We were in Row A, so that was a bonus.

The game had everything. 5 HRs (just like the day before) including back-to-back by the Dodgers. One was hit by Mookie Betts. The Dodgers chipped away and in the bottom of the 8th took the lead. Craig Kimbrell came in to close the game, but gave up a walk, wild pitch, a hit, then an error, and the Pirates quickly took a 6-5 lead. The Dodgers made it interesting in the 9th when Mookie hit a double with one out putting the tying run in scoring position. Freddie Freeman walked. So the winning run was on base, but the Pirates got out of it.

Central Perk

Two games, both came down to the 9th inning. Both games decided by 1 run. 10 total HRs. Some of the best players in the game. It was everything a baseball fan could ask for!