Beating the Canadians
August16, 2008
Character. Thats what was displayed today in our game against Canada. We had played Canada so many times before today that we knew everybody they had, except one and he was their starting pitcher today. He dealt against us at the beginning and kept all of our hitters off balance and we were unable to do anything.
Brett Anderson was our starter and did a great job. He gave up four runs somewhat early but really shut them down when we really really needed it. I think we put up a couple of runs and then Brett would come in and get a shutout inning. He kept us in the game when we needed it too. Then, in the sixth, I came in with two outs and runners at first and third. Adam Stern was up to bat, also a former Cornhusker. I was able to get him to strike out looking. Our team then managed to put up a couple runs in the 7th and another one in the bottom of the eighth. So then I went out for the ninth to try and close the deal. I think that was the most nervous I have been in a long time. In the last inning I got the first guy to fly out to right. Then the next guy gets a hit. I then struck out the next guy. So there is a runner on first and two outs and Stubby Clapp came up to bat.
History has it that Stubby has had some heroic moments before when playing against USA. So I knew it was going to be tough. But there is something that happened during this at bat that I have never done before. I got on the rubber in the wind up instead of the stretch. Everyone started yelling step off, step off. So I looked at the runner at first thinking he was taking off when it occurred to me that I was in the wind up. So, while trying not to panic, I was yelling at our catcher to call time-out. I actually balked a couple of times I think before I stepped off the mound correctly. The umpires did not call it at all though, thank goodness.
Anyways, I get a full count of Stubby and I shake to a slider, and he ropes it down the right field line. I couldn’t believe he I just hung that slider. Clear down the right field corner and just foul. He then fouls off the next pitch and the next pitch after that is a fastball on the outside part of the plate. He flew out to left and we beat Canada. It was a big time must-win situation and we pulled through. We still have a chance to play for a medal if we can keep it going.
Character. It’s what we showed out there today. It was a great team win. I really think we can keep this going.
Brian's Baseball Blog from Beijing 
Brian,
Congrats on the outstanding peformance against Canada and for representing USA Baseball with your blogs. Keep up the good work and good luck.
WOW!!!What a great game Brian. It’s beyond words what it’s like to see you pitching in the Olympics. Team USA you guys really played a great ball game. Keep up the great work and bring home a medal. We’re all cheerin ya on.
Martin,Staci, Logan and Cameron Haug,
Seneca, KS
Huge congrats.
Saw the game on T.V., you did great, the whole team did. Nice comback, the commentators had a lot of praise for your performance.
Bring home the gold.
Greetings from Rochester, Brian! It was exciting/nerve wracking to watch today’s game, but good job! Keep it up! Hope Lisa and your folks are having a good time, too. (Oh yeah, just to let you know,the Wings are at .500 now!Yippee!)
Great job Brian. What a team effort you guys put together against Canada. Yours was the standout performance of the day though.
I watched it live on the NBC website and what a great way to watch it. No commentary. Just like sitting in the ballpark, except cleaner air.
I saw Lisa and your Mom & Dad between innings. They must be having a terrific time, and as they are proud of you, so are we back here in Nebraska.
Go get a medal!
hi Brian you signed my glove at a red wings game. Good luck against china. Keep throwing hard! Tommy r.
Nice job BD! Once a big game guy always a big game guy! We’re proud of you! Coach Longe
Way to fry the Canadian bacon of our northern neighbors, B.D. (short for “Bear Down”?)…
Clutch, m’man, clutch.
Keep your eyes on the prize…
I GOLD You so….
{back to the rubber room}
Welcome to the R-Wing
be committed…
…wInG NUt…
p.s. let me in your fantasy football… 😉
Keep it going, Brian! Hear that? That’s us chanting U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
Congratulations Brian!!!! Eventhough we knew the outcome before the game was on TV, we still were loud with the cheering. I’m so glad that the family made it for the game. The only thing that spoiled the day was that the TV crew kept pronouncing your name “Den-sing”….when it should be “Done-sing”. Congratulations on the China game. I just saw the score on that one! Go USA!!!
No one can imagine what you’re feeling, seeing and experiencing in Beijing. THANKS SO MUCH for sharing with us! Ron, Elizabeth, Mitchell and I are enjoying every word.
God’s Love and ours! GO U.S.A.!!!!!
Great job pitching Brian!
Can’t wait to hear about the China win!
Emily and Family
Go USA!
Great job against our northern boys!! Keep up the great work and enjoy every second of all of this.
Pat and Linda Geary
Hi Brian,
Just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the rest of the team. Keep up the good work! GO USA.
Best Wishes,
The Beloit Snappers Cookie Mom
Sherri
Great to see a Millard guy and Husker doing so well. Congrats on the Bronze! Can’t wait for you to bring it back to Omaha~