braves vs. dodgers

the first time these teams met up the braves gave the "over hyped up" dodgers a run for it. keeping it tied up til the end of the game. unfortunately that game ended with xander, hitting a line drive right to the second baseman, which he caught, and then that player tagging first and second to get a triple play.
this time was no less exciting. the dodgers were ahead the whole time, but we were always within reach.
xander was all over the field. he was totally in the game and knew what was going on at all times. he ran down players. caught a pop fly and threw them out. he was great! his hitting was pretty good too!
the final inning it looked like we could end the game in a tie.
xander was up to bat, hit the ball to the same place he did the first game, but this time it sailed into the outfield untouched. xander pulled around second heading for third. todd, as the third base coach didn't see the ball anywhere near him, so he told xander to start for home. most teams try to end the play by getting the ball to the circle. but this time they threw the ball to the third baseman who caught it...
at that point todd knew xander wasn't going to make it and called him back, but the third baseman was right there and tagged xander out. the third out...
the dodgers stands threw up their hands and cheered...and the braves stands let out a collective sigh of dismay.
i watched my son walk to the dug out with his head hanging slightly. i ran over to the gate and waited while he lined up to congratulate the other team.
he carried his bucket of gear out and i took it from him, setting it on the ground, grabbed his hand and started to walk. "let's go sit for a minute".
at that point he started to cry..."i'm just so mad!"
we got to a picnic bench and i held his hand and gave him a hug. i let him know it was okay to cry. "dad says it's not my fault. that he made the mistake, but i should have known he had the ball."
he was crushed, and so was i. i sat there next to him on that picnic bench with tears on my face too. he had done everything he could have that game, and one little tag out was a pin in a balloon that popped in his face.
he ended up getting one of the game balls that night. if he deserved it anytime it was definitely for that game. he was the team that night...he was amazing!