Baseball player journals spring break trip

As a member of the Viterbo baseball team, I decided to keep a running diary of our spring break trip to Miami, Fla. 

Day 1:We departed from La Crosse at roughly 1 p.m. on Friday, March 5. After four movies, a few pit stops, and roughly 10 hours, we reached Paducah, Ky., for our first night's stay.  Other than the disappearance of any traces of snow, not much happened today. 

Day 2: From Paducah, we traveled to Valdosta, Ga. The highlight of the day's 10 hour drive was the annual V-Hawk Idol competition. Junior Andy Behnke emerged as the team champion, while Greg Koch and Steve Mora battled in a freestyle rap showdown. Tomorrow's destination: Miami. 

Day 3: Finally, Miami. After making the drive south through Florida, the team got a quick afternoon practice in at Florida Memorial University before retiring to our hotel. Three games await tomorrow. 

Day 4: The team opened its series of games in Florida with an afternoon doubleheader against Northwood University in Palm Beach. We quickly jumped out to a large lead, as a Brandon Buelow bomb sparked an 11-run second inning. Nick Lenzendorf picked up the win and Drew Farrell pitched in relief in the 12-7 victory. The second half of the doubleheader showcased considerably less offense, and Northwood rallied late in the game for a 2-1 victory. Howard Heinrich threw a complete game for us, but the lineup struggled to string hits together.

We finished off the day with a junior varsity contest against Broward Community College.  Broward prevailed 10-4 with Patrick Tschida starting and Jordan Murray in relief on the mound for the V-Hawks. 

Day 5: Today we traveled to St. Thomas University for an evening showdown with the Bobcats.  St. Thomas jumped out to a quick lead, and ended up with a 12-2 win. Brent Peotter started for us on the mound, while Brett Rettenmeier led the offensive attack with a triple. We'll look to get back on track tomorrow with a rubber match against Northwood.

Day 6: Once again, we faced the Seahawks of Northwood University in West Palm Beach.  We were looking to take the rubber match after splitting two games with them on Monday afternoon. Today, however, both teams went home disappointed, as we played to a 13-13 tie in a game that lasted nearly five hours and was finally ended by darkness. Drew Farrell had four hits, Brett Moravec had three runs batted in, and Brandon Buelow smashed a home run to lead the offensive attack.