BELOIT—The Beloit Sky Carp’s return to ABC Supply Stadium on Tuesday for a six-game series against the South Bend Cubs is a win-win scenario for everyone involved.
The Sky Carp went 2-0 on opening weekend in Beloit before losing four of six in Peoria against the Chiefs. Players and coaches alike are surely excited about returning to the friendly confines of their home stadium.
And then there are the numerous giveaways and promotions, some new while others are returning favorites, that the Sky Carp faithful will get to take part in when they head out to the game.
While the Sky Carp fell to 4-4, there are plenty of bats and arms that have started the season off strong. Here is a look at a few:
• JOE MACK: The 31st overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft expressed a desire to greatly improve his bat after he hit just .218 with 36 RBIs in 120 games last season.
The catcher with an already stellar glove certainly meant it as he is hitting a team-high .345 through eight games this season. He already has four RBI, three doubles and smacked a home run. His on-base percentage also leads Beloit at .441.
• YIDDI CAPPE: Another highly touted prospect who underachieved last season (.220 batting average, .250 OBP), Cappe moved from shortstop to third this season. That aspect has been a bit of an adjustment for the 21-year-old, who has committed a few blemishes along the way.
What has been working is his bat. Cappe is hitting .303 in eight games with an OBP of .324. He has hit a homer and scored a team-high five runs.
• IKE BUXTON: A 2022 15th-round pick, this righty has had two stellar starts from the mound to kick off the season.
Buxton, who made seven starts in Beloit last season, is sporting a 1.74 ERA after only allowing one unearned run against Cedar Rapids and two earned runs against Peoria. He leads the Sky Carp with 14 strikeouts, and opponents are hitting .237 off of him.
• THE LOGISTICS: The homestand kicks off on Tuesday with a matinee game. Gates open at noon and first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 as Beloit tries to build off a solid win in the series finale against Peoria and build up a winning streak.
Wednesday is the first Education Day of the season. The game begins at 11:10 a.m. and the stands will be filled with children’s joyous screams as the Sky Carp hosts students from schools around the area. Poopsie will certainly be out and about greeting the youth, but all are welcome to sneak away from work and catch some innings.
Thirsty Thursday makes its season debut this week. Fans can purchase 12-ounce drafts of Busch Light for just $2 or 16-ounce cans for $4. But this Thursday will also be Hockey Night. Members of the American Hockey League Rockford IceHogs and players from the North American Hockey League’s Janesville Jets will be in attendance.
Saturday is Legalize Marinara Night. A play on the date, April 20th, which is often used as an advocacy day to legalize marijuana, fans can purchase a specialty package that includes a t-shirt, ticket to the game and a free flatbread pizza from Bodacious in Janesville.
Sunday is the return of Family Fun Day. Every Sunday, kids 12 and under can run the bases after the game and families can play catch in the outfield afterwards.
And of course there will be the usual in-game entertainment that takes place in between innings, such as chase ketchup, where kids get to run through the outfield after a Sky Carp worker in a costume, and the condiment race, where children dress up as mustard, ketchup, etc. and race each other through the infield.
Thursday and Friday’s game both start at 6:35 p.m. while Saturday and Sunday’s starts at 1:05 p.m.
Most Popular
Comments / 0