Keep up with the Phoenix during their global experience in the Dominican Republic. Junior Matt Oldham walks us through the team's morning game with Hiroshima Toyo Carp Academy and Thanksgiving dinner.
The Carps were well-matched against us as we saw above-average pitching ranging anywhere from 90mph to 95mph consistently the whole game. The Phoenix managed to scratch a few runs together early on a couple of hits and walks and coasted the rest of the game due to stellar pitching and lockdown performances from the pitching staff. The Phoenix ended up winning the game 4-3.
After the game, the team hopped back on the bus to head back to the resort to grab some lunch by the beach and continue working on our cultural assignment. Throughout the trip, we have been asked by Dr. Cryan and Dr. Schmiederer to reflect each day about what our best moments were and then a brief writing assignment at the end of the day.
After the brief writing assignment, the team had some down time to finally unwind after a few long days in a row. Many of us went to the beach and the pool, some of us went to the spa to work off some stress, and some of us took a nap in our hotel room before our 6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving dinner with the team.
At the dinner, the chefs prepared for us a turkey cooked in spices and was cut and served to us as we went up to the chef. Many other people got potatoes, rice, pork, pasta, chicken, BBQ, fish, pizza, and beans. It was all very good and we are truly thankful for the people that are providing us food and water on this trip.
Tomorrow we have an early wakeup at 5 a.m. to travel to Puerta Plata to visit the 27 waterfalls and the cigar factory around the area. I am looking forward to seeing different parts of the Dominican Republic and seeing places I have never been before.
Matt Oldham