‘Just perfect’: Cubs, Reds soak in Iowa scenics

DYERSVILLE, Iowa — The intimate crowd, the film set, all that corn and easily taking part in a serious league recreation in Iowa had been the highlights for individuals of Thursday’s second-ever Subject of Desires MLB recreation.

The precise competitors on the sector did not stay as much as final yr’s heroics when the White Sox gained in walk-off style over the Yankees, however the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds loved themselves nonetheless.

“There isn’t any approach something might take away from the day we had right here,” Reds supervisor David Bell stated after his workforce misplaced 4-2. “It is an ideal expertise. Heard so many individuals all through our clubhouse saying it is one thing they will keep in mind for the remainder of their life.”

The successful workforce agreed, particularly Cubs starter Drew Smyly, who pitched improbable. His spouse and daughter joined him as they celebrated the latter’s fifth birthday. He was requested for the day’s spotlight — apart from pitching 5 shutout innings.

“Simply being a vacationer, taking all of it in,” he stated. “You simply really feel like a child once more. You are in the course of Iowa taking part in a baseball recreation. It is superior.

“I hope she remembers it. I do know I’ll.”

Gamers toured the film set earlier than taking part in in entrance of a sold-out crowd that comprised simply 7,823 followers. It introduced again a sense many main league gamers hadn’t skilled in a very long time.

“It felt like a school environment,” Cubs shortstop Nico Hoerner stated. “Positively not regular. I might visibly see a horse from shortstop fairly simply. It was positively quieter than regular. I needed to flip down the PitchCom.”

Not all went good as Reds second baseman Jonathan India left due to a contusion on his left leg. Bell was relieved to search out out India did not maintain a fracture and declared him day-to-day. Cubs catcher Willson Contreras additionally had a scary second as he rolled his ankle after rounding second base within the third inning however stayed within the recreation.

“The sphere situations had been nice,” Cubs third baseman Patrick Knowledge stated earlier than first pitch. “I did not know what to anticipate however all the pieces was nice.”

Supervisor David Ross stated he was distracted all through the evening by “wanting over the corn” however felt honored to be a part of the sport, which will not be held in 2023 due to building.

The day and evening was additionally an eye-opening expertise for Japanese rookie Seiya Suzuki.

“There aren’t many cornfields like this in Japan,” Suzuki deadpanned.

Nor are there many main league video games with such an intimate really feel. A reminiscence to final a lifetime was the postgame narrative coming from each side.

“It’s totally tough to place into phrases what it meant,” Bell stated. “It was simply good.”