Dirk Fries, pitcher of the German National Team and the Cologne Cardinals, will give us a daily report about his time at the Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Taiwan.
Sunday March 9th
Today we played another good ballgame. But unfortunately, we lost. Chinese Taipei scored two runs in the seventh, and beat us 2-0. One could sense a feeling of severe disappointment in the dugout after the game. After coming away with the win last night, things didn’t turn our way this morning. We had hoped for more, but two doubles and bloop single in the 7th Inning were enough for them to win and chase starter ANDRÈ HUGHES. He pitched incredibly well. And not only our team recognized this, but so did the spectators who awarded him with a standing ovation and thorough applause.
The stadium was packed today. It was the first time for us, as we didn’t play Chinese Taipei in the World Cup. Just like any Chinese Taipei game, there were few seats left unoccupied, and the capacity of 30.000 was almost reached. Unlike most places that I’ve been to so far during my time in Baseball, Taiwanese fans cheer constantly. Not only do they celebrate every single out, but also on every strike thrown by their pitcher the whole place literally erupts. It was an awesome atmosphere just being in the dugout, and incredibly noisy. It was hard communicating with your fielders and I’m not sure they even heard our bench supporting them and cheering them on.
When the game turned in their favour in the seventh, all hell broke loose. On the other end you could sense the fans getting a little nervous when we got runners on the corners with nobody out in the ninth. JENDRICK SPEER had a double down the line, and DOMINIK WULF moved him to 3rd with a single to left. Unfortunately the heart of our lineup could not get another hit against the Taiwanese closer.
Coach GREG FRADY recognized our disappointment, but reminded the team of the positives: the great performance in the last three days, the respect we have been earning not only since the World Cup and the fact that we still have a chance.
That our team has come quite a long way in the last couple of years is maybe best reflected in our own expectations. Now we aren’t satisfied giving other teams a good game, we want to win badly, have the needed confidence and bring a positive and competitive attitude to the field every time.
Winning today would have strengthened our case for a berth in Beijing, and after losing the odds did not get any better. So tomorrow really is going to be important. Beating South Africa is essential to staying alive in the tournament. So far, Korea and Chinese Taipei seem to be the frontrunners to occupy the top two spots, because so far both are unbeaten. Behind them are Canada and Australia, both with a 2-1 record. Before tonight’s games we are fifth at 1-2. So a win tomorrow would put us back at .500 and let us stay in the race for third place. We know we can get it done.
u guys did a good job!
this is a nice game
Although I’m a taiwanese , I like your performance in this game;
I’m a baseball fan from Taiwan.
German National Team was really did a good job, play a good game today, Great!
I’m also have great esteem for your attitude about baseball game.
Don’t give up, we’ll also cheer for you guys.
Go Go German!
Tt’s a good game today.
I am Taiwanese, I support CHINESE TAIPEI.
Your team is also great.
Go Go Germany.
Hope you guys have a good trip in Taiwan.
Thank you. It’s a good game!
Great game.
To be honest, you guys almost gave me a heart attack during the 9th inning.
However, in the end, I have to say you guys did a great job. Everyone in Taiwan thought this game will be a walk in the park, and you guys proved us wrong.
I hope Germany will do great on the upcoming games, specially against Korea, we’ll be right behind you guys. =)
Well,you guys really play a good ball game with our players.I like your team very much!
I really hope that you and your teammates can beat Korea and go to Beijing with us! Cheer up!
welcome to taiwan
today, it is a nice game for deutschland
i always think deutschland is famous for football and basketball,but today i saw a high level baseball game for deutschland.good job!
it’s a good game for Chinese Taipei too.
i believe all baseball fans in Taiwan enjoyed today’s game.
please keep up the good job, hoping German National Team will catch up with other leading teams in the next few games!
I am Taiwanese.
I also enjoy the game very much.
Today when my friends and I were waiting the bus, we saw your bus pass and you guys waved to us.
You are really good players.
Let’s work hard together!!
hi,it’s a good game for Chinese Taipei team too
I beleive all baseball fans in Taiwan enjoyed today’s game
please keep up the good job
hoping German National Team will catch up with other leading teams in the next few games
That was a good game!
The tension was rife till the end of game.
You guys did a really good job, and won Taiwaness respect!
Hope see your great team again in Beijing.
Cheer up Dirk!
You don’t lose anything but a game only.
Hope Germany and Taipei will play again in Beijing.
Do all your best in the next 4 games.
Germany, we consider one of the best teams at the Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament, played a revered game.
Don’t sad, we will give you a big hand.
Taiwanese really expect your nice performances.
Go go Germany!
Your team is also great!
you did a good job today!
hope you guys will win tomorrow!!
Enjoy your trip to taiwan!!
today we enjoy a great game,
and ur team is also good!
i trust we can see ur team in Beijing!!
You’ve done very well in the game yesterday.
Althought Chinese Taipei won the game finally, your team earned our respect.
I think that you can beat South Africa today!
Hi! I was so touched by your words, though I am a Taiwanese. It’s very hard for you guys to get ready for the tournament during such a short period of time. You need to get used to the jet lag and everything in Taiwan. You guys are really great! Although I watched the game on the internet (I am not in Taiwan), I can tell you guys are the professional players with the best attitude and skills. You know how to respect your opponents and try your best in the game. Wish you luck for the following games and enjoy everything in Taiwan as well!
We are with Chinese Taipei and you guys! *^_^*
Baseball is very popular in Taiwan despite not so in
Europe.
However,you have play a very good game with us,blessing
you!
Schade, Ihr ward nah dran. Die taiwanische Presse schreibt, das Eure Pitcher zu langsam werfen, das seien sie nicht gewohnt :-), macht Euch nix draus, die sind parteiisch…
Ich gehe davon aus, dass Ihr die Anfeuerungsrufe der etwa 5 deutschen Fans im Stadion nicht gehoert habt, wir haben gebruellt was wir konnten.
Viel Glueck fuer die restlichen Spiele!
Your team did a great job !!
I have to say your country and your team deserve all the respects!! Hope you can keep fighting to the end!!