One of the things that drew me to Elon was the chance to play the big teams.

Every year, our schedule is sprinkled with ACC and SEC opponents. However, not every year do we make a trip to Miami. It is not often that we fly, due in large part to the expense that small mid-majors like Elon struggle to afford.

Some people enjoy flying; some people neither like nor dislike it. I find the experience to be dreadful.

As we were taxiing down the runway at Raleigh/Durham International Airport, some guys were giving the ones who had never flown before a hard time. I have flown several times, so I was freed of the ribbing. Needless to say, I was just as nervous as those first-timers.

In my mind, ignorance is bliss, so I closed my eyes and laid my head down in preparation for takeoff. The pilot interrupted my self-induced hypnosis with words of warning. From the intercom, I heard, “Just want to warn you, gusty winds could cause heavy turbulence during takeoff, please keep your seatbelts fastened.”

Now, my moist palms began pouring sweat. Fortunately, the turbulent takeoff gave way to a smooth flight, and we arrived in Miami with no problem.

We have two freshmen from Miami who were eager to show the team the ins and outs of their hometown. We ate at two well-known local restaurants that the families highly recommended. Friday’s pre-game meal at Shorty’s treated the team to Southern-style barbeque, which precluded an intense series opener from which the Phoenix emerged victorious.

Whatever they put in the barbeque, it worked: We were able to take an intense Game 1 from Miami 10-7. Robert Rodebaugh set the tone as his three-run homer highlighted a five-run first. Freshman JD Reichenbach once again came up big out of the bullpen, collecting his third win of the season.

While the game went how we wanted, I think I will have to stick with our Carolina-style barbeque.

The only good thing that came out of Saturday was the trip to La Rosa, a Cuban restaurant, before the Hurricanes blew us out. Before this trip, I had never had Cuban food. I got the chance to order some fresh seafood with fried plantains, two must-haves if you ever dine at a Cuban restaurant. Needless to say, my first Cuban cuisine experience won’t be my last.

Sunday was a day of missed opportunity. We had a chance to take the series, a series we could hang our hat on come regional time, but we didn’t do it.

We were leading 2-1 in the fourth with the bases-loaded and no outs. We were unable to score, missing out on an opportunity to put some space in between us and Miami. With the momentum, they took a lead in the bottom half and held on for a 6-3 win.

We finally have our first midweek game as we play the High Point Panthers at the Greensboro Grasshoppers’ new stadium. The Panthers have always been a thorn in our side, and I’m sure this year will be no different.

I’ll be reunited with my Bourne Braves roommate, Eammon Portice, as the High Point ace is scheduled to toe the rubber.

With the midweeks upon us, it is safe to say the season is in full swing.

Drew Davis

(photo courtesy of Elon Media Relations Office)