What is Hilton Magic?

Last night, I saw Iowa State play against Michigan in Ames. Michigan came into the game ranked #7 in the nation and Iowa State was unranked. At the start of the game, the Cyclones did not play very well.  They were missing a lot of easy shots and had a few turnovers.  But as soon as Melvin Ejim, Iowa State's senior leader, came in the crowd started to go wild and it got very loud in Hilton.  With the crowd so into the game, the Cyclones started playing much better.  

The game was close and was back and forth between the two teams, but the Cyclones came out on top with Hilton Magic behind them.  You might ask, "What is Hilton Magic?"  The way I would describe it is a loudness that comes inside of your body.  The sound throughout the crowd is a little overwhelming, but everyone experienced the excitement. The energy from the entire crowd is amazing and it allows magic to happen on the floor for the Cyclones.

The Cyclones won the game 77-70, with Ejim being the high scorer.  Today the unranked Cyclones became ranked #21, they highest ranking in 12 years.  Go Cyclones!

ISU vs. TCU Football

This weekend, I went to the Iowa State game.  They played TCU in Ames. During the game, Iowa State played very well, but they lost.  My favorite part of the game was when Texas Christian kicked and Iowa State ran the ball back for a touchdown.  It was right in front of our seats. My sister also got her picture up on the jumbo-tron.

The game was awesome but having our whole family there made it extra special. Our family got together and I was able to see my uncle from New York.  He surprised my other uncle and grandpa by flying in for their birthdays.

Before the game, we tailgated next to the stadium.  It was packed.  My cousin and I got our picture taken with Cy.  Yahoo!!!After the game, we played football where we were tailgating.  I think it is cool how sports brings families together.

Breakdown of Upcoming World Series

I think the Cardinals are going to win the 2013 World Series, because when the Cardinals have faced the Red Sox in years before in the World Series, they have won more games.  The Cardinals have won two match-ups and the Red Sox have won only one.  When breaking down each position, it shows why I think Cardinals are going to win.


Catchers: Yadier Molina vs. Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Molina is good at catching fast balls and when people are stealing, he gets them out really easily.  He has a good arm and a strong defensive catcher.
Saltalamacchia is a good hitter but he doesn't get in front of the ball when he is behind the plate.
Between these two catchers, I believe Yadier Molina is a better catcher.
Advantage: Cardinals

First Base: Matt Adams vs. Mike Napoli
Matt Adams is a fine first baseman and can stretch but Mike Napoli is a really strong power hitter. Adams is young and Napoli has had plenty of playoff experience, so Napoli is a better first baseman. Advantage: Red Sox

Second Base: Matt Carpenter vs. Dustin Pedroia
Carpenter is the lead-off hitter for the Cardinals and is a utility player.  He started off the season hot, but hasn't been very consistent throughout the year.  Pedroia is one of my favorite players and he is a solid all-around player.
Advantage: Red Sox

Third Base: David Freese vs. Will Middlebrooks/Xander Bogearts
Freese is good when he has to dive for the ball and make the throw to first.  He is a so-so hitter but plays well in the playoffs.  For the Red Sox, Middlebrooks starts but Bogearts comes in to finish the game.  My choice for third base is David Freese, although it is a close call.
Advantage: Cardinals

Shortstop: Pete Kosma vs. Stephan Drew
Kosma is a really strong fielder but I see him struggling with the bat during this series.  I could probably write the exact same thing about Stephan Drew. Kosma is a better fielder so he has the advantage.
Advantage: Cardinals 

Left Field: Matt Holliday vs. Jonny Gomes
Matt Holliday is a power hitter and a really good player. He struggled hitting at the beginning of the playoffs, but came on strong in the past few games.  Gomes has a hot bat right now, but with Holliday's latest streak, he has the advantage.
Advantage: Cardinals

Center Field: Jon Jay vs. Jacoby Ellsbury
Jon Jay is a strong defensive player but not that good with the bat.  Jacoby Ellsbury is super fast which helps on the bases and on the field.  He is a strong lead-off and he sets the table for the offense. Ellsbury has the a strong advantage in center field.
Advantage: Red Sox

Right Field: Carlos Beltran vs. Shane Victorino
I caught a ball from Carlos Beltran at a Cardinal's game this summer, so I really like him.  He is also really good on the defensive end.  Beltran is also a good hitter.  Shane Victorino is also pretty good, but Beltran is a better hitter.
Advantage: Cardinals

Pitching Staff
The starting pitching staff for both teams is about equal but the depth and the closers for the Red Sox are stronger which give Boston an advantage.
Advantage: Red Sox

With these predictions, I think the world series will go to seven games, with the Cardinals winning it all.

Pirates vs Cardinals Pitching Breakdown

The Cardinals and the Pirates will be playing game five of the National League series tonight.  They will each have their best pitchers on the mound.  The Cardinals will be pitching Adam Wainwright and the Pirates will be pitching Gerrit Cole.

Adam Wainwright has better stats, played more, and won more games than Gerrit Cole.  This is going to be important in this game because having that experience should give him a better chance of winning.  Expect to see the Cardinals win the National League championship and face the Red Sox in the World Series.

Let's Go Cardinals!

World Series Predictions

Who do you think is going to win the world series?

In the American League, I think the Rangers have the best chance to get to the World Series because they have the best record in the American League.  The Rays and the Indians are going to play to see who will verse the Rangers.  Of these three teams, I think the Rangers have the best chance.  Yu Darvish is the Rangers strongest pitcher with amazing stats and is in the running for the Cy Young award this year.

Looking at the National League, I believe the Cardinals will win.  Even though the Cards do not have the best record, as they are behind the Braves, the Braves seem to be struggling right now.  The Braves' best pitcher is injured with an ankle injury, which hurts their chances.  I also think the Cardinals have the best chance of winning because they have Adam Wainwright, who has pretty good pitching stats.

From these predictions, I think the Cardinals will face the Rangers in the World Series with the Cardinals being the 2013 World Series Champions.  Who do you think will win?

First Post

I'm a second grade student who loves sports.  My favorite sport is baseball, but I love watching and playing other sports too.  My favorite football team is the Chicago Bears and my favorite baseball team is the St. Louis Cardinals.

This blog is going to be about my thoughts on sports.

Today, I am going to talk about NFL football.  The question is who is going to win between the Rams and the 49'ers? I think the Rams will win but I want the 49'ers to win because they went to the Super Bowl last year.  Colin Kaepernick, the 49'ers quarterback, is probably one of the top quarterbacks out of all the quarterbacks from every team.  Sam Bradford, quarterback for the Rams, seems to be struggling but their team is doing well.  It should be a good game.