Kelly plays in Area Code exhibition game

Pat Kelly’s first experience at the 2009 Area Code Games was a positive one Tuesday afternoon.

The Red Wing native started at second base for the Chicago White Sox in an exhibition game against the Milwaukee Brewers Blue. He finished 1-for-2 at the plate, while also turning a double play. He played the first five innings in the eight-inning showcase that finished in a 1-1 tie at Dedeaux Field on the University of Southern California campus.

“It was just a game to get us used to things,” Kelly said, noting the two pitchers he faced threw “88 or 90” miles per hour.

The first real game of the prestigious six-day showcase is scheduled for today at 7:30 p.m. PST against the Texas Rangers. The venue will switch from USC to Blair Field in Long Beach, Calif., for the rest of the week.

Kelly was one of about 200 high school players selected from around the nation to take part in the competition.

Tags: pat kelly, red wing, area code games, sports, baseball