Fall 2007 Cardinals Home Opener

The Cardinals opened up the fall season against The LI Braves from Massapequa on Sunday Sept 9th. After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Cardinals came back with a lead off single by Matt Schumacher, a sacrifice bunt by Kyle Carroll and an RBI single by Kyle Cashman. Michael Reilly followed with a single, but the Brave's defense kicked in and held the Cardinals scoreless the rest of the game, despite the boys putting almost every pitch in play.

Michael Reilly pitched well the first 4 innings giving up one run each in the 1st and 3rd innings and pitching a scoreless 4th. Unfortunately, some defensive lapses led to 3 unearned runs in the 2nd. Kyle Carroll pitched the final two innings, giving up only 1 run.

There were some very good defensive plays, including a diving stab by Kyle Cashman at short followed by a strong throw to first to nail the runner. But the Cardinals fell short, dropping game one 6-1.

In game two, Nick Schoen pitched 3 strong innings, giving up two runs (1 unearned) and picking off a runner at 2nd base. Schoen also started the offense off by drawing a walk in the third and promptly stealing 2nd base. Nick later scored on a long RBI single by Matt Tsotras. Trailing 6-1 in the bottom of the first, the Cardinals started to rally with a one out single by Ryan Fama and an RBI infield hit by Brian Moorehead. Matt Schumacher then hit a sharp sinking liner to center that was caught on an excellent play by the Brave's defense man who turned the tough 8-6 double play.

Defensively, there were several excellent plays. In the top of the 2nd with 1 run in, one out and a man on first, the batter lined a sharp liner off the 3rd baseman's foot. Leftfielder Matt Tsotras ran it down and threw to shortstop Kyle Cashman as the runner cruised into 3rd base. The batter tried to take 2nd, but Cashman threw to 2nd baseman Matt Schumacher who applied the tag, jumped to his feet and threw home to catcher Kyle Carroll who blocked the plate and applied the tag for the old 5-7-6-4-2 double play - just like we worked on in practice!

In the 3rd trailing 2-1 with one out and a runner on 2nd, leftfielder Matt Tsotras ran down a line drive into left centerfield, turned and threw to 2nd baseman Matt Schumacher for the 7-4 double play.

Finally, in the 5th, with 2 runs in, nobody out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, the pitch got past catcher Carroll, but he ran it down, made a perfect toss to pitcher Cashman who blocked the plate and applied the tag. Cashman then struck out the batter and got the next batter on a grounder, 1-3. Despite some defensive gems, the Cardinals dropped game two, 6-2.

Additionally, there was some fine defensive plays by Andrew Purcell at 2nd base, Dylan MacDonald at 1st base and in the outfield and Anthony Wallitsch at 1st and 3rd base

The Coach Carroll Player of the game was Kyle Carroll, who pitched two innings, caught 6, turned a number of good defensive plays, and dropped down a perfect sacrifice bunt.

Next Practice:
Wed 9/12 at 5pm, Giese Park
Thur 9/13 at 5pm, Giese Park.

Next Game:
Sunday, 9/15, 9am at Giese Park against Port Washington.
Please be at the field by 8:15am.

Coach Carroll