Cardinals Knocked out of Playoffs

The Cardinals suffered a first round loss to St Joe's from Garden City on Sunday, losing a very well-played game 2-1.

Excellent pitching by Kyle Cashman, who went the distance, with both runs scored being unearned.

The Cardinals seemed to threaten every inning, but aggressive baserunning was met by excellent St Joe's defense.

In the first, Mike Osmundsen led off with a walk, but was cut down trying to steal second. With two outs Andrew Purcell walked, and once again the steal sign was flashed, with the same result. By this point, one would think the ol' 3rd base coach would learn, but no.

In the 2nd, Kyle Cashman singled with one out and stole 2nd and 3rd. With 2 outs, Chris Sarni lined a double into right centerfield to score Cashman. Sarni then stole 3rd, so the 'ol Coach is feeling pretty agrressive.

In the bottom of the 2nd, St Joe's came back to tie the score on a tough hop single to right with 2 outs. In the 3rd, with one out and a man on, St Joe's singled to right. We told the boys to be aggressive on defensive so we tried to cut down the runner at first. Unfortunately, a tough hop and bad bounce off the fence resulted in St. Joe's second run.

In the 5th, Andrew Purcell was hit by a pitch and Anthony Wallitsch walked. With one out, we had a scary moment when Dan Lembo was hit in the head with a pitch. Dan bounced right up (Cardinal toughness at its best) and the bases were juiced for Chris Sarni. Chris blasted a ball up the middle, with the shortstop making a fine play to get the out at second. Always hustling, Sarni easily beat the throw to first as Purcell scored with the tieing run - or so we thought. On a very controversial call, Sarni was called out and the run came off the board.

Despite the frustration at getting a tough call against him, Sarni and his fellow Cardinals did not take it onto the field. With the bases loaded and no one out, Cashman grabbed a comebacker to the mound, threw home to Sarni for out # 1 and Sarni fired to 3rd to Sammy Hizaji covering to complete the 1-2-5 double play. The final out was recorded on a shot up the middle that Purcell grabbed and fired over to Wallitsch at first.

The Cardinals came right back with a lead-off single by Tsotras. Unfortunately, Matt was cut down trying to steal second on an excellent play by the St Joe's catcher. With 2 out, Tyler Coyle worked a walk, but the game ended there.

Needless to say, we were disappointed in taking the loss in such a tough and well played game, but the boys can hold their heads up. I could not have been any prouder. We played great defensive, had excellent pitching and played aggressive baseball - CARDINAL BASEBALL. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other team!

On behalf of Coach Dave, Coach Bob, Coach Brian and myself, thanks for a great season. And thanks to our fans who came out and cheered us on at every game, including a very spirited 5th inning!!!!

See you all on the fields!!!!

Coach Carroll