Front Royal Cardinals bid for three in a row falls short

In last night’s game against the Strasburg Express, the Cardinals offense looked like they wanted to start this game just where they left off last night. Leadoff batter Patrick Baggett scorched a triple in the bottom of the first inning, which set him up to score when Carson Bell singled just three batters later. The Cardinals seemed fired up and looking to win three games in a row.

Photo by Ken Pullen.

The Express pushed one run across in the top of the second inning, tying the game, but the Cardinals answered with one of their own in the bottom of the inning, maintaining their one run lead.

The Cardinals plated another runner in the third inning, widening their lead to 3-1. The Express fought back and took a momentary 4-3 lead in the top of the fifth.

The bottom of the fifth proved to be a turning point for the Cardinals. With two outs, Carson Bell singled, then stole second base. The hit ignited Cardinals offense, and the next six batters reached base. When the inning was over, the Cardinals had scored five runs, and took a decisive 8-4 lead. One more Cardinals’ run in the sixth inning made the score 9-4.

The Express offense came alive in the seventh inning against Cardinals’ reliver, Henri Pratt. After starting the inning with two quick outs, Pratt gave up three hits and issued two walks, which allowed the Express to score. Despite a pitching change to Sean Miller, the Express were on a roll that would give them a huge inning of their own. In the top of the eighth inning, Express first baseman, Sonny Dicharia, found the bases loaded as he stepped up to bat. On a 1-1 count, Dicharia launched a ball that eventually hit the scoreboard in left center field – a grand slam home run.

The impressive feat gave the Express a 11-9 lead.

The Cardinals just couldn’t get things going for the remainder of the game, and the Express took the win 11-9. Despite the loss, the Cardinals managed 14 hits on the night, and eight of their nine players hit at least once in the game. Batters were led by second baseman Patrick Baggett, who went 3-5 with 2 RBIs and right fielder Carson Bell, 3-5 with 1 RBI. Following closely behind them were Easton Waterman, 2-5 with 2 RBIs and Joel Alvarez, who went 2-4. Cardinals pitching staff combined to surrender 13 hits, while striking out eight, and walking seven batters. Sean Miller took the loss for the Cardinals

Coach Hurla described the game as a tough loss but remains positive about the team’s potential. “It’s a tough one to swallow, getting beat after having the lead late, but at the plate we really had some good at bats, especially with two outs tonight. Tomorrow is another big game and we will be ready to go.”

The Cardinals face the Purcellville Cannons at 7:00 pm tonight at Fireman’s Field in Purcellville. Their next home game will be Saturday, when they host the Woodstock River Bandits. Game time is 7:00 pm. Stoneburner Carter insurance is sponsoring Saturday’s game.