Front Royal Cardinals earn first home win

In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats in the ninth inning, the Cardinals ended the game with a breath of fresh air – a 5-4 walk off win against the Charlottesville TomSox.

The Cardinals started the game strong, when, in the bottom of the first inning, Dylan Menhennet ripped a double to left field, rallying the Redbird bats. Just one batter later, Trey Fields’ single scored Menhennet, putting the Cardinals on the scoreboard. In the second inning, Cardinals bats continued to make noise, and they were able to score three more runs, including a two-run homerun by Menhennet, his first of the season.

Cardinals starting pitcher, Cade Middleton, who came into the game with a 3.60 ERA over his last five innings, along with a strong defense, kept the TomSox scoreless through the fifth inning. In the sixth, the TomSox struck back, scoring three runs, but a key double play got the Redbirds out of the inning, preserving a one run lead.

The Cardinals brought Brent McMillion in relief in the seventh inning, and the seventh and eighth innings remained scoreless for both teams. In the top of the ninth, TomSox batter, Gregory Ryan, was hit by a pitch and the TomSox had a baserunner on first. A stolen base and passed ball later, the tying run stood on third base, and Candinals fans held their breath. Ryan scored on a wild pitch, and the game was tied.

In the home half of the inning, the Cardinals were able to take advantage of the TomSox’s pitcher’s wavering control. Amir Wright and Easton Waterman both were issued walks, when Jose Hernandez executed a bold bunt attempt despite two strikes against him to put the runners in scoring position. Joel Alvarez was able to deliver a single to deep right field, scoring Wright and winning the game.

Cardinals batters were led tonight by Dylan Menhennet who had two hits, including a two-run homerun. The pitching staff issued six strikeouts, six walks, and four earned runs. The winning pitcher was Brent McMillion.

Coach Hurla continued to exude confidence in his team. “Tonight was a great win,” he said, “We performed well all around. Got a great start, pitched well in relief, great defense and timely hits. We can complete with anybody. We’ve beaten the first-place team in the South (Charlottesville TomSox), and we beat Woodstock (River Bandits) when they were first place in the North. I’m excited to watch us progress throughout the summer.”

Your Front Royal Cardinals play their next game Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 pm against the Waynesboro Generals at Kate Collins Field in Waynesboro. Later this week, the Cardinals host “First Responder’s Appreciation Night” on Thursday, June 13th at Bing Crosby Stadium.