9th inning rally falls short for Palm Beach

JUPITER, FL- Trailing by four runs entering the bottom of the ninth, Palm Beach managed to load the bases with no outs. However, the team was only able to plate two runs on a sac fly and a passed ball in the end falling 5-7 to Fort Myers Sunday night at Roger Dean Stadium.

The Miracle now lead the season series 5-8 while outscoring Palm Beach 83 to 57 along the way.

Cardinals' starting pitcher Kurt Heyer struggled early, allowing the Miracle to load the bases in the top of the first before recording an out. The Miracle capitalized on the situation, scoring three runs in the inning. Heyer finished the night giving up 6 runs on, 6H, 2BB and 2HBP in 4.2 innings.

When looking at the play-by-play, the Cardinals had plenty of opportunities on the night as they outhit the Miracle 11-10. The inability to follow through with runners in scoring position prevented the team from making any sort of offensive surge throughout the game. Ultimately, leaving 10 runners on base while hitting a mere 3-15 with runners in scoring position.

David Popkins (2-4, 2B, 2RBI), Anthony Garcia (2-3, BB) and Danny Stienstra (2-4, HR, 2RBI, R) all collected two hits apiece. Stienstra's homerun came in the fifth inning off of Fort Myers starter, Manuel Soliman.

The two teams will play the second game of a three game series tomorrow, 12:05 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium. LHP Kyle Hald (2-6, 5.61 ERA) is set to throw against LHP Matt Tomshaw (2-2, 5.57 ERA).

For more information on the Palm Beach Cardinals please visit www.palmbeachcardinals.com or call 561-799-1391.

WP: Soliman (1-1) LP: Heyer (1-2) S: Jones (9)