Offense Pops On the Fourth
Jupiter, FL - Palm Beach (37-43, 5-7) had five runs on 12 hits in a 5-4 victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads (36-44, 5-7) on the Fourth of July.
The Rundown
Palm Beach started the game off hot scoring two runs on three hits. Darren Seferina and Vaughn Bryan hit back-to-back singles to start the game. Thomas Spitz then hit a double to clear the bases and take a 2-0 lead.
Gomber then pitched 7.2 solid innings for the Cardinals, not giving up a run until his last pitch on a two-run home run off the bat off John Norwood. He would give up five hits, walking two and striking out nine others.
The Cardinals added to their lead in the seventh going up 3-0. Seferina led off the inning with a walk and Lankford drove him in with a two out single. Norwood made it 3-2 in the eighth on the home run.
The Cardinals cushioned their lead in the ninth when Andrew Brodbeck hit a two-out triple to deep right center field driving in Spitz and Lankford. The score would go to 5-2.
Blake McKnight made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth as he gave up two runs to cut the lead to 5-4. He then got two ground outs to end the game to pick up his second save and the 5-4 victory for Palm Beach.
Stat of the Game
5 - The Cardinals had five extra base hits on the evening, four doubles and a triple.
Quote of the Game
"We started out fast and finished strong. We were very disciplined at the end of the game at the plate and it paid off for us in the end," said hitting coach, Donnie Ecker.
Notes
- Seferina stole his league leading 27th bag on the season to take sole possession of first in the category.
- Gomber picked up his sixth victory in the contest.
- McKnight notched his second save of the season in as many opportunites.
Next Up
The Palm Beach Cardinals will be the road team in their own stadium as they continue a three game series against Jupiter. First pitch is set for 6:30.