Cardinals Split Double-Header With Bristol

Johnson City, Tenn.-After four straight rain-outs, the Johnson City Cardinals finally played baseball against the Bristol Pirates tonight in a double header at Cardinal Park. Both games were shortened to seven innings. It was the first Dollar Monday at Cardinal Park, presented by Bank of Tennessee.

Game 1

Game 1 did not go the Cardinals way. The Pirates seemed to get every bounce in their favor. They took an early 2-0 lead on SP Josh Wirsu and the Cardinals through the first two innings. That is all they would need. The Pirates went on to win Game 1 by the count of 2-0 on seven hits and no errors. The Birds, on the other hand, committed two errors. They were shutout for the first time this season on four hits. After a four-day waiting game, Wirsu (L, 1-1) did not look his best, but he still pitched a good game (6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, SO). 

Pirates RHP Trey Supak (5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 SO) gave the Birds fits. He retired the first 11 batters he faced. One of the Cardinals to get on base was rookie standout Paul DeJong (1-3) who extended his hit streak to nine games after Game 1.

This was the first time the Cardinals had been shutout was in a 1-0 loss to Greenville on July 10, 2014.

Game 2

In Game 2, the Cardinals we are used to seeing returned to the diamond. The bats came alive early and often from top to bottom. Five Cardinal players recorded at least one RBI in Game 2. All together, Johnson City put up eight runs on 14 hits. They did commit two more errors, a slight smear on an otherwise sparkling stat sheet. Game 2 marked the sixth time in 2015 that the Cardinals tallied 10+ hits.

Leading the charge in Game 2 was former Illinois State standout Paul DeJong (1-3, R, HR, 2 RBI). DeJong launched another two-run bomb over the left field wall to cap off a three-run third inning. St. Louis has taken notice of the rookie's hot start. After Game 2, DeJong learned that he will be moving up to Low-A Peoria. He leaves Johnson City with a 10 game hit streak, 15 RBI and 4 HR.

Other notable performances in Game 2 include rookies Chris Chinea (3-4, R, 2 RBI) and Luke Doyle (2-3, 2B, 3 R, RBI). Chinea has extended his hit streak to six games. The former LSU Tiger now has four multi-RBI games to start his Cardinal campaign.

Cardinal SP Jaun Bautista went four innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits. He recorded three strikeouts. Coming in to earn another win was second-year JC Cardinal LHP Sasha Kueble (W, 2-0). He threw two perfect innings (0 ER, 0 H, 3 SO).

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The Cardinals will play another double-header at Bristol tomorrow night. The start time for Game 1 is TBD. Both games will be broadcast on Tunein Radio. Check the jccardinals.com website or social media accounts for game time information.