Klein's Two-Run Double Propels Cardinals, 5-4
The Palm Beach Cardinals (18-18) utilized a two-run double by Geoff Klein in the eighth inning to come from behind to beat the Tampa Yankees (21-14), 5-4.
The Cardinals jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, as Starlin Rodriguez homered for the second straight game in the top of the first inning. His sixth home run of the season scored Mike O'Neill, who reached on a fielding error by Anderson Feliz. The next two hitters, Alan Ahmady and Chris Edmondson each singled and advanced to scoring position on a balk by Jeremy Bleich (0-0). Geoff Klein would add the last run of the inning with an RBI groundout to third base.
Spotted with an early lead, Cardinals starter Todd McInnis went to work. The right-hander, who was making his first start since June 26th, was dominating. He allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits, while striking out four in five innings of work.
He was in line for his first victory as a starter, but the bullpen could not hold on. In the bottom of the seventh, Iden Nazario (4-1) would give up two runs on three hits. After recording the first two outs of the inning, Nazario would give up back-to-back-to-back hits to MLB catcher Austin Romine, Tyler Austin and Kyle Roller. Austin's first triple of the season would score Romine, while Roller would drive in Austin with his 19th double of the 2012 season.
The Cardinals would answer in the next half-inning. Ahmady would start things with a walk, while Edmondson would hit his second single of the game, setting up the Cardinals with runners on first and second. The Cardinals would elect not to bunt, as Rainel Rosario was 2-for-3 heading into the at bat. However, the right fielder would pop up to the second baseman.
With the switch-hitting Klein due to bat with runners on first and second, the Yankees elected to bring in their closer Branden Pinder. Klein would be turned over to his stronger side to face the right-handed Pinder. He would deliver with a two-run double scoring both runners and giving the Cardinals the lead.
Zach Russell would come in during the eighth inning and he shut the door. The right-hander would toss two shut out innings, recording his first save of the season. Nazario would pick up the victory for his efforts in the late innings.
Offensively, Klein would lead the way with three RBI, while Edmonson, Rosario and Ronny Gil would have two hits each.
The Cardinals will try and make it two-in-a-row tomorrow night, as they will face the Yankees in game three of this four game set at 6:00 p.m. Ryan Sherriff (6-1) will take the ball for the Beach Birds.
For more information on the Palm Beach Cardinals, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, please call (561) 775-1818 or visit www.palmbeachcardinals.com. For tickets and more information regarding Roger Dean Stadium, please visit www.rogerdeanstadium.com.
The Cardinals jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, as Starlin Rodriguez homered for the second straight game in the top of the first inning. His sixth home run of the season scored Mike O'Neill, who reached on a fielding error by Anderson Feliz. The next two hitters, Alan Ahmady and Chris Edmondson each singled and advanced to scoring position on a balk by Jeremy Bleich (0-0). Geoff Klein would add the last run of the inning with an RBI groundout to third base.
Spotted with an early lead, Cardinals starter Todd McInnis went to work. The right-hander, who was making his first start since June 26th, was dominating. He allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits, while striking out four in five innings of work.
He was in line for his first victory as a starter, but the bullpen could not hold on. In the bottom of the seventh, Iden Nazario (4-1) would give up two runs on three hits. After recording the first two outs of the inning, Nazario would give up back-to-back-to-back hits to MLB catcher Austin Romine, Tyler Austin and Kyle Roller. Austin's first triple of the season would score Romine, while Roller would drive in Austin with his 19th double of the 2012 season.
The Cardinals would answer in the next half-inning. Ahmady would start things with a walk, while Edmondson would hit his second single of the game, setting up the Cardinals with runners on first and second. The Cardinals would elect not to bunt, as Rainel Rosario was 2-for-3 heading into the at bat. However, the right fielder would pop up to the second baseman.
With the switch-hitting Klein due to bat with runners on first and second, the Yankees elected to bring in their closer Branden Pinder. Klein would be turned over to his stronger side to face the right-handed Pinder. He would deliver with a two-run double scoring both runners and giving the Cardinals the lead.
Zach Russell would come in during the eighth inning and he shut the door. The right-hander would toss two shut out innings, recording his first save of the season. Nazario would pick up the victory for his efforts in the late innings.
Offensively, Klein would lead the way with three RBI, while Edmonson, Rosario and Ronny Gil would have two hits each.
The Cardinals will try and make it two-in-a-row tomorrow night, as they will face the Yankees in game three of this four game set at 6:00 p.m. Ryan Sherriff (6-1) will take the ball for the Beach Birds.
For more information on the Palm Beach Cardinals, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, please call (561) 775-1818 or visit www.palmbeachcardinals.com. For tickets and more information regarding Roger Dean Stadium, please visit www.rogerdeanstadium.com.