J-Rod's 3-run blast paves the way for Palm Beach

JUPITER, FL- Jonathan Rodriguez' 3-run homer in the bottom of the first inning paved the way for the Cardinals as they defeated the Dunedin Blue Jays 5-3 Wednesday night at Roger Dean Stadium. The win marks a 4 game winning streak for the Cardinals, the team has now won 7 of their last 8 games with one day left in the first half.

Left fielder David Popkins (1-4, 2B) extended his hitting streak to 11 games, batting .525 (21-40) over the stretch. Stephen Piscotty (3-4, 2R, SB) and Jonathan Rodriguez (2-3, 2B, HR, BB, 4RBI, R) accounted for 5 of the Cardinals 9 hits on the night.

Palm Beach received a solid pitching performance from starter Tyler Melling. Melling threw 7 innings while giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and striking out 2 Dunedin batters. The lefty looked very comfortable on the mound as he seemed to control the tempo of the first seven innings, ultimately collecting his 2nd win of the season.

Ronnie Shaban was able to earn his team leading 8th save of the season, throwing the 8th and 9th innings where he gave up only one hit.

The Cardinals are now the only team to beat the Blue Jays 3 games in a row this season. Dunedin's loss also marks their longest losing streak of their season (5) and officially moves the team out of sole possession of first place in the FSL North Division with only one game left.

The Cardinals will take on the Blue Jays in a very important final game of the first half tomorrow, 12:05 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium. Left hander Jay Voss is set to throw against right hander Marco Grifantini.

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

WP: Melling (2-2) LP: Bibens-Dirkx (2-2) S: Shaban (8)