Palm Beach Rallies Late Against Lakeland to Take Series Opener

The Palm Beach Cardinals (7-3) scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat the Lakeland Flying Tigers (7-3) by a final score of 4-1 on Tuesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Lakeland got on the scoreboard first. After a leadoff triple by Samuel Gil, Max Clark (Detroit No. 1 prospect on MLB Pipeline) drove him in on a sacrifice fly to make it 1-0.

Palm Beach quickly responded in the bottom of the frame. Sammy Hernandez and Chase Davis (St. Louis No. 5 prospect on MLB Pipeline) drew back-to-back walks to lead off. After a fielder's choice put runners at the corners with one out, Ross Friedrick got the Cardinals on the board with an RBI single to left field to tie the ballgame 1-1.

For Cardinals starting pitcher Juan Salas, the first inning was his only blemish on the night. He finished his start with a no-decision after six innings pitched, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six batters.

The game would quiet down offensively as both pitching staffs worked quickly and efficiently through the lineups. Angel Cuenca (W, 1-0) tossed two scoreless innings in relief for the Cardinals with two strikeouts.

But in the bottom of the eighth inning, Palm Beach would take the lead for good. Davis led off the frame with his second walk drawn. He later advanced to third base thanks to a groundout and a wild pitch. With one out, Friedrick came through again with his second RBI single to left field to make it 2-1. Later, Tre Richardson III notched his first RBI of 2024 with a bases loaded walk. Johnfrank Salazar immediately followed that with an RBI groundball error to round out the scoring of 4-1. Alec Willis (Sv, 1) retired the Flying Tigers in order in the top of the ninth inning to secure the victory in the series opener.

The Palm Beach Cardinals continue their series against the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Click here to join our Silver Sluggers program for all fans 55 and older and click here to purchase your tickets.

About Jupiter Stadium, LTD:

Opening in 1998, the 110-acre complex/stadium is specially designed to house two Major League and two Minor League Baseball Teams. The stadium is home to the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals for Spring Training. The Florida State League’s Jupiter Hammerheads (Class A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins) and Palm Beach Cardinals (Class A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) make their home at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium from April through September. This year-round facility can accommodate the smallest birthday party to the largest corporate outing, while never forgetting that each and every fan is our most important product.