Gaviglio impressive in return, Cards rally late

JUPITER, FL- Sam Gaviglio (5.2 IP, 3H, 0ER, BB, 5K) made his first start with Palm Beach since landing on the disabled list back in April. The right hander from Ashland, OR did not disappoint as he guided his team to a 2-1 victory over Bradenton Saturday night at Roger Dean Stadium.

Despite the win tonight, the contest started out rather sloppy for the Cardinals. In the top of the first inning and Marauders leadoff man Gift Ngoepe (0-3, R) on first, Palm Beach third baseman Patrick Wisdom (1-4) fielded a bunt attempt by next batter Benji Gonzalez (1-3).  Wisdom proceeded to airmail the throw into right field advancing the runners. Right fielder David Popkins (1-4, 2B, RBI, R) then botched the fielding attempt of the wild throw allowing Ngoepe to score from first, giving Bradenton the 1-0 lead.

However, the Cardinals seemed to get the kinks out early as Gaviglio settled in to mow down his opponents one-by-one. After the first inning, Bradenton was held scoreless and did not pick up their first hit of the game until the fourth.

Trailing 1-0 heading into the 8th, Palm Beach caught a break. Hot hitting David Popkins provided the spark the Cardinals bats needed as he roped a double into right field that scored Charlie Tilson (2-4, R).  Next batter Jacob Wilson (1-4, 2B, RBI) continued the late inning rally with a double of his own, trading places with Popkins and providing his team with the 2-1 lead.

After giving up 2 hits in the 9th, reliever Dean Kiekhefer (1.0 IP, 2H, K) was able to entice Bradenton's Ashley Ponce (0-4) into a game ending 6-4-3 double play.

With Charlotte taking down Jupiter 3-0 tonight, Palm Beach was unable to make up any ground in the FSL South where they remain 3.0 games out of first. However, the team has 8 games left with the last 4 against Division leading Charlotte.

The Cardinals will take on the Marauders in the last game of a three game set tomorrow, 5:05 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium. LHP Kyle Hald is set to throw for Palm Beach as Bradenton has RHP Pat Ludwig slated for the start.

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

WP: Baker (2-2) LP: Sampson (4-8) S: Kiekhefer (7)