June 11, 2018
It took nine tries and a lot of frustration, but the Cards finally put it all together at home this night as three pitchers combined to strike out fifteen batters, while twelve hits led to eleven runs in an 11-5 victory over the Melville Millionaires.
Brian Chen (University of Taipei) started on the hill for the Cards, and cruised through three innings allowing just two hits, two walks and five strikeouts. The first two Millionaires hitters reached base but were both caught stealing to get Chen out of potential trouble. A half hour rain delay would end Chen’s night prematurely giving way to Chris Cook (U of Calgary Dinos). Cook would pitch three innings allowing four hits and two earned runs with an impressive six strikeouts. He would eventually pick up the win. Parker Hubbard (Bevill State CC) pitched the final three innings to record the save. He allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits with four strikeouts.
The offence was lethal as twelve hits and eleven walks led to eleven runs scored. Ryne Niemi (Adams State U) was a home run short of the cycle with three hits and four rbi’s to lead the way. Jayse Wilson (Strathmore, AB) had two singles, two runs and an rbi. Dillon Champagne (Livonia, MI) hit a massive home run over center field and a single as well. Matt Zanutto had a 2 rbi double and Colin Kellington had an rbi triple. Thirus Jones and Gage Buck each continued to swing hot bats with a single and a walk apiece.
The Cards record now sits at 1-8 on the season. Several more players from Oregon are set to arrive in the coming days to help bolster the Cards lineup. The next game is Tuesday, June 12 in Melville against the Mils. Game time is 7:05 PM at Pirie Field.